The TV Chick

It’s just about 2012, so it’s time for The TV Chick to reflect on the Best Television of 2011. And there was some amazing TV. Just when I thought I wouldn’t adopt a ton of new shows, a handful came along that just completely sucked me in. I was enthralled with a red sharpie and a plan, engrossed in the crazy world of a CIA agent and a rescued prisoner of war, laughed at the lovable antics and wonderful relationships in Pawnee, taken back to my awkward high school years, and rooted for an insane hybrid vamp-wolf who had no friends. Oh, and that only scratches the surface. I decided that instead of just a Top 10 list, I’d use fun categories. Make sure you weigh in with your favorites too!

BEST JUICY DRAMA:

Revenge: When I first saw the pilot of this show, I was immediately drawn in. Emily Van Camp stars as Emily Thorne/Amanda Clark who comes back to a small, wealthy Hamptons town to get revenge on those who wronged her father (who is now dead). Madeline Stowe plays an amazing ice queen/arch enemy Victoria Grayson, who is none too pleased when Emily starts dating her son, Daniel Grayson (played by the lovely Josh Bowman). Add into the mix the quirky tech God Nolan Ross (played by the amazing Gabriel Mann) who is helping Emily because he owes everything to her father. Mann plays Nolan so perfectly and definitely has the best lines of the show. (My favorite, although Emily said this to Nolan: “You sabotaged our alliance because you fell for a hooker.”) I also love seeing such strong female leads. The scripts are nearly perfect, the story intriguing, and every week, I can’t wait for more.

BEST HEART-POUNDING, KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF WITH HOW GOOD IT IS, DRAMA:

Homeland: To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Homeland after the first episode. I was very intrigued, and I recognized how great the acting was (Claire Danes should just win the Emmy now and Damian Lewis is a tour de force), but I wasn’t sure if I was going to keep watching. But I decided to power through and after the second episode, I just couldn’t get enough. Danes plays bipolar CIA agent Carrie Matheson who is crazy and brilliant. Damian Lewis plays Nicholas Brody, a recently rescued prisoner of war who Carrie is convinced has been turned. During the season finale, I found myself shaking, crying, screaming at the television in what was an hour and a half of action-packed goodness. If a television show can get me to do that, it is clear how very invested I am. I can’t tell you how sad I am that I have to wait so long for more.

BEST HEARTWARMING COMEDY:

Parks and Recreation: The Pawnee Parks Department, led by Leslie Knope (played by the always hilarious Amy Poehler) and Ron Swanson (played by the fantastic Nick Offerman) has made me laugh and cry. I care about all the characters which is a rare feat in comedy. The addition of Rob Lowe and Adam Scott to the cast was so brilliant, and I am ridiculously invested in Leslie and Ben’s relationship. And you better believe I want my own Lil’ Sebastian Plush, Pawnee Goddess Puppy Party (this wins the award for cutest thing on TV) and Knope for 2012 button.

BIGGEST SURPRISE:

Awkward: A good friend of mine described Awkward after it had been on for several episodes as “kind of amazing.” I trust his taste in television so I decided to do a mini-marathon and let me tell you, I concur one hundred percent. The series begins when Jenna (played by the understated, great Ashley Rickards) tries to take some aspirin while drying her hair and spills the bottle, slips and breaks her arm in spectacular fashion. Everyone thinks its a suicide attempt including the hilarious guidance counselor (played by Desi Lydic), her well-meaning but young mother (played by Nikki Deloach), and everyone in her school.  And to top it off, throughout the season she struggles to come to terms with a letter telling her what she needs to change about herself, that was written anonymously. Jenna also has to deal with bully mean girl Sadie (Molly Tarlov is amazing), choosing between Matty McKibben (Beau Mirchoff) and Jake (Brett Davern), all while navigating through high school. Awkward his hilarious and lovely and one of the biggest surprises of the year. I can’t wait for more!

BEST ROOMMATE COMEDY SINCE FRIENDS:

New Girl: I think I have quoted New Girl’s “Cece Crashes” episode to my friends more than any other show on TV right now. Zooey Deschanel’s quirky but super lovable Jess paired with well-meaning but ridiculous Schmidt (played by the hilarious Max Greenfield), the sweet and funny Nick (played by Jake Johnson) and the out of touch (because he spent years abroad) Winston (played by Lamorne Morris) makes for a laugh-out-loud, quotable, heartfelt comedy. I love that New Girl features a very strong female lead as well. Friends is probably my favorite comedy of all time, so it’s saying a lot when I draw this comparison.

BEST TWISTY DRAMA:

The Vampire Diaries: This CW stronghold had a stellar end to season two and an even more juicy start to season three. We saw the evil side of Stefan (the Ripper), a more vulnerable side to Klaus (if there is one) and the history of the originals. We also were introduced to Mikael (Klaus’ dad) and Rebekka (Klaus’ sister). Rebekka ranks up there with Caroline in the level of vampire-love I have for these kick-ass ladies and I can’t wait for more twisty, mythological Mystic Falls goodness come 2012!

BEST NOT-SO-PROCEDURAL:

The Good Wife: I know a lot of viewers have not been so enamored with The Good Wife this season, but I think it has been full of some great stuff. As most readers know, I am a big Alicia/Will fan so the first part of the season where they were together was rather glorious. I see them as endgame so while I wish they were still together, I don’t think things with them are ever over. And now it looks like Kalinda and Alicia are going to repair their friendship (it has been way too long!) and Kalinda and Cary are getting it on. Can’t wait to see what happens with the investigation of Lockhart/Gardner and what’s to come in 2012!

BEST FAMILY DRAMA:

Parenthood: The Braverman clan won its way into my heart and it is a permanent weekly television fixture. I love that it makes me cry (hello, Mae Whitman’s scene with the birthday cards) and shake my head (come on Adam, don’t be crazy), laugh (Sydney’s story about being a sore loser) and just escape to another crazy family. It takes its time, which is rare with network TV dramas and it lets each family member get their part of the spotlight. I can’t get enough of it.

BEST LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY:

2 Broke Girls: Okay, I know what you are thinking. And yes, I seriously put 2 Broke Girls on my best television of 2011 list. First of all, I am from NYC, so I love all the local Brooklyn hipster jokes. Second of all, I consistently laugh out loud at this show. It might be because it is generally full of one liners that involve scatological humor, but hey, what can you do? Many are quick to point out there are a lot jokes about female genitalia but I honestly like the show. I am not a huge fan of the weird cast of characters at the restaurant (the boss and Oleg) but I think Max and Caroline (played by Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs respectively) are relatable and funny. I love watching the bond they are forming and their characters developing. And the fact that I laugh a ton while watching this show makes it earn a spot.

BEST LITTLE SHOW THAT COULD:

Hart of Dixie: I fell in love with this pilot as well. Rachel Bilson’s Zoe Hart is sweet and charming. And seriously, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage (creators) know their audience; they made an episode all about a heat wave that featured Scott Porter, Cress Williams and Wilson Bethel shirtless. Seriously. It was amazing. But behind the great looking cast and fun traditions in Blue Bell, Alabama, is a heartwarming drama with love triangles and messed up childhoods. I mean, what more could you want in a CW show?

Honorable Mentions:

• Downton Abbey: More on this show in January but I am in love with it. And my mom got me into it. She is very pleased I am including this on my list.
• Happy Endings: I marathoned season one of this show before season two started and I love it. It’s funny, clever and I enjoy it week to week.
• Switched at Birth: This new ABC Family drama is surprisingly great….much better than the title/premise would imply.
• Pretty Little Liars: I just love this show. And we are going to find out who A is! I can’t wait!
• The Closer: The last season of this show has been brilliant. I can’t wait to see what happens with Brenda post-lawsuit and how they spin the series off with Captain Raydor.
• American Horror Story: Creepy, freaky, crazy — I still don’t have much of a clue of what’s going on, but I’m enjoying it a lot.
• The Lying Game: A twin who takes the other twin’s identity has been done before, but this show has gotten very good and interesting.
• Suburgatory: I adore Jeremy Sisto and Jane Levy. And their chemistry (not in that way) is funny and sweet.

What are you favorite shows of 2011? I’m interested to hear! Do you agree/disagree with my choices? Let me know!