Grid Effect

In case you missed the first installment of my top ften series’ in the past calendar year, here it is. Onto the top five…

5) It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Surprisingly renewed for a sophomore season after a critically accepted yet publicly ignored premiere, Dennis, Charlie, Mac and Dee returned in rare form with so much self-absorbtion they make Seinfeld and Costanza look like Mother Teresa. Every single episode did indeed offer a Seinfeld-ian brand of disregard for not only all of those around them, but amongst each other as well. The introduction of Danny Devito’s character as Dennis and Dee’s father, at first it seemed to detract from the comedic element the four had developed from the first season, and the decision to bring in Devito seemed to wreak of the “lets bring in a noteworthy name too boost ratings” tactic. However, by the time “Dennis and Dee go on Welfare” (episode three) he had developed into his own role within the cast, and his presence was much less alienating and contrived.

4) The Office
The Office in 2006 consisted of the first half of the third season and the second half of the second season, solidifying its standing as the best network comedy heading into the new year. I have repeatedly stated that I got into The Office after being so enamored with its British predecessor, somewhere in the midst of that second season the Gary Daniels/Steve Carrell US version surpassed the Ricky Gervais/Stephen Merchant franchise. This is probably the result of availability. The British version was only fourteen episodes long. Merchant and Gervais weren’t allotted the same time too develop the characters. For the most part, I even find the romantic developments on the series entertaining. They haven’t gotten tired or stale like I initially expected them to (Though it is always a possibility). If a sitcom can generate interest from me in this regard, they are clearly doing something right. In fact, I was hesitant to place this behind the #3 entry.

3) The Sopranos
If I had been writing a blog since 1999, there wouldn’t have been a year in which The Sopranos wouldn’t have been listed at #1. Today I have it at three, and it is the result of two factors: One, David Chase & company have changed the face of television. It’s raw, gritty, and occasionally funny storytelling has inspired a push for quality scripted television and the four networks are following suit. It probably also explains why I resent so many of them, but seven years ago I couldn’t even compile a list such as this one. Without The Sopranos, we probably do not have a Rescue Me, a Friday Night Lights or other series that are critically acclaimed (24, Heroes, The Shield, etc). Secondly, this was only, technically, half of a season, so it probably was less satisfying as a result (especially coming off the climactic and eventful final two episodes of season five). Still, plenty of character study, symbolism and setup to land it at the number three spot. Including the second episode of season six entitled “Join The Club”, which, from an artistic standpoint, is probably the best hour of television I have ever watched.

2) The Wire
What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Common consent seems to suggest this is the best series in the history of television. It also suggests this was David Simon and Ed Burns’ best season too date, which, deductive logic would suggest that this is the best season of television for the medium. I can’t stand quantifying and ranking things as subjective as this, but you can make a great case, for the fourth season (even though personally, I found season’s one and three too be more introspective) and the series as a whole. What’s amazing is all the critical praise the series can receive and still not get nominated for a single Golden Globe. Hopefully they will be more fortunate at the Emmy’s.

1) Arrested Development
There is probably a sentimental element to this ranking. Mitchell Hurwitz went out in style for its shortened third and final season and while I am hesitant to ever say a great comedy is better or more accomplished than a great drama, I am making an exception in this case. This would be one of the more groundbreaking comedies along the lines of Mash, All in The Family and Seinfeld if it wasn’t so difficult too emulate or had it gotten any sort of Nielsen ratings. It’s hard too fathom this series can go from multiple Emmy nominations/wins too cancellation in a little over two years, but that is exactly what happened. Without question this cancellation is the most disappointing result of the 2006 TV year. Apparently they’re in talks about a potential movie, too quote George Michael Bluth, “I like the way those people think”.

This is shameless but I had to have one series in listed as honorable mention:
Survivor, lost points unfairly for being a reality series.