I feel like making a list. So here we go:
- Mad Men - season 3 was incredible, building on what I thought was a quantum-leap from season 1 to 2. The Don Draper “reset” for season 4 will make this one of the most highly anticipated seasons in television history, at least creatively.
- Lost - another reset of sorts, though this one could go in any of a dozen ways (typical Lost). Whatever direction they take us, the final season promises to fascinate and confuse.
- House - I’m still unsure of the direction this season is taking. The character of Thirteen definitely brought something tangible to the show, and I’m a little uneasy that they’re just rehashing Cameron/Chase/Foreman storylines. Still, the writing remains excellent.
- Sons of Anarchy - good writing, superior cast. May not rise quite to the level of early Sopranos, but it’s a quality show that I look forward to.
- Bored to Death - my favorite new show of the year. Jason Schwartzmann, Zach Galafaniakos, and Ted Dansen (the sleeper star of the show) are a great trio. The writing has been consistently good, and hopefully HBO will let them continue to do their thing.
- Weeds/Dexter/Californication - I’m lumping them all together because they’re all enjoyable, they are all great at their peak, and all three seem to have run their course. Unfortunately for Showtime, I don’t think they have anything else worthwhile in the pipeline. I liked Brotherhood before they canned it.
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia - Funniest show on TV (sorry 30 Rock) and they’ve bounced back from a lackluster finish last season with a string of great episodes.
- Miscellaneous - shows I’ll watch but usually just to catch up (I don’t notice if I’m behind): 30 Rock (feels tired), Office, Parks & Rec (improving), Fringe, Heroes (continually frustrating but hey it’s SUPERHEROES), Defying Gravity (hooked right as it was cancelled, bummer), Curb Your Enthusiasm, Hung.
