Way too many "dead/undead" scenarios. The first time it's a "wow". The second time it's: "haven't we seen this already?" By around the 5th, 6th, 7th time...it's downright annoying. It's sloppy lazy writing, indicative of writers who have just ran out of more creative ideas.
"Love isn't what you say or how you feel, it's what you DO". (The Last Kiss)
I've Noticed the "He's Dead"... "Ha ha Fooled You, I'm Still alive" is often the result of Actors' Contracts...
due to filming schedules, as a Rule, actors are not allowed to be 'regulars' on two series at the same time... so either they lock them down and put them in episodes that don't need their character for, just to pad their contracts, or leave them as 'recurring' and hope they don't pick up side jobs that conflict
and if someone is designated a regular they can't audition in that Spring's Pilot Season (which is why you'll see some one as a 'guest star' for most episodes across multiple seasons