Is it my imagination, or are a lot of main characters dying, being tortured or about to die this season on American TV?

[Malaysia is far behind these shows, but I make it a point to follow these shows from afar. Entertainment's in my blood as you know.]

I blame it all on Lost. I really suspect that some network exec took note of the fan buzz surrounding JJ Abram's declaration that someone would die in the show and thought: "Hey, I think we can do that for our shows too! Imagine the buzz! The ratings!"

Instead, it just got old. Fast.

I am not the only one who noticed the current "hot" trend in TV. USA Today has an article: TV Death Stalks the Mainstays. (Spoilers ahoy!)

Here are just some shows who have offed characters:
The O.C., Desperate Housewives, NCIS (damn them!), Lost, Smallville, Enterprise (mighty lame way to go, that poor man)

Characters that may die:
Without a Trace

Characters who were tortured/attacked/in jeopardy:
CSI: Miami, CSI (poor, poor, Nicky!), Smallville and The O.C.

And may I just add that in the case of NCIS (highlight to read spoilers) ... it better be true that Sasha Alexander wanted out! Because killing Kate was just stoopid if you want a ratings boost. She's a pivotal part of the show, part of the reason why NCIS is so funny. Removing her the way they did - she died with a bullet between her eyes in front of Tony and Gibbs! - would just plunge the show into grim territory, making it Just Like Another Procedural Crime Show. If I want that, I'd watch CSI, thank you! I have no idea how NCIS is going to regain its humour. Sigh. What a waste, especially since this is the best ensemble I've ever seen. Anyway, bloggers are mostly furious too.

I hope this trend doesn't continue next season. I mean, they're pretty much going to run out of main characters if they continue to do this every season. And note to producers of CSI:NY: Don't you dare touch Danny Messer! He LIVES, you hear??