Long ago, before there was basic cable and DVR's, the start of the fall TV season was a clearly defined event. All of the good shows came from the big three networks. Today, seasons seem to start whenever they want to and with few exceptions most of the great shows do not come from the what is now the big four networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC).
A quick gander at the top box office for 2011 reveals that for high quality entertainment, TV remains the place to go. Movies continue to consistently disappoint. Unless it is Harry Potter or another Avatar, you are better off staying home for entertainment. Not only is it more comfortable, but popcorn will not set you back $6-8 dollars.
And those theaters? Mostly run by idiots who make you wait in line to pay $30 for snacks that cost them $4 to procure. Plus there is always the risk of sitting next to a group of jackasses who think they are home and free to comment through the entire movie.
To help you out in 2011-2012 here is a run down of some of what is out there for you to enjoy on plasma/LCD or other larger screen television.
First, the best.
Breaking Bad (AMC) - One of the best serious dramas on TV. Season 4 just wrapped up and be be the best yet for BB. High school chemistry teacher Walter White still cooks meth for the chicken man while Skyler talks him into buying a car wash with the money Saul is holding for him in his kitsch office. Anything more than this will be a spoiler.15 episodes until another great series bites the dust.
Parenthood (NBC) - Filling the void left by Friday Night Lights, this Berkeley based family drama rings the emotional bell every week through its remarkable ensemble cast and intuitively sound and always interesting plot twists. Autism, desperation for wanting another child, the purchase of a recording studio and a viagra commercial are just some of this seasons situations that let the characters tug at our heartstrings. Helmed by Friday Night Lights producer Jason Katims. Bravo!
Sons of Anarchy (FX) - Sopranos on motorcycles returns with Clay and Jax getting sprung from the penitentiary getting back to the business of running guns, drugs, with a new sheriff in town. Always interesting with terrific acting by Katey Segal as Gemma. Got to love a show that features a recurring role by Tom Arnold where he gets the living crap beat out of him every time.
George Harrison "Living in the Material World" (HBO) - The quiet Beatle gets nearly four hours of Martin Scorsese's academy award winning focus in a documentary that is a must for anyone who has ever said "Beatles Forever!" It brings you back and forward at the same time. What guy! What music! What friends and family! Beatles Forever!
The Amazing Race (CBS) - As formulaic as this show is, the seriousness with which it is presented, the consistently spectacular settings, and the nuanced struggle of each team to work together to become an effective team never gets boring. A perennial winner of the best reality show Emmy for good reason.
The Daily Show (Comedy Central) - The first 5-8 minutes of this show always brings the funny. The build up to the election year and all the Republican debates - there is simply a mother load of material to skewer. Stewart and company have raised the bar on themselves year after year and continue to deliver winning Emmys every year.
Curb your Enthusiasm (HBO) - Larry goes to New York and mixes it up with Rosie O'Donnell and in the best episode of the year, Bill Buckner. Still a litmus test for some (I don't like Larry - he's so weird!) but hands down the funniest show on TV. Good news for fans, lots of Leon in season 8!
White Collar (USA) - Something far less serious, and always well written. Breezy escapist fare of the highest order.
The not so great...
Good Wife (CBS) - Alecia and Wil have made the fatal TV series mistake and gone to bed. I guess we'll have to wait to see how long it will take writers and creators Robert and Michele King to figure that out. Still Kalinda and Eli Gold are two of the finest supporting characters on any dramatic show today.
Modern Family (ABC) - Sustaining funny is very serious business. Not sure these folks are up to the task.
And what about?
Game of Thrones (HBO) - Apparently filming for season 2 is still ongoing. 2012. Take your time and get it right!
The Killing (AMC) - We forgive you for canceling Rubicon if when brought back you don't cop out on a final episode and not conclude! Also 2012.
Mad Men (AMC) - Roger Sterling in rehab? Wait...rehab wasn't even invented yet! 2012.
Southland (TNT) - Best cop drama. 2012.
Lights Out (FX) - One of the absolute best shows last year, cancelled!
And the rest...
X - Factor (Fox) - Do we really need another music competition series that exploits singers fresh out of rehab? I don't think so and L.A. Reid shaking his head side-to-side when he's really feelin' it kind of creeps me out.
Boardwalk Empire (HBO) - Can you say bored - walk empire? Miscast Steve Buscemi in a show that tries w-a-y too hard and moves way too slow. Too many other things I'd rather watch despite the fact that The Wire's Omar is there.
If you have missed any of the great shows mentioned above, start with season 1 and get all caught up. Most are avilbile on Netflix or HBOGo. Nothing better than going through several years of TV shows in a couple weeks.
Of course it does! It comes into your house and it's cheap. How can that NOT win? It doesn't rule out other things like theater.
There's a lot to be said for the "song and dance" form of entertainment. I've heard that "they give the song and the dramatic moment a life beyond the lyric".
I was able to get The Book of Mormon tickets at http://amazonticketsonline.com/The-Book-Of-Mormon this summer and thoroughly enjoyed the show. There is a lot to be said for songs that can stand on their own separate from the structure of the show, and I thought they hit it in spades.
While I was there I was also able to see other Broadway Shows, but they didn't stay with me the same way. Still, worth the experience no matter how you look at it.
Posted by: Tobin Vance | 11/08/2011 at 11:00 AM
Hey Tobin,
I love the theater too. I reviewed Book of Mormon on this site.
Posted by: Jim Stalker | 11/08/2011 at 12:08 PM