Font Resize
So, where were we?
It has been awhile since we were in the company of our favorite shows, and some memories may be a little fuzzy. With that in mind, here's a quick recap of last season's biggest cliffhangers and a look at what's in store:
"Dexter" -- Deb, who thought she might be in love with her adopted brother, finally learned his dark secret as she witnessed Dexter kill Travis. What's next: We pick up immediately with Dexter explaining his actions and Deb suffering a crisis of conscience. Will she turn him in? Yvonne Strahovski joins the show, playing a woman with a murderous past.
"Fringe" -- Thanks to the powers of regeneration, Olivia came back from her gunshot wound and later revealed to Peter
"Glee" -- Eight members of the glee club graduated, including Rachel, who left for New York after Finn decided to break their engagement and join the Army. What's next: All of our favorites will return, but it's not clear in what capacity. The show will split time between Ohio and New York. Kate Hudson and Sarah Jessica Parker will guest star.
"Grey's Anatomy" -- A plane carrying several doctors crashed in the woods. Lexie died. What's next: The season opener jumps ahead a couple
"How I Met Your Mother" -- Barney's bride was revealed to be Robin. Marshall and Lily welcomed a baby boy. Ted rode into the sunset with Victoria. What's next: Season 8 picks up the same day as the finale, then jumps ahead four months. Barney, who was engaged to Quinn, indeed married Robin. Victoria will be around for a while, but, no, she's not the mother.
"Hawaii Five-O" -- The mysterious Shellburne turned out to be McGarrett's presumed-dead mother. Chin Ho was forced to pick between saving his wife, Malia, or cousin Kono, who both were in peril. What's next: Christine Lahti will play Doris McGarrett in a recurring role. Someone dies in the season opener.
"Homeland" -- Brody's assassination attempt against the vice president failed, but Abu Nazir still had his hooks in him. After losing her job at the CIA, Carrie underwent electroshock therapy to treat her bipolar disorder. What's next: Six months later, Brody's in Congress and considering an even more prestigious post. Carrie is trying to adjust to a stress-free life away from the CIA, but that won't last long.
"Modern Family" -- Cam and Mitchell struck out trying to adopt a second child, but -- surprise! -- Gloria learned that she's pregnant. What's next: The season opens with the rest of the family learning Gloria's big news. Cam and Mitchell will be jealous, and Jay frets about being a father again.
"NCIS" -- A car bomb detonated outside NCIS headquarters; Ducky had a heart attack. What's next: Everyone makes it out alive, but the near-death experience will have emotional repercussions for everyone, including Tony and Ziva, who were trapped in an elevator.
"Once Upon a Time" -- Emma's kiss revived Henry and broke the curse that had kept the fairy-tale characters from remembering their past lives. But Rumpelstiltskin tricked Emma into giving him a potion that he used to bring magic back to Storybrooke. What's next: Don't expect a happy ending any time soon, but we will see more characters, including Captain Hook, Sleeping Beauty, Mulan and Sir Lancelot. "Lost" alum Jorge Garcia will play a giant.
"Revenge" -- Emily broke up with Daniel and learned her mom is still alive. A plane, apparently carrying Victoria, crashed. Amanda is pregnant, perhaps with Jack's baby. What's next: Jennifer Jason Leigh plays Emily's mentally "unhinged" mother. Season 2 opens with a terrible event at summer's end, then backtracks to reveal how we got to there. Nolan may find love.
"The Vampire Diaries" -- After years of resistance, Elena became a vampire. What's next: Elena adjusts to her new fangs. Will vampire bloodlust get to her? And though she chose Stefan over Damon, the book isn't closed on that perverse triangle.
Read Chuck Barney's TV blog at http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/category/tv, and follow him at Twitter.com/chuckbarney.
