Don’t leave us hanging! Where our favorite TV shows left off
So where were we? It has been a while since were we in the company of our favorite shows and memories can get a little fuzzy — especially in this overcrowded era of so-called Peak TV.
With that in mind, we’ve put together this refresher course covering some of the bigger series and most dramatic cliffhangers. Also: A quick look at what these shows have in store this fall:
“Arrow” (The CW)
Where we left off: Adrian Chase killed himself, which triggered explosives on Lian Yu island, which went “ka-boom.”
What’s next: We’ll find out who lived and who died, but it will take a while as the show cuts between the present and flashbacks to the minutes before the devastation. Also, Michael Emerson and Kirk Acevedo arrive to play new villainous threats to Oliver. “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS) Where we left off: Ramona surprised Sheldon with a kiss. Taken aback, he went on a cross-country trip to track down Amy and propose to her.
What’s next: We won’t have to wait long for Amy’s response. Season 11 picks up immediately with Sheldon anxiously waiting to hear what she has to say. Don’t be surprised if she has some conditions. “Chicago Fire” (NBC) Where we left off: The fates of several members of the Firehouse 51 crew — including Casey, Severide, Mouch, Hermann, Otis and Kidd — were in question as they were trapped inside a burning factory. Mouch’s situation appeared to be the most dire after he collapsed from a possible heart attack.
What’s next: Have the tissues handy. Showrunner Derek Haas says Season 6 will pick up immediately with the events of the fire and has teased that “not everyone will be coming back.” As the characters deal with the fallout, the show will jump a couple months ahead. “NCIS” (CBS) Where we left off: While in Paraguay to investigate the disappearance of a Navy SEAL, agents Gibbs, McGee and Torres were fired upon by a group of rebels while trying to flee the jungle via helicopter. Only Torres made it out safely.
What’s next: The Season 15 opener flashes forward two months and Gibbs and McGee are being held captive by the rebels. Their colleagues in Washington, D.C., have been tirelessly searching for them but have no clue where they are. Also, Vance and Torres are summoned to a congressional hearing looking into the Paraguay mission.
“Once Upon a Time” (ABC)
Where we left off: The Season 6 finale set the stage for a drastic reboot — jumping forward in time and taking fans to Seattle. There, Lucy introduced herself to the adult Henry and informed him that she is the daughter he never knew he had. Cast members Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White), Jennifer Morrison (Emma Swan), Josh Dallas (Prince Charming), Jared Gilmore (Henry) and Emilie de Ravin (Belle) all departed the series.
What’s next: They’re basically starting from scratch as Lucy tries to persuade her long-last dad to help save the happy endings. There’s a new town, new curses
and new characters. “Outlander” (Starz)
Where we left off: Claire returned to Scotland with her adult daughter, Brianna, and discovered that — surprise — Jamie didn’t die in the Battle of Culloden after all. It means she could possibly travel through the standing stones to be with him again.
What’s next: According to executive producer Ronald D. Moore, it will be a while — about five episodes — before Claire reunites with her beloved Highlander. She returns
to her life in 20th-century Boston to give birth to their daughter and resume her marriage with Frank while pursuing a career as a surgeon. Back in the 18th century, Jamie suffers from the fallout of his doomed last stand and the loss of the love of his life. And unlike the book, the TV series will feature scenes of the epic Battle of Culloden. “Riverdale” (The CW)
Where we left off: Fred Andrews was shot during an armed robbery at Pop’s as Archie helplessly looked on.
What’s next: The Season 2 premiere picks up immediately after the shooting with Archie and the gang waiting to learn Fred’s fate, which
will be revealed by the end of the episode. Whatever happens, Archie will launch a mission of vengeance. Mark Consuelos joins the series as Veronica’s father, Hiram Lodge. “Stranger Things” (Netflix)
Where we left off: The telekinetic girl Eleven appeared to have sacrificed herself to defeat the Demogorgon. Meanwhile, Will was rescued from the alternate dimension known as the Upside Down. But he coughed up a slug — an eerie indicator that there’s more to the mystery.
What’s next: Producers are being tight-lipped about the nine-episode second season.
It begins nearly a year after the first installment, on Halloween in Hawkins, Indiana, and Will is suffering from some sort of post-traumatic stress disorder. Season 2 introduces a new monster, and a few new cast members. Among them: Paul Reiser, who plays an official with the Department of Energy, and Sean Astin as the manager of the town’s RadioShack. “This Is Us” (NBC)
Where we left off: In the past story line, Jack split after a major blowout with Rebecca that jeopardized their marriage. In the present, Kevin landed a role in a big movie, Randall pitched the idea of adoption to Beth, and
Kate realized she wanted to be a singer like mom.
What’s next: The presentday story will pick up a couple months later with the adult siblings celebrating their 37th birthday. The past story resumes one day after the big argument. Said creator Dan Fogelman, “There’s a lot of healing to be done. We painted this picture of the world’s perfect dad and man, and now we’re going to show, not the dark side of that, but a fuller picture.” … As for clues to Jack’s death, the opener will include a “big, giant piece of the puzzle.” Oh, and Sylvester Stallone will guest star as himself. “The Walking Dead” (AMC)
Where we left off: The longanticipated war between the Saviors and the Alexandrians — and their allies from Hilltop and the Kingdom — finally began. Unfortunately, the so-called Heapsters double-crossed Rick and pledged their loyalty to Negan.
What’s next: Judging from the preview trailer, Season 8 will be action-packed and explosive. It begins with the show’s landmark 100th episode, which will contain some Easter eggs that harken back
to the earlier days of the saga. A Season 8 preview show will air ahead of the “Fear the Walking Dead” midseason premiere on Sept. 10.