19 characters from TV Shows that feel potentially wasted

A common complaint of the viewers has been when a show introduces a character that has immense potential but forgets to elaborate on them. These characters have the potential to make the show even more interesting with their backstory, complexity, and interesting dynamics. So in this list, we are going to talk about 19 characters from TV Shows that feel potentially wasted.

1) Walter "Flynn" White Jr.

Walter "Flynn" White Jr. from the show Breaking Bad is shown as a typical teenager dealing with his father’s cancer. He increasingly becomes aware of his father’s criminal activities which leads to his emotional turmoil and a strained relationship with his parents. His primary role as a symbol of innocence had enough potential for a deeper exploration according to the viewers.

2) T-Dog (The Walking Dead)

T-Dog has been portrayed as a loyal and selfless member of the group throughout. He puts himself at risk for others. Although compared to others T-Dog’s backstory and personal motivations were not fully explored and remained underdeveloped according to the viewers who felt like they did not fully get to know his character.

3) Captain Georgiou (Star Trek: Discovery)

Captain Gerogiou’s early death has been debated as a wasted potential. The question about the relationship between Burnham and the type of captain she would have become has been anticipated. The character had a profound impact on the viewers, especially the exploration of a mentor-mentee relationship.

4) Sally Sparrow (Doctor Who)

Sally Sparrow’s character in Doctor Who has been impactful in the show. The episode in which she appears is well written which leaves the viewers wanting more of her. There is so much more to her character apart from her intelligence, bravery, and quick wit which makes her an untapped potential.

5) James Doakes (Dexter)

James Doakes has been a crucial character in the early seasons of Dexter. He is initially presented as a highly skilled detective who is ultimately outmaneuvered by Dexter. This diminishes his credibility making him seem less competent. His backstory and personal growth are not explored which has left the viewers with his wasted potential and high expectations.

6) Mandy Milkovich (Shameless)

Mandy from Shameless has been considered as a character with potential that got wasted according to the viewers. Mandy’s screen time revolved around her romantic relationships which were dramatic and engaging however it overshadowed the other aspects of her character. She could have been a powerful example of someone overcoming their difficult background but it was not explored.

7) Jeremy Gilbert (TVD)

Jeremy starts as a troubled teenager struggling after the loss of his parents and substance abuse. Though this had the potential for a powerful story of recovery and growth it was not fully explored. The storyline of Jeremy becoming a hunter was also inconsistent with his character and disappointed the viewers.

8) Kor (Star Trek)

Kor from Star Trek has been pointed out as a character who lacked consistency which led to viewers feeling frustrated. The cunning and ruthless warrior who was also a comic relief has remained memorable. Kor’s character could have been explored deeply as it could have provided interesting insights into the challenges faced by him and the contradictions of society.

9) Jerome – Gotham

Jerome was portrayed as the Joker initially only to be killed off and then resurrected to reveal that he is not the Joker but a precursor. Jerome’s character was overshadowed and his impact was diminished according to the viewers. Though his backstory and motivations were hinted it was not explored.

10) Barb (Stranger Things)

Barb has been a relatable character from Stranger Things and the wastage of her potential has been widely pointed out by the viewers. She was not the most popular girl, she was awkward but she truly cared about her friend. Though the horror genre often uses the nice girl dies first trope Barb’s death felt particularly unfair.

11) Charlie (Supernatural)

Charlie has been a fan-favorite character since the moment she first appeared on the show. Her intelligence, quirky personality, and loyalty towards Sam and Dean made her a loving character. She brought forth a unique skill set that became crucial. However, viewers have criticized how her character was cut short in the show.

12) Wally West (The Flash)

Wally’s introduction as a kid in the show The Flash has been criticized for preventing him from reaching his full potential by the viewers. His appearance was sporadic which made it difficult for him to have a well-developed character and build meaningful relationships with the other team members.

13) Lafayette Reynolds (True Blood)

Lafayette was a breakout character who became quickly famous for his wit, confidence, and flamboyant style. Despite his popularity viewers have felt that his character was not fully developed and many missed opportunities could have been delved deeper. His tragic ending left the viewers devastated.

14) Nurse Ratched (Ratched)

Nurse Ratched’s character has been inconsistent in portraying the complexity and motivations behind her actions. Though the show tried to be convincing by making her both a victim and a villain they were not able to succeed according to the viewers. The show had the potential to explore Mildred Ratched’s complex psyche which shaped her personality. However, they were unable to do so.

15) Amelia Shepherd (Grey’s Anatomy)

As Amelia starts with her outbursts and anxieties which have been grating to some viewers, the show’s tendency of leaning heavily into her narcotic tendencies has made her less relatable. Her character development has not been explored properly, especially her struggles with mental health and addiction which made her an untapped potential for the show.

16) Christopher Moltisanti (The Sopranos)

Throughout the show, we see Christopher consistently squandering the chances to prove himself and learn from his mistakes which eventually seals his fate. However, despite his flaws, there are glimpses of intelligence, loyalty, and creativity within him that have been overshadowed by his self-destructive tendencies and have made his character a wasted potential.

17) Stuart Bloom (The Big Bang Theory)

Stuart Bloom’s defining character is his social awkwardness and inability to find a romantic partner. Though initially, this was hilarious it eventually became repetitive and predictable and his personality remained largely unexplored. Though he was a recurring character in the show, the show missed the opportunity to explore his character’s full potential according to the viewers.

18) Cottonmouth - Luke Cage

Cottonmouth’s character has been a compelling one in the show. He is intelligent, charismatic, and had a complex back story however, his character was not fully explored in the show. He was replaced with a less compelling character. His premature death has left the viewers with disappointment.

19) Isaac Lahey (Teen Wolf)

Isaac’s backstory was compelling. It was marked with trauma and isolation which made him complex. His character had immense potential for growth and exploration, especially focusing on his struggles with trust, vulnerability, and anger. His dynamic with other characters has been interesting and viewers have pointed out the missed opportunity in developing his character.