Cliffhanger



In fiction, the term "cliffhanger" or "cliffhanger ending" refers a plot device featuring a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma, or confronted with a shocking revelation at the end of an episode of serialized fiction. A cliffhanger is usually used to ensure the audience will return to see how the dilemma gets resolves, thus raise the audience ratings. It is like "to sell toys" in a certain way.

The cliffhanger could be used at the end of an episode from a series of continuous episodes, or the end of the season finale.

Beast Wars cartoon
In the episode "Other Voices, Part 2" ended the first season with the death of Optimus Primal while "The Agenda (Part III)" closed the second season with Megatron's attempt to kill Optimus Prime.

Beast Machines cartoon
The episode "End of the Line" ended the season with the alluded demise of Optimus Primal.

Prime cartoon
The first season finale "One Shall Rise, Part 3" ended with Megatron's declaration that Orion Pax is one of the Decepticon comrades.