One Culture Junkie's Take on the Best TV Shows of 2011

Photos via hitflix, fanpop, tvfanatic, thedailybeast.

I’m hesitant to call this a Best-of-2011 TV list, because let's be honest, I don’t watch every show on TV. I’m picky about what I choose to watch and hardly watch half-hour sitcoms so even though I may chuckle at a passing episode of Happy Endings, I much prefer the one-hour intensity of a TV drama. So instead, let’s call this what it is: one culture junkie’s take on the best shows of 2011.

Oh, and SPOILER ALERT.

Friday Night Lights
One of the most realistic (if you pretend season 2 never happened), heartwarming, and artfully written television shows came to an end this year after five seasons of disappointingly low viewership. When Coach Taylor said his final "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose", I’m not ashamed to admit my stomach was in knots and tears were inevitably streaming. I’ve never been so emotionally attached to a cast of characters before - there will never be a family quite like them. And of course, saying goodbye to Riggins was pretty much heartbreaking.

Revenge
Officially the guilty pleasure show of 2011 and what I consider to be the best new show on network TV. A prime-time soap complete with enough secrets, betrayal and treachery to keep any soap lover content. Takes place in the Hampton’s, where elite socialites and lavish parties provide the backdrop for some very juicy scheming.

Boardwalk Empire
The last three episodes of season two were absolute, jaw-dropping, game-changers. When Angela was taken out, we knew that no one was safe and that it was a definite possibility that the main characters we came to love over the past two seasons could potentially start dropping like flies. As cringe-worthy as the penultimate episode was (incest is really having a moment right now on TV), and even though we knew a showdown of sorts was coming, nothing could prepare us for the torture of having to see Nucky actually put two bullets into the man he pretty much raised. Well, at least we still have Richard Harrow.

Breaking Bad
Hands down, the best hour on television right now, with the most satisfying season finale I’ve seen on TV, maybe ever. Plus, the plot twist in the very last scene was completely unexpected and disturbing. For four seasons, we’ve watched the once-timid, cancer-ridden chemistry teacher evolve into a ruthless criminal capable of unimaginable lows. And I can’t reference this season without at least mentioning the shocking death scene of arguably the creepiest bad guy to ever exist on television - Gustavo Fring, who literally got his face blown off à la Walking Dead.

Dexter Facebook Promo from The Movie Network

There's an intriguing, new Dexter promo from the folks at The Movie Network, that takes a page right out of HBO's Guide to Creative Social Media Marketing. For my friends south of the border, The Movie Network is the channel that carries Showtime's Dexter in Canada.

This promotional contest gets you to choose between being a suspect, hero or victim, and the application uses your Facebook profile to generate a news story about you. I chose victim, and of course, the story has me being murdered due to my obsession with watching TV. Typical. In case this turns out to be a creepy case of foreshadowing, I'd like to leave my DVD and Blu-ray collection to... on second thought, I think I'll have them buried with me.



Almost forgot to mention that by participating in this promo, you're entered into a contest for 1 of 10 Dexter-themed prize packs. Not going to lie, it's rewarding enough (for me, anyway) just to be immortalized in print for the (obviously-fake, but nonetheless super-cool) Movie Network Examiner.

The only social media element that's missing is an option to tweet my news article. My only options to spread the word are to, 'like' it on Facebook, without a personalized status update, or to send it as a private message to Facebook friends. But no tweet button. Kind of missing out on a pretty big opportunity there.

Update:
Someone at The Movie Network must have been listening, because a comment-er brought to my attention that as of yesterday, you can now tweet your news article.

Jason Stackhouse is the Best

Jason: "There's werewolves?"
Sookie: "Yes"
Jason: "Shit! Bigfoot? Is he real too?"
Sookie: "I don't know, I guess it's possible."
Jason: "Santa?!"
Sookie: "Jason! Focus."

Favourite TV Moms (In Time for Mother's Day)

Carmela Soprano
The 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' Mom. Always made-up and ready for company, she's Tony Soprano's mob wife extraordinaire, sticking by her man through almost everything. Who wouldn't love to grow up with traditional Italian-American home cooking, and someone to do everything for your pampered and bratty ass, including, sort-of threatening the neighbour into writing a college recommendation letter for you. I guess it's the thought that counts.



Kitty Forman
From her annoying-yet-endearing laugh, to her tendency to smother her son, she proved to be the most adorable, old-fashioned mom. Although a nurse by profession, she made it her priority to cook and clean for her kids (and each and every one of her son's squatting friends), even convincing Red to take in Hyde when his mom left town. She just wanted a happy, loving family and even though she tried to get that with her never-ending family bonding suggestions (remember square dancing?!), you couldn't blame her for trying.



Lorelai Gilmore
With her eclectic fashion sense (you know you wanted to rummage through her closet), and her extensive knowledge of all things pop culture, she was the ultimate free-spirited mom AND best friend. Independent since the age of 16 when she got pregnant, she still managed to finish school and end up with a successful career. She was not only the most supportive mother on TV, but the mother-daughter dynamic between Lorelai and Rory is one for the ages. She's pretty much the mom you wish yours would be more like.

Nancy Botwin
Drug-dealing, adrenaline junkie, constantly putting her family in danger but always with the best of intentions. Even if she is always on the wrong side of the law, who wouldn't want a Mom with the weed-hookup? Although she's not exactly the greatest decision maker (she's the reason her family is perpetually on-the-run), she's trying to make the best of being a widow, and loves her kids to a fault, even sacrificing her freedom for the safety of her family. For that, we can overlook the fact that she's kind of a criminal, who's addicted to iced coffee and chunky-looking shoes.

And FYI, Nancy's shenanigans continue this summer when season 7 of Weeds starts June 27th.

Ruth Fisher
Matriarch (and mostly moral, center) of the Fisher family on Six Feet Under, she could be well-mannered and soft-spoken one minute, and a bohemian wild child the next. Always full of surprises (and new boyfriends), she made it her life's work to care for her family. But regardless of the drama, she always had their best interests at heart, and we loved her for it.

Friday Night Lights - Late to the Game

I really don't like football. I don't even like watching the Superbowl (although I appreciate the junk food). But for some reason, what I do love, is watching stories about the lives of athletes. Maybe it's all those years of One Tree Hill and being consumed with the basketball-related, small-town, high school drama. Perhaps it's seeing underdogs overcoming obstacles that sparks an emotional reaction in me. Either way, after these Friday Night Lights alums (Minka Kelly, Taylor Kitsch, Aimee Teegarden) started getting all famous and buzz-worthy, I thought I'd try watching an episode to see what it was all about so I could finally stop saying, "Who the hell are these people?!"

I'm hooked. Every episode I've seen so far has brought me to tears. Yes, it's jam-packed with drama, but it's more about the realistic kinds of social issues that make up small-town, high school football-loving America. It doesn't help that the star quarterback, who's the nicest guy ever, is now paralyzed and stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of his life (á la Remember the Titans). And then there's the adorable and shy, second string quarterback, somehow managing to take care of his dementia-ridden grandmother while his dad is off in Iraq. It's always sad to see kids having to deal with things beyond their means, growing up alone and without role models. You end up getting consumed with their stories, seeing each character's unique perspective on their Football-loving town.

It takes a couple of episodes to get used to the show's production style, which is not typical of a TV drama. The camera work is shaky, as if someone is manually taping a home-movie. But it adds to the authenticity of Friday Night Lights, like you're right there in the game with them, getting a backstage pass into their complicated lives.

Hank Moody: The Californication Conundrum

Hank Moody - The epitome of 'tragically flawed', Californication's lovable loser is a chain-smoking alcoholic, a self-destructive sex-addict. Actually, scratch that - he's not so much self-destructive as he is destructive, since his destruction not only has to do with him but the 'loves' of his life: Karen and their daughter, Becca.

So why do we love him and continue to take his side, even when he does literally the unforgivable? Hank isn't exactly a stand-up guy, so why does the audience keep tuning in to see his never-ending downwards spiral? Why do all the ladies love him, and how is every single woman he meets, drawn to him, no matter how secure and independently successful she is? And despite how gorgeous Karen's new man (Michael Ealy) is, why do I keep hoping she'll go back to Hank?

As humans, we enjoy watching those around us fail, maybe because it makes us feel better about ourselves. We like train wrecks like Jersey Shore and Lindsay Lohan because they're far enough away from our realities that it's OK to watch and laugh at. Or, maybe we appreciate characters like Hank because they're not perfect and therefore we relate to them and their many flaws.

He is good-looking and has a way with words that's pretty swoon-worthy. And sometimes it's bad-ass that he's nonchalant about everything, even if that happens to include the two people he claims to love, Karen and Becca. Ultimately, I think we care because despite his shortcomings, he's a dad that would literally do anything for the few people he cares about.

Either way, despite his issues, we love him, and as Karen so eloquently explained to Abby, here's why:

“I think the world see’s Hank as this fabulous fuck-up. And I know that guy – I’ve spent a lot of time with that guy. But I’m better acquainted with the other guy. The one that listens and hears everything. The one that looks at you and sees right into your soul. The one that makes you believe in every fucking fairy tale that you’ve ever been told. Ultimately, I may not even be the woman who gets to enjoy the man that I know he can be, but I still want the best for him because I want the best for my daughter.” - Karen

I Need You So Much Closer

I randomly came across Transatlanticism by Death Cab on shuffle today and it immediately reminded me of Six Feet Under. Even though the moment in this scene is drug-induced, there's something so special and real about it. This (phenomenally-cast) group of misfits, sitting around, contemplating the meaning of 'it' all. The atmosphere the Death Cab song creates literally mesmerizes you into a dream-like state, till you can't really tell if they're on drugs or you are. It's sort of beautiful.



It got me thinking about how when you hear certain songs, they automatically make you think of a movie or TV show you heard it on. I love that about music, the way it reminds you of different moments in your life, connecting you to memories of the same emotions you may have felt when you first saw or did something that you love.

Mad Men Season 4 Finale Recap - Will the disappointment never end?

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Sterling-Cooper-Draper-Price had so much promise at the beginning of this season, starting up their independent firm and making a fresh start, with all principle characters in tow. But of course, Don let us down yet again while we waited for his redemption but in true Mad Men fashion, we were left shocked and of course, disappointed.

Episode Highlights:

- Megan’s amazingly calm reaction to when Sally knocked over the milkshake. I had a mental flash to all hell breaking loose if Betty had been there instead of Megan. Even Don was surprised with her composure and ability to deal with the commotion.

- Peggy got a new account, singlehandedly bringing SCDP back from the red. She's always been my favourite character to watch grow and develop into a successful copywriter. Just looking at her meeting with the Nylon company compared to Don's meeting with the American Cancer Society, it's clear that she's advancing and moving forward while Don's ideas are starting to get tired.

- Not so surprisingly, Joan kept Roger’s baby and will seemingly pass it off as her husband’s. By the way, he’s looking a lot less weak and much cuter now. Gotta love a man in a uniform. But, next to Roger’s eternal childishness and increasing uselessness, anyone looks good.

- Don’s ridiculous engagement, not to his girlfriend Faye, but to his annoying secretary, Megan. That came out of nowhere, as does pretty much everything on this show, so I don’t know why I’m even surprised at this point. We all expected more from Don, finally having found an equal in Faye, but he ended up right where he started. And he even gave Megan Anna’s recycled ring, the one the ‘real’ Don Draper gave her. What an ass.

- Joan and Peggy’s bonding session where, for the first time, they actually got along. These two should’ve been friends long ago, but for some reason, Joan never accepted Peggy or anyone for that matter, as a friend. Watching them laugh over Don’s engagement was priceless and one of the best scenes of the finale!

Dwight Schrute for Regional Manager!

It's sad but apparently true that next season will be Steve Carell's last as top dog of Dunder Mifflin.  The current season has just now ended and already the search has begun to pick a replacement from the well-deserving Dunder Mifflin employees in want of a promotion.

I don't know why anyone would even consider anyone else, when we all know Dwight should be the next manager!  I mean, can you imagine? Company retreats at Schrute Farms with Cousin Mose!  And here are the Top 10 Reasons, in his own words of course, why Dwight Schrute should be the new boss of Dunder Mifflin Scranton.

He has all the right experience:
"Because although I don't have a lot of experience with vampires, but I have hunted werewolves.  I shot one once, but by the time I got to it, it turned back into my neighbour's dog."

He's quick on his feet:
"I am fast.  To give you a reference point I am somewhere between a snake and a mongoose...and a panther."

Determination runs in his family:
"I come from a long line of fighters.  My maternal grandfather was the toughest guy I ever knew.  World War Two veteran killed twenty men and spent the rest of the war in an Allied prison camp.  My father battled blood pressure and obesity all his life.  Different kind of fight."

He's ambitious for power:
"Once I'm officially Regional Manager, my first order of business will be to demote Jim Halpert.  So I will need a new number two.  My ideal choice? Jack Bauer.  But he is unavailable.  Fictional  And overqualified."

He's economical:
"Why tip someone for a job I'm capable of doing myself?  I can deliver food.  I can drive a taxi.  I can, and do, cut my own hair.  I did however, tip my urologist, because I am unable to pulverize my own kidney stones."

He's a survivor:
"In the wild, there is no health care. In the wild, health care is, ‘Ow, I hurt my leg. I can't run. A lion eats me. I'm dead.’ Well, I’m not dead. I’m the lion. You’re dead."

He thinks before he acts:
"Before I do anything I ask myself, 'Would an idiot do that?' And if the answer is yes, I do not do that thing."

He's (kind of?) loyal:
"Would I ever leave this company?  Look, I'm all about loyalty.  In fact, I feel like part of what I'm being paid for here is my loyalty.  But if there were somewhere else that valued loyalty more lighly, I'm going wherever they value loyalty the most."

He knows exactly who he is:
"How would I describe myself?  Three words: hard working, alpha male, jackhammer...merciless...insatiable."

And the #1 reason Dwight Schrute should be the new Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin is because he's unbreakable.
"When my mother was pregnant with me, they did an ultrasound and found she was having twins.  When they did another ultrasound a few weeks later, they discovered that I had absorbed the other fetus.  Do I regret this?  No, I believe his tissue has made me stronger.  I now have the strength of a grown man and a little baby."

The Beginning of The End.

Entourage is definitely on its way out.  It's a natural course that all shows must go through until finally, they're just done.  Sunday's episode was basically Ari running around like a chicken with his head cut off, E doing absolutely NOTHING at work when he's supposed to be some big-shot agent now.  (On a side note, big shot agent repping Bob Saget?, who hasn't had a hit-anything since Full House?)  And Lloyd, my favourite of Ari's endless past assistants, has even lost his shine with the classic and witty Ari-Lloyd banter taking a backseat to his new job as agent.  And, correct me if I'm wrong, but the biggest thing that happened last episode was Vince cut his hair.  I get that it's a 'big deal' since he's had his Screech-like curly-do since the beginning and we've kind of come to the end here.  Unofficially, of course.  But, really, I think the show has run its course.  Us die-hard fans will keep watching no matter what, but there's only so much time I can spend watching a show where nothing actually happens.  Ahem, Hills fans will know what I'm talking about here.

The problem with Entourage is that all the characters individually are so dynamic and awesome that it's hard, in the ridiculously short half-hour, to really give enough screen time and credit to each character.  Remember back in the show's heyday when Drama first shouted 'VICTORY!' or when Ari first uttered the now infamous term, "Let's Hug it Out, Bitch!"  I guess what I'm trying to say is that there is no iconic element to this season so far.  It’s definitely become more about putting in as many famous faces as possible, than really delivering fresh stories each season. 

And on that note, let’s take a little trip with the boys from Queens, to probably one of the most memorable scenes of the series.

I Heart the Geek

The Laws of Attraction are weird and unexplainable.  Take for instance, mainstream America’s growing attraction to the underdog.  Pop Culture has officially welcomed the age of the Geek.  I like to pinpoint it to the first season of The OC, where Seth Cohen stole every girl’s heart, including that of California girl, Summer. 

Gone are the days of the popular jock, now coming in second to the emo-loving, tech-savvy, comic book enthusiast of today.  With the growing popularity of geeky comedies like Superbad and Knocked Up, awkward boys like Michael Cera and Seth Rogen are attractive, I think, because when hairlines recede and good looks fade, there has to be something more than the superficial.

Actually, comedians have kind of always been exempt from the conventional romance rules of Hollywood.  Guys like Jim Carrey and Kevin James (from King of Queens) get the girl even while not exactly having Brad Pitt-like good looks.

It's kind of like the fairy tales we all grew up with, like Aladdin, where audiences identify with seeing the street urchin end up with the princess.

My Top 5 Geeks of All-Time:

#5 Steve Urkell  from Family Matters.  The stereotypical geek, Steve had the too-short pants kept up with suspenders, plaid shirts and oversized glasses, not to mention the annoying nasal-y voice.  But, his alter-ego Stefan Urquelle shows us that beneath every geek there’s a smooth guy just waiting to get out, so you should stick around for when that happens.   

#4 Carlton Banks from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.  So annoying and such the tattle-tale, with his endless supply of sweaters and preppy clothes, poor guy pretty much never got the girl.  Not to mention his obsession with Tom Jones...And the Carlton dance, ohhhh the dance.

#3 Duckie Dale from Pretty in Pink.  Molly Ringwald’s best friend, complete with the goofy hair, shoes, and desperation.  He wasn’t cool enough to get into the hottest spot in town but always waited for his beloved, red-headed Andie.  Jon Cryer will always be remembered for serenading Andie with Otis Redding’s Tenderness.

#2 Samuel (Screech) Powers from Saved by the Bell.  Zack Morris’ best friend with a heart of gold!  For some reason, Saved by the Bell never actually followed typical High School conventions.  At Bayside, the head cheerleader hung out with the class valedictorian and the biggest geek in school.  With that said, Screech’s goofiness and cluelessness made the show what it was, comic gold for the 80s, and somehow, still in syndication almost 20 years later.

#1 Dwight Schrute from The Office.  From his awkward display of useless knowledge on bears and beets, to his love of Battlestar Gallactica, he gets #1 for being so uncool that he’s cool.  He wears his geekiness as a badge of honour, embracing what he loves and stands for, and does so with so much confidence that he transcends the traditional characteristics of the geek, creating a new genre with his unique personality.