Wow. Another year has passed already. Time flies when there are so many amazing shows on television. Here are my top 10 shows for the year.
1- Lost – This is the best show ever! I’ve never been so passionate about a show before (and I’m passionate about them all). The brilliance of Lost isn’t the crazy where the hell are they storyline. The brilliance comes from the fact that even though this may be the most epic, mind boggling serialized show in history, each episode feels self contained due to the focus on one characters flashback (or flash forward) storyline. Lost climbed back to the top of everyone’s must watch list in its fourth season, after what some describe as a lackluster third season, although in my opinion the show has always been incredible. I do agree that the fourth season was perhaps the best one so far. The only reason Lost was derided for its third season was because audiences were getting frustrated with the lack of answers forthcoming. My question is why? Why would anyone be in such a rush to find out exactly what is going on? As soon as the answers are given, the series is over. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll gladly wait to find out as long as every episode continues to be outstanding (and they will be). 34 more episodes left to go and I will be glued to my television for every single one.
2- The Shield – This landmark series recently ended its 8 season run with one of the greatest finales in the history of television. This show never lagged in quality throughout its entire run and each episode twisted and turned in directions that I never saw coming. Michael Chiklis found the role of a lifetime as Vic Mackey and I will miss this deeply evil character.
3- Dexter – What can you say about a show that makes you like and root for a serial killer? This is another show that twists and turns in ways that are unimaginable. Sure I could guess that Dexter’s friendship with Miguel Prado (the sublimely brilliant Jimmy Smits) was going to end with Dexter killing him, but I could’ve never guessed how the show would get there. Michael C. Hall is fantastic in the lead role and deserves to win the Golden Globe award.
4- Eli Stone – This show deserved better. The fact that it has been cancelled is ridiculous. How many other lawyer shows feature a main character that is a prophet and chooses his cases based on visions from God? How many other shows can successfully marry law and relationship drama, comedy and song and dance numbers? The answer is none. Eli you will be sorely missed.
5- Survivor – The granddaddy of all reality shows is still the very best. Survivor now in it’s… I don’t know… 35th season is still compelling television. Jeff Probst is by far the best reality show host. If this show is still on when I’m 90, I’ll be watching.
6- Supernatural – When this show started out, it truly was a monster of the week show. It has evolved over the years into an epic battle of good versus evil, with the Winchester brothers trying to save the world from Armageddon and the return of Lucifer. Epic stuff. I only hope that the CW continues to give this ratings deprived show a home. Combined with the newly energized, Smallville (now in its eighth and best season), the CW has the best sci-fi lineup on television right now.
7- 30 Rock and The Office – Easily the best comedy block on television, although they are not for everyone. The Office deftly handles uncomfortable situation humor while 30 Rock handles screw ball humor with much finesse. Much adoration has been bestowed upon 30 Rock creator/writer/actress/producer Tina Fey and she deserves every last bit of it. The show is ludicrously hysterical with more funny lines then you could possibly catch in one viewing and is anchored by an amazing cast led by Alec Baldwin. This is the funniest show since Fox’s short lived Arrested Development (possibly the funniest show ever). The Office on the other hand is almost as good. Steve Carell’s Michael Scott continues to be one of the biggest asses on television and Carell plays him to great comic effect.
8- Fringe – This is the only freshman series to make my list and it truly deserves to be here. Fringe is imaginative, creepy, funny, suspenseful and disturbing all at the same time. The cast is terrific, especially John Noble, who’s mad scientist is a cross between Dr. Frankenstein and a curious 12 year old. In time, Fringe will be a worthy successor to The X-Files.
9- Californication – Speaking of The X-Files, David Duchovny sheds any trace of Fox Mulder in this Showtime comedy. Duchovny plays Hank Moody, a writer who is on a constant merry go round of sex, drugs and booze all the while taking care of his teenage daughter and pining for his ex lover. It is a virtuoso performance that keeps you coming back for more.
10- How I Met Your Mother – Three words. Neil Patrick Harris. He is hysterical as the womanizing Barney, as is the rest of the cast. This show can be downright silly at times, but never fails to make me laugh. I just hope we get to meet the mother of the title before CBS decides to drop the axe.
Those are in my opinion, the best shows of the year. I’d love to hear which shows you enjoyed in 2008, so please feel free to air your opinion.