diff --git a/core/scripts/ldd-detect.sh b/core/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
index 2bc4bac..25647f5 100755
--- a/core/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
+++ b/core/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
@@ -82,15 +82,18 @@ BUNDLE=""
 usage() { sed -n '2,/^$/p' "$0" | sed 's/^# \{0,1\}//' >&2; exit 2; }
 die() { echo "$SCRIPT_NAME: $*" >&2; exit 2; }
 
+# value <option> <remaining argument count> — a value-taking option needs one
+value() { (( $2 >= 2 )) || die "$1 needs a value"; }
+
 while (( $# > 0 )); do
   case "$1" in
-    --files)   FILES_LIST="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --root)    ROOT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --rules)   RULES_DIR="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --cap)     CAP="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --files)   value "$1" $#; FILES_LIST="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --root)    value "$1" $#; ROOT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --rules)   value "$1" $#; RULES_DIR="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --cap)     value "$1" $#; CAP="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     --plan)    PLAN=1; shift ;;
-    --glob)    OPT_GLOB="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --test-re) OPT_TEST_RE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --glob)    value "$1" $#; OPT_GLOB="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --test-re) value "$1" $#; OPT_TEST_RE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     -h|--help) usage ;;
     --*)       die "unknown option: $1" ;;
     *)         [[ -n "$BUNDLE" ]] && die "one bundle directory, got also: $1"; BUNDLE="$1"; shift ;;
diff --git a/core/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh b/core/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
index 5f9efa2..cd70ffb 100644
--- a/core/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
+++ b/core/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
@@ -306,6 +306,25 @@ OUT=$(bash "$DETECT" "$REPO/does-not-exist" 2>&1); CODE=$?; ERR=""
 expect_exit 2 && expect_has "not a directory" && ok
 finish
 
+# run_bounded <args...> — runs the script with exactly these arguments and
+# stops it after five seconds, so a regression that loops fails, never hangs
+run_bounded() {
+  local outf pid i; outf=$(mktemp)
+  ( cd "$REPO" && exec bash "$DETECT" "$@" ) > "$outf" 2>&1 &
+  pid=$!
+  for (( i = 0; i < 50; i++ )); do kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null || break; sleep 0.1; done
+  if kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null; then kill "$pid" 2>/dev/null; wait "$pid" 2>/dev/null; CODE=124; else wait "$pid"; CODE=$?; fi
+  OUT=$(cat "$outf"); ERR=""; rm -f "$outf"
+}
+
+ROW=""
+for opt in --files --root --rules --cap --glob --test-re; do
+  begin "$opt without its value is a usage error (exit 2)"
+  run_bounded "$opt"
+  expect_exit 2 && expect_has "$opt needs a value" && ok
+  finish
+done
+
 # ========================= summary =========================
 echo
 echo "ldd-detect_test: $pass passed, $failed failed, $skipped skipped"
diff --git a/core/scripts/ldd-scope.sh b/core/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
index 08cc2ea..17acc26 100755
--- a/core/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
+++ b/core/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
@@ -106,15 +106,18 @@ EXPLICIT=()
 usage() { sed -n '2,/^$/p' "$0" | sed 's/^# \{0,1\}//' >&2; exit 2; }
 die() { echo "$SCRIPT_NAME: $*" >&2; exit 2; }
 
+# value <option> <remaining argument count> — a value-taking option needs one
+value() { (( $2 >= 2 )) || die "$1 needs a value"; }
+
 while (( $# > 0 )); do
   case "$1" in
-    --root)      ROOT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --out)       OUT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --max-lines) MAX_LINES="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --glob)      OPT_GLOB="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --test-re)   OPT_TEST_RE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --lang)      OPT_LANG="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --base)      RUNG="base"; BASE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --root)      value "$1" $#; ROOT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --out)       value "$1" $#; OUT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --max-lines) value "$1" $#; MAX_LINES="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --glob)      value "$1" $#; OPT_GLOB="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --test-re)   value "$1" $#; OPT_TEST_RE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --lang)      value "$1" $#; OPT_LANG="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --base)      value "$1" $#; RUNG="base"; BASE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     --all)       RUNG="all"; shift ;;
     -h|--help)   usage ;;
     --)          shift; while (( $# > 0 )); do EXPLICIT+=("$1"); shift; done ;;
diff --git a/core/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh b/core/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
index 6208c8a..d138e18 100755
--- a/core/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
+++ b/core/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
@@ -352,6 +352,25 @@ expect_exit 0 && expect_flat custom && expect_has "1 files bundled" \
   && [[ "$(cat "$BUNDLE/scope-out/files.txt")" == "$MIXED_D" ]] && ok
 finish
 
+# run_bounded <args...> — runs the script with exactly these arguments and
+# stops it after five seconds, so a regression that loops fails, never hangs
+run_bounded() {
+  local outf pid i; outf=$(mktemp)
+  ( cd "$REPO" && exec bash "$SCOPE_SH" "$@" ) > "$outf" 2>&1 &
+  pid=$!
+  for (( i = 0; i < 50; i++ )); do kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null || break; sleep 0.1; done
+  if kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null; then kill "$pid" 2>/dev/null; wait "$pid" 2>/dev/null; CODE=124; else wait "$pid"; CODE=$?; fi
+  OUT=$(cat "$outf"); ERR=""; rm -f "$outf"
+}
+
+ROW=""
+for opt in --root --out --max-lines --glob --test-re --lang --base; do
+  begin "$opt without its value is a usage error (exit 2)"
+  run_bounded "$opt"
+  expect_exit 2 && expect_has "$opt needs a value" && ok
+  finish
+done
+
 # ========================= summary =========================
 echo
 echo "ldd-scope_test: $pass passed, $failed failed, $skipped skipped"
diff --git a/go-linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md b/go-linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md
index 85e58d0..36bff47 100644
--- a/go-linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/go-linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -31,6 +31,13 @@ Format based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/); versio
   ran. The gap linter's `package-size` measures the same zones for every source
   directory.
 
+### Fixed
+
+- **A value-taking option given last no longer hangs the review scripts.** When
+  `ldd-detect.sh` or `ldd-scope.sh` got an option such as `--root` or `--base` as
+  its last argument, the script looped forever. It now stops with "<option> needs
+  a value" and exit 2, the documented usage error.
+
 ## [2.16.0] - 2026-10-18
 
 ### Changed
diff --git a/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh b/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
index 5a35c59..b4ecc2b 100755
--- a/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
+++ b/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
@@ -82,15 +82,18 @@ BUNDLE=""
 usage() { sed -n '2,/^$/p' "$0" | sed 's/^# \{0,1\}//' >&2; exit 2; }
 die() { echo "$SCRIPT_NAME: $*" >&2; exit 2; }
 
+# value <option> <remaining argument count> — a value-taking option needs one
+value() { (( $2 >= 2 )) || die "$1 needs a value"; }
+
 while (( $# > 0 )); do
   case "$1" in
-    --files)   FILES_LIST="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --root)    ROOT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --rules)   RULES_DIR="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --cap)     CAP="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --files)   value "$1" $#; FILES_LIST="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --root)    value "$1" $#; ROOT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --rules)   value "$1" $#; RULES_DIR="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --cap)     value "$1" $#; CAP="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     --plan)    PLAN=1; shift ;;
-    --glob)    OPT_GLOB="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --test-re) OPT_TEST_RE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --glob)    value "$1" $#; OPT_GLOB="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --test-re) value "$1" $#; OPT_TEST_RE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     -h|--help) usage ;;
     --*)       die "unknown option: $1" ;;
     *)         [[ -n "$BUNDLE" ]] && die "one bundle directory, got also: $1"; BUNDLE="$1"; shift ;;
diff --git a/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh b/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
index 1298962..a1822b0 100644
--- a/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
+++ b/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
@@ -550,6 +550,25 @@ OUT=$(bash "$DETECT" "$REPO/does-not-exist" 2>&1); CODE=$?; ERR=""
 expect_exit 2 && expect_has "not a directory" && ok
 finish
 
+# run_bounded <args...> — runs the script with exactly these arguments and
+# stops it after five seconds, so a regression that loops fails, never hangs
+run_bounded() {
+  local outf pid i; outf=$(mktemp)
+  ( cd "$REPO" && exec bash "$DETECT" "$@" ) > "$outf" 2>&1 &
+  pid=$!
+  for (( i = 0; i < 50; i++ )); do kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null || break; sleep 0.1; done
+  if kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null; then kill "$pid" 2>/dev/null; wait "$pid" 2>/dev/null; CODE=124; else wait "$pid"; CODE=$?; fi
+  OUT=$(cat "$outf"); ERR=""; rm -f "$outf"
+}
+
+ROW=""
+for opt in --files --root --rules --cap --glob --test-re; do
+  begin "$opt without its value is a usage error (exit 2)"
+  run_bounded "$opt"
+  expect_exit 2 && expect_has "$opt needs a value" && ok
+  finish
+done
+
 # ========================= summary =========================
 echo
 echo "ldd-detect_test: $pass passed, $failed failed, $skipped skipped"
diff --git a/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh b/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
index 2c9dfb7..8b0e0e3 100755
--- a/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
+++ b/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
@@ -106,15 +106,18 @@ EXPLICIT=()
 usage() { sed -n '2,/^$/p' "$0" | sed 's/^# \{0,1\}//' >&2; exit 2; }
 die() { echo "$SCRIPT_NAME: $*" >&2; exit 2; }
 
+# value <option> <remaining argument count> — a value-taking option needs one
+value() { (( $2 >= 2 )) || die "$1 needs a value"; }
+
 while (( $# > 0 )); do
   case "$1" in
-    --root)      ROOT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --out)       OUT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --max-lines) MAX_LINES="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --glob)      OPT_GLOB="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --test-re)   OPT_TEST_RE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --lang)      OPT_LANG="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --base)      RUNG="base"; BASE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --root)      value "$1" $#; ROOT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --out)       value "$1" $#; OUT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --max-lines) value "$1" $#; MAX_LINES="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --glob)      value "$1" $#; OPT_GLOB="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --test-re)   value "$1" $#; OPT_TEST_RE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --lang)      value "$1" $#; OPT_LANG="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --base)      value "$1" $#; RUNG="base"; BASE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     --all)       RUNG="all"; shift ;;
     -h|--help)   usage ;;
     --)          shift; while (( $# > 0 )); do EXPLICIT+=("$1"); shift; done ;;
diff --git a/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh b/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
index 473467b..9d7af0c 100755
--- a/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
+++ b/go-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
@@ -596,6 +596,25 @@ expect_exit 0 && expect_flat custom && expect_has "1 files bundled" \
   && [[ "$(cat "$BUNDLE/scope-out/files.txt")" == "$MIXED_D" ]] && ok
 finish
 
+# run_bounded <args...> — runs the script with exactly these arguments and
+# stops it after five seconds, so a regression that loops fails, never hangs
+run_bounded() {
+  local outf pid i; outf=$(mktemp)
+  ( cd "$REPO" && exec bash "$SCOPE_SH" "$@" ) > "$outf" 2>&1 &
+  pid=$!
+  for (( i = 0; i < 50; i++ )); do kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null || break; sleep 0.1; done
+  if kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null; then kill "$pid" 2>/dev/null; wait "$pid" 2>/dev/null; CODE=124; else wait "$pid"; CODE=$?; fi
+  OUT=$(cat "$outf"); ERR=""; rm -f "$outf"
+}
+
+ROW=""
+for opt in --root --out --max-lines --glob --test-re --lang --base; do
+  begin "$opt without its value is a usage error (exit 2)"
+  run_bounded "$opt"
+  expect_exit 2 && expect_has "$opt needs a value" && ok
+  finish
+done
+
 # ========================= summary =========================
 echo
 echo "ldd-scope_test: $pass passed, $failed failed, $skipped skipped"
diff --git a/lang/generic/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md b/lang/generic/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md
index 61df8ec..1befcfe 100644
--- a/lang/generic/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/lang/generic/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -25,6 +25,13 @@ Format based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/); versio
   code lines per file and 8 and 13 files per directory. The package-size
   procedure runs the gap linter in place of a hand-written `find` command.
 
+### Fixed
+
+- **A value-taking option given last no longer hangs the review scripts.** When
+  `ldd-detect.sh` or `ldd-scope.sh` got an option such as `--root` or `--base` as
+  its last argument, the script looped forever. It now stops with "<option> needs
+  a value" and exit 2, the documented usage error.
+
 ## [0.6.0] - 2026-10-18
 
 ### Changed
diff --git a/lang/go/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md b/lang/go/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md
index 85e58d0..36bff47 100644
--- a/lang/go/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/lang/go/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -31,6 +31,13 @@ Format based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/); versio
   ran. The gap linter's `package-size` measures the same zones for every source
   directory.
 
+### Fixed
+
+- **A value-taking option given last no longer hangs the review scripts.** When
+  `ldd-detect.sh` or `ldd-scope.sh` got an option such as `--root` or `--base` as
+  its last argument, the script looped forever. It now stops with "<option> needs
+  a value" and exit 2, the documented usage error.
+
 ## [2.16.0] - 2026-10-18
 
 ### Changed
diff --git a/lang/python/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md b/lang/python/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md
index 4660c68..380c0df 100644
--- a/lang/python/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/lang/python/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -25,6 +25,13 @@ Format based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/); versio
   code lines per file and 8 and 13 files per directory. The package-size
   procedure runs the gap linter in place of a hand-written `find` command.
 
+### Fixed
+
+- **A value-taking option given last no longer hangs the review scripts.** When
+  `ldd-detect.sh` or `ldd-scope.sh` got an option such as `--root` or `--base` as
+  its last argument, the script looped forever. It now stops with "<option> needs
+  a value" and exit 2, the documented usage error.
+
 ## [0.5.0] - 2026-10-18
 
 ### Changed
diff --git a/lang/ts-react/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md b/lang/ts-react/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md
index 1c504f2..d4d78ed 100644
--- a/lang/ts-react/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/lang/ts-react/passthrough/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -25,6 +25,13 @@ Format based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/); versio
   code lines per file and 8 and 13 files per directory. The package-size
   procedure runs the gap linter in place of a hand-written `find` command.
 
+### Fixed
+
+- **A value-taking option given last no longer hangs the review scripts.** When
+  `ldd-detect.sh` or `ldd-scope.sh` got an option such as `--root` or `--base` as
+  its last argument, the script looped forever. It now stops with "<option> needs
+  a value" and exit 2, the documented usage error.
+
 ## [2.1.0] - 2026-10-18
 
 ### Changed
diff --git a/linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md b/linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md
index 61df8ec..1befcfe 100644
--- a/linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -25,6 +25,13 @@ Format based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/); versio
   code lines per file and 8 and 13 files per directory. The package-size
   procedure runs the gap linter in place of a hand-written `find` command.
 
+### Fixed
+
+- **A value-taking option given last no longer hangs the review scripts.** When
+  `ldd-detect.sh` or `ldd-scope.sh` got an option such as `--root` or `--base` as
+  its last argument, the script looped forever. It now stops with "<option> needs
+  a value" and exit 2, the documented usage error.
+
 ## [0.6.0] - 2026-10-18
 
 ### Changed
diff --git a/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh b/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
index 9c24548..69f0836 100755
--- a/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
+++ b/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
@@ -82,15 +82,18 @@ BUNDLE=""
 usage() { sed -n '2,/^$/p' "$0" | sed 's/^# \{0,1\}//' >&2; exit 2; }
 die() { echo "$SCRIPT_NAME: $*" >&2; exit 2; }
 
+# value <option> <remaining argument count> — a value-taking option needs one
+value() { (( $2 >= 2 )) || die "$1 needs a value"; }
+
 while (( $# > 0 )); do
   case "$1" in
-    --files)   FILES_LIST="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --root)    ROOT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --rules)   RULES_DIR="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --cap)     CAP="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --files)   value "$1" $#; FILES_LIST="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --root)    value "$1" $#; ROOT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --rules)   value "$1" $#; RULES_DIR="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --cap)     value "$1" $#; CAP="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     --plan)    PLAN=1; shift ;;
-    --glob)    OPT_GLOB="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --test-re) OPT_TEST_RE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --glob)    value "$1" $#; OPT_GLOB="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --test-re) value "$1" $#; OPT_TEST_RE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     -h|--help) usage ;;
     --*)       die "unknown option: $1" ;;
     *)         [[ -n "$BUNDLE" ]] && die "one bundle directory, got also: $1"; BUNDLE="$1"; shift ;;
diff --git a/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh b/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
index 957b5d2..8e1c887 100644
--- a/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
+++ b/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
@@ -611,6 +611,25 @@ OUT=$(bash "$DETECT" "$REPO/does-not-exist" 2>&1); CODE=$?; ERR=""
 expect_exit 2 && expect_has "not a directory" && ok
 finish
 
+# run_bounded <args...> — runs the script with exactly these arguments and
+# stops it after five seconds, so a regression that loops fails, never hangs
+run_bounded() {
+  local outf pid i; outf=$(mktemp)
+  ( cd "$REPO" && exec bash "$DETECT" "$@" ) > "$outf" 2>&1 &
+  pid=$!
+  for (( i = 0; i < 50; i++ )); do kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null || break; sleep 0.1; done
+  if kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null; then kill "$pid" 2>/dev/null; wait "$pid" 2>/dev/null; CODE=124; else wait "$pid"; CODE=$?; fi
+  OUT=$(cat "$outf"); ERR=""; rm -f "$outf"
+}
+
+ROW=""
+for opt in --files --root --rules --cap --glob --test-re; do
+  begin "$opt without its value is a usage error (exit 2)"
+  run_bounded "$opt"
+  expect_exit 2 && expect_has "$opt needs a value" && ok
+  finish
+done
+
 # ========================= summary =========================
 echo
 echo "ldd-detect_test: $pass passed, $failed failed, $skipped skipped"
diff --git a/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh b/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
index 58bbf1d..55b12f8 100755
--- a/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
+++ b/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
@@ -106,15 +106,18 @@ EXPLICIT=()
 usage() { sed -n '2,/^$/p' "$0" | sed 's/^# \{0,1\}//' >&2; exit 2; }
 die() { echo "$SCRIPT_NAME: $*" >&2; exit 2; }
 
+# value <option> <remaining argument count> — a value-taking option needs one
+value() { (( $2 >= 2 )) || die "$1 needs a value"; }
+
 while (( $# > 0 )); do
   case "$1" in
-    --root)      ROOT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --out)       OUT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --max-lines) MAX_LINES="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --glob)      OPT_GLOB="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --test-re)   OPT_TEST_RE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --lang)      OPT_LANG="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --base)      RUNG="base"; BASE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --root)      value "$1" $#; ROOT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --out)       value "$1" $#; OUT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --max-lines) value "$1" $#; MAX_LINES="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --glob)      value "$1" $#; OPT_GLOB="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --test-re)   value "$1" $#; OPT_TEST_RE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --lang)      value "$1" $#; OPT_LANG="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --base)      value "$1" $#; RUNG="base"; BASE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     --all)       RUNG="all"; shift ;;
     -h|--help)   usage ;;
     --)          shift; while (( $# > 0 )); do EXPLICIT+=("$1"); shift; done ;;
diff --git a/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh b/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
index 3d4b0f8..fe40f58 100755
--- a/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
+++ b/linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
@@ -657,6 +657,25 @@ expect_exit 0 && expect_flat custom && expect_has "1 files bundled" \
   && [[ "$(cat "$BUNDLE/scope-out/files.txt")" == "$MIXED_D" ]] && ok
 finish
 
+# run_bounded <args...> — runs the script with exactly these arguments and
+# stops it after five seconds, so a regression that loops fails, never hangs
+run_bounded() {
+  local outf pid i; outf=$(mktemp)
+  ( cd "$REPO" && exec bash "$SCOPE_SH" "$@" ) > "$outf" 2>&1 &
+  pid=$!
+  for (( i = 0; i < 50; i++ )); do kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null || break; sleep 0.1; done
+  if kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null; then kill "$pid" 2>/dev/null; wait "$pid" 2>/dev/null; CODE=124; else wait "$pid"; CODE=$?; fi
+  OUT=$(cat "$outf"); ERR=""; rm -f "$outf"
+}
+
+ROW=""
+for opt in --root --out --max-lines --glob --test-re --lang --base; do
+  begin "$opt without its value is a usage error (exit 2)"
+  run_bounded "$opt"
+  expect_exit 2 && expect_has "$opt needs a value" && ok
+  finish
+done
+
 # ========================= summary =========================
 echo
 echo "ldd-scope_test: $pass passed, $failed failed, $skipped skipped"
diff --git a/python-linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md b/python-linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md
index 4660c68..380c0df 100644
--- a/python-linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/python-linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -25,6 +25,13 @@ Format based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/); versio
   code lines per file and 8 and 13 files per directory. The package-size
   procedure runs the gap linter in place of a hand-written `find` command.
 
+### Fixed
+
+- **A value-taking option given last no longer hangs the review scripts.** When
+  `ldd-detect.sh` or `ldd-scope.sh` got an option such as `--root` or `--base` as
+  its last argument, the script looped forever. It now stops with "<option> needs
+  a value" and exit 2, the documented usage error.
+
 ## [0.5.0] - 2026-10-18
 
 ### Changed
diff --git a/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh b/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
index cf21de9..2d704b3 100755
--- a/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
+++ b/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
@@ -82,15 +82,18 @@ BUNDLE=""
 usage() { sed -n '2,/^$/p' "$0" | sed 's/^# \{0,1\}//' >&2; exit 2; }
 die() { echo "$SCRIPT_NAME: $*" >&2; exit 2; }
 
+# value <option> <remaining argument count> — a value-taking option needs one
+value() { (( $2 >= 2 )) || die "$1 needs a value"; }
+
 while (( $# > 0 )); do
   case "$1" in
-    --files)   FILES_LIST="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --root)    ROOT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --rules)   RULES_DIR="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --cap)     CAP="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --files)   value "$1" $#; FILES_LIST="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --root)    value "$1" $#; ROOT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --rules)   value "$1" $#; RULES_DIR="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --cap)     value "$1" $#; CAP="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     --plan)    PLAN=1; shift ;;
-    --glob)    OPT_GLOB="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --test-re) OPT_TEST_RE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --glob)    value "$1" $#; OPT_GLOB="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --test-re) value "$1" $#; OPT_TEST_RE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     -h|--help) usage ;;
     --*)       die "unknown option: $1" ;;
     *)         [[ -n "$BUNDLE" ]] && die "one bundle directory, got also: $1"; BUNDLE="$1"; shift ;;
diff --git a/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh b/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
index 9c5b4db..941acf9 100644
--- a/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
+++ b/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
@@ -544,6 +544,25 @@ OUT=$(bash "$DETECT" "$REPO/does-not-exist" 2>&1); CODE=$?; ERR=""
 expect_exit 2 && expect_has "not a directory" && ok
 finish
 
+# run_bounded <args...> — runs the script with exactly these arguments and
+# stops it after five seconds, so a regression that loops fails, never hangs
+run_bounded() {
+  local outf pid i; outf=$(mktemp)
+  ( cd "$REPO" && exec bash "$DETECT" "$@" ) > "$outf" 2>&1 &
+  pid=$!
+  for (( i = 0; i < 50; i++ )); do kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null || break; sleep 0.1; done
+  if kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null; then kill "$pid" 2>/dev/null; wait "$pid" 2>/dev/null; CODE=124; else wait "$pid"; CODE=$?; fi
+  OUT=$(cat "$outf"); ERR=""; rm -f "$outf"
+}
+
+ROW=""
+for opt in --files --root --rules --cap --glob --test-re; do
+  begin "$opt without its value is a usage error (exit 2)"
+  run_bounded "$opt"
+  expect_exit 2 && expect_has "$opt needs a value" && ok
+  finish
+done
+
 # ========================= summary =========================
 echo
 echo "ldd-detect_test: $pass passed, $failed failed, $skipped skipped"
diff --git a/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh b/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
index 754de40..c0717d4 100755
--- a/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
+++ b/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
@@ -106,15 +106,18 @@ EXPLICIT=()
 usage() { sed -n '2,/^$/p' "$0" | sed 's/^# \{0,1\}//' >&2; exit 2; }
 die() { echo "$SCRIPT_NAME: $*" >&2; exit 2; }
 
+# value <option> <remaining argument count> — a value-taking option needs one
+value() { (( $2 >= 2 )) || die "$1 needs a value"; }
+
 while (( $# > 0 )); do
   case "$1" in
-    --root)      ROOT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --out)       OUT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --max-lines) MAX_LINES="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --glob)      OPT_GLOB="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --test-re)   OPT_TEST_RE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --lang)      OPT_LANG="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --base)      RUNG="base"; BASE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --root)      value "$1" $#; ROOT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --out)       value "$1" $#; OUT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --max-lines) value "$1" $#; MAX_LINES="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --glob)      value "$1" $#; OPT_GLOB="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --test-re)   value "$1" $#; OPT_TEST_RE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --lang)      value "$1" $#; OPT_LANG="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --base)      value "$1" $#; RUNG="base"; BASE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     --all)       RUNG="all"; shift ;;
     -h|--help)   usage ;;
     --)          shift; while (( $# > 0 )); do EXPLICIT+=("$1"); shift; done ;;
diff --git a/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh b/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
index 8076a3a..c3c837f 100755
--- a/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
+++ b/python-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
@@ -590,6 +590,25 @@ expect_exit 0 && expect_flat custom && expect_has "1 files bundled" \
   && [[ "$(cat "$BUNDLE/scope-out/files.txt")" == "$MIXED_D" ]] && ok
 finish
 
+# run_bounded <args...> — runs the script with exactly these arguments and
+# stops it after five seconds, so a regression that loops fails, never hangs
+run_bounded() {
+  local outf pid i; outf=$(mktemp)
+  ( cd "$REPO" && exec bash "$SCOPE_SH" "$@" ) > "$outf" 2>&1 &
+  pid=$!
+  for (( i = 0; i < 50; i++ )); do kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null || break; sleep 0.1; done
+  if kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null; then kill "$pid" 2>/dev/null; wait "$pid" 2>/dev/null; CODE=124; else wait "$pid"; CODE=$?; fi
+  OUT=$(cat "$outf"); ERR=""; rm -f "$outf"
+}
+
+ROW=""
+for opt in --root --out --max-lines --glob --test-re --lang --base; do
+  begin "$opt without its value is a usage error (exit 2)"
+  run_bounded "$opt"
+  expect_exit 2 && expect_has "$opt needs a value" && ok
+  finish
+done
+
 # ========================= summary =========================
 echo
 echo "ldd-scope_test: $pass passed, $failed failed, $skipped skipped"
diff --git a/ts-react-linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md b/ts-react-linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md
index 1c504f2..d4d78ed 100644
--- a/ts-react-linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/ts-react-linter-driven-development/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -25,6 +25,13 @@ Format based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/); versio
   code lines per file and 8 and 13 files per directory. The package-size
   procedure runs the gap linter in place of a hand-written `find` command.
 
+### Fixed
+
+- **A value-taking option given last no longer hangs the review scripts.** When
+  `ldd-detect.sh` or `ldd-scope.sh` got an option such as `--root` or `--base` as
+  its last argument, the script looped forever. It now stops with "<option> needs
+  a value" and exit 2, the documented usage error.
+
 ## [2.1.0] - 2026-10-18
 
 ### Changed
diff --git a/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh b/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
index 49a9272..7e35d2a 100755
--- a/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
+++ b/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect.sh
@@ -82,15 +82,18 @@ BUNDLE=""
 usage() { sed -n '2,/^$/p' "$0" | sed 's/^# \{0,1\}//' >&2; exit 2; }
 die() { echo "$SCRIPT_NAME: $*" >&2; exit 2; }
 
+# value <option> <remaining argument count> — a value-taking option needs one
+value() { (( $2 >= 2 )) || die "$1 needs a value"; }
+
 while (( $# > 0 )); do
   case "$1" in
-    --files)   FILES_LIST="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --root)    ROOT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --rules)   RULES_DIR="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --cap)     CAP="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --files)   value "$1" $#; FILES_LIST="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --root)    value "$1" $#; ROOT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --rules)   value "$1" $#; RULES_DIR="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --cap)     value "$1" $#; CAP="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     --plan)    PLAN=1; shift ;;
-    --glob)    OPT_GLOB="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --test-re) OPT_TEST_RE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --glob)    value "$1" $#; OPT_GLOB="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --test-re) value "$1" $#; OPT_TEST_RE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     -h|--help) usage ;;
     --*)       die "unknown option: $1" ;;
     *)         [[ -n "$BUNDLE" ]] && die "one bundle directory, got also: $1"; BUNDLE="$1"; shift ;;
diff --git a/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh b/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
index 6fac5d8..a4aa109 100644
--- a/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
+++ b/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-detect_test.sh
@@ -548,6 +548,25 @@ OUT=$(bash "$DETECT" "$REPO/does-not-exist" 2>&1); CODE=$?; ERR=""
 expect_exit 2 && expect_has "not a directory" && ok
 finish
 
+# run_bounded <args...> — runs the script with exactly these arguments and
+# stops it after five seconds, so a regression that loops fails, never hangs
+run_bounded() {
+  local outf pid i; outf=$(mktemp)
+  ( cd "$REPO" && exec bash "$DETECT" "$@" ) > "$outf" 2>&1 &
+  pid=$!
+  for (( i = 0; i < 50; i++ )); do kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null || break; sleep 0.1; done
+  if kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null; then kill "$pid" 2>/dev/null; wait "$pid" 2>/dev/null; CODE=124; else wait "$pid"; CODE=$?; fi
+  OUT=$(cat "$outf"); ERR=""; rm -f "$outf"
+}
+
+ROW=""
+for opt in --files --root --rules --cap --glob --test-re; do
+  begin "$opt without its value is a usage error (exit 2)"
+  run_bounded "$opt"
+  expect_exit 2 && expect_has "$opt needs a value" && ok
+  finish
+done
+
 # ========================= summary =========================
 echo
 echo "ldd-detect_test: $pass passed, $failed failed, $skipped skipped"
diff --git a/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh b/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
index a0935a8..0a64212 100755
--- a/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
+++ b/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope.sh
@@ -106,15 +106,18 @@ EXPLICIT=()
 usage() { sed -n '2,/^$/p' "$0" | sed 's/^# \{0,1\}//' >&2; exit 2; }
 die() { echo "$SCRIPT_NAME: $*" >&2; exit 2; }
 
+# value <option> <remaining argument count> — a value-taking option needs one
+value() { (( $2 >= 2 )) || die "$1 needs a value"; }
+
 while (( $# > 0 )); do
   case "$1" in
-    --root)      ROOT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --out)       OUT="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --max-lines) MAX_LINES="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --glob)      OPT_GLOB="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --test-re)   OPT_TEST_RE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --lang)      OPT_LANG="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
-    --base)      RUNG="base"; BASE="${2:-}"; shift 2 ;;
+    --root)      value "$1" $#; ROOT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --out)       value "$1" $#; OUT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --max-lines) value "$1" $#; MAX_LINES="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --glob)      value "$1" $#; OPT_GLOB="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --test-re)   value "$1" $#; OPT_TEST_RE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --lang)      value "$1" $#; OPT_LANG="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+    --base)      value "$1" $#; RUNG="base"; BASE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     --all)       RUNG="all"; shift ;;
     -h|--help)   usage ;;
     --)          shift; while (( $# > 0 )); do EXPLICIT+=("$1"); shift; done ;;
diff --git a/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh b/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
index d7c1cba..560308a 100755
--- a/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
+++ b/ts-react-linter-driven-development/scripts/ldd-scope_test.sh
@@ -594,6 +594,25 @@ expect_exit 0 && expect_flat custom && expect_has "1 files bundled" \
   && [[ "$(cat "$BUNDLE/scope-out/files.txt")" == "$MIXED_D" ]] && ok
 finish
 
+# run_bounded <args...> — runs the script with exactly these arguments and
+# stops it after five seconds, so a regression that loops fails, never hangs
+run_bounded() {
+  local outf pid i; outf=$(mktemp)
+  ( cd "$REPO" && exec bash "$SCOPE_SH" "$@" ) > "$outf" 2>&1 &
+  pid=$!
+  for (( i = 0; i < 50; i++ )); do kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null || break; sleep 0.1; done
+  if kill -0 "$pid" 2>/dev/null; then kill "$pid" 2>/dev/null; wait "$pid" 2>/dev/null; CODE=124; else wait "$pid"; CODE=$?; fi
+  OUT=$(cat "$outf"); ERR=""; rm -f "$outf"
+}
+
+ROW=""
+for opt in --root --out --max-lines --glob --test-re --lang --base; do
+  begin "$opt without its value is a usage error (exit 2)"
+  run_bounded "$opt"
+  expect_exit 2 && expect_has "$opt needs a value" && ok
+  finish
+done
+
 # ========================= summary =========================
 echo
 echo "ldd-scope_test: $pass passed, $failed failed, $skipped skipped"