All TV mentioned on here is MUST WATCH. As in, go to your nearest JB, Big W, or wherever and buy it. If you can't find it there? Buy it on Amazon. Help me get a job later in my life.
In what really has been a rather garbage season of TV this year, there certainly has been a few gems that have stuck their heads up craving attention. Unfortunately, the shows craving the attention either didn't get what they deserved and have suffered (cancellation) or aren't getting enough. These selections are in no particular order; except for Terriers which was hands down the best piece of television this year. This list is rather short, as I've got some big stuff that needs doing before the year goes out. Here goes!
The Best
Terriers
It was one of the saddest moments in television when the small but strong audience of followers for Terriers received the news that it's first season would be it's only season. But, my god was it a superb 13 episodes we were treated to. The mix of charm, humour and heart all came together in such a powerful way that the show became a testament to the beautiful work from the cast of Donal Logue (Hank) and Michael Raymond-James (Britt) who have some of the best on screen chemistry I've ever seen, the crew who brought San Diego to life, the writers who crafted a magnificent mix of standalone and serialised stories and creator Ted Griffin for making such an excellent show.
I think what made this show special to myself, is that so early on in the series, I cried after some really emotionally powerful stuff between Hank and Katie. I emailed and blogged about why Terriers needed to stay on air. It was all in vein, but I know that I've still got 13 episodes to go to enjoy, cry, laugh and smile along with such a fantastic series.
Parks and Recreation
Never have I seen such a radical improvement from season to season. If you've heard of this show, the initial reception to it's first 6 episode season was rather lukewarm, with people not finding the funny, the character interesting or the stories valuable. However, the second season completely changed everything and what we were shown was a show that contained revamped characters, stories and jokes that were infinitely more stronger.
Rather than focus on one overall problem for the Parks and Recreation department to solve, the shows focus turned to it's characters, all of which received a superb improvement backed by some hilarious acting, in particular, Parks and Recreation's ace up the sleeve, Ron Swanson, made everything better. By redirecting it's focus, Parks quickly became one of the funniest comedies of the last year; an absolute must watch.
Community
I'm proud to have been a member of the Community fan club from it's premiere episode last year. From there, the characters and stories have never faltered, all bouncing off one another, and building relationships and stories that are so damn funny, heart-breaking and heart-warming. The tail end of season one offered up the infamous painball episode which was by far one of the best pieces of television I've ever seen. And in it's sophomore season, it offered a bleak (ZING) look at how alcohol ain't the best thing ever, an episode that acts as a homage to conspiracy theories and Arrested Development, a Mean Girls reference heavy episode and it's Christmas animation special was so damn warped and ripped so hard on Lost, I was jumping out of my chair screaming "Snap!"
I think that's what makes me love this show so much, is that it references everything so brilliantly, it's like having my own little joke with a close friend that only the two of us know about. That kind of audience development is a great thing. Community is a comedy that has heart, cast and stories of absolute gold.
Fringe
It took me a while to get into Fringe, the pilot deterred me from getting into it, but I sat through the first season, and watched it develop into such a magnificent sci-fi drama. The close of season two and the opening of season three opened up such a thought-provoking story that I had no idea where the writers were going to take the series. I had a helluva lot of fun watching this and wondering where they would go or which universe we'd see this week. John Noble's turn as Walter is absolutely stunning, actually, my hat off to the entire cast juggling two completely different personalties between the universes.
The show recently moved to the Friday night in the US, which isn't a good sign, however, I believe that it's viewers will keep watching. The writers severed the universes ties a few weeks ago in awesome fashion and I know it's not the end of Walternate, but what has made this show such a joy to watch is it's ability to keep it's audience guessing and thoroughly creeped out and entertained. Long live Sci-fi!
Modern Family
The second season has lacked a bit of the funny from the first, but some of the latest episodes have had some hilarious moments tied together with some great character bits. I love that we're watching the cast evolve, and they all work together like a well oiled machine. I mean, Phil going nuts at a perfume salesman screaming "MEN!" is great or the Dunphy household going on a technology ban and Manny's attempt to have a childhood? Just fantastic stuff.
The show occasionally suffers from delivering it's message a little too straightforward or cliched, but you still get a nice feeling from watching it (it does a better job of it than other certain shows. Like, Glee). But I think if the show's tag can end with you smiling, laughing and reliving the moments you've just seen, isn't that kind of what a Modern Family should be doing?
Shows I know I'm fucking missing and I'll watch them when I have damn time - get off my back:
Mad Men
Boardwalk Empire Friday
Night Lights
Merry Christmas everyone!
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