7 TV Twists That Changed Their Shows Forever

The mind-blowing plot twists in “The Good Place” and the shocking events at the bloody wedding in “Game of Thrones” significantly improved these television series. Compared to feature films or novels, TV shows excel at delivering unexpected story developments because they have a larger canvas and can unfold their narratives over multiple episodes, allowing for more twists that keep viewers on their toes.

Each episode should conclude with an intrigue that encourages viewers to watch the next one. At times, TV shows might excessively employ surprise elements, often doing so merely to maintain viewer engagement. Occasionally, these surprises serve no purpose beyond shocking audiences – such as Glenn’s near-death scene in “The Walking Dead” – and may ultimately harm the show over time. However, the most effective plot twists complement ongoing narratives and enhance the series overall. In fact, some of the best twists become even more impactful on subsequent viewings.

7. The Good Place Is Really The Bad Place

The Good Place (2016–2020)

In the opening scenes of “The Good Place,” character Eleanor Shellstrop passes away and enters the afterlife. A being she believes to be an angel called Michael informs her that she’s now in a representation of Heaven, known as “The Good Place,” where virtuous individuals reside following their deaths. There’s also a counterpart for Hell, named “The Bad Place,” where wicked souls end up. During the first season, Eleanor’s time in the Good Place is filled with confusing and unexplained occurrences that make her doubt the reality of this supposed heavenly realm.

In the final episode of the season, it’s disclosed that Eleanor is meant for the malevolent realm, and she must select another soul to take her place instead. However, Eleanor uncovers the shocking truth that this supposed paradise is actually a clever disguise for the Bad Place. This unexpected revelation left viewers stunned and caught off guard, but it significantly enriched the show by intensifying the plot, introducing a fresh conflict, and transforming Michael into an antagonist.

6. Walt Poisoned Brock

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

In the final stages of season 4 on the series “Breaking Bad”, Walt’s partnership with Gus Fring grew increasingly untenable. It was evident that one of them would meet a tragic end, leaving it up in the air which brilliant drug kingpin would outwit the other. In the end, Walter devised a plan to gain the advantage by making Jesse believe that Gus had tainted his girlfriend’s son, Brock, with poison to turn him against Walt and secure his own assassination. Moved by this deception, Jesse renewed his loyalty to Walter and collaborated on the scheme to eliminate Gus.

However, the chilling end of the episode unveils a twist in events. It wasn’t Gus who poisoned Brock to alienate Jesse from Walt; instead, Walt poisoned Brock to drive a wedge between Jesse and Gus. This unexpected turn in ‘Breaking Bad’ only heightened the series’ intensity, as it signified that Walter had fully transformed into a monster before the final season commenced.

5. The Red Wedding

Game Of Thrones (2011–2019)

In the ninth episode of season 3, titled “The Rains of Castamere,” the TV series adaptation of “Game of Thrones” recreated one of the most famous (and startling) events from the book collection: the massacre often called “The Red Wedding.” This episode primarily focuses on the wedding between Edmure Tully and Roslin Frey, during which Robb Stark and his followers met a brutal and bloody end. Despite its grim nature, this massacre significantly increased the impact and conversation around “Game of Thrones.

The Red Wedding underscored the fact that no character in “Game of Thrones” was invincible, not even established characters such as Robb Stark, demonstrating the series’ willingness to transgress any boundary. Shows like “The Wire” and “Breaking Bad” had previously killed off young characters like Wallace and Tomás Cantillo. However, “Game of Thrones” took this a step further by having a pregnant woman brutally stabbed in her womb, pushing the envelope even further than other shows.

4. Bix Has Cassian’s Baby

Andor (2022–2025)

Plot twists don’t always have to be scary and brutal; they can also bring a sense of optimism and joy. Some Star Wars fans were doubtful when Lucasfilm announced a series starring Rogue One side character Cassian Andor. After all, his story seemed finished with his death in Rogue One. But thanks to the exceptional work of Tony Gilroy, Andor has become a crowning achievement in Disney’s Star Wars catalog – a politically-driven masterpiece that rivals the best of modern television.

When the second season of the series ended, the writers managed to astonish viewers without undermining the finality of Rogue One. The finale of Andor revealed that Bix Caleen had Cassian’s child, implying that although Cassian’s life may end tragically, his influence will continue. This unexpected twist wrapped up the series by echoing a core theme in the Star Wars saga: hope.

3. Ellie Has To Die To Create A Cure

The Last Of Us (2023–)

The initial installment of “The Last of Us” introduces us to Ellie, who possesses immunity to the fungus Cordyceps that causes zombies. A significant organization known as the Fireflies seeks to exploit this resistance in an attempt to create a remedy for mankind’s affliction. Throughout the first season, Joel and Ellie traverse the post-apocalyptic landscape riddled with hardships, all with the objective of locating the Fireflies. In the climactic finale, they eventually arrive at the Fireflies’ stronghold in Salt Lake City, which happens to be a hospital. The doctors there manage to convert Ellie’s altered Cordyceps infection into a cure; however, there’s a grim condition: undergoing the operation will cost her life.

Throughout their adventure together, Joel developed an affection for Ellie that felt like caring for a surrogate daughter, having lost his real daughter before. Yet, he was not ready to lose her too. This predicament led him to eliminate the Fireflies, rescue Ellie, and unintentionally condemn mankind to its downfall. This unexpected turn raises numerous ethical questions: Is it justifiable to sacrifice one life for the sake of many others? Joel acted against Ellie’s wishes in stopping the procedure, but so did the Fireflies with her cooperation. It presents a complex philosophical dilemma within the context of a gripping zombie survival story.

2. Lalo Kills Howard

Better Call Saul (2015–2022)

In the initial part of Better Call Saul’s last season, Jimmy and Kim embarked on a Sting-like scheme, delightfully tarnishing Howard Hamlin’s reputation using a collection of intricate tricks. By means of various deceptions, they made his coworkers think he had a cocaine addiction and frequently hired prostitutes. The climax unfolded in the midseason finale when they masterminded a highly public embarrassment within Howard’s office.

In a turn of events, Howard paid a visit to Jimmy and Kim’s residence to settle things between them, only for the festivities to persist. However, the tranquility was shattered when Lalo Salamanca made an appearance. As Jimmy’s worlds collided in a chilling manner, Howard attempted to extricate himself, but Lalo, seeming unperturbed, ended up shooting Howard fatally in the head. This unexpected turn of events left a lasting impression on me for several days afterward, ultimately prompting Kim to distance herself from Jimmy, which in turn drove Jimmy towards embracing his alter ego, Saul.

1. The “Flashbacks” Are Actually Set In The Future

Lost (2004–2010)

Initially, the series Lost presented a distinctive narrative pattern where each episode divided its focus between a storyline in the present day on the island (A-plot) and a backstory from one character’s life in the past as a subplot (B-plot). However, this pattern was altered significantly in the season 3 finale. Instead of being a flashback, the B-plot showed a somber Jack attending a funeral for an unidentified person. Given the preceding three seasons, we might expect these interruptions to be past flashbacks; yet, that’s not the case here.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that towards the end of the episode, Jack found himself face-to-face with Kate, who seemed hesitant to meet him. He then disclosed a startling truth – they needed to return to the island. This revelation, in turn, unveiled something astonishing: these “flashbacks” were actually glimpses into our future. It became clear that Jack, Kate, and perhaps some of the other survivors would eventually manage to escape the island. The shift to flash-forwards invigorated the show, as it disrupted its established pattern and hinted at an exhilarating, long-awaited storyline still unfolding.

2025-06-07 15:48