19. Rip Hunter
Rip Hunter’s time at the forefront of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow may have come to an end following the conclusion of the first season, but he still had a big part to play throughout Seasons 2 and 3. The former Time Master from the 22nd Century had recruited the Arrowverse’s team of outcasts and misfits in a desperate bid to help him stop Vandal Savage and save his wife and son.
Though he wasn’t able to save his family, he did single-handedly assemble the most unique team of heroes to ever grace the small (or, for that matter, the big) screen.
His death in Season 3 was both expected and unexpected. His role in the show had significantly decreased over time and this sacrifice was his own personal way of both making up to the Legends for doubting them and thanking them for everything they had done.
As he stood there, ready to stall Mallus, flashbacks to his time with the crew pulled on our heartstrings, and we couldn’t help but both cry and smile as he triumphantly awaited his fate – knowing that he would be reunited with his family. And after all he had been through, that was a reward he deserved.
Farewell, Captain.