The 7 stages of TV tragedy -- and how to deal

WARNING: Contains plot spoilers.

Who doesn’t love a little drama -- especially when it comes to entertainment. As a dedicated watcher, one thing is certain: Some really awful things can happen to the characters you love during the course of your favourite TV shows.

Don’t despair. When catastrophe hits, keep this guide handy. We’ll walk you through the seven stages of TV tragedy and give you tips on how to make it through to the other side.

Stage 1: Shock and Denial

It’s the battle rounds on The Voice and that stunning chanteuse you’ve been following all season is suddenly -- gone. None of the judges even try to save her. Not even Adam.

To soften the blow, you head down to your fave mamak to have nice fluffy roti canai to absorb the shock.

Stage 2: Pain and Guilt

Life is suddenly a chaotic, scary place.

“I should have tweeted more, started a fan club,” you say, the guilt nagging at you.

Instead of wallowing in the pain and self-loathing, dial up some nasi lemak takeout and queue up another programme to fill the void.

Stage 3: Anger and Bargaining

You flip on a marathon of your latest medieval fantasy guilty pleasure, delving deep into the world of dragons, knights, and the seven kingdoms. Who will rule the iron throne? Is winter still coming? Five seasons into Game of Thrones and tragedy strikes.

Why Jon Snow? Why? Perhaps if Ygritte hadn’t died, or if Sam hadn’t left then maybe Jon would have been spared this awful fate.

Stage 4: Reflection and Loneliness

You turn off the TV. Staring into its blank screen gives you comfort. You go out for a stroll in the one of the many shopping malls for some air-conditioning. You’re like a zombie, just going through the motions.

This gives you an idea: time to watch The Walking Dead.

The zombies soothe your soul -- for a time. In Season 2, Shane meets his demise and little Sophia can’t be saved. By Season 4, your beloved Hershel is gone. You scream into your pillow.

Stage 5: The Upward Turn

Ah, but brighter days are ahead.

You’ve accepted the tragic demise of so many of your favorite characters and have begun to make your peace. You make yourself a cuppa and dig into something new.

Stage 6: Reconstruction

Now is the time for rebuilding, to open up a space in your heart for new characters.

You flip on an episode of Scandal, quickly falling for the no-nonsense go-getter Olivia Pope, then queue up a mini-marathon of Pretty Little Liars. Thanks to Astro’s Same Day As US programming, there are more than enough characters to love because there are always new ones.

Stage 7: Acceptance and Hope

Congratulations -- you’ve made it to the final stage!

You should be very proud of yourself. By now, you may be wondering what’s been happening on all those shows that broke your heart. You’re not the person you were when you first started. You’re stronger now. You can handle it.

New characters and storylines await. Time to queue up that next episode.