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My TV Top Ten of 2010
Many of my fellow critics are posting their lists of the top ten television programs of 2010, so I might as well toss my remote into the sofa cushions (that’s what TV critics do instead of throwing their hats into the ring).
Here are my choices, in no particular order:
“Fringe”
Network TV’s best drama has really hit it’s stride. A meandering first season almost led me to tune out, but I’m glad I stuck around. I’m still not sure if the writers already knew they were heading to an alternate-universe storyline and just used the first season as a massive set-up or if they came up with the idea late in the game, but since that reveal, the Fox show has been gripping. Delivering “monster of the week” episodes on nearly an X-Files level, “Fringe” has a better, more compelling and specific underlying mythology. The continued snubbing of the show and its actors — specifically the amazing John Noble, but also Anna Torv, who really kicked it into gear this year — is a crime worthy of Fringe Division investigation.
“Community”
NBC’s “Community” is television’s most consistently creative comedy. “30 Rock” once held that title but that show’s machinations, while no less humorous, have become predictable. Meanwhile, “Community” continues to surprise. Writers found the show’s bread and butter in parody episodes tackling motion pictures such as “Apollo 13,” “Goodfellas” and “Mean Girls.” But the show refuses to coast: blanket forts, secret trampolines, paintball wars and self-referential winks to TV tropes delivered by the oxymoronic Abed (who, while emotionless, is the emotional center of the show) are comedic fodder for the denizens of Greendale. And what other community college has dorms? Forget pushing the envelope — this show rips it wide open.
“Sherlock!”
It could have been a disaster — an updated “high-functioning sociopath” Sherlock Holmes who, with Iraq War veteran and blogger John Watson at his side (and smart phone in his pocket) solves mysteries in modern-day London. But by embracing the spirit of the original tales and remaining true to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s characters, “Masterpiece Mystery” on PBS delivered a delightful and far too short series. Only three episodes (and the second was uneven), the show was more of a teaser for a longer run when it returns in Fall, 2011.
“The Big C”
What could have been a cloying, borderline offensive riff on the effects of cancer instead came off as a delightful and compelling, borderline offensive riff on the effects of cancer, due to smart writing, clever plotting and super casting by Showtime. Laura Linney turned in a tour de force performance as the titularly-afflicted mom and wife, who hid her condition from her family for most of the inaugural season. Oliver Platt was delightfully befuddled as Linney’s estranged spouse and John Benjamin Hickey was hilarious as her homeless brother. Phyllis Somerville and Gabourey Sidibe added touches dramatic, comedic and, occasionally, heartbreaking.The final scene was an emotional killer; let’s hope the cancer is not so physically effective.
“The Walking Dead”
While I prefer my zombie flicks more darkly humorous, this earnest and sincere adaptation of a graphic novel is a winner. From it’s protagonist cop waking, alone, in a deserted hospital — deserted by the living, anyway — to a group of survivors’ season-ending knowledge that the epidemic is far worse than they’d dare to imagine, this series delivered unflinching gore and compelling drama to viewers, as well as record ratings to cable network AMC.
“Bored to Death”
I suspect you won’t see this on a lot of lists, but I find HBO’s often laconic, occasionally manic story of a “Craigslist detective” to be consistently entertaining. Much of this is not due to Jason Schwartzman’s sleepy portrayal of the aforementioned novelist, teacher and unlicensed private investigator, Jonathan Ames, but the supporting cast, especially Ted Danson. I’ve kind of lost track of how many times the actor has recreated himself since “Cheers,” but his often addled, deviant bachelor character “George Christopher,” a man-about-town editor who has become largely obsolete in his profession, is a defining role. And Zach Galifianakis delights as Ames’ stoner comic book artist pal, Ray.
“Louie”
Don’t confuse this FX program with “Lucky Louie,” comic Louis C.K.’s dour, off-putting HBO effort from a few years back. “Louis” is dour, it’s true, and it can be off-putting (and unbelievably filthy) but it can also be joyous and, well, revelatory. Like a dirty version of “Seinfeld,” the episodes spin out from C.K.’s short stand-up segments. Unlike “Seinfeld,” this show isn’t intricately plotted. In fact, in its nearly complete lack of plotting, “Louie” may have finally perfected the Seinfeld and Costanza dream of a show about nothing. Except it’s about love and family and sex and religion and parenthood and friendship and health. It’s the year’s best show about everything about nothing.
“Mad Men”
Just on the basis of the episode “The Suitcase,” AMC’s “Mad Men” belongs on this list. But there are other reasons the fourth season of the show was so great. For starters, auteur Matt Weiner put the focus squarely back on the workplace — the newly created Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce — and that’s where the show’s writing and acting excels. I still think this is the only part January Jones could pull off, but Betty is best in small doses and it makes her seem like a better actress than she is. Season 4 was also blissfully free of many of the historical events that have, in past seasons, dictated story lines, leaving Weiner and company free to explore more personal plot lines such as the death of Don’s friend Anna and his relationship with his rebellious daughter, Sally.
“Modern Family”
If you were looking for a sophomore flop, forget it. Last year’s best new comedy, from ABC, continued its string of winning episodes. While we never learn much new about this modern trio of family groups, neither the situations nor the performances have become stale and repetitive. That’s probably because, at the end of the day, all of these characters are just so likable, even when they’re not on their best behavior — which is often.
“Boardwalk Empire”
While it’s easy to write this HBO show off as a prestige period drama or simply “The Sopranos” plopped into Prohibition, “Boardwalk Empire” remains a challenging, sprawling, sometimes difficult to follow character study. From Steve Buscemi’s Napoleonic Jersey kingpin Enoch “Nucky” Thompson to Kelly MacDonald’s awakening widow and mother Margaret Schroeder to Michael Pitt’s intellectual thug Jimmy Darmody to Michael Shannon’s disturbing and zealous-to-the-point-of-murder Agent Van Alden, this hour-long drama is packed with characters — fictional and real — with constantly shifting motivations, alliances and desires. Now that the players are all in place, Season 2 should pick up substantially in pace as it grows smaller in scope.
Honorable Mentions
“Friday Night Lights,” Direct TV/NBC
“Breaking Bad,” AMC
“The Pacific,” HBO
“Lost,” ABC
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment
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By Cel
December 23, 2010 10:43 AM | Link to this
Thanks for including the often overlooked Fringe on your list!
By Kay @taxtweet
December 22, 2010 12:05 PM | Link to this
Don't get premium channels, so I'm left with regular cable and broadcast. Two of my 2010 faves were canceled: Rubicon and Terriers. I helped kill Rubicon by being a fan of The Walking Dead, as well as AMC's Breaking Bad and Mad Men. Also enjoying Burn Notice, Men of a Certain Age and Southland (was it on in 2010? it's been so long...). Love Fringe, but this was such a transition season; back to action Walter! The other worthwhile noncable shows are Community (love the Troy and Abed bromance) and The Good Wife. Modern Family is great, and was pleasantly surprised by The Middle and Raising Hope.
By JDS
December 21, 2010 12:39 PM | Link to this
Fringe is amazing. And I am SO glad to hear that Sherlock! is coming back next Fall. Can't wait to see how the cliffhanger from the end of episode 3 is resolved!
By Lisa I
December 21, 2010 12:31 PM | Link to this
Gotta agree with Fringe, Sherlock and Mad Men, excellent programs all. Can't say I've seen much of the rest, not being into sitcoms and watching more cable these days. I would add "Lie to Me" to your list. I just really started paying attention to it this summer and now I'm hooked on the character dynamic. Good stuff.