Continuing my end-of-the-year retrospective with TV series. This year was definitely better than the last in terms of good shows. I watched about the same amount (65, although I didn't finish all of them), but somehow I ran into a lot more well done, likable, and memorable stories.
Let's see the completely subjective list of imaginary awards:
Absolute Favorite of the Year
Marvel managed to top WandaVision while creating an excellent, complete standalone show at the same time. The story was well done, the characters were likable, the soundtrack is evergreen, and the whole queer-witchy-found-family vibe was on point. Also, Aubrey Plaza. Episode 7 alone deserves a whole load of awards. I loved it so much that I want it to be a standalone and I want a million sequels at the same time.
Cancellation Travesty of the Year
It came in strong at the beginning of the year, and was almost immediately cancelled. Which is a pity, because it had good ratings and viewership, and could have definitely kept going. Michelle Yeoh could read a phone book and I'd still watch, obviously, but here she had go good Mob Mom character to work with, and the two sons were also well written and protrayed. Damn you, Netflix.
Sinful Soundtrack of the Year
I will circle back to this one in my next post about this year's earworms... But on top of having a killer soundtrack, this show was also awesome in characters, visuals, and story. It was one of those series that friends keep stubbornly recommending every chance they get ("You really need to see it! Have you seen it? You'd love it!"). When I finally got started, I watched it all in one go. And I love it so, so much. It is the kind of found-family-of-misfits story that I am always game for. NOT for children!
Unfairly Criticized Show of the Year
Whatever anyone says, this season was great. I heard a lot of whining either because the leads were women (even though Jodie Foster was a perfect staple burnt out detective), or because people didn't "get" the story and the references. Admittedly, the show was a lot more epic if one was familiar with the myth of Sedna, but even so, it was extremely well done. On par with the first season, with great actors. Quit the whining.
Best Anachronistic Fight Scenes of the Year
"Period drama with anachronistic fight choreographies" is my favorite niche genre. I loved The Nevers, and since that one got unduly cancelled, Renegade Nell showed up to fill the void. It has a charismatic and likable hero (portrayed by Derry Girls alum Louisa Harland), magic, a good lineup of supporting actors, and a lot of swashbuckling adventure. I am absolutely 100% here for superpowered hand to hand combat in petticoats and in genderbent army uniforms. Luckily, this one got renewed.
Best Plotline of the Year
I know this one is based on a book, but it was absolutely genius on screen. There were a lot of small details that added to the story visually and in sound. Even though one starts to realize what is going on fairly early on, these details make the show enjoyable all the way through. I laughed out loud at lighting changes and costume choices - but all the while, the show also had a lot to say about identity, racism, cultural appropriation, and a whole deal of other topics. Subtly, and with poignant humor.
Most Unreasonably Likable Show of the Year
This show could have just been a straight up action-adventure thing, and nobody would have complained: it has good fight sequences and an all-muscle all-American hero. And yet, it somehow managed to be more. Mostly because they leaned all the way into the ridiculousness of it all. And it somehow works. And makes it likable. Our hero delivers completely bonkers one-liners with a straight face ("What's your favorite flower?" "Snapdragon. Cool name, hard to kill."), and mows down villains like a Marvel superhero. It was a very simple recipe for a very entertaining show.
Best Twist on an Old Cliché
I already loved the character of Elsbeth Tascioni in The Good Wife and The Good Fight, so I was already excited about her getting a spinoff. And it delivered. I am over all the burnt-out, "rude but secretly good-hearted" police characters on TV - and this is where Elsbeth shines. Because she is unironically, wholeheartedly cute, friendly, and emphatic. She does the whole "oh, one more innocent question" thing like Columbo, in a damn likable way. And that is enough to carry a show.
Best Kathy Bates
Kathy Bates is yet another actress who could be doing literally anything on screen and I'd happily watch it. But even so, this show was actually a pleasant surprise. She gets a complex character to play with, some tense courtroom drama, some detective work, and she carries all with great humor and poise. In addition, the show is a good commentary on women's lives in the workplace, and generational differences.
Best returning shows of the year
I am not going to go into detail, but all of these are still happening and they are definitely still worth watching.
For All Mankind - Space Worker's Union of the Year
The Bear - Mother-Daughter Episode of the Year ("Ice Chips" deserves all the awards)
Only Murders in the Building - Teamwork of the Year
Good Omens - Worthy Sequel of the Year
The Boys - "The fans finally realized what this show is about" Moment of the Year
Shame, Shame, Shame
Well, since we are talking about good TV, it is also satisfying to point out some of the shows that did not do very well. In my personal opinion. (*Ducks for cover*)
Buccaneers - When Victoria's Secret directs Bridgerton
Bridgerton 3 - When Abusive Relationships are Romanticized Again
KAOS - When you can only afford 4 gods from the entire Greek pantheon
Pop Star Academy - This one is actually a good docuseries, but the story it told pissed me the hell off
Outer Banks - Most unnecessary character death of the year
Emily in Paris - All the men around Emily are boring and awful. Also, all of Rome wants their money back
Umbrella Academy - Worst series finale of the year, more plot holes than Swiss cheese
Those about to die - I really wanted this to be good but... it definitely wasn't Rome
What were your favorite TV shows this year?
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