My Incoherent Thoughts on LOST. BOOM.

Lost - Season 6 and The End - Eps. 601-617

Ok, since I had no idea what was going on all season, I've waited until now, the day after the series finale to chime up. Ok, I still don't think I knew what was going on but here's my two cents (in no particular coherent order, so you know, just like the show) on the finale and the entire series and season up until that final moment.

Pros: As I've always said, mysterious island or not, the series is always at its best in careful character studies and this season, beyond the multiple timelines and continued mindfuck, and especially in the finale, kept the show anchored to our devotion to our favorite characters.

The actors, who I've contended have always been great, really brought out their A game. Evangeline Lilly was stupendous last night. I know some criticized Kate based episodes were always the weakest, but tell me she was not simply fantastic season, and particularly in the final episodes of the series?

Cons: The final 5 minutes of the show, which have been debated over and over again ALREADY (and we're not even 24 hours since "The End") was well, kind of a copout in one sense (wait, don't judge me just yet). It's at least not "the dream" ending, but "they're dead" was the next worse scenario... or was it? Because since they weren't actually dead until this past season (with the flash sideways), it still meant the original Oceanic 815 crash was real, and everything that happened until spinning the wheel when the island disappeared and/or when Juliet died?

Of course, this meant the real John Locked died. Sun and Jin really did die in the submarine, and the whole season when I wasn't as saddened by all the deaths (because I figured who knew if they were REALLY dead) meant that they actually WERE in fact really dead, so last night's finale was sort of a shocker. I felt like I was dealing with slow grief. Which put the whole last 5 minutes into a poignant spiritual moment that nicely wrapped up the whole series into its most basic philosophy of life. Which is a nice Pro. And sort of justifies the ending. And considering the religious overtoned ending, they did an amazingly compelling job in the end that nicely wrapped up ALL our favorite characters (including Boone and Shannon, though sadly no Michael or Walt, who are apparently still roaming the island?).

So this whole last season was basically Jack's story/point of view towards his ultimate death (while saving the island/world and passing the torch to Hurley) and partly I feel like it was cheating (in retrospect), but it was done so well, particularly leading up to the reunion finale, that I sort of forgive them. Plus, closing out the show with Jack closing his eye, is a nice bookend to the terrific pilot. Plus it leaves us knowing that at least a FEW people got off the island (again) for real.

Still, that means Claire really did get left behind and went crazy on the island. Charlie really did die, Juliet really did die, Sun and Jin really did die. And most of all, Locke has been the smoke monster for 2 seasons. I don't actually like the fact that in essence, we haven't hung out with real Locke for 2 years now. (It reminds me of the Evil Francie story on Alias. Cool plotting, but drains the essence of the actor/character).

On the other hand, bringing everyone together in death, a group of people who grew close from their experience on the island together, was a nice and comforting closing. Pat, warm and fuzzy for a show that can usually mine the emotional pull without the schmaltz. But if anytime shows can get away with that, it's the finale, especially since it leaves forth that there are survivors still.

Ok, I'm repeating myself. Maybe it's the shows influence. But while the finale just kept repeating the cosmic reunions and revelations, bringing together the Lost lovers, I, like I'm sure most viewers, got choked up with all the love. And as the show was basically saying, isn't that's what's most important in the end?

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

TVworthy - The Vacation Catch-Up

It's been a while since I've blogged about TV. Oh, I'm still watching lots (and tweeting about it), but since my Australia/New Zealand vacation, I've been trying to catch-up. Some, like Lost, I've caught up with right away of course (not that I have any idea what's going on) and the rest, I'm slowly working my way back to the current episodes (I'm finally caught up to late March for most).

Anyways, here's my thoughts in more than 140 characters (but not by much because I think my brain is starting work in 140 character thoughts now).

Lost - Seriously, I can't talk about it, because, I don't know how to talk about it. But man, I can never wait until the next episode, yet fear it because it's one less episode until the end. I'm assuming I'll get "it" on May 23rd at 11pm.

Bored to Death - Watched the first season. I always think I'll get annoyed at Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifianakis, and Ted Danson, yet I'm reminded that I've enjoyed them before (Schartzman in Rushmore and any Wes Anderson film, Galifianakis in Hangover despite the movie being overrated, Danson in Help Me Help You and Damages) and I'm loving them in this and I can't wait for more episodes.

Ugly Betty - I am LOVING this season so far. Of course I am. It's cancelled! It can now join the ranks of Everwood and The OC. Shows that got cancelled in it's fourth, and best season.

Greek - Nothing is more comforting than going back to college and joining Cappie, Casey, Rusty and Beaver. Seriously, I'd go back if it was this fun. I'm enjoying the deepening of Evan and Rebecca's characters and kudos for the ongoing gay love story with Calvin and Grant and I love the Heath still lingers around.

American Idol - What can be said? Worst season ever. It's Bowersox's to lose but I don't even get that excited by her as I have past Idolers like Kris Allen, David Archie, David Cook, Carrie Underwood or Kelly Clarkson. Maybe it's cause of all the Lilith Fair vibe. Maybe it's cause despite it supposedly being a girls year, the boys have prevailed, despite sucky voices. But hey, it's what happens when everyone is a sob story this year.

Life Unexpected - How much do I love this show? It has that comfortable reminder of the good years of The WB. Love Kristofer Polaha and Shirri Appleby and love all the minor melodrama.

Community, Parks & Recreation, Modern Family and Cougar Town have become such awesome comedies! Love them so much. Amazing too since 3 of them had such a shaky start. In fact, I find myself looking forward to them more than the old standard The Office (which I will say, has at least gotten better again in the new year).

The Good Wife - The cast is superb to begin with but they keep adding amazing guest stars and re-occuring characters. How much do we love Gary Cole's mustache? Or a creepy Alan Cummings (though when is he not creepy?). The writing has gotten better and tighter too and while the mysteries/cases still manipulatively feed us viewers, the interplay between the characters are snappy and solid. And still love that Archie Punjabi is now in a big US hit TV show.

Undercover Boss - It's so set up and manipulated (I mean, there's no way EVERY employee the undercover bosses speaks to has a sob story like the ones that do on this show) but while I wonder about the OTHER worthy employees, I'm a total sucker for it all. I can't stop watching, as fake as some of it may be.

Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains - When did Colby get so crabby? I'm still on team Boston Rob. I'm sad Cirie got kicked out so early. I wish Stephen (from JT's season) and Rob Cesterino was on this. UPDATE: Okay, I caught another ep. DAMNIT. Ugh.

Desperate Housewives - Okay, lesbian story aside (and I'm not totally caught up yet so bear with me), I've been loving this season.

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

Best of Television 2009

I know this is a little late AND considering how far behind I've fallen in 2009, not the most accurate or complete list. Plus, if you've already seen my Best Television of Decade list, this won't be all that different. And if it's not there, it might be in the Best One Season Hit Wonders list. So this is not going to be terribly new or exciting.

And due to cable issues, I never got a chance to see the latest season of Mad Men nor several other cable shows (including Damages, Breaking Bad or True Blood).

I know. I might as well not write a TV blog.

But alas, in keeping with my yearly lists, Here's my picks for the Best of Television for 2009
(With the ranking from the two previous lists (Best of 2008/ Best of TV - Fall 2007/ Winter 2008 Season) in parenthesis.):

1. Friday Night Lights (DirecTV/NBC) - (1, 3)



2. Lost (ABC) - (2, 1)



3. Modern Family (ABC) - (New)



4. Glee (FOX) - (New)



5. Nurse Jackie (Showtime) - (NEW)


6. The United States of Tara (Showtime) - (NEW)


7. Gavin & Stacey - BBCAmerica (4, New)


8. 30 Rock (NBC) - (5, 4)


9. Better Off Ted (ABC) - (NEW)


10. The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - (20, Not Ranked)


11. Ugly Betty (ABC) - (7, 9)

12. Southland (NBC) - (NEW)

13. Bones (FOX) - (15, 15)

14. Top Chef (Bravo) - (14, Not Ranked)

15. Desperate Housewives (ABC) - (13, 18)

16. Chuck (NBC) - (10, 12)

17. Greek - (abcFamily) - (Not Ranked)

18. The Office (NBC) - (16, 14)

19. So You Think You Can Dance/So You Think You Can Dance Canada - (FOX/CTV) - (9, 8/11)

20. Burn Notice (USA) - (17, 7)

Shows I've Totally Fallen Behind On That I Still Love:
Breaking Bad
Damages
Fringe
Mad Men
Supernatural

Old Shows That Got Great Again:
The Real World: Brooklyn

New Shows That Turned Out Better Than Expected (that aren't already listed above, here listed alphabetically):
Cougar Town
Dollhouse
The Good Wife
The Middle
Party Down
Royal Pains
10 Things I Hate About You
The Vampire Diaries
White Collar

New Shows That Had a Slow Start But Have Vastly Improved:
Community
Parks & Recreation

Shows That Are Slipping
Gossip Girl
The New Adventures of Old Christine
Weeds

Shows That Deserved More Life
Kings
Privileged
Pushing Daisies
The Unusuals
Worst Week

Shows I've Dropped Or Considering Dropping
90210
Grey's Anatomy
Melrose Place
Private Practice

______________________________________

Best of 2009 Lists: Coming soon
Best of Music 2009
Best of Television 2009
Best of Stage 2009
Best of Movies 2009

Decadeworthy - The Best of 2000-2009 Lists:
SYTYCDworthy (w/ Videos) - List Format
Theatre of the Decade
Best Films of the Decade
Favorite Films of the Decade
Television of the Decade
Television of the Decade - 1 Season Wonders

Previous Best-of Lists:
Best of 2008 Lists:
Best of Music 2008
Best of Television 2008
Best of Stage 2008
Best of Movies 2008
Best of Television Fall '07 - Winter '08 List

Best of 2007 Lists:
Best of Music 2007
Best of Television 2007
Best of Movies 2007
Best of Stage 2007
Best of 2007 (The Final Wrap Up)
Best of Television Fall '06 - Winter '07 List

Best of 2006 Lists:
Best of Music 2006
Best of Television 2006
Best of Movies 2006
Best of 2006
Best of Television Fall '05 - Winter '06 List

Best of 2005 Lists:
Best of Television 2005
Best of Movies 2005

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

Decadeworthy - Television of the Decade

Here's my picks for the Best in Television of the Decade. Yes, it was the golden age of television. Where shows were able to further blossom, delve deeper, run archs that created emotionally satisfying stories that took advantage of using the longer format. Or, the opposite, where crime procedurals flourished.

And yes, while it may seem like I watch every show out there, I actually do not. Sadly, I had real jobs to do. So no, I still haven't started The Wire or Battlestar Galactica or Big Love yet, and while I petered out on Six Feet Under and The Sopranos, I never got back into them when they apparently resurged in quality.

So I've limited to picking the shows with their best season in this decade (so thus, The Sopranos S1 was 1999 and thus ineligible, as was S2 of Sex and the City. 1999 was a good year for HBO wasn't it?), and it can't have already been mentioned on my Decadeworthy: Best of Television 1 Season Wonders List.

I also started listing them in order but kept switching the orders for days that I almost went back to alphabetical, but decided to leave the ranking, but you can probably argue a different order especially from 11+ and I could agree. So don't put too much attention to the exact order.

So here's my Decadeworthy List for Television of the Decade:


1. Friday Night Lights (DirecTV/NBC) - Season 3 (2008)

Right from the get go, Season 1 grips you into the lives of the residents living in Dillon, TX, but Season 3 is when the emotional culmination comes to full fruition in deeply moving stories that continue on in Season 4 as more characters are giving satisfying sendoffs while new players are rolled in, all with the central core of Tami and Coach Eric Taylor staying strong at its heart.


2. Lost (ABC) - Season 4 (2008)
Best Episode: "Through The Looking Glass" (Ep. 322)

The 3rd Season finale changed the game but also confirmed Lost was in fact, not completely lost, with Season 4 continuing the build on everything since the terrific first season, mixing the mystery and lore with deep looks into Oceanic 815 survivor's lives and their destiny.


3. Coupling (BBC2) - Season 3 (2002)
Best Episode: "Remember This" (Ep. 304)

A British version of Friends with Sex and the City thrown in, the show is cute and builds to comic perfection in Season 2, but Season 3 tops that with some genius devices including the "Split" and "Remember This". I would say 5 of the 7 episodes in the season are perfect and cannot be touched.


4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TheWB/UPN) - Season 5 (2000-2001)
Best Episode: "The Body" (Ep. 516)

Before the decade had begun, the show had already perfected the use of high school/college as allegory for bigger, more devilish themes, with a funny Scooby crew fighting off demons and vampires, but everything seemed to gather to an emotional and urgent climax to fight Gloria, as well as the incredibly moving and non-supernatural death of Buffy's mom.


5. Everwood (TheWB) - Season 4 (2005-2006)
Best Episode: "Foreverwood Parts 1 & 2" (Eps. 421 & 422)

Every season deepened the family drama about a successful surgeon and his two kids that he tries to know better after moving to the small town of Everwood, CO. Everwood managed to balance both a light and fun tone with deeper and more emotionally dark issues, all with characters we learned to love, and managed to cobble together one of the most satisfying finales despite having the show cancelled unceremoniously at the last minute.


6. Pushing Daisies (ABC) - Season 1 (2007)
Best Episode: "Pielette (Ep. 101)

A deliriously delicious romantic murder mystery that sort of defied genres. Part romantic comedy, part crime procedural, part fantasy, part gay wonderland, and all wonderful.


7. Veronica Mars (TheWB) - Season 1 (2004-2005)

A mystery film noir done for the high school set but was not for the high schooler, with the dark cases and witty repartees, Kristen Bell led a terrific cast in a sleuth show that constantly surprised with twists and turns that were both fun and actually puzzling.


8. Gavin & Stacey (BBC3) - Season 1 (2007)
Best Episode: "Episode One" (Ep. 101)

A great romantic comedy television show that wasn't schmaltzy or cliched and pushed forward in a dizzying pace with harsh realities without ever losing the dream romance at its core.


9. Arrested Development (FOX) - Season 1 (2003-2004)

O that zany Bluth family. There's no words to describe the hilarity or to make sense of it all.


10. Gilmore Girls (TheWB) - Season 2 (2001-2002)

Comfort TV at it's finest, and fastest with the witty banter between the close mother and daughter relationship of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, but the power in the Gilmore Girls was that it was really a 3-generations relationship with grandmother Emily. The quirky townsfolk of Stars Hollow just romanticized small town living to its finest.


11. Friends (NBC) - Season 9 (2002-2003)

Some said Friends went downhill in the later seasons, but while it had its up and downs, I thought things started picking up again once Chandler and Monica started having their secret affair post Ross' London wedding, and got back into a great groove near the end when Rachel had her baby, Joey had his crush, and things started to set up for the end in the following year. The comic timing between the tight cast were down to perfection by that point, and the writing got sharper again, using the years of character history to construct new comedy gold.


12. Mad Men (AMC) - Season 1 (2007)
Best Episode: "The Wheel" (Ep. 113)

I haven't seen the latest season yet, but the series is a fun and addictive look at the 60's lifestyle of these Madison Avenue men, but the heart of the show is still its women (Peggy, Betty, Joan). The show slowly draws you into the darker underlying tones that hide under the well tailored suits and flower patterned dresses.


13. Modern Family (ABC) - Season 1 (2009)

Welcome to the new age of the family sitcom!


14. 30 Rock (NBC) - Season 2 (2007-2008)

While the overall story arcs are sometimes left at the wayside for the side-splitting insanity within each episode, but when it's that insanely funny, what's really the problem with that?


15. Glee (FOX) - Season 1 (2009)
Best Episode: "Pilot" (Ep. 101)

Do I need to explain my love for this high school musical with a black humour streak? Just don't stop believin'!


16. Desperate Housewives (ABC) - Season 1 (2004-2005)
Best Episode: "Pilot" (Ep. 101)

At it's best, the show, and especially the pilot, was a great dark satirical soap opera on the suburban lives of these desperate housewives and while it had some hiccups, the five year flashforward reinvigorated the show. Still, the first season, with the 1st mystery arc and the dark humour, worked great together.


17. The Office (NBC) - Season 3 (2006-2007)

For once, I thought the Americanized version of a show actually bettered the original UK version. I know purists will disagree but the original was TOO painful and awkward. Fascinating yes, but painful. The American version really got into its own groove in the second season mixing painfully awkward humour with a more powerful emotional impact by making it easier to relate to the office drones. By season 3, the balance had been perfected and the show really became its own entity.


18. Grey's Anatomy (ABC) - Season 2 (2005-2006)

When it was great, it was melodrama at its best.


19. Alias (ABC) - Season 1 (2001-2002)
Best Episode: "Truth Be Told (Ep. 101)

Things could not be more complicated for Sydney Bristow (a star making turn by Jennifer Garner) and the pilot episode was a wealth of information and twists and turns into her world as a secret spy living as a grad student by day. In comes spy daddy (the terrific Victor Garber) who may or may not be on her side, plus a cast of great characters in her spy world and at home, and it was the beginning of a totally wild and action packed series that eventually fell off the tracks, but boy was it fun while it was still hot.

20. The Amazing Race (CBS) - Season 2 (2002)
Best Episode: "Help Me, I'm American" (Ep. 202)

First season was brand new, but they perfected the race in the 2nd season with a perfect mix of racers including Tara and the Weasel Will, Cute brother and sister team Blake and Paige, the fabulous Danny and Oswald (who actually stopped racing to go shopping in Hong Kong AND still beat the others to the airplane), and the hunky Boston boys. Plus it's where the racers played it boldly, including the first time a team was brave enough to ask strangers for help and when the race still ended in a footrace that ended with teams so close together that it went down to the wire. Exciting and hilarious.

21. Ugly Betty (ABC) - Season 1 (2006-2007)

22. Once and Again (ABC) - Season 2 (2000-2001)

23. Entourage (HBO) - Season 2 (2005)

24. Weeds (Showtime) - Season 1 (2005)

25. Nurse Jackie (Showtime) - Season 1 (2009)

26. So You Think You Can Dance (FOX) - Season 2 (2006)

27. The OC (FOX) - Season 4 (2006-2007)

28. Better Off Ted (ABC) - Season 1 (2009)

29. The United States of Tara (Showtime) - Season 1 (2009)

30. Damages (FX) - Season 1 (2007)

31. Supernatural (TheCW) - Season 1 (2005-2006)

32. Burn Notice (USA) - Season 1 (2007)

33. Angel (TheWB) - Season 4 (2002- 2003)

34. Survivor (CBS) - Season 1

35. Bones (FOX) - Season 4 (2008-2009)

36. American Idol (FOX) - Season 1 (2002)

37. Top Chef (Bravo) - Season 6 (2009)

38. Project Runway (Bravo) - Season 4 (2007-2008)

39. Chuck - Season 1 (2007-2008)

40. Six Feet Under (HBO) - Season 1 (2001)

41. Southland (NBC/TNT) - Season 1 (2009)

42. Scrubs (NBC/ABC) - Season 2 (2002-2003)

43. Ed (NBC) - Season 1 (2000-2001)

44. Gossip Girl (TheCW) - Season 1 (2007-2008)

45. It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia (FX) - Season 1 (2005)

46. 24 (FOX) - Season 1 (2001)

47. The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - Season 2 (2008-2009)

48. How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - Season 2 (2006-2007)

49. Without a Trace (CBS) - Season 1 (2002-2003)

50. Men In Trees (ABC) - Season 1 (2006-2007)


Best Shows I Started Watching But Am Only Finished or Partway Through the First Season So I Didn't Feel I Watched Enough to Properly Place A Ranking For It But They Are So Awesome I Need to Acknowledge Them Somehow:

Breaking Bad (AMC) - Season 1 (2008)

Dexter (Showtime) - Season 1

Fringe (FOX) - Season 1

The Secret Diary of a Call Girl (SHOWTIME/ITV2) - Season 1

Shows I Know Are Good But Have Yet To See and Still on my Pile of Shows to Watch:
Big Love
BattleStar Galactica
The Wire


______________________________________

Decadeworthy - The Best of 2000-2009 Lists:
SYTYCDworthy (w/ Videos) - List Format
Theatre of the Decade
Best Films of the Decade
Favorite Films of the Decade
Television of the Decade
Television of the Decade - 1 Season Wonders

Best of 2009 Lists: Coming soon
Best of Music 2009
Best of Television 2009
Best of Stage 2009
Best of Movies 2009

Previous Best-of Lists:
Best of 2008 Lists:
Best of Music 2008
Best of Television 2008
Best of Stage 2008
Best of Movies 2008
Best of Television Fall '07 - Winter '08 List

Best of 2007 Lists:
Best of Music 2007
Best of Television 2007
Best of Movies 2007
Best of Stage 2007
Best of 2007 (The Final Wrap Up)
Best of Television Fall '06 - Winter '07 List

Best of 2006 Lists:
Best of Music 2006
Best of Television 2006
Best of Movies 2006
Best of 2006
Best of Television Fall '05 - Winter '06 List

Best of 2005 Lists:
Best of Television 2005
Best of Movies 2005



Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

The ABC's of Colliding Stars

How come I've never seen these before? They're quite ingenious and fun! This first one with Teri Hatcher's Susan and Matthew Fox's Jack is awesome!:



Man, this just makes me love ABC even more. Despite Dancing with the Stars. But with Desperate Housewives, Lost, Brothers & Sisters, Ugly Betty, Modern Family, Cougar Town, FlashForward etc. they're definitely my favorite network at this point.

And I love when stars collide! AND in character! So fun!

I love this one with Patrick Dempsey, Courtney Cox, Ed O'Neill and Dominic Monaghan!:



Or this amazing one with Michael Emerson's Ben Linus with the new Wednesday comedy lineup with Courtney Cox, Patricia Heaton, Julie Bowen, Kelsey Grammar, Ty Burrell, and Sofia Vergara:


Here's one with several clipped together:
ABC house promo with Expanded scenes with: Michael Emerson, Josh Holloway, Courteney Cox, Kelsey Grammer, Patricia Heaton, Taye Diggs, Nathan Fillion, Marcia Cross, Felicity Hoffman, Calista Flockhart:






Bree and McSteamy:


Hurley with Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli:


Nora and The Bachelorette:


Amanda, McSteamy and Hurley!:


Nora and Jimmy Kimmel:


Supernanny and the balls from Wipeout:


Rob Lowe and Ty Pennington:


Dana Delaney with Karina Smirnoff and Derek Hough:


Nathan Fillion, Patricia Heaton and the other chick from Castle:


Courtney Cox with Josh Holloway's Sawyer:



Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

Tapeworthy 2000

It's my 2000th post!!!

So in the 3 years and 3 months that it's taken me to write 2000 posts, I've watched a LOT of stuff (as you may have noticed), and while the blog has expanded from its initial TV talk and as I lost my co-blogger (she found a boyfriend, moved to New Zealand and lived happily ever after. Bitch! (You know I still love ya "highbrow")), I've carried on ranting and raving about all the shows I've loved.

Since I basically write this blog just to put out my Best of Lists, I thought I'd take a look back at the shows that made it to #1 on my Best of TV lists. I however only just realized that only 3 shows have gotten that coveted spot since 2005.

Best of TV 2008
Best of TV 2007 - 2008 TV Season
Best of TV 2007
Best of TV 2006 - 2007 TV Season
Best of TV 2006
Best of TV 2005 - 2006 TV Season
Best of TV 2005

So here are the most Tapeworthy shows that were #1 on my Best of Lists since I've started the blog (in order from oldest to newest, though if you follow my blog, they're kinda obvious):

Everwood

Season 2 is FINALLY coming out June 16, 2009, 5 years after the first season DVD was released. You can watch on TheWB online in the states, or catch up on abcFamily. While the first season is a solid start, and the second season is enjoyable, it's really during the 3rd and the 4th and final season that Everwood becomes rock solid, and one of the best family dramas. And it topped my TV list during the end of its run, just as I had started this blog.

Lost

From the very first episode, and all through the first season, we were blown away as we got sucked into the lives of the surviving passengers of Oceanic 815. We discovered The Others in season 2, and while it may have gotten a little muddled around season 2 and 3, the third season finale made it all worth it and the show continued to confuse us and enthrall us during season 4. And of course, we just ended season 5, and I'm as confused as ever, and I cannot wait for more!!!

Friday Night Lights

I'm still amazed this amazingly honest and heartbreaking show still manages to be on NBC after 3 seasons (with 2 more seasons to come!). Thanks to a DirecTV partnership, the brutally realistic lives of an average Texan town are laid bare for all of us to watch, as we become as emotionally connected with the characters as they would in the townsfolks themselves.

Here are noteworthy shows that I've loved, but that just missed the top spot through the years:

Veronica Mars

I never actually put this at the top of my list but it always came mightily close in its short 3 season run. And if I had my blog a year earlier, it probably would have landed on top with its stunning first season. The second season only got deeper and richer and I'm not sure why I didn't rank it higher, because repeat viewings have not soften the gritty and witty edges of this show.

Pushing Daisies

Always a bridesmaid, the colourful show about death and life and life again never got the respect and time for growth it deserved, and had it ran longer, was probably going to top the list at some point, but alas, the show (which still has 3 episodes left to air on ABC starting later this spring, yet has aired everywhere else in the world) couldn't manage to stay alive to develop the twists and romantic turns on this mystery show.

So You Think You Can Dance

There was a lot of brilliance in this reality-tv competition and while I couldn't get into the first season, the second season sucked me in and I've never let go. From the entertaining and informative judges, the variety of thrilling choreography, and the numerous lovable dancers to root for as they get put through the choreography grind, makes the show such a fun summer watch.

The Office

While the show has faltered and risen again, the show was a splendid, superbly taut and sublime comedy especially when they managed to make their own US version its own against an already cult British original (especially during seasons 2 and 3). It always came SOOO close to topping my chart.


And here are shows that topped my list in the recent years before this blog Tapeworthy was born:

Gilmore Girls

Like a heartwarming yet sarcastic feelgood play on TV every week, and the first 6 seasons was the smartest comfort food TV since the other GG girls (The Golden Girls) were on the air. I have all the DVD's and can still watch them anytime, and I still watch it whenever I see a repeat.

Alias

Sydney Bristow kicks ass and she had an amazing team behinds her. And some great friends in her real world as spy lives, daddy issues and the blur between the good guys and the bad are blended here in an exciting and twisted first 4 seasons. It ended out messily but lets just erase that from our minds and focus on the great stuff.

Roswell

Aliens in high school but it was such an allegory for so much more, and between the emo music and the dreamy cast (I still dream of Jason Behr), the first season was beautifully written and emotionally enthralling. The following seasons lost track of its initial beauty and meaningful scripts but for the first season alone, it was all worth it.

The Amazing Race

Oh Phil! The travel porn show is always fun and exciting even during the bad seasons, but when it was great, especially when all of it was new and unknown, it was GREAT TELEVISION (especially the 2nd season).


And there are still many many many more that I haven't listed (Buffy! Arrested Development! Coupling (UK)!), some I'm still getting through (finally catching up with Dexter) but alas, that's why I've had 2000 posts to talk about them all and I'll continue to yammer away at more worthiness! Plus you can always check the sidebars including the DVDworthy section or the TVworthy sections and of course, the Tapeworthy sections for the best current shows worthy to be watched!


Best of 2008 Lists:
Best of Music 2008
Best of Television 2008
Best of Stage 2008
Best of Movies 2008
Best of Television Fall '07 - Winter '08 List

Best of 2007 Lists:
Best of Music 2007
Best of Television 2007
Best of Movies 2007
Best of Stage 2007
Best of 2007 (The Final Wrap Up)
Best of Television Fall '06 - Winter '07 List

Best of 2006 Lists:
Best of Music 2006
Best of Television 2006
Best of Movies 2006
Best of 2006
Best of Television Fall '05 - Winter '06 List

Best of 2005 Lists:
Best of Television 2005
Best of Movies 2005

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

Oh! My! GAWD! TV Night At Its Best! - Lost and American Idol

Lost - Follow The Leader, The Incident Parts 1 and 2 - Eps. 515-517
American Idol - Top 3 - Results Night - The Cut from 3 to the Final 2

Any spoilers will be after the jump... but seriously, I don't even think I could spoil Lost since there's NO WAY I COULD EVEN EXPLAIN WHAT THE F#$K WAS GOING ON.

But it was AWESOME!!!

CONFUSED BUT AWESOME!!! I loved that everything was sort of coming together (or so it seems) and that we seem lots of past moments from other angles again (or so it seems).

All that and all the emotions? Okay, I need to talk more after the jump. (Blog jump, not Lost time jump, but that too)

Okay, I think my face contorted to every possible dramatic reaction an actor must do in drama class when Juliet was being sucked into the hole as Sawyer and Kate tried to save her. Then I did about 50 MORE faces when she's seen alive at the bottom.

And I KNEW they were going to head there the whole time. That Jack was going to continue Faraday's mission and bring the bomb to the Swan/energy/whatevertheheckitis and restart the whole premise...

Or does it?

I imagine now, the first scene of the first episode of the last season will repeat Jack opening up his eyes on the island and that they may have restarted it all, but somehow they'll STILL end up on the island. No?

And there will be guest appearances from Shannon, and Boone, and Walt (uh, though not sure how they're going to do that one) and Claire etc. etc. etc. How awesome would that be in the last season!???

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Since we don't even know what Juliet DID in the end... cause they ended THERE??? WHAT??? I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL 2010 TO SEE WHAT'S NEXT???

ARGH...

While it wasn't as shocking as I had heard (mainly because I thought, what's the most shocking they could do? Start ALL OVER again...wait... I think they ARE going to do that) so I knew we'd see that white light. I WAS however hoping we'd also see them all at LAX again.

But whatever, it was a GREAT season finale with more awesome quips from Hurley and Miles, touching moments between Miles and his dad, TONS between Juliet and Sawyer, Kate and Jack, reliving Locke's death scenes, Rose and Bernard!, and of course, the fact that Jacob seems to be EVERYWHERE. Plus the fact that Richard and Ben and Eloise actually know a lot less than I thought they do.

But seriously, 2010??? Oh man, it's going to be a LONG WAIT. My heart is STILL beating.
It's less of a shocking finale like Season 3's but I definitely can't wait until the next new episode.



And on American Idol. OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG.

Go(off)key is GONE! (Why did I not hear of that term before? So awesome whoever on the net I saw it from. Ditto with KaraGokey). America put the Go in GOKEY!!!

AND even BETTER NEWS... that means KRIS ALLEN is in the FINALS!!!

OMG OMG OMG OMG...WAHOO!!!

Let the war between Glambert fans face off against Kris fans, who seems to be FINALLY gaining the momentum and the respect he deserves. Before we were united in putting the Go in Gokey, but now, it's WAR!!! And hey, when it came down to the Top 13, I narrowed my pool pick choice between Adam and Kris, and mainly went with Adam because I felt the producers would give him the pimp spot more (which gets more points) and I was totally right. My heart went with Kris, though for points, I had to go with Adam.

Okay, so I'm not a fan of Adam's screaming but I get that he's entertaining and SOOOO different (if the 70's/80's rockglam is "different") and while I still think he's an ACT and an ENTERTAINER as opposed to an Idol or a singer I want to hear on the radio, I'm going to be okay with Adam winning. (Though why do I have a feeling more Kris fans can endure Adam winning but Adam fans would have none of Kris winning and scream bloody foul if Kris actually pulled it off? (which still is possible you know!)). When Kris performs, it feels genuine. When Adam sings, it's staged. And I'm not even talking musicals or what not, because I've seen some REAL performances on stage. Still, someone on the boards said it best, Kris is saffron, subtle and distinct and aromatic, and Adam is cayenne pepper, bold and spicy and loud.

Adam winning puts less pressure on Kris, and he gets to keep his underdog low-key vibe that suits him well. Plus, when his album becomes a HUGE hit, it's the only victory I'll need to see. (Well, that and a LOT of his face (thanks to DameJames for the hilarious link)). More here.

Still, I was loving the day long respect Kris was finally given after "Heartless" and that people finally see what I've been saying all along. Uh, HELLO. He's AWESOME. He has been ALL ALONG. I don't know why Adam is getting all the attention?

Have you HEARD Kris do "It Works Hard For The Money"? "Falling Slowly"? "To Make You Feel My Love"? "Ain't No Sunshine"?

Seriously, I'd buy his album if it came out this Friday. I WILL buy his album when it comes out. It's gonna be AWESOME!

In the meantime, let's relive the brilliancy of Kris Allen!!!:

"Heartless" (Top 3 Week):


"Come Together" (Top 4 Week):


"The Way You Look Tonight" (Top 5 Week):


"She Works Hard For The Money" (Top 6 Week):


"Falling Slowly" (Top 7 Week):


"Ain't No Sunshine" (Top 9 Week):


"How Sweet It Is" (Top 10 Week):


"To Make You Feel My Love" (Top 11 Week):


"Remember The Time" (Top 13 Week):


"Man in the Mirror" (Top 36):


For more on American Idol:
Click here for the most recent posts.
Season 8:
Top 2 Performance
Top 3 Performance, Top 3 Results
Top 4 Performance, Top 4 Results
Top 5 Performance, Top 5 Results
Top 6 + Matt (Top 7 Redux) Performance, Top 7 Redux Results
Top 7 Performance, Top 7 Results
Top 8 Performance, Top 8 Results
Top 9 Performance
Top 10 Performance
Top 12 Performance, Top 12 Results
Top 13 Performance, Top 13 Results
Top 36:
Group 1, Group 2, Group 3
Wild Card, Wild Card Results
Pre-Top 36:
Who Are You Going To Vote For?
Handicapping the Alleged American Idols

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...