Category Archives: Television

The Top 10 Television Series of 2012

27 Thursday Dec 2012

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It took long enough, but I’m finally back with something new. I couldn’t let 2012 go without weighing in on the year in television with my top 10 shows of the year. Just like last year the list is a combination of best (what I consider to be objective) and favorite (my subjective view). I’d argue I watch a lot of television, but there’s no way I can watch everything. Some shows that may have been up for consideration I simply cannot speak on because I’ve never seen them. If there was an overall theme in television in 2012 it would be that there were many quality shows, but the overall quality was a little bit down from a year ago. Nearly every show on this list was not quite as good as its previous season. Still, 2012 made for a great year of television.

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Thoughts on Season 3 of ‘Justified’

11 Wednesday Apr 2012

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***WARNING: SPOILERS ABOUND***

When season three of FX’s “Justified” premiered this January it had some big shoes to fill – both in the cast and story – after the series’ tremendous breakout second season. What I am referring to here is the absence of Margo Martindale and her portrayal of Mags Bennett, a role that won Martindale an Emmy for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. With Mags and the rest of the Bennett family dead or incarcerated, “Justified” had a void needing to be filled.  Continue reading →

Reviewing Season 2 of ‘The Walking Dead’

21 Wednesday Mar 2012

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***WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD***

If I had to use one word to describe my feelings on season 2 of AMC’s massively popular series “The Walking Dead,” that word would be: frustrated. Through 19 episodes “The Walking Dead” has been more bad than good. Like the characters on the show holding out hope for a life rid of fear of getting eaten alive, I hold out hope the writers will figure it out. It’s not that I’m on the verge of dropping the show (*). There’s enough to like. But I have big issues with season two. There was the slogging plot, but by far the most critical problem is the characters. By and large, they’re idiots. By and large, I don’t really care about their survival. By and large, they’re inconsistent. Continue reading →

Thoughts on “Parenthood” Season 3

29 Wednesday Feb 2012

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The members of the Braverman family on “Parenthood” have nice lives for the most part. Sure, they have their struggles, but things usually work out one way or another in the end. It’s a positive, feel-good show. When “Parenthood” is at its best, the paths the characters take to get to that “good” place are compelling and realistic (enough). Where the show falters sometimes is when the characters go through unnatural paths – not true to the character or story. Furthermore, things can turn out a little too good for too many characters. As a viewer, I feel connected to the Bravermans, but I also want a sense of realism. As viewers, we’re supposed to root for the family to succeed – and because the family is made up of good/decent people I, for one, usually do. With that said I feel the last stretch of episodes this season, the last four specifically, had too many “things work out in the end” moments. In addition, those moments weren’t developed convincingly or authentically (in some cases) and I found myself not necessarily rooting for the Bravermans in certain instances.

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“Arrested Development”: Another Signal of Return

30 Monday Jan 2012

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Over the weekend “Arrested Development” Executive Producer Dean Lorey posted the following on his website:

We’re really doing this thing.  Mitch Hurwitz, Jim Vallely and I are off writing the new season of ARRESTED to premiere on Netflix in 2013.  The original cast is back.  There are offices and parking spaces.  We’re shooting this year.  I wish I could give more specifics but, for the moment, even the schedule is being kept under wraps.  But it’s happening and it’s great to be back with my pals from the show.  More later as it becomes okay to release further details… Continue reading →

TV FYI: ‘Justified’ Season 3 Premiere

17 Tuesday Jan 2012

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“Justified” returns tonight on FX at 10 PM (could be a different time depending on provider). In 2011, “Justified” was one of the top 10 television series of the year for me. Following a decent yet unremarkable first season the series took a leap in its second season. I’d consider it among the best dramas on television today. Continue reading →

TV FYI: ’30 Rock’ Returns Tonight

12 Thursday Jan 2012

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Tonight marks the return of one of television’s best comedies (a show I had in my top 10 last year) in “30 Rock.” A network series premiering its sixth season isn’t necessarily huge news but “30 Rock” wasn’t on NBC’s fall lineup and hasn’t aired a new episode since last May. So, I want to pass along the news that the first new episode in a while is airing tonight at 8:00 PM on NBC for those who may not be aware and are interested in watching. I could be wrong, but I believe the entire season will air straight through (meaning no repeats).

I’m looking forward to seeing what “30 Rock” has in store for us in its sixth season including the guest stars they have lined up (the show integrates its guest stars incredibly well). I’m confident “30 Rock” will start out of the gate strong as usual.

“30 Rock” Promo:

P.S. “Parks and Recreation” (TV’s best comedy in my opinion) also returns tonight after the holiday break. Oh, and so do “The Office” and “Up All Night” (two shows I’m indifferent about at this point). All on NBC. If only “Community” was in this block too. Alas.

TV Suggestion: “Angry Boys”

01 Sunday Jan 2012

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Happy New Year!

If anyone is looking for a new TV show to watch, I suggest checking out “Angry Boys” which premieres tonight on HBO at 7 PM (or 10 PM depending on provider, I believe). Two episodes are airing tonight. It is created by Chris Lilley of “Summer Heights High” which aired on HBO a few years ago. I really enjoyed that. “Angry Boys” looks very much in line with “Summer Heights High.” This show won’t be for everyone, but if you like ridiculousness in your comedy and/or “mockumentary” style it’s worth a watch in my opinion.

Here is a trailer for “Angry Boys”:

The Top 10 Television Series of 2011

29 Thursday Dec 2011

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There are some things I need to layout about my television series top 10 (and more) of 2011. First and foremost, there was only so much television I could watch. As much as I would have liked to watch TV anytime I pleased, I didn’t have that luxury. So, time and life stopped me from watching everything I wanted. I did watch quite a bit this year though. Additionally, I feel fairly confident that I am in tune with what critics and audiences alike are watching these days and what is considered to be quality television. For instance if I had Showtime, I’m pretty sure that “Homeland” would be on my top 10 list. As for the list itself, I think of it as a combination of best (objective) and favorite (subjective). It’s not a perfect way of comprising a list, but it’s what I feel is most appropriate. Lastly, if there is a television series on this list that you are not caught up on I suggest skipping or treading lightly over the bit on that particular show because it may contain spoilers or hints. If I was faced with that situation, I would gloss over those sections (but that’s just me). Anyway, I think 2011 was a good year for television in general and I hope you enjoy the list. Thanks! Continue reading →