Creating a strong season finale is a balancing act. The writers need to mix resolution of the season's plotlines with a sense of new potential for the coming season. They need to simultaneously send us away satisfied and invite us back for more. As we make our way through summer farewells to network shows such as "Grey's Anatomy" and "Lost," here are 14 classic season finales — no series finales included — that left me reeling.

— Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff