YOUR 2006 TV-WALHALLA.
If 2005 was a sign of what was to come, 2006 truly marked the year of the television. Thinking we saw most of the good stuff last year was, to say the least, a slight error of judgement. Strangily enough it is still hard to convince some people to watch a television series because the old adagio of television being some random entertainment still rings true in some ears. And ignorance is definitely not bliss here.
In fact, I can't stress enough how most of the geniuses are writing in television these days. Putting in these countless hours behind the telly has just been this amazing, intoxicating and inspiring ride I could recommend to all. Hopefully this list can help the uninitiated.
For this top 10, I selected ten series that are still on the air. Next to this list, there are also five cancelled or wrapped up shows which I only caught up with this year. You should relativily easy find most of these series on dvd.
The big problem with making a top 10 is the vast quality difference between different seasons. There's a huge difference between Prison Break Season 1 for example and Season 2. I'll address this problem shortly in each comment but sometimes (and this is where it gets rather irritating for the new viewer) a series only excels after like 5 seasons. So you have the choice either of sitting through 4 seasons of not-so-good-material or just start with the good-season but risking the fact you miss a certain backstory.
Shoutouts to series that didn't make it, go to Desperate Housewives S1, Big Love, Day Break, Heroes, Sleeper Cell, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, 24 S5, Lost S3 and My Name is Earl.
And now on to the happy few. Also provided is a youtube clip which contains hardly any spoilers but is more intended to get a grasp of what the series is all about. Enjoy.
The biggest surprise and find of the year. Amazing Amazing televison, all very much thanks to Dennis Leary who truly holds this show together. SEASON 2 is what you chould check out here, although all three seasons are very good in their own way, with S1 being the least maybe. But you can't do much wrong here, just watch it all!
Also in last year's list but featured here again because it's just so bloody awesome. There's not much around to beat Al Swearengen or Richardson. Unfortunetaly this magnicifent piece of drama has also been cancelled this year but the reason it's still on the list is because there will be made two more telefilms. Keep checking http://savedeadwood.net/. The beginning of SEASON 1, the end of SEASON 2 and the middle of SEASON 3 is what makes my heart tick. I had quite some problems with S3 but in the end, Deadwood is that extraordinary, it should hold a top position on every list.
SEASON 4 of The Wire is what made the difference here. I was a fan but SEASON 4 totally blew me away. Maybe the best piece of television this year. Incredible tight writing, fabulous acting. Take your time to see this, it moves rather slow sometimes but the reward is at the end. Can't wait for S5.
Forget what you heard about this show. Forget all the hype or whatever and just watch SEASON 1. It is absolutely great action writing and the fastest, most thrilling show on here. And yea unfortunetaly they pulled a Lost and S2 declines greatly.
You want a funny sitcom? Well then, go and shove this up thou buttocks, Sex and The City. Weeds is where the real fun is at. Both SEASON 1 and SEASON 2 have its equal great moments, so just go out and watch it. Hot stuff.
The only NEW series on the list. And I must say I have quite some critique about certain actors or certain B-storylines but in the end, Dexter is very clever written and it must be the first show ever with a Serial Killer protagonist. For that many props and also a big thank you to Michael C. Hall for tilting this show towards that little extra.
Oh Hugh Laurie, where have you been all my life? is the best way to describe my House experience. Yes, it is classic doctor's drama. Yes, it is classic tv without any seasonal arcs. Yes, it can be boring. Yes, there's some CSI in it. Yes it is the biggest hit on television. Yes Yes Yes to your comments but fuck it. It is Hugh Laurie in there, it is great fun, it is exciting, it is sad and it is classic tv. Do not sleep. SEASON 1 is probably the best way to begin.
The biggest problem on this list because I must admit I don't really like The Shield S1-S4 that much. I mean I can watch it and there's some good stuff there but it is not that edgy enough. Could be better produced. Is a little too much constructed, too much cops trying to be tough but the actors are not bringing that Wire or Deadwood edginess. UNTIL one man brought down the fort in SEASON 5: my most beloved Forest Whitaker does a tour de force I have seldom seen. He solely brings The Shield on a level you would have never imagined. And which is the reason The Shield should be on this list. I wish I could give out three oscars this year to Dennis Leary, Hugh Laurie and Forest Whitaker. They outshine every acting performance this year, televison or film. This is your Holy Trinity.
There are a few minor spoilers in this clip but if you really want to see why Forest Whitaker is that good, go and click that play button now.
Another great and funny sitcom thanks to Johnny Drama, Ari Gold and Turtle. Not everything is that good and SEASON 2 would be your main choice. But heck, while you're at it, watch S3 too, it is still great entertainment.
I wasn't that much into Battlestar Galactica at first. I still think the production value could be a whole lotta beter, that the CGI stinks and that several actors are sort of B-rated. But the writing is excellent at times. Very clever dialogue for a scifi series and a very political plot which I love. SEASON 3 is truly the best so far. The first episodes were outstanding good and terrifying close as far as theme goes. A must see for Scifi fans.
