HOLLYWOOD —Unfortunately it’s that that time of year where the television season has to come to an end, but 2010 is looking to be one of the biggest years for edge-of-your seat cliffhangers. Writers and networks know the best way to keep the audience tuned in is to have shocking deaths, unexpected returns or surprises that make you salivate for more. The only thing worse than being left in the dark is having to wait nearly four months for closure to your television favorites.
Let’s begin with one of my favorite show’s on television right now that isn’t getting the respect it deserves, the CW’s “ Melrose Place.” The show is excellent. A few tweaks here and there and in my eyes the show has become a guilty pleasure. Who doesn’t want a good mystery? With the return of fan-favorite Heather Locklear as Amanda, viewers knew things could only get juicy, especially with protégé Katie Cassidy as Ella Simms. Cassidy is the best thing on the show; she infuses fire into that character that is phenomenal. In the season finale, viewers discovered that a new resident may be on the verge of his deathbed and that Ella finally got the goods on her double-crossing boss, Amanda, and sent her away in cuffs. I’m praying this show returns for another season with even more juicy twists and surprises.
Onto a more dramatic shift, ABC’s “Brothers and Sisters” ended with a shocking death amidst other peril in a massive car pile-up. Viewers discovered that Kitty’s (Calista Flockhart) husband, Robert (Rob Lowe), may have ultimately succumbed to his injuries. If that didn’t get the waterworks running, viewers learned that Saul was indeed HIV positive; it was a shocker after he indicated to Nora that everything was fine. This is drama well done, and I can’t wait to see what occurs next season.
For those superhero fans, “Smallville” has done it again; no other show does a finale like this series, which every season leaves several questions for the viewer to ponder on. First, Tess (Cassidy Freeman) felt the wrath of Zod, which ultimately resulted in her “death,” at least we’re made to believe that until that mystery woman who was knitting outside her hospital room entered. Who is that woman or thing? Next, Chloe (Allison Mack) may have lost another love interest when Oliver (Justin Hartley) found himself trapped, but it’s his final words that will haunt viewers until next season: “They’re not Kandorians,” shouted Oliver to Chloe. Lastly, Clark saved the planet, but at what cost? Blue kryptonite stripped our hero of his powers as he was last seen falling from that building.
ABC’s “Private Practice” had been slowly building up all season to its climatic season finale where an unexpected death shocked many, a proposal was on the horizon and one couple realized they weren’t destined to be together. Viewers were delighted to discover that Maya and her child miraculously survived that terrible car crash, but were stunned when Dell (Chris Lowell) succumbed to a slow brain bleed. Addison finally made her decision about her love life, choosing Sam over Pete. The women of “Desperate Housewives” learned that one of the their own would be moving from Wisteria Lane, and the unexpected return of old neighbor Paul Young (Mark Moses) was an eye opener; and what is that secret Bree (Marcia Cross) threatened could possibly destroy her and Gaby’s (Eva Longoria Parker) friendship?
The television season also saw its share of surprise pregnancies. “Grey’s Anatomy” saw Meredith become pregnant with Derek’s child, “One Tree Hill” surprised viewers with Haley’s pregnancy amidst her turbulent depression battle and “Gossip Girl” left jaws-dropping with the return of Georgina who dropped the bomb on an unsuspecting Dan. If Georgina’s return wasn’t enough, Jenny and Chuck did the deed, Nate and Serena broke-up again and Chuck got shot.
The one finale that had me literally gasping was “One Tree Hill,” which had an unbelievable finale with both Quinn and Clay being shot by doppelganger, Katie. The build-up to the climax was incredible. The entire episode felt safe until those final moments, which came out of nowhere. For all those other show’s out there take note; that’s how you surprise viewers. Can’t wait for next season!
