Happy new year! And in no particular order, here’s what I’d love to see on TV this year.
• Dexter Morgan nears a breakdown after last season’s events on Dexter, but quickly rebuilds his psyche to become a guilt-free, even more dedicated Dark Passenger-bearer, intent on offing awful, irredeemable souls. Oh, and sister Deb gets fed up with the police force, resigns, and becomes the toughest private eye you’ve ever seen on TV.
• A great final season of Lost that will leave us not scratching our heads, Sopranos-style, but smacking our foreheads and exclaiming, “Of course! How brilliant!”
• Replacement named for Simon Cowell after the next run of American Idol: Ben Folds.
• Caprica proves to be as engrossing as Battlestar Galactica.
• HBO commits to its adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones.
• A nightly network news show that features 30% national news, 30% foreign news, and 30% original reporting every night. Every night. The other 10% they can waste on some smiley, feel-good, sign-off feature. ABC? CBS? NBC? Any of you?
• A “Save Better Off Ted” campaign. In fact, I’ll start one myself. (Thanks for this idea, Michael Slezak!)
• Joss Whedon announces a new series on Showtime starring Felicia Day, Olivia Williams, Nathan Fillion (sorry, this means Castle gets cancelled — admit it, you like it mainly beacuse of Fillion, not for the “stories,” don’t you?), and some worthy, non-Whedon rep players such as, oh, say, Carla Gugino and Jonny Lee Miller. The plot? Anything Joss wants that’s both R-rated and doesn’t involve the word “doll.”
• New episodes of Burn Notice that have the swagger and energy of its first season.
• David Milch’s new project Last of the Ninth turns out to be the best new crime show since The Shield.
• Fringe changes time period, bears down hard on its mythology, blows more minds and uses this year to position itself as the show Lost fans will watch after Lost wraps up magnificently.
• Kyle Chandler with an Emmy Award for Friday Night Lights.
• Big ditto for Connie Britton. (I echo the sentiments of my colleague Mighty Michael Ausiello.)
• No damn CBS sporting event that runs overtime and pushes The Amazing Race later.
• In fact, no TV series running over its appointed time-length, thus no DVR chop-offs.
• An Emmy nomination for underrated Criminal Minds‘ Paget Brewster.
• Every episode of Mad Men‘s new season maintains the brisk pace of its screwball-comedy-fast third-season finale.
What would you like to see on TV in 2010?
I completely agree with you on everything especially LOST because its my NUMBER ONE show and it has to, I mean has to have an ending that will be good enough for everything we have seen. I will be a unhappy viewer if it ends like The Sopranos because that was a nice new way of ending a show but it doesn’t fit how LOST should end. I also hope it wasn’t someone’s dream or anything like DALLAS but come May, everything will be done. I wish that there was more coming after this season because nothing on television captures the depth and greatness. I also hope come September, the show gets BEST SHOW.
LostinDharma101 – I agree completely! Lost is my number 1 show…….
Lost is meant to be confusing, plain and simple.
I just have a feeling that the LOST final explanation will end up vague and left to interpretation. I also agree with the move about FRINGE to Tuesday – there is NOTHING on tv on Tuesdays. Other things I would like to see is more Dr. Spaceman on 30 Rock and less Penny-Leonard realtionship stuff on Big Bang and honestly less Sheldon – I think he is getting overexposed much like Urkel was on Family Matters/Kirsten Wiig on SNL. One last thing I would like to see is Michaela Watkins on tv again – she was great on SNL with her Bitch Pleeze act.
Fringe won’t move to Tuesday due to American Idol.
“A great final season of Lost that will leave us not scratching our heads, Sopranos-style, but smacking our foreheads and exclaiming, ‘Of course! How brilliant!’”
I think the whole thing will turn out to be a dream. Matthew Fox will wake up surrounded by the rest of the cast of “Party of Five,” a la Newhart.
Well, since it seems that a “dream” i.e. it didn’t happen sequence, is what the last five seasons was about. (Remember the bomb in the season finale.) I think, I hope we can rule this out.
But we deserve closure, if it goes out Sopranos-style there will be a fan revolt. Cuse and Lindelof can’t do that to us.
Some Bones romance!
I agree! There’s BARELY any progress b/w Booth and Brennan.
THEY NEED TO HAVE BOOTH JUMP BONES’ BONES AND GET IT OVER WITH!
Seriously? Do you guys not realize that when that happens the series is over? I’d rather keep up with the tension and keep having a show.
Pfft Suzy. Don’t fool yourself with the Moonlighting curse. There are plenty of ways to keep Bones interesting even during any Bones/Booth romance. The only things which end a series are Networks, viewers and bad writing.
I think the mistake people make when they fall into the Moonlighting fallacy is believing that the end of sexual tension is the end of romantic tension. Has that actually been true in any relationship EVER? It certainly wouldn’t be in the case of Booth and Bones. I would like to see the romance progress, but into the long, rocky and intriguing area between the first kiss and final commitment, when they’re trying to figure out boundaries, work out how to be together, contend with each other’s deeper issues, etc. There’s plenty of room to do that. To touch on other comments, please, Jesus, no Gellar, and also, Moonlighting didn’t go downhill because Dave and Maddy slept together. It went downhill because the writing started to suck, plus the actors would go on strike for weeks on end. Any show would start to plummet under those conditions. It’s almost a coincidence that they hooked up just as that started to happen.
OMG, what is it with people? Thank you, Aurelia. Suzy, you’ve been watching too much Hollywood stuff where the couple finally get together, there’s the kiss, fade to black, the end. I realize Hollywood’s bread and butter are unrealistic depictions of love where everyone must be in cloud nine or adorably frazzled or suffering mightily over their love, but there is plenty of drama and comedy in everyday relationships. I for one would love to see B&B negotiate the pitfalls of two such opposites being together and staying true to (and coping with!) each other.
I agree with Auriela as well! There are so many ways that a relationship for Boothe and Bones would result in even better and even more provocative episodes with a deeper understanding of our characters emotional issues. And, agreed, what I remember about Moonlighting ending wasn’t the character problems but the contract negotiations gone bad and if I remember correctly some serious fighting between the actors.
I agree with Suzy the Booth & Bones dynamic will completely be ruined and there wouldn’t be a show. If anything that should be the series finale not a story-line. I want Hodgins and Angela to get back together there is still some tension there.
So you’re only against romances if they’re not YOUR favorite romances. Thanks for clearing that up.
To be honest, I wish HBO would drop Game of Thrones. They are just going to tease us with 1 or 2 seasons and then cancel it like Rome. Also, Martin seems too into this and all his other interests than actually finishing the series. What was once the best series of books I’ve ever read has turned into something I’m pretty meh about.
I really loved Rome until they started completely (and unnecessarily) screwing with the historical accuracy of the major events. That aside, at least Rome wrapped up. I’m thinking HBO’s Thrones would be more like Deadwood… suddenly it just stops.
As far as Martin’s work is concerned, “meh” doesn’t begin to describe it. If and when the next book comes out, I’ll probably buy it, but not before I can find it in a used book store for half-price or less.
Rome was planned to go for 5 seasons. HBO canceled them after the first season so they had to squeeze 4 seasons into 1. I think they did the best they could given the circumstances.
Aaaaah… That would be my unrealistic wish for 2010 – getting Rome and the ultimate bromance of Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo back. I loved those guys.
Hey Pat!!! You read my mind! Martin is not doing anything to complete the last three books in the series b/c he is spending too much time trying to develop a series that will either never be made or be cancelled too soon… I;d much rather have the books than the series…
I want The Office to get better again. I hope they let Mindy Kaling write more episodes.
me too…once by far my favorite and really really really disappointing this season
Agreed. Here’s to a meaty season arc and restoring Pam & Jim back to characters we can laugh with!
I was watching old episodes on TBS and my favorite one came on the one where Michael burns his foot on a George Foreman Grill. I can’t remember the last time I laughed as hard during recent seasons of the Office than I did in the first 3 seasons.
That’s definitely my favorite episode as well! The Foreman grill episode is absolutely hillarious! I have to say though that I loved the wedding episodes as well.
I kept that foot burning episode on my TIVO for almost 3 years so I could watch it if I had a bad day at work and everytime I laughed and laughed. That episode never gets old!
Also written by Mindy Kaling. The only problem with her episodes is, she doesn’t write herself in to act!! And I love me some Kelly!
“You’re ugly and I know it, ’cause I got the evidence right there.” Haha.
I’m hoping that Lost is so good that it wins best drama at the Emmys.
And I’m hoping the following shows will be great:
Archer
Caprica
Life Unexpected
Spartacus: Blood & Sand
Parenthood
Treme
Rubicon
Boardwalk Empire
Wow. Thanks so much for mentioning Game of Thrones! The books are incredible, and the cast they’ve assembled will do the series justice. Please HBO, please, please pick this up. I will be a subscriber for life.
Agreed, I do not currently suscribe to HBO, but I will if they start showing A Game of Thrones.
I would join you in the save “Better Off Ted” campaign. I wish ABC would realize it has a gem of a show and not treat it like a second-class entity. Maybe because it is following the Rose Bowl ABC thinks it can attract new fans to the show but it is possible it is just dumping the show into any time slot for which it does not have a show. Save “Better Off Ted”!
I agree. This is the best show besides EW that other critics, entertainments shows, and magazines seem to ignore. SAVE BETTER OFF TED!!!
SAVE ‘BETTER OFF TED’ NOW! Please!!!
Sign me up!
SAVE BETTER OFF TED!!!
Yes, save Better Off Ted. I love the snarky humor on this show! The cast is great!
Love BETTER OFF TED!
I care most about Lost, Caprica, and especially Game of Thrones. If all three are great I’m happy. I love the idea of Whedon on Showtime with Felicia Day.
No more station logos on every tv show in the bottom or top corners. Those are getting bigger and more obnoxious every year.
Thank you, Carol!!!! If viewers don’t know what chanel they’re on by now and haven’t figured out how to use the guide feature, they’re a lost cause.
I agree 100%. They are so annoying it makes me not want to watch the show.
Excellent point, Carol. Those logos are obnoxious, as are those awful pop-ups that appear and disrupt the action on the screen. It can be very confusing at times!
I’m watching the Rose Bowl with ABC’s logo barely noticable in the bottom right hand corner. If you’re gonna put it there follow this lead.
I’m with you! The logos cover a good third of the screen now! I especially hate it when you can’t read bottom dialog when people speak in foreign languages because of the damned logos and ads.
the logos are as much to “brand” the shows as they are to tell you what channel you’re watching. basically it’s so that some other channel can’t tape it and run it without acknowledging the source, even in a news story.
Amen to that!
Excellent suggestion Carol! That can be very distracting and is often in a terrible location that impedes the watching experience!
I completely agree with your Fringe and Amazing Race wishes. Although sometimes a sports overrun causes TAR to gain .3-.4 rating points in its 18-49 Adults rating, so I can’t complain if it helps keep the show around!
It’s really not that hard to plan around this one–just set your DVR to record an extra half hour!
Not as easy as you might think, Amanda, when Sunday gets jammed up with too many good shows.
to Amanda: There was one Sunday that the Amazing Race aired an hour and fifteen minutes late! Mainly because they would never think of cancelling 60 Minutes.
Network executives realize how stupid they are and get rid of “reality tv programming”.
Emo Vampires go the way of the dodo and go back to their terrifying sucking HUMAN blood roots.
Everyone forgets spiedi and any other fabricated celebutaunts.
The CW realizes what decent shows are when they finally give supernatural the credit it deserves and get rid of 90210 and melrose place and any other show like that.
NHL becomes the top sports league in America.
TMZ and tabloid shows in general are cancelled after people wake up and realize they are making the world worse when they know who paris hilton is for doing nothing than they know who their world leaders are.
Amen, JB!
I’m with ya, JayBone!
I agree with you completely. None of it will happen especially the CW.
I agree with everything except this NHL thing. NHL? Oh sorry, you must be Canadian.
Yay for hockey! And another couple teams in Canada please?
If people are watching reality tv programming, then network executives can’t really be called “stupid” for keeping it on. “Stupid” should be reserved for the people who didn’t tune into Arrested Development, Rome, Andy Richter, etc. instead of, say, Flavor of Love. Hockey is boring. Other than that I agree with everything else you said.
I am fully accepting the slap. I caught Rome on DVD, and I am catching the uncut Arrested Development reruns on IFC now. I never saw those shows when they originally aired (although I don’t have HBO because most of their shows don’t appeal to me that much – except for Rome and, oh yeah, add Extras to that list above, please…) But I am learning and so now I watch every episode of Better Off Ted faithfully, no matter when ABC decides to pop it in the schedule. SAVE BETTER OFF TED!
I loved Arrested Development and watched it faithfully but that doesn’t stop me from loving some of that reality t.v. as well. Flavor of Love isn’t the issue as you could have seen it about 100 different times per week so it didn’t stop anyone from watching shows during their time slots. Networks need to commit to a time slot and be smart about weighing the competition properly to aid in the success of their shows.
Bitter, much? Sorry, but “Vampire Diaries” is awesome, and SPN is seriously past it — as the ratings show.
I just want a kick butt season 3 of Sons of Anarchy.
ditto
Amen to that!
AI would be over without Cowell … they are already committing “Ellen suicide.”
Jane Lynch wins an Emmy, and Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison are at least nominated.
An Emmy nomination for both Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni.
ABC brings back Samantha Who?
FOX cancels Brothers and CCH Pounder puts out an official apology for ever being on that show
No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency comes back strong!
And…Elliot and Olivia finally hook up on SVU!
Yep. I predict a much deserved Jane Lynch Emmy.
(And I’d also love to see a long everdue Emmy nod for Kyle Chandler of Friday Night Lights. Season 4 episodes have been absolutely incredible!)
I second bringing back Samantha. Pair it up with Better Off Ted, and ABC will have a good solid hour of 1st rate comedy to fit into their lineup.
I’ll add to the list with:
* A season 3 of True Blood as good as Season 2.
* Death to trashy reality TV … hear me MTV, VH1, etc!!!
* The end of giving loosers such as John & Kate, OctoMom, Levi Johnston, etc. their 15 min. of fame EVERY NIGHT on ET, Access Hollywood, Inside Edition, and so on. If you leave them alone, they’ll crawl back to their holes!
* That America wakes up and can tell who their Congressional representatives are BEFORE they can tell you who’s doing what on The Bachelor!
* Definitely move Fringe!
* Give Supernatural props!
* Mad Men is great, but there are other good shows out there too that should get props…Emmy voters!
Just some random thoughts
I agree with a bunch of your points. In fact, I would go further on point 2 and just wish that MTV and VH1 would go back to showing music videos or sink in the ocean forever. As for your last point, Breaking Bad, Breaking Bad, Breaking Bad! (And here’s to season three of BB being as awesome as season two was – and Aaron Paul getting some Emmy love.)