Characters come and go on TV for many creative reasons, but every now and then, one disappears... for punishment! Sometimes they want too much more money, sometimes they have other obligations. Other times, well... here are two of our favorite examples.

The hit show "Criminal Minds" lost one of its top stars Thomas Gibson, because he allegedly kicked a writer for creative differences. As a writer, this strikes terror into my heart. Thomas' absence was never very clearly explained on the series... he just sort of drifted away.

And then there was Jay Thomas who was introduced into the "Cheers" cast in their fifth season as Eddie LeBec, boyfriend and then husband of Carla. Jay, after insulting Rhea Perleman one time too many, was killed off in a lovely twist of irony. His character was run over by a Zamboni.

And now fellow bridge players, lest we find ourselves written out of the show, let's sharpen up our bidding. We're going to see the same auction each hand today, and as responder, we shouldn't have too hard a time bidding again. (Hint to make things even easier... we will NOT be passing!)