Here's a few other examples - Deadwood (the HBO series) has several examples of characters improving abilities and obtaining new abilities as the series develops. And it is starts the first series with a genuine, first-rate hero, who just wants to die. A one-shot movie that pops into mind is Unforgiven, where William Munny (the Clint Eastwood character) starts as a man who can barely ride his horse and is a lousy shot rediscovers himself as a man who was always lucky when it comes to killing folk.
Jeff
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