November sweeps cometh . . .

October 31, 12:45 PM

It’s beginning to look a lot like November sweeps. If it seems like your favorite television shows are really trying to grab your attention this month, you’re not imagining it.

November sweeps begin tomorrow (November 1) and end on November 28. With the advent of DVRs and year round programming, sweeps months aren’t what they used to be but there are still some things we can rely on. So I thought we would spend some time this November talking about some favorite sweeps stunts including famous guest stars, life changing events (Weddings! Deaths! Births!),cross-over episodes and over-the-top plots (see ferry crash, Grey's Anatomy). But first up, let's discuss – in honor of Halloween – the shocking moment.

Our jaw drops. We jolt upright and stare at the television in disbelief. Did that really just happen? Why would he have done that? Could she truly be that evil? And how did I not see this coming?

The flash forward season finale of Lost immediately comes to mind as a thoroughly shocking moment. And here are five of my all time favorite shocking moments.

1. Kimberly takes off her wig to reveal a heinous scar in "The Bitch is Back" episode of Melrose Place: In its glory days, no show topped the sheer campy delight of Melrose Place. And this iconic moment defined the series. The thought-to-be-very dead Kimberly returned to television’s most famous apartment complex to find her fiancé married to another woman. She went into the bathroom, ripped off her wig and revealed the most grotesque scar ever to hit prime time.

2. Nina (Sarah Clarke, above) murders Terri in the "11:00 p.m. – 12: 00 a.m." episode of 24: During the first season of FOX’s groundbreaking drama, viewers had invested almost 24 hours in caring about Jack’s beleaguered wife Teri. She had endured rape and amnesia. She had discovered she was pregnant, confronted her husband’s lover, escaped death more than once, and had to deal with Kim. Finally in the protective custody of CTU, Teri was thisclose to being reunited with her family before the traitorous Nina ended her life.

3. Francie is dead/ Faux Francie lives in the "Phase One" episode of Alias: Sydney’s best friend Francie had long been without a story line or a true purpose on the show. As the final seconds ticked in this heavily hyped post-Super Bowl episode, Francie was shown with a bullet in her head, while her evil doppelganger coolly spoke to the nefarious Sloane. Loyal viewers were utterly freaked out.

4. Chandler and Monica sleep together in the "The One With Ross’s Wedding" episode of Friends: In its decade long run, Friends perfected the art of the cliffhanger. But the moment when Monica popped out from under the covers of Chandler’s bed remains the most delightfully scandalous. Two of our Friends became more than friends and viewers were in on the secret from the beginning. Chandler and Monica were the perfect antithesis to the Ross and Rachel melodrama. They were the antidote viewers didn’t even know they needed.

5. Rosalind Shays falls down the elevator shaft in the "Good to the Last Drop" episode of LA Law: Viewers despised cutthroat litigator Rosalind Shays. She had wooed Leland and almost destroyed the law firm. One minute Rosalind was talking to Leland, the next she was plummeting to her death down an empty elevator shaft. It was an over-the-top moment that gave viewers a glimpse of what would become David E. Kelley’s classic story telling style.

What are your favorite shocking moments? Post them below. Next week I plan to talk about time honored tradition of the cross-over episode. Have a favorite cross-over episode? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com and let me know.

Highlights for October 31 and November 1

Joe Mantega replaces the departed Mandy Patinkin and joins the Behavioral Analysis Unit on Criminal Minds Wednesday at 9 p.m. on CBS. Just curious, is anyone out there going to miss Patinkin?

One of my favorite cast additions from last season returns to The Office (Thursday, NBC, 9 p.m.) Maybe Karen and Roy can star in that potential Office spin-off that TV Guide announced yesterday. Karen returns in the hopes of luring Stanley to come work with her. Something tells me that she won’t be too fond of seeing Jim and Pam together.

I know, I know. I said I was breaking up with ER (Thursday, NBC, 10 p.m.), but the TiVo wants what the TiVo wants. And I’m having a difficult time letting go of a show I’ve watched since the very first episode. So this past weekend, I checked in on my friends at County General. Things seem to be slightly back on track and I am so happy that Sam is a brunette. But I concerned that the show is revisiting Abby/drinking story line. I feel that by the time a show is recycling an plot line for the third (or is it fourth?) time, that a sign that it’s time to wrap things up. Do you think this should be the last season of ER? Or would you like to see the show continue? Talk about it below.

That’s all for today. I’ll be back on Friday with quotes of the week. I hope you have a safe and very Happy Halloween. And if you have any extra dark chocolate lying around, feel free to send it my way. Have a question, seen a familiar face or want to nominate a quote of the week, write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com.

Amy Amatangelo, TV Gal ®

in General

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Mandy Patinkin was the reason I first started watching "Criminal Minds" and the reason I'm not watching now. I didn't like the killing off of the woman from last season either.

Ken Trew | Oct 31, 2007 1:18:53 PM | #

Mandy Patinkin was the reason I first started watching "Criminal Minds" and the reason I'm not watching now. I didn't like the killing off of the woman from last season either.

Ken Trew | Oct 31, 2007 1:19:01 PM | #

Are any of these moments available on Youtube? I'd love to see them again?

Miguelito | Oct 31, 2007 1:24:11 PM | #

I'm with you, Amy, I am still an ER girl. But Tony and the sick kid reminds me of Jeanie and the dr's kid from way back when, and Abby and alcohol ... the retreads are being retreaded, and where oh where did Luka go? I may give up on ER if there is no Luka ... Please, ER, go out with a bang and not a whimper. You were Gray's before half that cast was out of diapers!

Janelle | Oct 31, 2007 1:37:14 PM | #

Oh, and if one more baby is in danger of death, the whole Cook County Medical Center staff must get depo shots!

Janelle | Oct 31, 2007 1:41:12 PM | #

The most shocking moment for me was when Boomer shot Adama on Battlestar Galactica. Only time I remember a show ever making me scream out loud.

Kegboy | Oct 31, 2007 1:53:38 PM | #

My all time favortie cliffhanger was at the end of the Battlestar Galactica mini-series, when Boomer was revealed to be a Cylon. Great way to keep everyone waiting for the series.

| Oct 31, 2007 2:02:54 PM | #

This whole TV season has been an odd relief for me. The past few years there has been so much good TV to watch that I've felt like I not only am spending too much time watching, but there was more good stuff I was missing.

But this year so far, I finally feel like I'm caught up. There are some great shows and some good shows, but there's also a lot that I don't have any regret in missing. I'm not desperately trying to catch up every weekend. So I actually have to say "Thanks" to all the mediocre TV out there; you've made my life more sane because I don't feel the need to watch (like Women's Murder Club, Pushing Daisies, L&O: CI).

And "Thanks" to all the great programs that make me still believe TV is underrated (like HIMYM, Survivor, Dirty Sexy Money).

Tree | Oct 31, 2007 2:04:00 PM | #

Amy I love how you bring up all these shows I grew up watching La Law, Melrose Place etc. I can't even remember any good cliffhangers that could top those!

Luz | Oct 31, 2007 2:17:27 PM | #

I have to admit that I've also tried to "break-up" with ER, but it never seems to take. How can I ditch it in its 14th season when naysayers are so frequently disparaging it? It has its "off" episode every now and then (Africa episodes, anyone?) but it's still pretty good.

That said, I'm curious about who else is still watching. I don't have many friends that admit to watching it on a regular basis, but it's been hanging on, ratings-wise. Do people come in and out of this show?

Cat | Oct 31, 2007 2:44:40 PM | #

Hey Amy, have you ever had chocolate IN Belgium? I've never tasted anything like it.

chile | Oct 31, 2007 2:56:33 PM | #

Thanks for the #5 memory of the LA Law elevator shaft. I was so glad she died, but it was shocking.

It reminded me of the helicopter falling on Dr. Romano in ER. I actually laughed out loud, it was so outrageous but you loved to hate him, so it was okay.

Alia | Oct 31, 2007 3:03:37 PM | #

I too enjoyed the helicopter falling on Dr. Romano. It was stupid and way over the top, but I also laughed out loud. If I remember correctly, a muzak version of 'Free Fallin'" was playing in the elevator on the way up to the roof. Awesome.

Leslie | Oct 31, 2007 3:21:40 PM | #

Technically, Teri wasn't raped was she? Kim would have been, but Teri gave herself up willingly.

Doug | Oct 31, 2007 3:35:27 PM | #

My favourite shocking moment was when Terry Hatcher as the Lois Lane doppleganger in "Lois and Clarke the New Adventures of Superman" ate a white mouse just after she married Clarke Kent - I still remember the tail of the mouse disappearing down her throat - ew!!

Sirius | Oct 31, 2007 3:43:08 PM | #

My most shocking moment, along with the latest Lost finale, was the Alias season finale when Sydney woke up in Hong Kong not knowing two years had past and then she sees Vaughn with a wedding ring. Fantastic.

d gal | Oct 31, 2007 3:58:25 PM | #

I am glad that Patinkin left. The guy completely sucked and brought down the show with his constant brooding. It was so damn annoying.

Since he left, the ratings have been MUCH BETTER.

Bring on Joe Mantegna!

Dorianna | Oct 31, 2007 4:28:12 PM | #

Ditto to the Alias flash forward two years and Vaughn is married!

Oh, and I think Lois ate a frog when it revealed she was clone on L&C:TNAOS.

Angie | Oct 31, 2007 4:44:15 PM | #

Kind of awhile ago, but one that comes to mind was in Felicity, when that guy was slowly walking away from Felicity, backs out into the street and was hit by the bus -- all you see is the guy, then the bus and he's just gone.

David B. Mears | Oct 31, 2007 4:49:31 PM | #

As for shocking moments, I have to agree with the Lost "Flash-Forward". One of the most shocking moments ever. Also the Newhart series finale, with Bob back in bed with Suzanne Pleshette.

As for ER, I am another person who watches just because I've been watching since episode #1. This season needs to be the final season for ER. The storylines are stale, repeated and predictable. The characters make watching tolerable, but it's still just a shell of it's former self. I say we need a spring with returning characters from the past, and a final, seismic upheaval for the final episode (destroyed ER, new management fires everybody, or something).

Eric | Oct 31, 2007 5:01:25 PM | #

One of the greatest cliffhangers in my mind comes again from Alias, end of the fourth season. The one-two punch was executed perfectly, with Vaughn's revelation that he's not he he seems to be, and before you could breathe again or even process the shocking line the other car comes slamming into theirs... I literally jumped off the couch yelping outloud. Brilliant.

Mike | Oct 31, 2007 5:24:30 PM | #

I like Criminal Minds. I actually enjoyed the episodes without Mandy Patinkin more than the others. The remaining cast members have done really well. I liked Joan of Arcadia which is where I first saw Joe Montegna so I am curious what he will bring to the show. I hope that he will eventually blend in with the rest of the cast like Paget Brewster has managed to do.

Penny | Oct 31, 2007 5:27:56 PM | #

favorite most shocking moment has to be the 2nd season finale of Buffy, when Buffy stabs Angel.

Watched that scene over and over again. Still get chills.

laney | Oct 31, 2007 7:05:16 PM | #

I watched ER from the beginning but unfortunately after last season's horrible finale I couldn't do it anymore. The show just isnt what it used to be although at times you can see glimpses of really great stuff, like the Cynthia Nixon episode or Frasier dad's episode. They should have ended on a positive note a couple years ago when it was still recognizable and enjoyable. I'll miss Abby but its time to move on.

Chad | Oct 31, 2007 7:26:10 PM | #

Best cliffhanger in my book is the season ¿2? finale of Farscape, with Crichton floating in empty space. And as his helmet's visor slowly cracks, he starts laughing maniacally. Fade to WHAT!?

Pablo | Oct 31, 2007 7:45:25 PM | #

My favorite cliffhanger was the season finale (don't recall which one...4? 5?) of Buffy when Spike gets his soul put BACK. It was such a shock, I screamed out loud!

Lori | Oct 31, 2007 8:28:53 PM | #

I saw all five of those when they first aired. Good choices.

I think my jaw might have literally hit the floor when Rosalind Shays fell down that elevator shaft. I was quite miffed that they killed her. She was a great love-to-hate character.

Lorrie | Oct 31, 2007 8:56:19 PM | #

Although 24 is FULL of shocking moments I have to say I never expected them to detonate a nuclear bomb at the beginning of season 6. I practically screamed out loud!

Bobby | Oct 31, 2007 9:02:29 PM | #

I still remember when Linda Fairgate had her throat slit on Knots landing. After being a bitch on the show they showed a different side of her. Before you could even digest that softer side she was grabbed from behind and killed.

kevin | Oct 31, 2007 9:09:18 PM | #

I second that Pablo!

Andrew | Oct 31, 2007 9:18:13 PM | #

I second that Pablo!

Andrew | Oct 31, 2007 9:18:16 PM | #

The most shocking tv moment for me was when Carter was stabbed on ER

Christopher Harper | Oct 31, 2007 9:55:21 PM | #

The most shocking tv moment for me was when Carter was stabbed on ER

Chris | Oct 31, 2007 9:56:21 PM | #

Still not really into that new blog format of TV gal... sorry. But i think Amy's post this time was a copy of a previous one she made earlier. I even remember some sentences that haven't changed.
So what is it ? is a blog too difficult to handle ? I am still thinking TV Gal should return to her original Monday-only format. It was enjoyable to read. This blog is just a chore.

Fabrice | Oct 31, 2007 11:12:12 PM | #

Lori, Spike got his soul back in the finale of Season 6.

As for sweeps shocker's how about "Who shot JR?"

Rishi | Nov 1, 2007 2:58:03 AM | #

I don't know, maybe these moments don't rank as high, but the bus crash on Veronica Mars, episode 1 of season 2 and the VM cliffhanger in season 3 with lily's picture in the house and Jake Kane in the house Veronica was breaking into were both huge jawdroppers for me. You knew in season 2 when Veronica didn't get on the bus that something would happen, but I guess I just didn't really believe they'd do it.

Andrea | Nov 1, 2007 5:46:31 AM | #

Regarding ER, the show has definitely lost its dazzle from the early years. I can understand showing us that the staff endures tragedy like the patients, but do we really want to see yet another doc/nurse get trampled/stabbed/heli-copter attacked, etc. etc.? And then come back into ER the next episode with beautiful skin and no scars? I miss George Clooney and Anthony Edwards.

Girley | Nov 1, 2007 6:19:24 AM | #

Doug, I would consider that rape if Terri offered herself instead of them raping her daughter. She didn't want to have sex with them, but found it the lesser of two evils. Yes, it's still rape.

Marsha | Nov 1, 2007 6:41:02 AM | #

I know it's daytime, but what about Taylor coming back (2nd time!) from the dead on The Bold and teh Beautiful...

Martijn | Nov 1, 2007 7:08:20 AM | #

My most shocking moment is one most of you are probably way too young to remember ... on 'thirtysomething' when we found out Gary had died. Before spoilers, that was shocking!

Lisa | Nov 1, 2007 7:35:29 AM | #

What about the reveal that Cordelia was evil on Angel. That one had me in shock.

Sandy | Nov 1, 2007 7:45:29 AM | #

The car crash on the first season finale of Supernatural. I actually jumped when it happened.

ann | Nov 1, 2007 9:53:06 AM | #

Laura Palmer being killed by her dad (sad but brilliant)

tim | Nov 1, 2007 10:04:14 AM | #

I still watch ER, have since Day One. I intend to stick with it 'til the end. But, some of the stories are getting old. The rehashing of Abby's alcoholism is boring & Joe cries waaay too much. I like most of the newer cast members, but I do miss Carter and I'll never get enough of Luka. I certainly don't blame the actors for leaving though. Goran Visnjic - Luka, is in a recurrng role this season.

I am one who will miss Mandy Patinkin. I've always liked him, even before Chicago Hope. I liked Gideon and how he intereacted with the other BAU members. But I also like Joe Mantenga a lot, and I think he will be a good fit.

Lorraine G. | Nov 1, 2007 10:16:03 AM | #

Who Shot Mr. Burns! That was a great tribute to the Dallas classic.

Season 1 finale of Alias, when Sydney says "Mom", as well as the Season 2 finale when she woke up 2 years later.

| Nov 1, 2007 10:18:42 AM | #

The flash-forward finale of Lost not only wasn't shocking but was incredibly boring. Lost is just one of those shows that when it's on, it's fantastic but when it's off it is atrociously bad.

I agree with Tim - the all time greatest shockng moment on TV has to be when Leland looks in to that mirror and Bob is staring back. When such a simple, 2-second shot upends an entire show, answers dozens of questions while creating even more - it was absolutely brilliant.

Brenda | Nov 1, 2007 10:23:42 AM | #

as for Criminal Minds ....

I adore Mandy Patinkin (he's Inigo Montoya and you killed his father, for goodness sake) and only started watching CM for him. But I found I actually enjoyed the show more after he left.

Unfortunately Joe Mantegna's character was AWFUL last night. Do we really need another silent brooder who plays by his own rules? His character is a combination of every bad loner cliche on television. Of course it's just one ep so let's hope the writers go in another direction but I don't hold out much hope since they're settting up this whole story line of him having "unfinished business" and having files pulled for him secretly, etc.

So until Joe Mantegna joined the cast I hadn't missed Mandy Patinkin but now I desperately do. If we have to have a rebellious brooder on the show it might as well be Jason Gideon. Bring back Mandy!

Brenda | Nov 1, 2007 10:31:03 AM | #

Most shocking ever? When Sonny Steelgrave killed Pat "The Cat" Patrice.

Wiseguy

Greg | Nov 1, 2007 11:13:14 AM | #

I still watch ER, just out of morbid curiousity. But I don't watch it the way I watch other shows. If my roommate and I start talking and we miss a few lines, I don't rewind, I just let it go. Kinda the way I just couldn't stop watching 7th Heaven, even though I had to fast forward through about half of each episode!

I do have to say I'm not a fan of Sam's new hair color. It's too dark for her. Still, I'm glad for a change, because I hated the white-blond color she had before. I think her best hair color was the light brown/honey blond look she had going when we first met her.

Marianne | Nov 1, 2007 11:19:08 AM | #

Brenda and Tim, I'm right there with you on Twin Peaks/Laura Palmer. A brand-spanking-new shocking moment for me was Episode 1 of Damages when Patty Hewes tossed the dog collar into the water. It was a total gut punch and signaled the fact that we wouldn't be able to be sure about ANYTHING.

Beth | Nov 1, 2007 11:35:10 AM | #

Actually I've thought that Criminal Minds was much improved with Thomas Gibson running the team. I'm not sure that Joe Mantegna won't bring it down again. In fact, after last night, I'm pretty sure he will.

Glenn | Nov 1, 2007 12:08:03 PM | #

Knots Landing had many exciting cliffhangers but, for me, the best was at the last episode of season 6. Valene Ewing watched a car drive by with her stolen kids in it.

Stephen | Nov 1, 2007 12:40:05 PM | #

I agree with the Alias shockers, both the first 2 seasons' finales and also the evil!Francie cliffhanger.

I thought the 3rd season of Lost's cliffhanger was interesting, even if not exactly shocking. It was just such a relief from the horrendous finales of the first 2 seasons that I was fine with it.

I also wasn't especially shocked by the dog collar in the pilot of Damages. Didn't it seem too easy for it to have been Frobisher's camp? Not to mention all the hype about the show that said that Patty would be shocking and ruthless.

Sarah | Nov 1, 2007 12:40:16 PM | #

My most shocking was the mysterious woman in Ugly Betty turning out to be Alex! Never saw it coming!

DL | Nov 1, 2007 12:40:47 PM | #

I was always a spotty (at best) viewer of "ER" in the past -- never watching until Clooney left -- and bailed for the last time after the car-crash cliffhanger a few season's ago. But The Wife has never wavered in her love of this show. She, too, saw the first episode, and has seen all episodes since the beginning (except when a DVR goof messed up the wedding episode last season). She claims that this season is excellent, and argues that "ER" can go on forever, with the right mix of casting changes, of course. She says it keeps it fresh. I regularly watch "Grey's Anatomy" now. I watched a 5-minute piece of "ER" a couple of week's ago, and I felt the same way I felt when I tried to watch "The Simpsons" again after watching "Family Guy" for a couple of years -- it felt a bit like de-evolution. Like I'd "been there, done that" and now it was being done better, so why go back? The Wife steadfastly disagrees with me about "ER" and will probably watch it forever.

A&S | Nov 1, 2007 12:52:26 PM | #

We have yet to watch the DVR'd "Criminal Minds," but we were sure it would fall apart without Mandy Patinkin. But I think it has been better with TG running the show -- it has been more focused on the cases, and less focused on the character development. I have always been a "character development" guy in movies and TV, much prefering stories to special effects. But there is something profoundly disturbing about the way CM handles the cast back-stories. It's overblown and underwhelming. Now I fear a new cast member will screw it all up. But I'll still watch, I'm sure, because it is one of my favorite shows.

A&S | Nov 1, 2007 1:00:18 PM | #

Oh year, "Survivor" sucks -- always has, always will.

A | Nov 1, 2007 1:03:36 PM | #

In fact, "Survivor" is so bad, it should be on the CW, where all shows that are terrible reside.

A | Nov 1, 2007 1:04:27 PM | #

The most schocking moment in TV show history ever might just been the episode in M.A.S.H. where it is revealed that Henry Blake's plane was shot down over the Pacific after he was sent home. Never has a TV moment seemed more sad, real and appropriate to it's shows premise then that one. Even in multiple reruns it still schocks and saddens.

sac | Nov 1, 2007 1:09:44 PM | #

Alias, BSG, Lost shocks..good call

Angel turning evil during season 2 of Buffy mid season..

Picard joins the Borg end of season 3 ST:NG...

Vorlons proving to be just as destructive as the Shadows on Babylon 5...

GaribalDi | Nov 1, 2007 2:09:31 PM | #

Hmm...so many cliffhangers from "24". When Edgar died, I was shocked...and then I cried for 10 minutes (really). When Logan was revealed as evil in season 5. When the evil kid that Kim babysat's parents had nothing to do with the nuke plot in season 2--that was very disappointing, especially after the mom was found in the trunk of the car that Kim and her boyfriend stole. Also I was sort of shocked when someone told us that Chase left Kim--a dumb plot twist so they could bring in yet ANOTHER boyfriend for Kim.

"Lost" shocking moments: definitely the flash forward at the end of this season. When we found out that Claire and Jack were half-bro/half-sis when Christian showed up at the hospital and said he was paying for Claire's mom's medical bills (it was also shocking to see Claire trying to be gothic--not her personality).

Lauren B | Nov 1, 2007 3:15:29 PM | #

Ooh--other shocking moments on "24"! Basically the season 5 finale when they killed off Michelle and President Palmer. The death rate that season was uber high! Michelle, Palmer, Edgar, Lynn McGill, sort of Tony...

Lauren B | Nov 1, 2007 3:19:33 PM | #

Sorry--I know, 3 messages. That was season 5 premiere they killed off Michelle and Palmer.

Lauren B | Nov 1, 2007 3:20:21 PM | #

For me, one of the biggest jaw dropping, tear shedding shockers was when medic/firefighter Alex Taylor was blow-up and still alive at the end of season 4 of Third Watch. She was one of my favorite characters on one of my favorite shows, which had suffered through an uneven season and troublesome new plot direction. As far as I was concerned, when Alex died, my watching the show died too! (and the fact that the show ended only two years later should show the shockwaves from that moment were bigger than anyone imagined!!)

Rome | Nov 1, 2007 3:37:42 PM | #

Started watching Criminal Minds because of Mandy. Knowing about the Chicago Hope thing, I wasn't at all surprised when Mandy pulled a, well, a Mandy. ;) Criminal Minds is a great ensemble show though so the sum of the whole has not really been diminished for me. I would be just as happy without another permanent senior agent especially if it means I have to endure another episode as trite and unsatisfying as last nights!

sirona7 | Nov 1, 2007 4:44:54 PM | #

Why can't we have an Alias movie? I so miss Sydney Bristow. I agree with one of the posts, Sydney missing for 2 years and Vaughn married, that had me up at nights for a long time. Faux Francie, I'm still very upset taht she's not in Private Practice.

Can we be nice to Cook County, please? I think ER this season is a lot better than the last few episodes of the last season. I like it better now because the characters are much more caring and closer to each other now, i.e, when Neela was recovering and when they were all helping Abby with Joe. I'm still gonna watch it.

Ritchie | Nov 1, 2007 7:24:50 PM | #

There are too many weird couples hooking up this season that I was really rooting for when they weren't together, but now that they are, it's just strange, like George and Izzy on Grey's or Betty and Henry on Ugly Betty. I kind of prefer the will-they, won't-they drama to the characters being together.

Amy | Nov 1, 2007 7:33:29 PM | #

Amy | Nov 1, 2007 7:33:33 PM | #

I have lost interest in t.v. in the last few years. Where I used to have one or two must watch shows a night now I only have 3 must watch shows a week - Friday Night Lights, Rescue Me and ER. I still love ER, even much more than last season. I hope people start watching again because it has been good so far this year although I agree that I've had enough of Abby's alcoholism. I still miss Third Watch, NYPD Blue, Judging Amy, et al. At least I'm getting lots of sleep these days.

Tracey | Nov 1, 2007 8:03:58 PM | #

My votes for shockers.. 5 too :) all the ones mentioned already are grand

1. the END of of the who shot JR reveal when Kristen said JR wouldn't have her arrested because she was pregnant. ( which led to the baby sale after her death and Bobby buying the baby from Jeff Faraday and all of that mess. LOL)

2. Again .. when Gary died on 30something

3. on ATWT in early 90s ( a daytime one ) when the airport called Duncan to say your wife is here- Shannon's head had been shrunk in the jungle and we had NO leaked idea the actress was coming back to the show.. She faint sin his arms at the Airport. Total Jaw Drop.

4. end of 2nd season fo Falcon Crest.. Julia goes crazy shooting everyone.. fade to casket being lowered into ground

5. 2 recent ones.. the TOTAL make me scream reveal that the women in bandages on Ugly Betty wasn't a not Dead Faye.. but a not dead Alex now as Ex-mrs. John Stamos !!!! and the CSI premiere that no, the departing JF as Sara ACTUALLY ISN'T DEAD!!!!!!!!!!

p Kel | Nov 1, 2007 8:18:01 PM | #

1)Nothing was as shocking for me as "My name's not Michael Vaughn" and then the car crash for both sudden yelps, loss of breath and then REALLY "hanging" for two months until they resolved it.
2)Also on Alias, the utterly heartbreaking loss of Syd's whole life, especially the love of her life and two years of the prime of her life in just moments. It was too sad though to be really fun and, like another poster wrote, it bothered me for a really long time.
3)By contrast, the fun shocker (but not a cliffhanger) at the end of the Bob Newhart Show with Suzanne Pleshette. Shocking and adorable all at the same time.

Janet | Nov 1, 2007 9:58:36 PM | #

My top five shockers would be:
#5 Veronic Mars lasted for only three seasons.
#4 Starbuck is a woman on Battlestar Galactica.
#3 Spike gets back his soul in Buffy.
#2 Cordelia kills Lila in Angel.
#1 Ryan is hired for Jan's old job in the Office.

David | Nov 1, 2007 10:02:30 PM | #

I agree with Fabrice - I'm not into this blogging approach yet. the posts don't show up until middle of the day(?), when most other blog posts -- such as on TVGuide -- are up on the morning of the day, like a Wednesday Q&A is up by 7am on Wednesday morning. The posting here doesn't seem consistent, and it's kind of annoying to have to come back multiple times to get the news, "where have I seen them" and quotes, when we used to be able to get them in one visit. I know, it's a ploy to make us log-on more often to show more weekly hits. But, isn't the advantage of a blog format supposed to be that you can be more responsive to what is going on? When there are only planned, routine posts, we don't seem to get any extra value from the new format.

Now, on to the subject at hand. I didn't watch Angel before Season 5, but I thought it was Wesley that killed Lila, and not Cordelia?

Both "Alias" finales mentioned were awesome, and made for 2 incredibly frustrating summers. Those were 2 that really stand out in my mind as huge shockers that actually had me yelling at the tv. And, on "24" when they grabbed Jack Bauer and he ended up with the Chinese at the very end.

As for "Buffy" Season 2, I guess it was more painful when she stabbed Angel, but it wasn't really a "shocking" ending, since they had several more minutes of the show. It was actually more surprising at the actual end of the episode, when she left town.

LiasMom | Nov 2, 2007 7:16:50 AM | #

LiasMom -- Wesley cut off Lila's head to make sure that she hadn't been turned by Angel. At that point, we didn't know that Cordy was the big bad that was running things -- they thought Angelous had killed her. He just found her dead.

And agree that it's annoying to check in a couple of times a day to see the blog, and sometimes I can't find it until the next day. What gives, Amy?

ALSO, very surprised to not be able to find some last minute blogging here yesterday about the Dollhouse announcement! I thought Amy would have been all over that.

Janelle | Nov 2, 2007 7:55:44 AM | #

Alias was always shocking me, but most specifically, when Sydney's mother walked into the room where Sydney was being held captive in season 2, then shoots her.
Also, the season 1 finale of Ghost Whisperer when Melinda's bff realizes that she's dead following the plane crash.

Sara | Nov 2, 2007 8:28:44 AM | #

A lot of people have mentioned some of my favorite TV shockers. I don't read spoilers, so I'm almost always surprised. Here is my short list:

1) President Logan is really part of the evil conspiracy (24, Season 5).

2) Locke was in a wheelchair prior to the plane crash. (Lost, Season 1)

3) Alexis was the woman under the bandages, and Alexis used to be Alex. (Ugly Betty, Season 1)

4) Killing off BOTH Veronica and Sara. (Prison Break, Seasons 2,3)

5) Connor was kidnapped as an infant, then returned three weeks later as a teenager, trained to kill Angel. (Angel, Season 3).

Paige | Nov 2, 2007 8:30:35 AM | #

Totally agree with the wig moment on Melrose and the elevator shaft on LA Law.

So many come to mind, buy my all-time, in no particular order...

Alias - faux francie, 2 years fast forward, "my name isn't Michael Vaughn", Jack's death

Buffy - when she stabs Angel at end of season two (still makes me cry)

Lost - the reveal of the second island, when the light went on in the hatch

Battlestar - Boomer is a cylon reveal

Friends - Ross is the father of Rachel's baby

Twin Peaks - Laura's father is the killer

Gilmore Girls - Lorelai proposes

24 - David Palmer and the many deaths of the premiere of season 5

PS - I too am not loving the format of the new blog.

| Nov 2, 2007 8:31:54 AM | #

Totally agree with the wig moment on Melrose and the elevator shaft on LA Law.

So many come to mind, buy my all-time, in no particular order...

Alias - faux francie, 2 years fast forward, "my name isn't Michael Vaughn", Jack's death

Buffy - when she stabs Angel at end of season two (still makes me cry)

Lost - the reveal of the second island, when the light went on in the hatch

Battlestar - Boomer is a cylon reveal

Friends - Ross is the father of Rachel's baby

Twin Peaks - Laura's father is the killer

Gilmore Girls - Lorelai proposes

24 - David Palmer and the many deaths of the premiere of season 5

PS - I too am not loving the format of the new blog.

sb | Nov 2, 2007 8:31:59 AM | #

I've been watching ER since season 7 and I think last season (excluding the finale) was the best season in several years. The Forrest Whitaker storyline was great and there were several really great guest performances, like Shawn Hatosy. I'm a little behind on this season--not because I'm bored w/ but because I'm just very busy. I have 3 eps waiting on the TiVo. I'm still watching, but I miss Shane West.

Jason | Nov 2, 2007 8:33:42 AM | #

I have to say my favorite cliff hanger, was Season 5 of Buffy, when she died, I still watch that eppy over and over. Also my other favorite cliff hanger On ER when Carter was stabbed, and the Kelly Martin Charactor was killed.

Nancy | Nov 2, 2007 8:48:52 AM | #

Most shocking moment for me was Warren killing Tara by accident on Buffy. And she stayed dead! Damn.

khia213 | Nov 2, 2007 9:29:14 AM | #

Can't believe no one posted my most shocking moment -- at the end of the first episode of "The Shield," when Vic coldly murders Terry, then pins the crime on a drug dealer. I was lukewarm on the show until that moment. His shocking actions sucked me in, and I've been a huge fan ever since.
Kudos for a great twist that a) managed to deliver a jolt in the VERY FIRST EPISODE, when we didn't even know any of the characters and
b) continues to resonate years down the road.

Amanda | Nov 2, 2007 9:54:04 AM | #

Good thought with the M.A.S.H. shocking moment... that was truly shocking!

I'm not a fan of the blog either!

Prudence | Nov 2, 2007 10:57:55 AM | #

I HATE the new blog format. I'm online all the time so if it's an incentive to log-on, it's not really effective. I don't see posts until days later sometimes and I truthfully, forget all about the column because I can't find it the first time I looked for it. I just really miss the old format. Go back!!!

carrie | Nov 2, 2007 11:31:46 AM | #

Well, theres lots of posts here.
It looks like someone else mentioned the big death on M.A.S.H.
As for Lost, my most shocking moment was when Michael shot Ana Lucia and ... um, Hugo's girlfriend (I'll think of her name later). I had been watching the show casually through the secon season but that episode made me a fan for good.
Also, even though "shocking" may be the wrong word, I quite liked the end of HIMYM's pilot, in which we were punked by the premise.

Billiam | Nov 2, 2007 12:38:14 PM | #

I will miss Mandy on Criminal Minds, but the team is strong and the show is good either way.

As for the comments from others that they like Hotch in charge: he has always been the leader of the group. It just seemed that Gideon was the leader because of his powerful presence.

catbean | Nov 2, 2007 1:08:00 PM | #

I'd add:

BSG - The newest episodes where they revealed four of the last 5. Boomer reveal was good too.

ER - Carter and Lucy getting stabbed on Halloween

V, the miniseries - When you find out the aliens are really evil lizard people. I remember going to school the next day (7th grade), and everybody was still talking about it.

Star Trek TNG - Picard getting assimilated and immediately and plausibly going from heroic character to ultimate villain.

I completely agree about the LA Law elevator and Nina on 24. Those were classics.

BobDob | Nov 2, 2007 2:23:02 PM | #

Totally agree on M*A*S*H, the two Battlestar: Galactica moments (shooting Adama and the Cylon reveal), as well as ST:TNG, L.A. Law and Dallas.

Many shows have had great season endings — West Wing's shooting at the end of season one and Enterprise's time shift at the end of season one both jump to mind quite easily.

But in terms of mid-season twists, I think 24 season 2 has the lock on them: when it turns out the main person of interest isn't a terrorist but his American fiancé was… nothing was certain after that.

Brian from Canada | Nov 2, 2007 3:37:26 PM | #

Rosalind Shays. Oh. My. God. I just laughed out loud. I haven't thought about that in years ... LA Law, the show that brought Laurie Partridge back.

Christine | Nov 3, 2007 7:23:04 AM | #

I have to give David E. Kelly credit for my biggest shocker, which was from "Picket Fences"--when a cow gave birth to a human baby!

Joe | Nov 3, 2007 8:13:45 AM | #

definetly the 2 alias moments rank the top cliffhangers. But for me the most shoking moment in a series was when burke was shot in the 2nd season of greys anatomy...cause in alias, lost and 24 u r always expecting for some thing shocking to happen so when it happened in greys i just sat in my hair for 5 min speahless and also i love the show so that could be a reason

zac | Nov 3, 2007 12:07:37 PM | #

Can't belive no one has mentioned...

Dr. Gant's death on ER (by throwing himself in front of a train)

Lem's death on The Shield at Shane's hands.

Vic killing his partner in the pilot for the Shield

Alex getting blown in half on Third Watch.

JJ | Nov 3, 2007 1:34:13 PM | #

Why has nobody mentioned Ava being a man on Nip/Tuck?

Also, Knots Landing was the ultimate for having the best shocking episodes.

Ivy | Nov 3, 2007 4:59:43 PM | #

Two moments from Buffy. 1. When Buffy comes home to find her mom dead. 2. The end of season 5, where Buffy dies.

bruiser | Nov 4, 2007 11:52:00 AM | #

Carter and Lucy were stabbed on Valentines Day. One of my favorite episodes, along with the arc with Mare Winningham as Amanda Lee.

ksb | Nov 4, 2007 4:06:44 PM | #

A lot of good ones were mention, to me and it still is the biggest cliffhanger is the season/series ending of "The Lost World". I wanted so much to see how it all turns out as we watch Veronica standing in the middle of the treehouse as it is spinning.
Thank goodness "Lost" came along when it did.

Ron | Nov 4, 2007 7:36:31 PM | #

I don't really like or dislike Mandy Patinkin on Criminal Minds, but I have a real sense that they overinflated his importance to the show. The character wasn't particularly special or unique. I see no reason the show shouldn't go on pretty much as before. The only thing that would ruin the show is if the plots changed--the very dark serial killer plots are the star of the show. With occasional guest-star exceptions, the characters are relatively nondescript.

Tego Livi | Nov 5, 2007 3:31:00 AM | #

i never watched Alias when it was on. THANK GOD. i watched it on Netflix. i would have DIED if i had to wait 2 months after the finales!!! best show ever. they should have put out a movie after season 3 to show what happened during the lost 2 years.

saney | Nov 5, 2007 10:35:14 AM | #

I loved all the Holy Crap moments you mentioned. But I agree with Saney. My wife and I almost fell off our couches when we found out that 2 years had passed on Alias. If only the show hadn't gone downhill after that until the last few episodes.

As for ER, out of the 14 years, I missed the year when Morris went from being a bad, high, lazy doc (remember Ramano getting crushed by the helicopter after telling Morris to pull himself together?) to a Mark Greene wannabe. I did drop off that year (was that the Africa year too? I think so. Yuck.) Anyway, my wife and I keep trying to break up with ER too. This may be the year. We like happy Abby. Drunk Abby? Been there done that much better before. Please, she has a bad day and misses her husband for a week and turns to the bottle? Please!

BGT | Nov 5, 2007 12:06:57 PM | #

Buffy and Angel from season 2 would be my #1 shocker for sure.

I have one from The Practice that I haven't seen mentioned yet. The episode where DA Richard Bay is murdered by the mob. The man he is prosecuting sends his men to threaten Richard telling him to drop the case or else. Even though he's terrified he goes ahead with the case and wins. He goes out to his car in the parking garage and is startled by a car pulling up behind him. Turns out to be a little old lady who appears to want his parking space. Richard breaths a sigh of relief and then a second later the driver side backseat window comes down and machine gun fire takes Richard's life.

Stephanie | Nov 5, 2007 12:47:51 PM | #

My most shocking moments were both provided by Don Bellasario. On NCIS, Kate was shot by a sniper. On JAG, Bud had his leg blown off. Even with Net lists and spoilers, I never saw those coming!

pugmom99 | Nov 5, 2007 8:40:58 PM | #

Amy, you're just recycling old columns now, aren't you? I've read your top 5 (or was it top 10?) shocking moments before, Miss Too-Lazy-To-Write-New-Material.

Maggie | Nov 5, 2007 10:40:40 PM | #

hahahaha @ maggie....kick ass.

s | Nov 6, 2007 10:26:34 PM | #

How has nobody mentioned on lost when Michael shot Ana Lucia and Libby?

MJ | Nov 8, 2007 7:59:35 AM | #

Regarding ER and the Abby drinking storyline, I don't recall them doing that before. There may have been times where she broke down and had a drink, but actually having her spiral out of control the way she has the last few weeks is something the writers haven't done with Abby before. I still watch ER and I enjoy it, just not as much as I did a few years ago.
I'd say this season is slightly disappointing, but not because the show has been on too long. It's because last season was so great and this season just hasn't been as memorable. The Forest Whitaker storyline last year was classic ER. Also, at least for the first half of last season, the patient/medical storylines were the focal point of the show, instead of all the sleezy crap they've mixed into good storylines this
season. The show needs less sexual content and more well written patient storylines and action packed traumas in which the docs of County General are treating patients. Patients who don't just happen to be County General Doctors, that is.

Nate | Dec 3, 2007 11:18:28 AM | #

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