Regarding this season's finale:
I found it quite surprising at the point where I caught it, mainly because I had a feeling that they were going to make it for George to get out of his engagement with Susan. I didn't think they were going to kill her off.
Although it did surprise me that she died, and it might have seemed callous to people who aren't regular viewers to the show, it was totally in character for George to react the way he did. George, in his nature, is a selfish person. His way of dealing with it was to ask Marisa Tomei out after her death. (Tomei reacted with the normal reaction of someone who realizes the person they're talking to is a selfish pig, thank goodness)
So for those of us complaining about the season finale, just remember George's character, and realize that it's a normal reaction for him.