The ideal couple almost calls it quits. A bride-to-be croaks. A mad doctor orders up a few lobotomies for her friends.

It must be season finale time.

For the past month, TV writers have been unleashing over-the-top plotlines on eager audiences.

The blockbuster year enders are pivotal to a television show's health. Not only are they the season's last shot at the ratings, but they may be the sole reason viewers tune in come fall.

Here are just a few of the best, the worst and the very so-so:

NYPD BLUE: The best thing about this drama's central figure, Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) is that he can be a jerk. He's a complex cop who takes his time bouncing back from a bad day.

In the season ender, he was reeling from the death of his son, with whom he had just reconciled. And, as a recovering alcoholic, from falling off the wagon.

The same guy who was overzealous and whacked a suspect in the head while questioning him got my sympathy at his newborn son's baptism, as he muttered, "Bless and keep my son who's gone. And give me the strength to be a good person."

Somehow, those lines just wouldn't be as touching coming from an all-round good guy.