Well how’s this for a shocker!! It’s only been a month, and
I’m already posting another entry?? I know you’re asking yourself “What have I
done to be awarded with such a glorious prize??” The answer is- nothing! It is
only out of the kindness and generosity of my massive heart that I bestow this
entry upon you. You may now weep tears of joy, for such a short wait.
Last time I created a list of my favorite films of all time.
Some of you agreed with many of my selections- and others (my beautiful bride)
chided me for including too many fantasy/sci-fi/comic book films. Just
recently, in my Film class at school, we watched several episodes of a TV show
that I absolutely love. Which sparked a conversation between me and wifey- what
are my favorite TV shows of all time? And thus- a blog entry is born!!
Television has always played a major role in my life. From
the PBS educational shows as a kid, to the more bizarre, cerebral shows that I
enjoy watching today, I’ve always loved TV. Yes, I know, too much TV rots your
brain, yada yada yada. In my defense, I don’t watch near as much TV now as I
have in various periods of my life. But there has been a lot over the years. So
once again, to try and pare down all of these great programs into a shorter
list is a somewhat daunting task. But lucky for you, I am up to it! So strap in
kids- here we go!
10. The Brady
Bunch- “Here’s a story…. About a lovely lady….” Yes, I am going back to
youth for the first show on my list. This is one of the first shows that I can
remember watching the same episodes multiple times. Thanks to syndication over
the years, I have seen every episode, and can, in fact, quote multiple episodes.
My nieces, Shannon and Shelly, and I would watch them over and over and
incorporate bits of dialogue from the shows into our conversations with each
other. Yes it’s cheesy, and poorly written and acted at times, but it kept
drawing me in over and over. Who can forget the trips to the Grand Canyon and
Hawaii? Oh my nose? Phil Packer? Peter’s twin? Marcia Marcia Marcia? I could go
on and on. But I won’t.
9. The Walking
Dead- Let me preface this by saying I do not like horror films. I don’t
like gore. However- there’s something about this show that I find oddly
irresistible. To me it’s more than just a show about zombies killing and eating
people. Which they do. It’s a survival story. And once again, I am really drawn
to the characters, and enjoy watching them remake themselves as they find
themselves stranded in a desolate, post-apocalyptic society. I love watching
each one of them struggle to cling to their humanity, while adapting to the
brutality of the new world that they live in. I’ve even found myself weeping a
time or two, although I was derided by my friend Shawn McEvoy for tearing up at
a zombie show. There are times when Rick Grimes can rival Jack Bauer for his
bad-assness, and who doesn’t love Daryl “Motherf----n” Dixon? A show that is
definitely not afraid to kill off characters, which makes me nervous because
there are several that I gave grown fond of and would hate to see them
zombiefied.
8. The West Wing-
Another creation by renowned playwright and screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin. This
show had all of the Sorkin trademarks- really smart characters speaking
dialogue that is way over everyones’ heads in a machine-gun staccato fashion as
they’re walking through a building. I loved the look at big time politics, and
especially in today’s political climate, it was nice seeing them portrayed as
real people who actually cared about the people they served. It had a stellar
cast, and Martin Sheen was one of the best fictional Presidents ever. I have to
admit, sometimes I wasn’t sure what they were talking about, but it was still
riveting.
7. Friday Night
Lights- “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.” This is the motto of the
mythical Dillon Panthers, lead by Coach Eric Taylor. I’m pretty sure Coach
Taylor is the wisest coach that has ever lived. This show is about a small town
in Texas, where high school football rules over all. Follow the exploits of Coach
Taylor, his wife Tami, and multiple other supporting characters. My wife, who
is not at all a football fan, loved the show as well. It’s only 5 seasons, and
we binge watched, greedily devouring episode after episode. I have to warn you-
Season 2 is pretty ridiculous, but if you get past that, it’s pretty great. And
it’s one of the rare shows that has a series finale that is immensely
satisfying.
6. Mad Men-
Don Draper is one of the most flawed, unlikeable protagonists to ever lead a
show. But I can’t help but root for him, even as he disappoints me time after
time. I just can’t quit him. This show follows a group of advertising execs in
the 1960’s. It was definitely a different time back then, and this show
perfectly encapsulates what our country was going through at that time. The
writing is whip smart, and the acting is superb. It’s a tricky show to
recommend, because I know not everyone will like it. This series will be ending
in 2 weeks, and I can’t wait to see what will become of Don, Peggy, Roger, Pete,
and the rest of the gang.
And now- Bartley’s Top 5 TV Shows!!!!
5. 24-
Jack Bauer is the king of bad-assery. That’s all you need to know. This is
definitely one of those shows that multiple times I was literally on the edge
of my seat to see how Jack would get out of his latest predicament. If you’ve
never seen The Jack Bauer Power Hour, each season was 24 episodes- each hour
happened in real time. Jack had more bad days than anyone could possibly have,
and his life was a tragedy because of it. But if you needed saving, Jack was the
guy to call. I even saw him kill a dude with his thighs one time. The last
season did get pretty bizarre, but the legacy of Jack Bauer was strong enough
to overcome one weak season.
4. Freaks and
Geeks- This was the show I recently showed to my Film class. I
typically only use the word “tragedy” to describe actual tragic events, but it
was a tragedy that this show was cancelled after only one season. No show has
ever captured the ecstasy, pain, and heartbreak of my high school days then
this one. Set in a Detroit high school in 1980, it follows the story of Lindsay
Weir, as she struggles to break away from her rigid, boring life. She befriends
the schools “freaks” (we called them “hoods” or “stoners” at our school) to attempt
to broaden her horizons and break out of her shell. Her little brother Sam is
in school as well, and his friends were the “geeks”- this is the group I
identified with. I remember having some of the very same conversations that
Sam, Bill and Neal have in the show. I even had the exact same Darth Vader
poster in my room that Sam has in his. This show helped launch the careers of
James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jason Segel. It was a comedy that had heart- in
any given episode I would be laughing hysterically one moment, and weeping the
next. If this show had lasted longer, it may have been higher on my list. But
alas.
3. Seinfeld-
The greatest comedy of all time. No doubt about it. Jerry, George, Elaine and
Kramer were perfectly cast, and had greater chemistry and comic timing than any
other ensemble I’ve ever seen. The comedy could range from subtle, to satire,
to broad slapstick, and it was all executed flawlessly. George Costanza is
easily one of the most uncomfortable characters ever created. There are so many
classic episodes, but the one that springs to mind first is the “Master of my
Domain” episode. It’s comic gold. There are multiple catch phrases that have
worked their way into our society’s vernacular. What saddens me is that I use
many of them in my classroom, but am met with only dull, vacant stares, because
these punk kids have not experienced the genius of Seinfeld. (I actually met
Jerry Seinfeld once in OKC- he was very friendly and he gave us autographs.) In
fact, I’m pretty sure that when Cindy and I got engaged, she used this Seinfeld
phrase to describe me: "He is a loathsome, offensive brute, and yet I can't look away."
2. Twin Peaks- Coffee. Cherry pie. Backwards talking dancing little people. When Twin Peaks premiered back in 1990 it was like nothing I had ever seen on television. I was immediately sucked in to the moody quirkiness of the town and its characters, and the question "Who killed Laura Palmer?" was on everyone's lips. I wrote about the show extensively in a previous blog post, so go check that out. And recently it was announced that there would finally be a third season next year after a 25 year break, but now it may not happen because of budget disputes with the director David Lynch. Please please please please give him what he wants. I need to see a new season!!!
1. Lost- Whenever I mention this show to someone, I get one of two very passionate responses: "I loved it!!!" or "I hated the ending!! They didn't answer anything!!!" I think it really depends on your personality type. Those of us who loved it were there for the ride and the characters, and it didn't matter that they didn't answer every little mystery that popped up over a six season run. To me, it was a groundbreaking show that had everything I could ever want from a TV show- mystery, intrigue, action, romance, humor, and tragedy. I laughed at the antics of Hurley and Sawyer. I cringed at the dastardliness of Ben Linus, one of TV's greatest villains. I sobbed violently during more than one episode, as this was a show that was willing to kill off major, beloved characters. I rooted every week for Jack and Locke to somehow come together, and merge their unwavering beliefs in Faith and Science. And I thought the finale was beautiful. It amazes me when I talk to people about the finale who just don't get it. They think that it shows that the whole show was nothing but a dream- but that couldn't be further from the truth. Were there plot holes at times?Yes. Lapses in logic? Sure. But as I've stated before, If I truly love a plot and its characters, I am willing to overlook some things. To me this show transcended just being a show I watched on TV. It was a weekly event that I greatly anticipated. I loved the journey so much- I don't think I'll ever have another one like it.
Honorable
Mention- These shows almost made the cut, but
missed for various reasons:
MASH
Community
The Flash
Friends
ER
Star Trek (original)
Parenthood
Cheers
Fargo
What do you think kids? What did I
miss? Please add your favorites!!
PS- You’ll notice there are no HBO or
Showtime shows on my list. I’m sure some of these are outstanding, but I have
steadfastly refused to pay extra for these services. Perhaps I’ll watch some of
them someday, but not now.
