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shadowkatOkay, now that I've finished watching most of the 2012-2013 tv series, with the exception of Parade's End, Mad Men, and Defiance, which continue to sit on DVR, I can give a somewhat plausible opinion on the best and worst series of the season, or rather what I recommend and will continue watching, and what I don't or won't continue with. Please keep in mind while reading this post that television watching is a subjective sport and mileage does vary. I'll try to give you enough info, briefly to know whether or not you should bother, and why I liked or disliked said series. Also, not a fan of certain types of tv series - documentary style comedies (I don't like watching interviews - it's why I don't like documentaries or reality series, particularly fake interviews), parodies, over-the-top satire, and procedurals with few exceptions. Plus when it comes to sci-fi - I am insanely picky. Gothic fantasy, not so much.
Best or tv series I recommend in no particular order. (Basically in the order that I remember them)
1. New series or series that did not exist prior to August 2012.
* BBC America Copper - this is a series set in the 1800s, right at the end of the Civil War, in Five Points NYC, focusing on an Irish homicide detective and his two pals, an black physician, and an upper-crust son of a politician. The series is high on atmosphere and by the same guys who did Homicide Life on the Streets. Reminds me a little of that series. It's on BBC America. Takes a while to get into, but has plenty of clever plot-twists and is high on character development. Also clearly the writers have done their research and want to get every gritty detail right. Think The Alchemist but by way of a tv series. If you like historical police procedurals, that are serialized, with plot twists, subtle and witty dialogue, and character driven - this is for you. If not, skip.
* ABC Nashville - a serial about the Nashville music industry. Has a few soap opera cliches in there, but no more than most. And is not quite as insanely soapy as Grey's Anatomy, Scandel, or Smash. The series is run by the writer of Thelm and Louise (and you can tell) and music producer T Bone Burnett. The music is stellar and written by various musicians including Elvis Costello. It has musical numbers and performances that fit organically within the series as a whole. The plot is about two rival female country music stars, and those who come into contact with them and their careers in the music industry, and/or in Nashville. It is melodramatic and soapy in places, but far more subdued than Dallas or again Scandal. In short, it isn't quite as silly and ludicrous in it's plots and you can see the logical evolution. Plus, it actually surprised me in places. And there are great performances throughout.
* CBS - Elementary - most interesting cop procedural seen in a while, but I also have had a crush on the character of Sherlock Holmes since I was 14, so there is that. It helps that I like all of the actors involved, including Aidan Quinn (who portrays the Inspector/Sgt and Sherlock's friend - who is an actor I adore), Johnny Lee Miller (adored him since Hackers and Trainspotting), and Lucy Liu (favorite from Kill Bill and Lipstick Jungle). The series is a nice twist on the original Sherlock - in that both Moriarity and Watson are women. It sort of takes the chauvinism and dated misogyny out of the series - something no one else has managed to accomplish to date. It's also made Watson smart and more of an equal than a sidekick and Sherlock more fallible.
* CW - Arrow a twist on the superhero tale. Or closer to the vision of the Dark Knight series, than say Smallville or the Marvel flicks. Tighter plotted. Strong and savvy female characters, and insanely complex villains and heros. It's about Green Arrow - and the story splits between Arrow's origin tale or why/how he became the Arrow. It's also an interesting examination of the pros and cons of vigilantism and class war. In short, a superhero series with something to say - a rarity that. Also an interesting discourse on violence and what it does to people, and how the best of intentions often end badly.
* BBC America Orphan Black - a rip-roaring sci-fi Series that had me on the edge of my armchair throughout. In places brilliantly acted. Does have a bit of a weak link in Dylan Bruce who plays the heroine's boy friend (Paul). But everyone else, stellar. It's filmed in Toronto and takes place there. Humorous in places, thrilling in others. Sarah Manning, a street punk trying to get her life in shape, watches a woman who looks exactly like her jump in front of a train - and decides to take over her life...much chaos and twists ensue.
*PBS - Call the Midwife - about a bunch of midwives working for the National Health Agency during the 1950s in London's East End. Well-acted, directed and written. If a bit melodramatic at times.
* PBS - Bletchy Girls - a three episode series about female code-breakers who reunite in the 1950s to solve the mystery of a serial rapist/killer. A bit gruesome and dreary in places, but well written overall.
2. Returning Series:
* Once Upon a Time = second season is actually more interesting and better than the first. We have the introduction of several new characters or rather the reintroduction of existing supporting characters in a stronger role. The new characters are better acted and more interesting than some of the exiting characters from the previous season. Also has some interesting twists on existing fairy tales and expands the universe to include all stories, specifically those that are in the public domain or Disney has the copyright too. The writers continue to mock the Disnified versions or provide their own decidedly dark twist. In particular Peter Pan, The Miller's Daughter (aka Rumplestilskin), Jack in the Beanstalk,
and Sleeping Beauty. This is a twisty series similar to Lost, except in respect to fairy tales and a sense of fun. While flawed in places, if you don't take it too seriously and have a sense of fun (ie leave the nitpicker at home), it's a fun ride. Favorite new characters? Hook and Neal Cassidy. (ABC)
* The Good Wife - a twisty and subtle new season that had a lot of misleads. Did start out a bit slow and had some problems regarding Kalinda's arc, but once it refocused its energies on Alicia and the political gamemanship of the firm, the series became reenergized. Eli - still needs to be more than comic relief. But the Will/Alicia relationship had an interesting and somewhat unexpected result. A series you have to pay attention to, and perhaps amongst the best written and acted on broadcast tv period.(CBS)
* Justified - not quite as good as the previous season, but still had some stellar, A+ episodes with rapid fire not to mention quotable dialogue that you rewind to hear more than once. Also an excellent finale, that was haunting in more ways than one. Plus a twisty plot involving a guy who escaped the mob ages ago and leads everyone on a merry chase. The bit twist is who he is. Jim Beaver of SPN puts in an emmy worthy performance. As does the actress who plays, Ava, Boyd's significant other, and the gal who portrays Ellie May. (F/X)
* The Walking Dead - the third season may well be the best of the series to date. So if you gave up during S2, you should rent S3, and thank me later. There are a few quibbles..The Governor while complex...sort of derails towards complete insanity. Still as played by David Morrisey remains compelling. Andrea is unfortunately not as well-served. A character who started out as everyone's favorite, becomes annoying practically overnight.
That said, I still found her compelling at times. The series struggles still with female characters and how they are rendered. It's almost too male focused for its own good.
But there's hope on the horizon. Best new characters - are the female warrior with the knives and PoC family. Meanwhile - the characters of Darryl, his bad-boy brother, Glenn, and his girlfriend are given a bit more depth. Well written in places, with some episodes that just blew me away - they were that good. This series has finally taken off.(AMC)
* Vampire Diaries - continues to be fun thrill-ride. First half of the season was bogged down by the love triangle of doom, but the second half took off like a bandit and the love triangle was surprisingly resolved and not as expected. Lots of unpredictable plot twists, which actually track, and good character development. Also, surprise, surprise, has a dry and quite funny wit. A show that doesn't take itself that seriously. (CW)
* Doctor Who - eh...not as good as the previous two seasons. The writing and acting appears to be less energetic than before and there's a sense of exhaustion. Yet still fun and worth a watch. I'm not buying this season, didn't like it that well. But did enjoy moments of it - in particular the bits with Rory and Amy figuring out how to live between the disruptive visits from the Doctor. (BBCAmerica)
* Game of Thrones - S3 is actually the best of three seasons to date. Better in some respects than the books, with some interesting and intriguing departures. Could have done without the Theon bits though - less is more there, sorry. But Jaime, Tyrion, Bran, Samwell, Dany, and Ayra - were served quite well. Continues to be like watching five dark fantasies at the same time. (HBO)
* Covert Affairs - changed the entire series, killing off characters, bringing in new ones and shaking up the status quo. Managed to make the series more interesting and more a female version of Bourne Identity, and less a weak version of La Femme Nikita. Plus, a decisively non-traditional love interest in a blind ex-marine, regulated to a desk job as a techy.(USA)
* Falling Skies - a surprise. I didn't expect to like this. On paper it looks silly. But the writers do kids well. My favorite characters are actually the kids, and I tend to dislike kids in TV shows. The only other tv series that do kids well is Game of Thrones. (Parenthood is better than average and OUAT...is passable but needs work. Less cloying, more savvy please.) The sci-fi while cliche in places is also twisty and fascinating - it plays with racism, zenophobia, and assimilation. Think War of the Worlds meets the Puppet Masters by way of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Plus the aliens are interesting and the f/x cool. The survival issues realistic and interesting. One of the better sci-fi series on at the moment. (TNT - Sunday's at 10pm)
*Parenthood a quiet little series, that at times side-stepped into the distressingly melodramatic (the foster child story arc and Lauren Graham's romantic love triangle) but other than that relatively good. Perhaps the best cancer story I've seen done on tv for a while. And the trials and tribulations of raising a child with auspergers is well done.
This is amongst the few tv series that does kids well.
Departing Series:
*Merlin a weak season overall, with an interesting finish which worked well on one level but was ultimately unsatisfying on another. I sort of wish this series had gone at least one more season, but it's clear the writer's hearts weren't in it - even though the actors were.
3. TV Shows that need to up their game plan, but I'm giving the benefit of the doubt:
* Revenge - weakened by a silly and convoluted conspiracy plotline that was more confusing than rewarding. But the new show-runner sort of resolved that plotline in the last episode and refocused the series on its roots and on the villains of S1. So we'll see if it works next year. Perhaps it will go back to it's Counte of Monte Cristo roots and veer away from the convoluted Bourn Ulitmatium meets La Femme Nikita set up. The premise is Emily Thorne is getting revenge on the people who destroyed her life and her father's and everyone she cares about. And the consequences of making your life about revenge. This season seemed to be more about taking down some clandestine initiative right out of la Femme Nikita, it made no sense, and thank god it's over.
* Grey's Anatomy uneven season, had moments that worked quite well, but others that fell flat. Arizona's character doesn't quite work - can she be any more whiny and self-absorbed? And April must be the most annoying character to ever grace my tv set. And she won't go away. Plus note to tv writers? Stop it with the virgin jokes, they are as offensive as the slut-shaming jokes. Women shouldn't be defined by how much or how little sex they've had, seriously we are more than our genitalia, one would hope. But Cristina, Alex, Baily, and Callie continue to rock.
* Big Bang Theory moments of brilliance interlaced with silly and somewhat juvenile sex jokes bordering on the chauvinistic. But there are some great episodes in there. Amongst them the D&D episodes where the women play D&D with the fellas. And the characters continue to grow and evolve, while the humor continues to jump one or two steps above traditional sitcoms.
* Downtown Abbey - Eh...it gets soapier and more cliche as we go. Or I have just watched one too many of these things. A friend of mine informed me that PBS cut five to ten minutes off each episode. So the British version differed from the US version and made more sense. This actually would explain a lot. Apparently tv shows exported to Europe have ten minutes added, and tv shows imported to the US have ten removed, regardless of what channel they are on. I've no idea why. I thought it had to do with commercials, but that doesn't explain PBS, which doesn't have commercials. It also doesn't explain why Americans love the series to pieces and the Europeans on my flist are a bit more ho-hum and consider it overly melodramatic and not historically accurate. It's enjoyable, but the men are poorly characterized, which is also odd considering the writer is male. Oh well, watchable for Dame Maggie, if for no other reason.
*Glee - I admittedly just watch for the musical performances, because I have an insane love for show-tunes and song/dance numbers. The characters however are beginning to grate on my nerves, and the plotting/storyline is a bit over-the-top and often makes little sense - broad satire and broad parody, subtlety is lost on these writers and that's the problem. Also, while it's okay to offend with comedy, there's such a thing as taste. I don't want to cringe.
These are the highlights. I've seen more, but I'm suddenly exhausted. There's more just no energy to write about them, or can't remember them - one or the other. Note - I left out tv shows like True Blood, Breaking Bad, and Mad Men, which I haven't seen since last summer, and Parade's End and Defiance which haven't gotten around to yet.
Best or tv series I recommend in no particular order. (Basically in the order that I remember them)
1. New series or series that did not exist prior to August 2012.
* BBC America Copper - this is a series set in the 1800s, right at the end of the Civil War, in Five Points NYC, focusing on an Irish homicide detective and his two pals, an black physician, and an upper-crust son of a politician. The series is high on atmosphere and by the same guys who did Homicide Life on the Streets. Reminds me a little of that series. It's on BBC America. Takes a while to get into, but has plenty of clever plot-twists and is high on character development. Also clearly the writers have done their research and want to get every gritty detail right. Think The Alchemist but by way of a tv series. If you like historical police procedurals, that are serialized, with plot twists, subtle and witty dialogue, and character driven - this is for you. If not, skip.
* ABC Nashville - a serial about the Nashville music industry. Has a few soap opera cliches in there, but no more than most. And is not quite as insanely soapy as Grey's Anatomy, Scandel, or Smash. The series is run by the writer of Thelm and Louise (and you can tell) and music producer T Bone Burnett. The music is stellar and written by various musicians including Elvis Costello. It has musical numbers and performances that fit organically within the series as a whole. The plot is about two rival female country music stars, and those who come into contact with them and their careers in the music industry, and/or in Nashville. It is melodramatic and soapy in places, but far more subdued than Dallas or again Scandal. In short, it isn't quite as silly and ludicrous in it's plots and you can see the logical evolution. Plus, it actually surprised me in places. And there are great performances throughout.
* CBS - Elementary - most interesting cop procedural seen in a while, but I also have had a crush on the character of Sherlock Holmes since I was 14, so there is that. It helps that I like all of the actors involved, including Aidan Quinn (who portrays the Inspector/Sgt and Sherlock's friend - who is an actor I adore), Johnny Lee Miller (adored him since Hackers and Trainspotting), and Lucy Liu (favorite from Kill Bill and Lipstick Jungle). The series is a nice twist on the original Sherlock - in that both Moriarity and Watson are women. It sort of takes the chauvinism and dated misogyny out of the series - something no one else has managed to accomplish to date. It's also made Watson smart and more of an equal than a sidekick and Sherlock more fallible.
* CW - Arrow a twist on the superhero tale. Or closer to the vision of the Dark Knight series, than say Smallville or the Marvel flicks. Tighter plotted. Strong and savvy female characters, and insanely complex villains and heros. It's about Green Arrow - and the story splits between Arrow's origin tale or why/how he became the Arrow. It's also an interesting examination of the pros and cons of vigilantism and class war. In short, a superhero series with something to say - a rarity that. Also an interesting discourse on violence and what it does to people, and how the best of intentions often end badly.
* BBC America Orphan Black - a rip-roaring sci-fi Series that had me on the edge of my armchair throughout. In places brilliantly acted. Does have a bit of a weak link in Dylan Bruce who plays the heroine's boy friend (Paul). But everyone else, stellar. It's filmed in Toronto and takes place there. Humorous in places, thrilling in others. Sarah Manning, a street punk trying to get her life in shape, watches a woman who looks exactly like her jump in front of a train - and decides to take over her life...much chaos and twists ensue.
*PBS - Call the Midwife - about a bunch of midwives working for the National Health Agency during the 1950s in London's East End. Well-acted, directed and written. If a bit melodramatic at times.
* PBS - Bletchy Girls - a three episode series about female code-breakers who reunite in the 1950s to solve the mystery of a serial rapist/killer. A bit gruesome and dreary in places, but well written overall.
2. Returning Series:
* Once Upon a Time = second season is actually more interesting and better than the first. We have the introduction of several new characters or rather the reintroduction of existing supporting characters in a stronger role. The new characters are better acted and more interesting than some of the exiting characters from the previous season. Also has some interesting twists on existing fairy tales and expands the universe to include all stories, specifically those that are in the public domain or Disney has the copyright too. The writers continue to mock the Disnified versions or provide their own decidedly dark twist. In particular Peter Pan, The Miller's Daughter (aka Rumplestilskin), Jack in the Beanstalk,
and Sleeping Beauty. This is a twisty series similar to Lost, except in respect to fairy tales and a sense of fun. While flawed in places, if you don't take it too seriously and have a sense of fun (ie leave the nitpicker at home), it's a fun ride. Favorite new characters? Hook and Neal Cassidy. (ABC)
* The Good Wife - a twisty and subtle new season that had a lot of misleads. Did start out a bit slow and had some problems regarding Kalinda's arc, but once it refocused its energies on Alicia and the political gamemanship of the firm, the series became reenergized. Eli - still needs to be more than comic relief. But the Will/Alicia relationship had an interesting and somewhat unexpected result. A series you have to pay attention to, and perhaps amongst the best written and acted on broadcast tv period.(CBS)
* Justified - not quite as good as the previous season, but still had some stellar, A+ episodes with rapid fire not to mention quotable dialogue that you rewind to hear more than once. Also an excellent finale, that was haunting in more ways than one. Plus a twisty plot involving a guy who escaped the mob ages ago and leads everyone on a merry chase. The bit twist is who he is. Jim Beaver of SPN puts in an emmy worthy performance. As does the actress who plays, Ava, Boyd's significant other, and the gal who portrays Ellie May. (F/X)
* The Walking Dead - the third season may well be the best of the series to date. So if you gave up during S2, you should rent S3, and thank me later. There are a few quibbles..The Governor while complex...sort of derails towards complete insanity. Still as played by David Morrisey remains compelling. Andrea is unfortunately not as well-served. A character who started out as everyone's favorite, becomes annoying practically overnight.
That said, I still found her compelling at times. The series struggles still with female characters and how they are rendered. It's almost too male focused for its own good.
But there's hope on the horizon. Best new characters - are the female warrior with the knives and PoC family. Meanwhile - the characters of Darryl, his bad-boy brother, Glenn, and his girlfriend are given a bit more depth. Well written in places, with some episodes that just blew me away - they were that good. This series has finally taken off.(AMC)
* Vampire Diaries - continues to be fun thrill-ride. First half of the season was bogged down by the love triangle of doom, but the second half took off like a bandit and the love triangle was surprisingly resolved and not as expected. Lots of unpredictable plot twists, which actually track, and good character development. Also, surprise, surprise, has a dry and quite funny wit. A show that doesn't take itself that seriously. (CW)
* Doctor Who - eh...not as good as the previous two seasons. The writing and acting appears to be less energetic than before and there's a sense of exhaustion. Yet still fun and worth a watch. I'm not buying this season, didn't like it that well. But did enjoy moments of it - in particular the bits with Rory and Amy figuring out how to live between the disruptive visits from the Doctor. (BBCAmerica)
* Game of Thrones - S3 is actually the best of three seasons to date. Better in some respects than the books, with some interesting and intriguing departures. Could have done without the Theon bits though - less is more there, sorry. But Jaime, Tyrion, Bran, Samwell, Dany, and Ayra - were served quite well. Continues to be like watching five dark fantasies at the same time. (HBO)
* Covert Affairs - changed the entire series, killing off characters, bringing in new ones and shaking up the status quo. Managed to make the series more interesting and more a female version of Bourne Identity, and less a weak version of La Femme Nikita. Plus, a decisively non-traditional love interest in a blind ex-marine, regulated to a desk job as a techy.(USA)
* Falling Skies - a surprise. I didn't expect to like this. On paper it looks silly. But the writers do kids well. My favorite characters are actually the kids, and I tend to dislike kids in TV shows. The only other tv series that do kids well is Game of Thrones. (Parenthood is better than average and OUAT...is passable but needs work. Less cloying, more savvy please.) The sci-fi while cliche in places is also twisty and fascinating - it plays with racism, zenophobia, and assimilation. Think War of the Worlds meets the Puppet Masters by way of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Plus the aliens are interesting and the f/x cool. The survival issues realistic and interesting. One of the better sci-fi series on at the moment. (TNT - Sunday's at 10pm)
*Parenthood a quiet little series, that at times side-stepped into the distressingly melodramatic (the foster child story arc and Lauren Graham's romantic love triangle) but other than that relatively good. Perhaps the best cancer story I've seen done on tv for a while. And the trials and tribulations of raising a child with auspergers is well done.
This is amongst the few tv series that does kids well.
Departing Series:
*Merlin a weak season overall, with an interesting finish which worked well on one level but was ultimately unsatisfying on another. I sort of wish this series had gone at least one more season, but it's clear the writer's hearts weren't in it - even though the actors were.
3. TV Shows that need to up their game plan, but I'm giving the benefit of the doubt:
* Revenge - weakened by a silly and convoluted conspiracy plotline that was more confusing than rewarding. But the new show-runner sort of resolved that plotline in the last episode and refocused the series on its roots and on the villains of S1. So we'll see if it works next year. Perhaps it will go back to it's Counte of Monte Cristo roots and veer away from the convoluted Bourn Ulitmatium meets La Femme Nikita set up. The premise is Emily Thorne is getting revenge on the people who destroyed her life and her father's and everyone she cares about. And the consequences of making your life about revenge. This season seemed to be more about taking down some clandestine initiative right out of la Femme Nikita, it made no sense, and thank god it's over.
* Grey's Anatomy uneven season, had moments that worked quite well, but others that fell flat. Arizona's character doesn't quite work - can she be any more whiny and self-absorbed? And April must be the most annoying character to ever grace my tv set. And she won't go away. Plus note to tv writers? Stop it with the virgin jokes, they are as offensive as the slut-shaming jokes. Women shouldn't be defined by how much or how little sex they've had, seriously we are more than our genitalia, one would hope. But Cristina, Alex, Baily, and Callie continue to rock.
* Big Bang Theory moments of brilliance interlaced with silly and somewhat juvenile sex jokes bordering on the chauvinistic. But there are some great episodes in there. Amongst them the D&D episodes where the women play D&D with the fellas. And the characters continue to grow and evolve, while the humor continues to jump one or two steps above traditional sitcoms.
* Downtown Abbey - Eh...it gets soapier and more cliche as we go. Or I have just watched one too many of these things. A friend of mine informed me that PBS cut five to ten minutes off each episode. So the British version differed from the US version and made more sense. This actually would explain a lot. Apparently tv shows exported to Europe have ten minutes added, and tv shows imported to the US have ten removed, regardless of what channel they are on. I've no idea why. I thought it had to do with commercials, but that doesn't explain PBS, which doesn't have commercials. It also doesn't explain why Americans love the series to pieces and the Europeans on my flist are a bit more ho-hum and consider it overly melodramatic and not historically accurate. It's enjoyable, but the men are poorly characterized, which is also odd considering the writer is male. Oh well, watchable for Dame Maggie, if for no other reason.
*Glee - I admittedly just watch for the musical performances, because I have an insane love for show-tunes and song/dance numbers. The characters however are beginning to grate on my nerves, and the plotting/storyline is a bit over-the-top and often makes little sense - broad satire and broad parody, subtlety is lost on these writers and that's the problem. Also, while it's okay to offend with comedy, there's such a thing as taste. I don't want to cringe.
These are the highlights. I've seen more, but I'm suddenly exhausted. There's more just no energy to write about them, or can't remember them - one or the other. Note - I left out tv shows like True Blood, Breaking Bad, and Mad Men, which I haven't seen since last summer, and Parade's End and Defiance which haven't gotten around to yet.
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no subject
Date: 2013-06-16 06:33 pm (UTC)I keep meaning to give Orphan Black a try since so many people I know seem to love it.
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Date: 2013-06-16 07:11 pm (UTC)I just realized something I've confused the 2nd season with the 3rd season, which I forgot most of.
You're correct the villains in the 4th season are more interesting and less OTT than it was in the 3rd. Considering I've forgotten 75% of the third season, the 4th season is definitely better.
My favorite continues to be the 2nd season - Harlan County War.
ETA: Regarding the "Theon bits...less is more" - hee true. His torturer certainly made a point of that. Gad, I preferred the way the books handled this bit.
I am curious to see what the writers do with book 4...there isn't much that happens in book 4. And you get a whole new group of characters introduced which was a tad confusing in the books, I can only imagine what it would do to a tv audience.