2011 proved to be a good year for tv. some older shows got stronger, newer shows impressed and network and cable shows as well as pbs offered somewhat better fare than most theatrical releases.
I could not narrow my list to 'the top ten' as i could not leave any of these following shows off the list. in alphabetical order the best of 2011 tv are:
'American Horror Story' is the first time i have picked an FX show. Set in modern day Los Angeles it kept you on the edge of your seat in it's first season. There was not a weak performance in it as it showcased excellent work by Jessica Lange, Dylan McDermott, Lily Rabe, Connie Britton and Sarah Paulson to name a few.
'The Borgia's' was Showtimes take on the Vatican under the scandalous Borgia Dynasty rule. As an officiando on Vatican history I can say it was as close to the truth as it will get. Scandal, treachery, murder, implied incest...who could ask for anything more. Yet Showtime has one better series as you will see below.
'Camelot' was the Starz network's attempt to rise to the top. And rise it did. However, the network has cancelled plans for a second season due to production costs. What? They did not see this going in? But just because it left viewers hanging does not diminish this one and it's only season's excellence.
'Castle' on ABC like fine wine gets better season by season. Stana Katic and Nathion Fillion shine as the non-couple Castle and Becket. The supporting cast is given more to do season to season adding greater dimension to this hour of pure joy.
'The Closer' gets better and better with age. Sadly next summer it will close shop forever. The superb Kyra Sedgwick is calling it a day after seven seasons. The writers are setting us up for what hopes to be a fulfilling climax as each new episode unfolds.
'Criminal Minds' returns to the top of the heat after rehiring actresses JJ Cook and Paget Brewster after fans protested their firing in 2010. With Ms. Cook's return the show has it's heart back which is needed in this darkly gripping and often disturbing series.
'Downtown Abbey' on PBS was far and away the best of 2011. This was not just another upstairs/ downstairs BBC piece. It was nothing short of brilliant. Brilliant writing, directing and production values were supported by one of the best casts on TV this year. Special kudos to Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery and the sorely missed, from every medium, Elizabeth McGovern.
'Game of Thrones' was the finest HBO had to offer in 2011. It presented mythology at it's best. I started watching it with trepidation but was soon swept up in the majesty of the 'other worlds' with fleshed out performances drawn from an exceptional cast. Kudos to all involved and i can't wait for season 2.
'The Good Wife' keeps getting better as it fleshes out the characters supporting Alicia Florack portrayed by the wonderful Julianna Margulies. There are not enough superlatives to describe Ms. Margulies so i will stop gushing now. This season has made her a good wife no more...she is GREAT as is the show.
Homeland' on Showtime was the best of Showtime. In the post 9/11 era where major concerns surround terrorism attacks on the USA this drama pulls at the seams of those involved with aborting future attacks or presumed attacks on our soil. Damien Lewis, Mandy Patinkin and Claire Danes head a damn good cast. I have never been impressed by Ms. Danes prior to this show but I am coming around to her. She is finally showing me her acting chops and that she has a heart whereas before i only viewed her as cold as ice. I will eat my piece of humble pie now.
'The Lying Game' on ABC Family' is not just for kids. It twists and turns with mistaken, taken and/or borrowed identities. Newcomers Alexandra Chandro, Allie Greczyn and Ethan Whitehorse headline a personable and believable cast in this tale of two sisters twister.
'Once Upon a Time' was the network surprise on ABC. There is a reason this fractured fairy tale series is a hit. Because it is TERRIFIC.
'Pretty Little Liars' is still my guiltiest of pleasures. Four friends tormented by the mysterious 'A' continue to capture attention. Great writing keeps this show moving along. Just when you think you've figured the mystery out something wonderful steps in the way and the juggler keeps juggling the balls in the air that have yet to fall to the floor.
'The Killing' on AMC is a grim dark murder mystery set in a gloomy water soaked Seattle. Some were put off by the first season finale. Not me. I await season two with eyes wide open.
'True Blood' returned to form this past season. Adding witches in with the vampires and werewolves added a new dimension to the series. And next year Chris Meloni joins the series as the baddest vampire of all. I can't wait.
'The Vampire Diaries' on the CW network remains the best 'supernatural' series of them all. Mixing humor to all the bloodletting is it's charm. The cast has matured wonderfully so the sensual overtones feel more real. It already had witches mixed in with vampires and wolves so all they needed to do was flesh them out and bring them to new and higher levels. It succeeded on both counts.
Well that's a wrap. If you missed all or any of these shows and want to catch up you can find many of them for rental, 'on demand' or soon to be released video. here's hoping for 2012 to be as well worth watching.
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