| Steve's Top 10 Favorite Television Shows of All Time | ||
|---|---|---|
10. |  Law and OrderI knew I was addicted to "Law and Order" when I began regurgitating the same legal jargon as the characters. This series follows a familiar, episodic paradigm: in the first half-hour, the detectives book the murderer; in the second half hour, the assistant D.A.'s put the murderer away. However, my favorite episodes usually explore social issues, or present twists in the storylines: odd cases, infuriating public servants, partner rivalries, half-hour character crossovers, etc. My least favorite episodes tend to be "whodunits" and plots were they spend the whole hour interviewing people. Perhaps the series has survived so many cast changes because of inattention to character development--hence, I savior each glimpse of the characters' personal lives. Yet despite this neglect, I would be unhappy if Sam Waterston or Steven Hill ever left the show. I still enjoy the paradigm where the D.A.'s periodically receive cynical advice from Steven Hill. Recently, I've begun to resent the growing tendency toward "ripped from the headlines" plots (which I call "ripped-off from the headlines") that copy sensationalist real-life stories. This trend has caused "Law and Order" to plummet on my list. Best moment: McCoy and Curtis reflect on the testimony in "Double Down". Jump the Shark moment: McCoy criticizes new ADA Carmichael for questionable tactics in "Cherished". | |
9. |  House, M.D.A rather intellectual and meaningful series, in my opinion. I once found this show so addictive that I watched eight consecutive episodes in one night. Sadly, I identify with Dr. House all too much. He tends to assume the worst in people until proven otherwise (a cynicism that I often share), disparages pretense and hypocrisy (as do I), and feels a rush whenever he reasons out difficult problems. Fortunately, I would never dare to emulate his candor--even though I love how he cuts through lies, ulterior motives, and attempts to save face. I still remember returning to work after each night of "House", and resisting the constant temptation to address people sarcastically. :) Best moment: House holds the solution in the palm of his hand in "Occam's Razor". Jump the Shark moment: House hires a private investigator to dig up his employees' embarrassing secrets in "Not Cancer". | |
8. |  The
Simpsons"The Simpsons" could perhaps represent the greatest comedy ever broadcasted. The show satires everything from famous personalities to social culture, with any irreverance usually presented in good taste (the expection being, perhaps, some of those Halloween episodes). It also excels in making the bizarre funny. Often hillarious and occasionally touching, this show has and always will be a prime time staple. Best moment: Homer plugs up a water tunnel (to the horror of the sliding kids approaching him) in "Brush With Greatness". Jump the Shark moment: The Simpsons characters act out spin-offs of their own series in "Simpsons Spin-off Showcase". | |
7. |  Star Trek: Deep Space NineWhile "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" flunctuated in quality from episode to episode, one main story element remained compelling: the Dominion. The Dominion greatly improved the show with its intriguing members: treacherous shapeshifters and samurai-like Jem'Hadar soldiers. Soon, the Federation and Dominion engaged in hostilities that revived the fascinating confrontational elements that "Babylon 5" regrettably relenquished. Best moment: An elderly Jake says goodbye to Sisko in "The Visitor". Jump the Shark moment: Odo kisses Kira in "His Way". | |
6. |  Babylon 5"Babylon 5" struck me as a science fiction World War II, where the outcome remained uncertain. Each of the six major races resembled different factions of world history: the Shadows, Nazi Germany; the Earth Alliance, America; the Minbari Federation, Japan; the Centauri Republic, Colonial Britain; the Narn Regime, Africa (I can't think of a comparison for the Vorlons because they were so enigmatic). Often, the plot paralleled intriguing historical incidents like McCarthyism, Germany and Russia's non-aggression pact, the bombing of Coventry, and the Civil War. The strength of the series was its finite five-year life span, which almost allowed the plot to stay focused. Its irreverance for the status quo gave the storyline a fresh unpredictability--in contrast to the encapsulated episodes of the "Star Trek" genre. Unfortunately, I thought the series plummetted tragically downhill when the main Shadow-Vorlon storyline concluded. But in retrospect, I still recall the various times where I proclaimed, "This is the best show I've ever seen!" Best moment: G'Kar rebuts Londo's tirade in "The Long, Twilight Struggle". Jump the Shark moment: Sheridan cheats death at Z'ha'dum in "The Hour of the Wolf". | |
5. |  The Big MomentUnlike other game shows which dished out quick money based on the contestants' know-it-all, luck, or so-called skill, "The Big Moment" actually rewarded contestants for hard work. The crew would pick a daunting challenge--usually outside of the player's expertise--and allow that player one week to practice. For example, a karate expert would have to recite 100 digits of pi without error. If the player could accomplish this challenge during their one opportunity on the show, then they win well-deserved cash and prizes. To my disappointment, ABC cancelled this suspenseful, genuinely triumphant series after only a few shows. Best moment: After a week of practice, a military contestant attempts the last and hardest box juggling trick in his "big moment". Jump the Shark moment: None. | |
4. |  DexterDespite the multitude of plot contrivances and dead-end storylines, "Dexter" has managed to get into my head like no other show. Most likely because the title character Dexter, a closet sociopath who kills bad guys for the fun of it, struck me as such a decent human being. In particular, I admired how he played "guardian angel" to his adoptive sister Debra, another favorite character of mine. When I watched each episode, I often rooted for the two of them and critiqued Dexter's efforts to appear normal. :) Best moment: Pretty much all of season seven, which I consider the greatest season in all of TV history. Jump the Shark moment: Dexter losing his desire to kill at the worst possible time. blog, blog | |
3. |  Buffy: The Vampire Slayer"Buffy: The Vampire Slayer" continuously impressed me with innovative premises and strong acting talent. It sported hilarious sardonic humor; yet managed to hit hard with gripping dramatic issues. The episodes stood consistently compelling--even in the later seasons--and the finales always packed a dynamite climax. Best moment: Buffy's scream thwarts the Gentlemen in "Hush". Jump the Shark moment: None. blog | |
2. |  LostOne of the only shows that I watched religiously from pilot to finale, and one of the only shows popular enough where I could easily discuss it with someone even if we shared nothing else in common. Every episode consistently left me wanting more. If I had to interpret what the show meant, I'd categorize my viewpoint into three themes: Finally, if I had to pick the TV series with the greatest music of all time, I would pick "Lost" without any hesitation. Best...music...ever. Best moment: Desmond finally converses with starcrossed lover Penny over the phone in "The Constant". Jump the Shark moment: The ending. :( blog, blog, blog, blog, blog, blog | |
1. |  Game of ThronesA medieval, brutally unpredictable fantasy saga of enduring honor and valor, cutthroat treachery, voluminous lore and family histories, epic mind-blowing battles, dramatic confrontations, fiery ambition, melancholy gloom, cathartic triumphs, and gut-wrenching tragedies. I don't think I've ever watched a show where I cared so deeply for the heroes to succeed and rooted so hard for the villains to die. Probably because a) the good guys don't always win, b) the bad guys don't always die the way you want them to, and c) the show takes the time to individually develop main characters independent of one another all across the kingdoms. This show also has the distinction of featuring the most inspirational fictional character I've ever watched (Jon Snow) and the most hated fictional villain I've ever had to suffer (Joffrey). And just like real-life, everyone else falls somewhere in between--leading fans everywhere to differ on which characters they like, dislike, love the most, and hate the most. Best moment: Hardhome. Jump the Shark moment: A notoriously illogical character turn in the next to last episode. blog, blog, blog, blog, blog | |