5 TV Characters Who Took Big Risks - And What We Can Learn From Them
Last updated: December 26, 2024
Many elements go into making a great TV show, and storylines containing an element of risk that affects the main characters can have a significant impact. In some cases, this risk will dominate the entire show, while in others it could last for an episode or scene.
The characters below vary from light-hearted, fun characters who take a risk to prove a point, to some of the darkest and most complex characters whose risks affect those around them in life-changing ways.
Tony Soprano
Tony Soprano's life as a Mafia boss is one surrounded by risk, with it often noted that the only way out of that life is by getting arrested or murdered. His life as a murdering, philandering, narcissist was portrayed so brilliantly by James Gandolfini that you couldn't help but like it.
Despite the regular risks he takes, one episode in particular focuses on his gambling, and his poor run of form. Episode 16 of Season 6, "Chasing It", was the 81st episode of the show and features a number of storylines that weave around one another.
The main thread sees his misfortune while gambling throughout the show, hence the episode's title. It teaches viewers a valuable lesson about sticking to your bankroll and is also a throwback to less convenient times.
One of the Soprano Family's revenue streams comes from illegal gambling, but the convenience of online gambling facilities now would have a big impact on their operations.
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The risks Tony takes ultimately lead to the breakup of his marriage, and ultimately the famous black screen at the end of the series that many believe signifies his death.
Walter White
The idea of a conscientious school chemistry teacher becoming the biggest drug manufacturer in the US (or at least attempting to) in the course of a few years seems absolutely ludicrous, but Bryan Cranston’s slow transformation into "the one who knocks” helped to create one of the greatest TV shows in history.
Driven by desperation and mounting medical bills, Walter White’s initial risk snowballs out of control, impacting everyone around him.
His original decision was based on covering bills and providing for his family, but he soon demanded more and more, alienating those around him and putting people at risk.
We quickly see how his decision to enter a life of crime corrupts his way of thinking, leading to greed and a hunger for power.
Taking the occasional risk can be healthy, but knowing your limits is important. Walter White’s bitterness about the success of the company he helped create and his own disappointments in life lead to misplaced pride in his illegal endeavours.
Phoebe Buffay
Going from Tony Soprano and Walter White to Phoebe Buffay might seem like a bit of a leap, but it was time to lighten the atmosphere. Phoebe Buffay’s eccentricity often masks a more complex character, making her an integral part of the Friends cast.
Often seen as the outsider of the group due to her living arrangements, views on life, and behaviour, it is clear that she is loved by all the characters.
The risk Phoebe takes when revealing the results of Rachel's pregnancy test has been mistaken by some viewers as Phoebe just being her usual silly self. In reality, the risk she takes in telling Rachel that the test is negative is a massive indication of how well she knows her friend.
By revealing a negative result, Phoebe is able to determine how Rachel truly feels about the pregnancy. Rachel reacts with disappointment that she isn't pregnant, despite having worried about the possibility. When Phoebe reveals the test was actually positive, Rachel is then in a position to know that she wants and is ready for a child.
While this risk might not give viewers the same levels of anxiety that they feel watching The Sopranos or Breaking Bad, it is an important piece of character development for both of those involved.
Michael Scott
The US Office did the almost impossible by not only paying tribute to the original UK Office but also creating its own legacy. Granted, the final couple of seasons weren’t as good, and some of that can be put down to Steve Carell leaving.
His annoying but loveable Michael Scott character was a driving force in the success of the show, and his leaving ultimately left a hole that could not be properly filled. Often depicted as highly incompetent and inappropriate during the show, there were brief glimpses of his value.
One of these came after he left Dunder Mifflin to start the Michael Scott Paper Company. He only begins to realise the magnitude of his decision and the level of risk when candidates are interviewing for the position and one lets him know about how difficult the job market is.
With no other discernable skills, Michael Scott decides to start his own rival paper company, with Pam also taking a massive risk by leaving her job as Dunder Mifflin’s secretary to become a salesperson at the new company.
As Michael’s company starts to undercut Dunder Mifflin, he enters into negotiations for a buyout due to the loss of business his previous workplace is suffering. He eventually negotiates a deal to return, threatening to hold out until the current board loses their jobs as a consequence of falling profits.
While this risk could have been the end of Michael Scott’s career, his understanding of the business allowed him to negotiate from a place of power. This valuable lesson lets viewers know that risks can pay off when you know what you are talking about.
Vic Mackey
The final risk taker on the list is The Shield’s Vic Mackey, a cop who stole, killed, and connived his way through his police career. Often being portrayed as breaking rules to get results, his acts ultimately see him lose his family, friends, and career.
One of the biggest risks he takes is to rob the Armenian money train which leads to greater problems as the show continues. He continues to make bad decisions after bad decisions, with the ultimate lesson being that there are consequences for your actions, no matter how hard you try to protect yourself.
Conclusion
The risks taken by TV characters rarely come without meaning beyond driving storylines. They can certainly improve the entertainment factor, but they will ultimately reveal important character traits.
Viewers can learn important life lessons without becoming high-ranking Mafia members, drug manufacturers, or crooked police officers, and it helps to create some of the most iconic characters ever.
