Well hello. Did you miss me?
That’s right, as we enter 2012 I would have felt guilty if I didn’t share my favorite TV shows/moments from Fall 2011, as well as what I’m most looking forward to in 2012.
Let’s just review the past quickly and give you some highlights from the Fall of 2011
Best New Show
“Homeland” / “New Girl” – I’m not even a big Zooey D fan, I just can’t get enough of Schmidt. And “Homeland” might be the show of the year even though I’m not crazy about where Season 2 is heading.
Biggest Drop Off
“Community” / “Boardwalk Empire” – With “Community, I just haven’t found it very funny this year and the parallel universe episode was probably the most overrated thing from TV this fall. As for “Boardwalk”, call me crazy but I’m just not that into incest. (Spoiler alert: I also felt like the “Boardwalk” writers turned Nucky into Walter White and Jimmy into Ned Stark in the finale)
Development We All Saw Coming
“The Office” struggling without Steve Carell – The show was struggling before Carell left, but aside from the Garden Party episode that CW and I loved, this season has continued the show’s downward spiral.
Good Show That’s Begun To Suck
“How I Met Your Mother” – Ted’s a douchebag who I no longer find a reason to root for and the writers are kidding themselves if they think Barney/Robin are the new Ross/Rachel, or even Jim/Pam.
CBS Show I Watched, Enjoyed, Then Just Stopped Watching For No Real Reason
“Persons of Interest” – Yep, that pretty much summed it up.
Finale That Almost Made Me Cry Tears of Sadness and Fear at the Same Time
“Walking Dead” – Bravo, I did not see that coming. I still have reservations about the show’s ability to last long term, but still, phenomenal ending.
Show I Discovered Over the Summer and am Now Obsessed With
“Happy Endings” – It’s getting a lot of buzz along these lines, so I don’t feel the need to say too much more. But I will add it’s really nice to Elisha Cuthbert having some success after “The Girl Next Door”, that movie is awesome.
Show I Pretend Not to Watch While My Wife Watches It, But Really I’m All Over It
“Revenge” – They framed her father!!!!
Show That Delivered a Comeback Season Even Though It Wasn’t In Trouble
“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” – The episode where they were locked inside the house was one of my all-time favorites. I’d also say, while it was hysterical to see, I think the episodes would have been just as good even if Mac didn’t get fat.
Show I’m Sad To Say Goodbye To
“Chuck” – I know no one watches this show. I’ve spent countless time trying to convince my friends and family to, but no one gave in. So now the show that somehow lucked its way into five seasons is enjoying its final run. I can’t say this season’s been great, but I will still be sad to see it go.
And now on to the shows I’m most looking forward to in early 2012
“30 Rock”
Thursday, January 12th, 8pm (NBC)
It had one hell of a comeback year last year and I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I caught a repeat on Comedy Central last month. I’m not happy “Community” is off the schedule (despite my earlier criticism), but this show taking its timeslot makes it a lot easier to handle.
“Justified”
Tuesday, January, 17th, 10pm (FX)
Season 1 didn’t really get going until the end, but Season 2 was amazing all the way through. I’m really hoping Season 3 continues the momentum and with upcoming guest starts like Carla Gugino and Bubba from “Forrest Gump” you really can’t bet against this show.
“Archer”
Thursday, January 19th, 10pm (FX)
For all the geek-love the Adult Swim shows get, this is my choice for the #1 non-network comedy. (#1 comedy overall would be NBC’s “Parks and Recreation”) The mini-series it had in the fall was hilarious and I really need more jokes in my life about lacrosse camps.
“Game of Thrones”
April (HBO)
I love this show almost as much as Ben Wyatt does. I want it back bad. I’m a little worried the dragon storyline might make it a little “fantastical” (is that a word?), but I’m ready and willing to be proved wrong.
“Mad Men”
TBD (AMC)
This show’s been off the air so long I don’t even remember what it’s about. I just remember there’s a buxom red head and that’s something to get excited for!
