Season 9
Three years ago, I decided to give One Tree Hill a chance. I watched the show’s six seasons during the span of one month and was pleasantly surprised by the first four until the horrendous time jump. Nevertheless, I stuck with the show on a weekly basis for its final three seasons and boy was it torturous. OTH is undeniably the most appropriate example of a series that overstayed its welcome. By the time it ended, it was an abysmal production that was just horrid on absolutely every level. The characters became caricatures, the writing went down the toilet, and the music became an overbearing intrusion (much more than it ever used to be). Sure I discovered quite a few artists and tunes through the show, but was that enough reason for it to stick around for as long as it did and taint the goodwill the show possessed eons ago? Goodbye Sophia Bush and crew, you will not be missed. A true pity.
Nad Rating
D-
Season 8
I know many people gave up on Grey’s Anatomy a long time ago but I thought this year was one of the show’s strongest ever. In fact, it might have been my favorite which I’m sure is an extremely unpopular opinion. I think that was due to the fact that the show had finally gotten rid of practically all the characters I never liked: Izzie, Burke, George etc… The current cast is practically perfect in my opinion apart from a few newbies (April) so I do hope it goes on for a while. Moreover, the finale was a remarkably spectacular and brutal hour of television that capably cemented Greys as one of my favorite dramas on TV. Bring on season nine.
Nad Rating
A
Season 8
Much like Greys, the majority of the public gave up on Desperate Housewives a while ago. I however was pleasantly surprised by the show’s final year. Yes the last mystery with the ladies could have used some fine-tweaking but I still found Wisteria Lane amusing and engrossing. In addition, the cast was still as phenomenal and charming as they’d ever been. As far as I’m concerned, throughout the show’s 8 year run, only season 6 was not up to par so that’s a pretty great legacy. Finally, I found the series finale to be a satisfying and touching resolution to a show that was a big part of my life for many years. All in all, the ladies will truly be missed.
Nad Rating
A
Season 5
Mad Men had a magnificent year this season and I think its crown jewel was undeniably Joan’s stunning arc that just struck a chord with viewers on so many levels. Very few shows on television can match the show’s classy and atmospheric quality and this year was no exception. Even Megan who I wasn’t too fond of when the season began evolved into a intriguing character in her own right. And while the finale was a letdown, this was ultimately a stunning year of a pretty fantastic show.
Nad Rating
A-
Season 3
After two very solid seasons, The Good Wife began to show some cracks this year. It was still a good (!) season but I expect more from the show. Kalinda in particular was a mess so I hope the writers figure out what the hell they want to do with her soon. Thankfully, Juliana Marguiles remained as extraordinary as ever and I’m certain she’ll continue to wield her spell for many years to come. I just hope the show as a whole can step it up a notch next year and match her brilliance.
Nad Rating
B
Season 3
The Vampire Diaries continues to be one of the most thrilling and gripping shows on television. There’s really no other show quite like it that throws that much insane jaw-dropping twists at its audience within the span of one episode. While Klaus continues to grate on my nerves as the worst big bad ever, the rest of the show is just so uniformly strong that I really shouldn’t complain. And with the fantastic Elena twist that book-ended season three, I have a feeling that the show’s fourth season might just be TVD’s strongest year yet. I for one can not wait.
Nad Rating
A
Season 2
Contrary to popular belief (which seems to be the theme today), I didn’t think The Walking Dead’s sophomore season was such a letdown. Yes the farm stuff might have been a bit slow, but it was still compelling stuff. In addition, the second half of the season knocked it out of the gate particularly with the final stretch of episodes. The show is simply soaked with atmosphere and dread that perfectly complement its apocalyptic tone. I’m really looking forward to next year which will apparently be quite the thrill ride with its prison setting. Let’s hope it doesn’t disappoint.
Nad Rating
B+
Season 2
Probably my favorite season of the year, Nikita started off slow in its second year, but surely evolved into masterful television. With a fantastic cast, gripping plot twists, and a real heart, the show truly cemented itself as one of my all time favorites. I can’t stress how happy I was that the show got renewed for a third season because it really deserves it. Team Nikita, Amanda, the epic action, all create a potent mix that finally live up to the standards Alias once set (without the abysmal sci-fi stuff). Here’s to many more years of spy-hijinks to come.
Nad Rating
A+