Nov 27, 2013

Prime time's death toll rises as shows like 'Family Guy,' 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Sons of Anarchy' lose big characters (Review)

Red John, we hardly knew ye: From 'The Mentalist' and 'Boardwalk Empire' to 'Family Guy,' shows have been killing off characters.


"Person of Interest's" Joss Carter and John Reese, played by Taraji P. Henson and Jim Caviezel

Warning: Spoilers ahead for several recent shows.
Call it the November Massacre.
For whatever reason, prime-time television decided to erase a startling number of entrenched characters over the last 10 days.
Fans of 'Family Guy' got quite the shock Sunday night.

FOX

Fans of 'Family Guy' got quite the shock Sunday night.

And not just more zombies on “The Walking Dead.”

These were characters who had been around a while, which is always somewhat startling.

Simon Baker on 'The Mentalist.'

Sonja Flemming/CBS

Simon Baker on 'The Mentalist.'

Most shows like to keep characters alive as long as possible, even if they’re evil — maybe especially if they’re evil — once the show has invested time in them.
But not always. Just ask:

'Person of Interest' lost a fan favorite.

Frank W Ockenfels 3/ CBS

'Person of Interest' lost a fan favorite.


–   Joss Carter, played by Taraji P. Henson, on CBS’ “Person of Interest.” She was the week’s least likely victim, a sympathetic character killed saving colleagues.
–   Clay Morrow, played by Ron Perlman, on FX’s “Sons of Anarchy.” Clay was the oiliest guy in a gang that regards the law as just a suggestion. Still, he was a central player. Oh yeah, he was executed by the man he raised as a son.
–   Richard Harrow, played by Jack Huston, on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire.” Audiences liked Richard, who was damaged beyond repair by World War I. His death at the end felt like a formality.
–   Red John, real name Thomas McAllister, played by Xander Berkeley on CBS’ “The Mentalist.” We didn't really know Red John, except that Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) wanted to kill him. And so he did. The impact on the show will be mostly strategic: It will now fast-forward two years to Jane’s life after Red John.
–   Brian Griffin, voiced by Seth MacFarlane on Fox’s “Family Guy.” MacFarlane felt it would invigorate the show to have a character die, and perhaps to the mild surprise of those who follow his work, he had a car run over the dog instead of one of the kids.








SRC: nydailynews.com/

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