Yes, that much I understand, and back in the 70s with Starsky's murdered girl of the week, it was already a cliche (you've heard of the Bonanza syndrome) but even though she was not only killed for him to suffer, she was created for that purpose. We were weaker then, as fans, I suppose. We acknowledge the flaws in the episode now, but still, nobody says "I hate that episode cause it was all contrived for Starsky's man!pain." FWIW. (they do refer to her as "Saint Terry" lol)

What's interesting is that while a lot of us feel that it wasn't overdone in The Devil's Share and that it was a tribute to the feelings of all the team, others complain that there wasn't "enough" reaction on Reese's part or that we weren't shown him talking about it or sobbing or something so that there wasn't a "payoff" -- and how many fans thought Finch had no reaction whatsoever (his sad face was the same as someone else falling on the ground crying)! This show has for over 2 years now specialized in not putting everything on the screen and leaving stuff for our imagination. We don't need to see Reese punch a guy to know it happened when we see the baddie fall through a plate glass window. Knowing Reese was off looking for Quinn and taking no prisoners while shot himself tells me he was suffering, yet I think some wanted it all out there specified, which would have cheapened it more. For many fans, especially those who held Carter most dear, sadly, it will never be right or enough.

I guess no matter how much we love Fusco, killing him instead wouldn't affect Reese in the same way, even if he was mad about it. And we can't lose Finch, plus we've seen how Reese reacts to him being in danger already. I do agree that they could and should write in such a way that the angst for Reese, or any of the male characters, is organic and not "how do we hurt him this week?"

Thanks for taking time on your lunch to reply. Now for me, it's back to that turkey in my oven.