Top 5 TV Shows of 2015
I decided against making a top 10 list of tv shows, mostly because I didn't watch enough full seasons, and I don't want to judge something unless I've seen all of it. I like to have some semblance of a social life, and between sports, movies, and said social life, I barely have time to feed myself, much less watch enough content to whittle down into a quality top 10. So, before I get to the list, I'll share some of the shows I left out of contention.
'The Walking Dead' is disqualified, due to their stupid mid-season hiatus. Sorry TWD, but you can't have two finales per season. It shouldn't take you three months to decide which five main characters you're going to casually kill off this time. I ruled out 'Making A Murderer' because I didn't finish it in 2015, and much like Manitowoc County, I make my own damn rules. I'd also like to announce that after some soul-searching, I've decided to not only remove 'True Detective: Season Two' from contention, but from this moment on, I will be completely disregarding it's existence. I won't allow the enjoyment I got out of 'Season One' to be tainted by the failure of 'Season Which Must Not Be Named.' OK, let's get to the list.
Honorable Mentions: Bloodline, Silicon Valley, Better Call Saul, Veep, and Parks and Recreation.
5) Narcos (Netflix): What could be more interesting than following the rise of a drug lord, who at his peak, was losing 2.1 billions dollars a year because rats were eating it out of his storage facilities? The story of Pablo Escobar is juicy enough to carry the show itself, but it's the performances that put this Netflix creation over the top. Wagner Moura got some much deserved awards' season love for his portrayal of Escobar, and Pedro Pascal, fresh off his mind-blowing performance (pun intended) as Prince Oberyn on 'Game of Thrones,' is great as realistic DEA agent, Javier Peña.
Favorite Moment (Episode 9: La Cathedral): Any empathy you had for Escobar will be put to rest after this scene involving a pool cue.
4) The Jinx (HBO): Yes, this is considered television. 'The Jinx', which I like to call the "beta version" of 'Making of Murderer', was the most gripping thing I watched this year. I know I'm in good hands as an audience member, when the director can make you feel even a glimmer of empathy for the grisly, monster that is Robert Durst. It might have helped that I came into the series without any knowledge of his story, because most of the time I just sat there with my jaw touching the floor. I won't give anything away, but for anyone who liked 'Making a Murderer,' this is a much watch.
Favorite Moment (Chapter 6: What the Hell Did I Even Do?): You'll know it when you hear it.
3) Game of Thrones (HBO): I understand that this world is the brain-child of George R.R. Martin, but show-runners, David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, continue to amaze me. There are so many story lines and characters to juggle, but somehow, they can jam them into a 10 episode season, and still make us care about all of them. The "Jon Snow Incident" (Note: You will all be receiving a hand written letter from me, apologizing for this "The Ox Bow Incident" pun) made me throw things, but I have a feeling we'll see him later on. Also, the possibilities of a Tyrian/Daenerys alliance are too exciting to fathom. As per usual, I am excited for April.
Favorite Moment (Episode 8: Hardhome): The Battle of Hardhome was just the right amount of epic, for the first major clash against the White Walkers.
2) Fargo (FX): Every night before I go to bed, I thank God for the Coen Brothers, and not only the content they produce, but the content they inspire. I really liked the first season of 'Fargo', even though Martin Freeman's performance didn't really work for me. But, I think with Season 2, Noah Hawley has a near masterpiece. The genius behind 'Fargo,' is the formula. Usually, comedic relief has to be forced in through witty dialogue, or physical comedy. In this parody-world, that the Coens created and Noah Hawley furthered, the comedic relief comes from how the people talk. When you can build upon that natural base with stand-out performances, you create something special. The performances this Season, highlighted by Patrick Wilson, Bokeem Woodbine, and Zahn Mclarnon, make 'Fargo' my second favorite show of 2015.
Favorite Moment (Episode 5: The Gift of the Magi): The hunting scene is so unexpected, and so beautifully shot, that it could serve as a microcosm for the entire series.
1) Mr. Robot (USA): In my opinion, film is the gold standard of visual entertainment. But recently, television is getting closer and closer to giving me that cinematic feel I love so much. Sam Esmail's new-age thriller, Mr. Robot, made me feel like I was watching a new movie every week. It starts with the title sequence, which Esmail uses to set the tone, before employing a beautiful, old school title card. The electronic score guides you through each episode and the filming, which frequently offsets the subject of the shot in the corner of the frame, gives the show a striking look. The supporting roles are perfectly cast, including Christian Slater, who may consider this to be a career-revival a few years down the road. Finally, Rami Malek's lead performance as the socially challenged hacker, Elliot Alderson, is phenomenal. His raw, natural portrayal won him a well-deserved Critics' Choice award, and proved that it is possible for my opinions to fall in line with television critics.
Favorite Moment (Episode 9: eps1.8m1rr0r1ng.qt): Elliot has a conversation with Tyrell Wellick in his apartment, set to an acoustic version of "Where is My Mind." I love that song, and it's placement in this episode will give you chills.
Please feel free to scream at me for not watching your favorite show, in the comments section.