Last night's show (MAY 16) was good. George was hilarious as he casually lit up a cigarette to intentionally annoy Susan. And the pre-nup confrontation scene was a classic not-fully-thought-out scheme hatched by Kramer.
But killing off Susan to free George from marriage was unacceptable. Killing off an established, likeable character in a comedy is just not done. This is not Melrose. If the actress playing Susan wanted off the show (who would want to leave a frequently No. 1 rated show?) or if the producers wanted her off, there are so many other alternatives to writing her off the show gradually or immediately.
For instance, why not have George catch her in a compromising lesbian situation? After a brief heart-to-heart, they go their separate ways. This would further George's reputation as a guy who turns women to lesbianism. It also would provide grist for future material if Susan were to make occasional appearances as the ex-fiancee-turned-lesbian. Finally, it would solve the scripting problem of George separating away from Jerry via marriage in Westchester.
The writers blew it by killing off Susan, even if the death was vaguely comic by the goofy face she made before croaking.
And, okay, I admit it, I found Susan attractive...
Ted