LogFAQs > #923556331

Today's trope is Cliffhanger. Here is the link: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CliffHanger

A Cliffhanger ends an Act Break, episode, or even a whole season (or a film or novel in a series) with some or all of the main characters in peril of some kind and the audience is made to wait for the outcome. The To Be Continued caption is often used here. Typically the longer the viewer is made to wait, the larger the seeming peril. Indeed, this can be a Downer Ending to the part just finished although many apparent perils and catastrophes are not as serious as they appear. It is a rare Cliffhanger that will cut back simply to watch 'em fall.

A Cliffhanger can also be centered around surprising revelations; either one just made, or one being saved for the 'hanger's resolution.

The season type of cliffhanger has a flaw: if the show gets canceled, the cliffhanger stays unresolved. A few such cliffhangers are listed below. It is by far, the very worst thing a producer/studio/company can do to its fans and viewers alike, since it leaves their work incomplete and unfinished, ultimately resulting in a unsatisfying experience. This is not to be confused with a Bolivian Army Ending, which is an intentionally unresolved cliffhanger as an ending. If this happens, the cliffhanger may be resolved in a movie or miniseries later on. Or, it may not... and that's why we have Fan Fiction.

TL,DR: The story ends at a critical moment, with the resolution being promised next time. Needless to say, it really sucks when this isn't followed up on.

Nominations:
The Best of Both Worlds (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
Now it's Snively's turn, and he's not alone! (Sonic SATAM)
Ram the Blade ship (Animorphs)