The Best of 2012: The Year in TV


Today I continue my look at the end of the year with a roll call of the best of TV. As always, the list is in ascending order!

Best Shows:
10. The Newsroom, HBO
Why: This isn't Aaron Sorkin's best show, and it was certainly a show that drew mixed reactions from critics, but it still had the hallmarks of his writing. Is it frustrating at times? Sure, but this is still a show that's interesting to watch and talk about. I like the basic premise and what the show has to say. While some might find the characters annoying (at least that's what endless reviews said), I find them interesting. I can see this show growing into something lasting.

9. The Walking Dead, AMC
Why: I am not the biggest fan of AMC. I don't go all in for "Mad Men" and "Breaking Bad," "The Killing" was marginal at best, and then there's "The Walking Dead." At times during the second season, I was ready to give up on "The Walking Dead." It appeared to be going no where. But, somewhere along the way, it rebounded. The second half of season two was compelling, and season three has moved along at a good pace. There is no show that has made as many strides as "The Walking Dead" in 2012.

8. Downton Abbey, BBC, PBS
Why: This is the best of the British dramas. The second season ended with a flourish, and the third season followed up on that. We'll see where it goes next year, but for now the show remains a dramatic treasure.

7. Justified, FX
Why: Nothing could top the second season of this FX drama. The third season wasn't as good, but it was still compelling. Great guest stars and an excellent performance from Timothy Olyphant in the lead role and Walton Goggins as Boyd Crowder. This continues to be one of the treasures on cable.

6. The New Girl, FOX
Why: This is the best, sharpest comedy on TV. If there is an heir-apparent to "Friends," it's this show. Zooey Deschanel is good, but it's the whole ensemble that makes the show great. I love Max Greenfield as Schmidt and Jake Johnson as Nick. This is a funny, fun show.

5. Game of Thrones, HBO
Why: This is a fantasy show that is done really, really well. The second season wasn't quite as engrossing as the first, but it was still pretty awesome. With plenty of dense source material in the books, we'll be enjoying this battle for power for years to come.

4. The Daily Show, Comedy Central
Why: Two words: Jon Stewart. He single-handedly made the election fun, is a great interviewer, and provides the best news analysis on TV. Don't believe me, give this show a try. You won't be disappointed.

3. Dexter, Showtime
Why: No show rebounded, for me, the way "Dexter" did in season seven. The show seems to have found new creative energy with the ending on the horizon. Great performances and a compelling season-long arc. Getting away from the big bad formula has been a winner for this show.

2. Homeland, Showtimes
Why: Still an incredible drama. Some may nitpick with plot points from the second season, but few shows are as well acted and well crafted as "Homeland." It has great performances and a very compelling narrative. It made the fall better.

1. Fringe, FOX
Why: This is still the best show on TV. As it wraps up this year with a fifth and final season I am excited to see how it all ends. I will miss spending time each with with Peter and Walter Bishop and Olivia Dunham. This is one of the deepest, most creative series of all time.

Best Performances:
Actor:
1. Timothy Olyphant, "Justified." He makes the show as Raylan Givens
2. Damien Lewis, "Homeland." One half of a dynamic duo that makes "Homeland" sing.
3. Michael C. Hall, "Dexter." Just an incredible performer who makes the show.

Actress:
1. Anna Torv, "Fringe." She offers a great lead performance that grounds TVs best show.
2. Claire Danes, "Homeland." The best crier on TV. Danes is also an incredible talent in the lead role.
3. Zooey Deschanel, "The New Girl." She is a great comedic talent of TVs best comedy.

Supporting Actor:
1. Peter Dinkledge, "Game of Thrones." Tyrion is by far my favorite character on the show, a credit to Dinkledge.
2. Mandy Patinkin, "Homeland." What would this show be without Saul? Not as good, certainly.
3. Max Greenfield, "The New Girl." All hail the power of Schmidt!

Supporting Actress:
1. Yvonne Strahovski, "Dexter." Hannah was a breath of fresh air on this excellent drama.
2. Jennifer Carpenter, "Dexter." Carpenter continues to be an awesome pairing with Hall on this drama.
3. Michelle Dockery, "Downton Abbey." Lady Mary is my favorite character on this period drama, thanks to Dockery.

TV's Worst Shows:
5. Enlightened, HBO
Why: Is this a comedy? Is it a drama? Does it make you want to peel your eyes out. The answer is yes to all, I guess.

4. House of Lies, Showtime
Why: It has a great cast but this show is foul. I tried to like it, but I couldn't last more than two episodes.

3. 666 Park Avenue, ABC
Why: They wanted this to be clever and compelling. It's neither. No wonder it got cancelled.

2. The Mob Doctor, FOX
Why: This show was a complete waste of talent and time. It's not surprising it was cancelled, only that it took so long for it to happen.

1. Partners, CBS
Why: It's a comedy that's devoid of laughs. Like entirely.

A Second Opinion:
My wife, Lindsay, doesn't always appreciate my TV choices. In honor of her, I am offering her favorite TV shows of the year.

5. Call The Midwife, BBC and PBS
4. Falling Skies, TNT
3. Ben and Kate, FOX
2. The New Girl, FOX
1. Homeland, Showtime

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