A show of this nature certainly features many notable character exits.

Whether through death or simple departure, some of these exits are especially gut-wrenching.

Some exits result from supernatural violence, while others stem from all-too-human tragedies.

Spike, Buffy, and Dawn with a burgundy background for Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997).

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The show explores howdeath can be sudden and senseless, or a culmination of a long journey toward redemption.

However, when Angel returns from the hell dimension, he and Buffy attempt to maintain a relationship.

Angel departed the series in the Season 3 finale.

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What was most upsetting about Angels exit was Buffys heartbreak.

Viewers got to witnessAngel and Buffys wordless goodbyeas she saw him off from a distance.

They plotted to take over Sunnydaleonly possible by eliminating Buffy.

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Andrew sacrifices Jonathan in an attempt to launch the Hellmouth portal.

Jonathan was a complicated character who did some awful things in the series.

Its not a coincidence that Jonathan was at his worst when he was a part of the Trio.

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Unlike the other subjects of the saddest character departures, Cassie only appears in one episodein the final season.

He joins the Scoobies and adjusts to his new identity as a werewolf.

Oz was a wonderful character who was written off quite abruptly.

David Boreanaz as Angel solemnly looks to someone off-screen in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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Oz was a great asset to the Scooby Gang personality-wise with his laid-back demeanor and funny quips.

She was a die-hard, textbook Slayer who helped Buffy and the Scooby Gang in Season 2.

Still, her death symbolized thedangerous life of a SlayerBuffy was always just as close to death as Kendra.

Danny Strong as Jonathan Levinson sits on steps, holding a cup and looking sad in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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Buffy honored Kendra by holding onto Kendras stake, Mr. Pointy.

In his rampage, Angel brutally kills Jenny, leaving Giles to find her body.

Anya ultimately saved Andrew but was mortally wounded by a Bringers sword.

Azura Skye as Cassie smiles while talking to Buffy in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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Despite Anyas importance to the gang, her death was abrupt and lacked meaningful reflection before the series concluded.

This was disappointing because Anya had a phenomenal character arc.

Taras life and her recently reconciled relationship with Willow abruptly ends, shocking and devastating viewers.

Oz, played by Seth Green, looks to someone off-screen in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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When Tara died,Buffylost such a sweet and genuine character.

Her death was especially tragic for being at the hands of a human rather than of supernatural origins.

Buffy discovers Joyces body in the previous episodes cliffhanger.

Kendra, played by Bianca Lawson, holds her stake while talking to Buffy in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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For all the supernatural chaos in Buffy and her friends lives, Joyce was a stable, motherly presence.

Her death shook up the Scoobies, becoming a major turning point for Buffy.

Of all the supernatural-related dangers and deaths thatBuffyhas explored,Joyces death was particularly jarringbecause it was natural.

Spike, played by James Marsters, locked in a cell at The Initiative in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.'

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Anyas struggle to understand death is especially heartbreaking to watch.

Joyces death forced Buffy to mature and protect Dawn at any cost, changing Buffy for good.

Keep Reading:The 10 Most Heartbreaking ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Episodes, Ranked

Robia LaMorte as Jenny Calendar, looking serious in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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Emma Caulfield as Anya Jenkins talking to someone off-camera in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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Amber Benson as Tara Maclay looks confused with a spot of blood on her chest in Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

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Kristine Sutherland as Joyce Summers smiling slightly in an evening dress in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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