Slaying on Television to Resume Tonight

Last week's twist ending to CSI: in which Gary Dourdan's character, Warrick Brown, takes two bullets to the neck begins the time of season finales, which for many characters may be more permanent than a summer vacation.

Tonight viewers can expect at least two people getting the ax with the finales of American Idol and NCIS. American Idol is down to its two final contestants. One will perish and the other will be crowned American Idol.

CBS continues the "finale killings" with a two-hours of NCIS, in which a major series regular will perish. One of the producers is quoted saying that the death will make fans "throw things at the screen." This is the second major death since Sasha Alexander's character Sp. Agent Caitlin Todd died at the end of season two. So far two deaths have occurred in the CBS primetime line-up and maybe more will follow.

Previews for Criminal Minds among other CBS programs depict possible murders of the main characters. CBS has announced 6 new series for the fall 2008 season, but they have lost a fan base from their stronger shows with these "finale slayings." With American Idol we're expecting the contestants to get voted off not Simon.