I hate that happening, too. I record 'complex' series and wait until near the end of the run before I start watching.
In series such as Silent Witness where each story is over two parts I watch them on the same night. Easy going series like Midsomer Murders I tend to watch live as there is no ongoing story to remember.
I've got Shetland and Vera to look forward to and of course it means I can whizz through the ads. Just as well as Death in Paradise and Jericho ended tonight.
I've really enjoyed this series. Was looking forward to the ending, it's something to do with the son of Anna Chancellor, isn't it? Quite complicated, but well acted.