What To Do When Someone Dies Television Show Episodes
Okay, so you're watching TV and BAM! Someone bites the dust. It happens, right? Especially in dramas. But what's a viewer to do when a beloved (or even just a kinda-liked) character kicks the bucket on your favorite show?
The Five Stages of TV Grief (and How to Deal)
Stage 1: Denial (aka "They're Not Really Dead!")
This is the classic. Maybe it's a closed-casket funeral? Or they fell into a conveniently placed bottomless pit? You're thinking, "Nah, they'll be back! It's a trick!"
How to cope? Re-watch the episode obsessively, looking for clues! Maybe they blinked suspiciously slowly! Perhaps there's a deleted scene floating around somewhere that proves they're secretly a robot duplicate. You know, typical denial stuff.
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Stage 2: Anger (Towards the Writers, Usually)
Alright, denial didn't work. Now you're MAD. Why, oh why, did they have to kill off Dr. McDreamy?! It's just cruel! The writers are clearly evil geniuses plotting to ruin your life.
Vent your rage! Tweet angry hashtags! Write strongly worded letters to the network (though they'll probably end up in the "fan mail" bin)! Just get it out! Bonus points if you start a petition demanding the character's resurrection, even if it makes absolutely no sense.
Stage 3: Bargaining (with the TV Gods)
Okay, anger's exhausting. Time for bargaining. "If you bring back Buffy, I promise to never binge-watch another show ever again... okay, maybe just one more... but that's IT!"
Offerings are key here. Burn a scented candle in front of your TV. Sacrifice your favorite snack (okay, maybe your second favorite). Who knows? The TV Gods might be listening!
Stage 4: Depression (the Post-Character Void)
This is the tough one. The reality sets in. Ned Stark is really gone. Your favorite show feels...empty. Life just seems a little less vibrant.
Embrace the sadness! Listen to sad music! Eat ice cream straight from the carton! Watch episodes featuring the deceased character and sob dramatically! It's important to feel the feelings!
Stage 5: Acceptance (and Finding a New Favorite Character)
Eventually, the sun will shine again (metaphorically, at least). You'll realize that even though Omar Little is gone, The Wire is still an amazing show. And hey, maybe there's a new character who's secretly growing on you.
This is acceptance. It's okay to miss them, but it's also okay to move on. Maybe the show needed that character's death to push the story forward. Or maybe the actor just got a better offer (let's be real).
Bonus Tip: Fan Fiction!
Still not over it? Write your own ending! In the world of fan fiction, anything is possible! Spock can come back to life (again!), Walter White can open a car wash in Belize, and Jack Shephard can finally figure out what was really going on in that island!
So, grab your laptop and rewrite history! It's cathartic, creative, and a whole lot of fun. And who knows? Maybe your version will be even better than the original (no pressure!).
Ultimately, dealing with character death on TV is a personal journey. But remember, you're not alone! Millions of viewers have mourned alongside you. So grab your tissues, embrace the emotions, and remember... it's just a TV show! (But still, those writers are getting a strongly worded email...)
