Geek analysis: Which comic book TV show cliffhangers worked?

The seven major TV shows based on comic book characters have all gone on hiatus until January. Each show ended its 2015 run with big reveals and cliffhangers. Let's discuss!

Oh, yeah: Spoiler alert.

Cliffhanger: When Director Coulson finally put an end to rabid dog Grant Ward, fans regretted that a villain who was so much fun to hate was dead. Not to worry: The final scene revealed that Ward's body is now inhabited by the evil alien from the world that inspired Hydra.

Speculation: This means two things. One: more Grant Ward! And two: We won't have to go back to the alien planet, which stretched the audience's attention span. (Returns Feb. 8.)

Cliffhanger: Felicity Smoak, after accepting a proposal of marriage from Oliver Queen, appears to have been killed.

Speculation: "Appears" is the key word. The show can't spare its most popular character. She'll be saved, but the marriage will once again be postponed, as superhero marriages always are. (Returns Jan. 20.)

Cliffhanger: Wally West arrives, and Harrison Wells of Earth-2 makes a deal with the devil to save his daughter, Jesse.

Cliffhanger: Much to his pregnant girlfriend's dismay, Detective Gordon crosses a few more lines by teaming up with Penguin and executing Theo Galavan.

Speculation: In the comics, the order of St. Dumas (of which Galavan was a member) burps up a warrior named Azrael. Don't be surprised if that happens here. (Returns Feb. 29.)

Cliffhanger(s): Cat Grant figures out the Maid of Steel's secret ID (but still calls her "Kyra")! Supergirl faces off against Kryptonian terrorist Non! Hank Henshaw is really J'onn J'onzz, the Martian Manhunter!

Speculation: The introduction of Martian Manhunter is the biggest reveal. DC Comics has never known what to do with him, going back to his creation in 1955, but perhaps "Supergirl" will allow the Last Son of Mars to grow into his full potential. (Returns Jan. 4.)

Cliffhanger: As mega-herd overruns Alexandria, Rick leads a group to the armory, covered in walker guts so they can't be smelled. But a child in his group starts calling for his mother — noise that will attract the walkers.