The death of the self contained one shot.

[Iron Maiden]

I'd say it goes at least as far back as Hill Street Blues.

Yes, or maybe even St. Elsewhere.

do recall with Ryan Murphy's Nip/Tuck they did have a storyline that was teased at towards the end of season 2 and was an ongoing subplot in season 3 involving a serial rapist who "carves" the faces of his victims.