An overwhelming and practical response from the fans to events in a TV series,
book, film, etc.
The first nine hysterical women were Torchwood fans, who sent coffee and letters to the BBC protesting against the
death of Ianto Jones. Over 900
people registered on one LiveJournal community alone.
Russell T Davies: "The 'controversy' over Ianto's
death is just
nine hysterical women."
Or:
If (character) dies this series, they'll have nine hysterical women on their hands.