'Homeland' and More Shocking TV Finales

Dec. 19, 2011 — -- intro: Well, that was a nail-biter.

The first season of the much lauded, Golden Globe-nominated "Homeland" wrapped up on Sunday on Showtime with a 90-minute long episode in which, SPOILER ALERT, Sgt. Nicholas Brody's daughter thwarted his terror attack, CIA agent Carrie Mathison got arrested (and then mentally committed), and a whole new world of intrigue was unleashed as fodder for season two.

The episode was in the tradition of many other drama finales. Click through to read up on memorable final episodes from six other series:

quicklist: 1title: "Big Love."text: After five seasons, HBO's polygamy series "Big Love" went off the air in March with a bang. Series star Bill Henrickson (Bill Paxton) died after getting shot by a neighbor who resented him for resodding his lawn without asking. "I wonder if you think I can't do that for myself?" the neighbor asks. "If you think I'm unworthy or inadequate? I can't take care of my wife?"

Cut to Henrickson's three wives in the kitchen preparing an Easter feast. BANG, BANG the polygamist who staunchly defended "the principle" and seemed to believe he was becoming a prophet, was dead.media: 15173577

quicklist: 2title: "The Sopranos."text: The mob series' 2007 finale, "Made in America," began with the aftermath of a brutal mob war which left several members injured or dead. Tony Soprano confronted Junior one last time and tried to deal with returning to normal family life, but the episode ended in a puzzling and stunning black screen at a diner, as Meadow comes to meet Tony, Carmela and Anthony Jr. Did Tony get shot? Nobody seems agree on what happened.media: 15173655

quicklist: 3title: "Lost"text: In a show shrouded in mystery, many expected its 2010 finale, "The End," to shed light on the increasingly bizarre events. Viewers learned that the castaways of Oceanic 815 were brought to the island so that Jack could be appointed "protector" of the land, and survivors reunited in Los Angeles.media: 15173543

quicklist: 4title: "Six Feet Under"text: In a show that always began with a death, 2005's "Everyone's Waiting" included a birth as well; Nate and Brenda's daughter arrived. There are funeral home squabbles, and eager fans' questions are answered with a montage showing how each character meets his maker. The message is clear: everyone is waiting to die.media: 15173695

quicklist: 5title: "24"text: "24's" 2010 finale, "Day 8: 3:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m.," offered one final chance to expose conspiracy. President Taylor never signed the peace treaty that she had worked so hard for, and Jack had a tearful goodbye with Chloe before planning to leave the country. Still, many questions remain.media: 15173562

quicklist: 6title: "ER"text: Many old friends reunite in the 2009 finale episode, "And In the End," when Carter opened up a new medical center for the underprivileged in Chicago. Guest stars helped wrap up this long running medical drama, as a teen is treated for alcohol poisoning and a woman goes into labor with twins.media: 15173747