I’m struggling to write anything, so I decided to tackle an easier topic: television shows. The following list does not include reality show-based content, which may comprise another post. When I tried to rank my favorites, I quickly gave up for a general list instead. I will also include a list of honorable mentions that aren’t as beloved and enjoyed by me now but did deserve a spotlight. Keep in mind, this list is not a ranked list, but rather a chance to gush about some of my favorite shows.
Drum Roll….
Penny Dreadful (2014-2016)
This Showtime series posited a question that several low budget horror films have also asked: What if a bunch of Victorian novel villains interacted with each other? Unlike those horror movies where the Wolfman meets Frankenstein, Penny Dreadful handled the idea with care and consideration. The plots of the various “monsters” intertwine in interesting ways and leave the viewer wanting more. From the novels I have read (Dorian Gray, Frankenstein, Strange Case of Jekyll and Hyde, etc.), the series kept the characters pretty close to their literary counterparts. The biggest take away is the setting of this show. Victorian London is shown in all its grime and glory. The costumes are stunning. And the cast is great. The one actor I thought would stick out worked in the role, as he’s meant to go against the grain of Victorian London manners (I’m speaking of Josh Harnett as Ethan Chandler). Other standouts include Eva Green as Vanessa Ives, Billie Piper as Lilly, and Rory Kinnear as John Clare, and Reeve Carney as Dorian Gray.
Supergirl (2015-)
This DC show started on CBS with—for me—a weak first season. The characters grew and expanded once the show moved to the CW and joined the Arrow-verse lineup. While some missed Cat Grant’s character in season two, I maintain that this was the beginning of a strong show. I do admit that season two fell neatly into the CW mold, for better or worse. However, the best part of the show is the relationship between Kara (Supergirl) and Alex (her adopted sister) is the heart of the show. The show also has a strange habit of casting actors who previously played a superhero, such as the actress who starred in Supergirl movie from 1980s, both Superman and Lois Lane from Lois and Clark in the 90s, Hercules star Kevin Sorbo, and Lois Lane from Smallville. While some are fun cameos, others are reoccurring characters, such as Kara’s adopted mother and father. I get the gesture but…
I sometimes struggle with this show and how close it aligns itself with real world politics. My main gripe is not the parallels—far from it—I just want the lines to be a little more blur and not so obvious. One character in season four is clearly an Alex Jones type. Otherwise, I’m very happy that the show is progressive, including casting a transwoman as a main character in season four. I wish the writers’ room could get better at veiling their real-life inspirations for their plots and characters.
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (2016-)
This show is batshit crazy and I love it. While the first season did explore life aboard a timeship, by season four, we have puppets in the mid-season finale. I don’t what kind of drugs they have in the writers’ room, but they are strong. The cast is made up of side characters from other Arrow-verse shows (The Flash, Arrow), but they really get to shine in this show. I haven’t seen much of Arrow, but you don’t need the character’s complete backstory to understand his/her motivation. Sarah, for example, is a complex ninja warrior with a troubled past; I know there’s more to the story, but I get the basics. The show really has fun with the concept of misfit heroes on a ship that can travel the world and the timeline.
The Flash (2014-)
This show sits somewhere between Legends and Arrow for tone. While season one features a monster-of-the-week setup as Barry learns to master his speed force powers, the show has evolved nicely (if unevenly) over the years. Barry has become a true hero, who has a bit of a dark side, but part of his charm is the positivity. While the approach is very different, The Flash plays with the timeline too. But unlike Legends, the consequences for Barry and his team are far-reaching. The best part of recent seasons is the exploration of the multi-verse, including visiting Supergirl and world where the Nazis won WWII.
Bones (2005-2017)
While I hate most procedurals and their copy-paste formula, this series starring Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz landed on my radar two years after it premiered in 2005. I continued to watch the show regularly until they killed off my favorite character (Dr. Lance Sweets, in case you were wondering[*Spoilers*]). Otherwise, I found the series interesting and I loved how the show tried to use real science terms, to the frustration of the cast. The characters were all developed naturally, and the procedural aspect quickly moved to the background. Each week’s case usually helped shed light on one of the main characters, giving them time to explore something, rather than just solve a case. Over the course of several seasons, you understood these people and their motivations. I actually felt bad when I gave up on the show, but I haven’t revisited the series. Maybe one day I will return to the Jeffersonian Labs.
Veronica Mars (2004-2007 [film in 2014])
If you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you will like this show. It has the same quick wit and surprisingly great acting. Keep an eye out for some of the original Buffy cast, too. Not enough is said about star Kristin Bell’s acting range. While you may know her from The Good Place or Frozen, if you want to see her play smart, kickass character who outsmarts the bad guys and solves the case, this is the show for you. I always recommend this series to anyone looking for a new binge-worthy show; I’m super upset that Netflix—in all their wisdom—doesn’t have this show in their roster. If you can get your hands on this great show, please check it out. You’ll thank me. The cast is great, the story is compelling (although it does verge on edge of soap opera at times), and the writing is brilliant. As a fan of well-written shows, I’ve followed creator/showrunner Rob Thomas (not the singer) throughout this career. If you want more like this show, check out his latest venture iZombie.
Angel (1999-2004)
Well, the inclusion of this show was destined. Although I haven’t binged the show in several years, the cast of oddball characters holds a place in my heart. Based on the character of Angel from Buffy, the show follows the vampire with a soul as he tries to live and not die in Los Angeles. While you shouldn’t get me started on some of the choices later in the series, the cast keeps me rooting for these characters. Standouts include Cordelia, who evolved greatly after her time at Sunnydale High; Fred, who is sweet and sassy; and Lorne, a demon with the voice of an angel; and Wesley, another character who follows Angel from Sunnydale to LA. I’m keeping this short because I could really fill a book with all that I have to say about this series.
iZombie (2014-)
Speaking of Rob Thomas, this is his current series and I absolutely love it. The main character, Liv Moore, is a zombie working as a medical examiner, who takes on the personality of the brain she eats. Rose McIver is a chameleon as she transforms into various characters; she does such a great job that I couldn’t picture anyone else in this role. Her co-worker, Ravi, is a gem and her partner, Clive, is clueless about Liv’s true nature. The whole cast is perfect and the writing, like Thomas’s other show, is sharp and crisp. As a side note, my favorite brain is Liv as a grumpy old man. Don’t worry, the gore in the show is minimal and almost comical.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
I’ll keep this short. Great show, great cast, great writing. I haven’t read much of the comics. Go watch it if you somehow haven’t done so yet.
Supernatural (2005-)
I’ve been watching Jensen and Jared since this show debuted in 2005. I remember watching season one on an old tube television, that’s how long this show has been running. While I have taken a few breaks from Supernatural, I always find myself coming back to the show. I even went to my first-ever fan convention this last year and it was magical. This show is like the music you loved as a teenager, it holds a special place in your heart. You connect it to moments in your life and couldn’t imagine not having it around. I won’t get into if it should still be on air. I have my nit-picks about recent seasons. For my money, the first five season are pure gold. I have come to appreciate music I would never otherwise listen to because of this show, including the very important song by Kansas (you know the one). As this show becomes more popular, I find myself strangely possessive, like I found it first so get your hands off of it. However, I did love sharing my fandom with fellow Waywards (is that the fandom name?) last November in Minneapolis. Whatever I think about the current goings-on, this show will always be a safe bet on Netflix for me.
Firefly (2002 [film in 2005])
Much like Supernatural, I always find myself returning to this short-lived show about space cowboys. This show managed to be wonderful in less than a season. The movie is a great continuation of the story, as are the comics, which I have read. These characters are not unique (many are based on Western tropes), but they are all individuals. Much like Buffy or Supernatural, you know which character would say what time. You know these characters and I always wish the series had continued. I’d love to pull up a chair to the dining room table onboard Serenity and share a meal and a fight with these fine folks.
I know, I didn’t list your favorite shows. No Game of Thrones or Orange is the New Black. My life is too busy to take on another series, but below are some honorable mentions. One day I will watch GoT, but until then…
The O.C.
Arrow
Smallville
The Good Place
Lucifer
Sherlock
The Vampire Diaries and The Originals
Misfits
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Recently, I took stock of all the various fandoms of which I am a part. Here’s the list: Harry Potter, Whedonverse, Supernatural, iZombie, and Veronica Mars. Probably Marvel if you only count the MCU, not the comics. Some of the DC CW shows almost made the list too. I’m not a member of the Star Wars fandom, although I’ve seen all of the movies at least once (not Solo). I’ve never seen the Star Trek shows or movies. I’ve seen a handful of Dr. Who episodes at random but I keep hesitating to dive into that intense fandom. There is too much content to devour it all.
The MCU is becoming far too big, and frankly, I’m losing steam. I’m a dirty casual viewer, so they have to take it easy on me. (I’ve never read a Marvel comic and I’ve barely read any comics.) But I know Marvel and Disney will not slow down anytime soon. Marvel movies like Avengers: Endgame are now cultural events. The comic book movie has come a long way. What would Christopher Reeve think? DC and Marvel, no matter the setbacks, are in it for the long haul. They are not going away.
