Whether it's because your favorite shows are trying to decrease their budgets or increase their buzz, they're going to be bumping off characters in unprecedented numbers in the coming months. To prepare you for this surprise killing season, I've compiled a list that tells you everything you need to know about the noteworthy casualties to come… well, everything short of an actual ID, anyway. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Desperate Housewives
Number of deaths: 1 (at least)
Time frame: Spring
The scoop: The dearly departed has been with the show since the first season and has a reputation for being... eh, screw it, it's Edie!
Chuck
Number of deaths: 1
Time frame: End of season
The scoop: It'll be "shocking," declares exec producer Josh Schwartz.
Ugly Betty
Number of deaths: 1
Time frame: End of season
The scoop: The obvious candidates are terminally ill Molly (Sarah Lafleur) or barely-visible Christina (the exiting Ashley Jensen). Which means it's probably neither.
Law & Order: SVU
Number of deaths: 1
Time frame: Season finale
The scoop: It's not Benson (Mariska Hargitay) or Stabler (Chris Meloni). Beyond that, no one's safe.
24
Number of deaths: 2 (at least)
Time frame: End of season
The scoop: Um, it's 24. It'd probably be easier if I told you how many people aren't dying.
CSI: NY
Number of deaths: 1
Time frame: End of season
The scoop: A cop killer targets a member of the team and "forever changes" the show, teases exec producer Peter M. Lenkov.
Smallville
Number of deaths: 2
Time frame: Season finale
The scoop: One of the deceased is a long-running character. The other isn't. One is a man. The other...
Heroes
Number of deaths: 3
Time frame: End of season
The scoop: Two of the deaths will stick. A third won't.
Big Love
Number of deaths: 1
Time frame: March 20 season finale
The scoop: Major male character.
Supernatural
Number of deaths: 1 (at least)
Time frame: April
The scoop: It's someone close to Sam and Dean.
Lost
Number of deaths: 2 (at least)
Time frame: End of season
The scoop: One is major, the other major-ish.
Ghost Whisperer
Number of deaths: 1
Time frame: End of season
The scoop: The victim will be someone close to one of the main characters
Prison Break
Number of deaths: 2 (at least)
Time frame: End of season
The scoop: As the series reaches its climax, Michael must choose whether to save the love of his life (Sara) or his bro (Linc). Maybe he chooses neither?
