Midseason Thoughts 2012 – Dramas

We’re halfway through the television year so there’s no better time to rate all the shows I’ve been watching over the last couple of months. The first wrap-up will cover the dramas, while part two will rate the comedies.

Season 9
I still love Grey’s Anatomy. I know many people have given up on the show but I still find it to be impactful, emotional, and consistently entertaining television. Yes Shonda messed up a bit this year by killing off some beloved characters, but Greys is still as witty and poignant as ever. I’m with this show till the end, and I do hope that will still be a few years down the line. I’m not ready to say goodbye to Meredith, Derek, Christina and the gang yet. Incredible as always (but please get rid of the interns stat).
Nad Rating
A-

Season 4
I was sure this year would be the most impressive season of The Vampire Diaries. Elena’s new situation lends itself beautiful to the show’s special brand of explosive thrills and mindblowing twists. Sadly, while there’s been some standout moments here and there, this has been the show’s weakest season yet. The whole sire plot has ruined Elena & Damon, while there’s been way too much focus on characters I could care less about (Klaus, Tyler). I’m sure the show will bounce back soon, it’s just a shame the first half of the year was so unsatisfying. And really, that’s a word I never thought I’d use when describing TVD. A shame.
Nad Rating
C

Season 4
I don’t know what it is about fourth seasons but The Good Wife is also having a rough year. Alicia is still as spectacular as ever, but the Nick-Kalinda storyline almost singlehandedly sucked the life out of the show. Thankfully the writers have finally moved on from this horrendous arc which should give the show an opportunity to shine in the second half of the season. Much like the vampires of Mystic Falls, I have faith in our favorite Florrick.
Nad Rating
C+

Season 3
Nikita is probably my single favorite show on television. I really don’t think I look forward to a show more than I do this one. The characters have become like family, the production values are worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, and the twists never cease to disappoint. The first half of this season has been remarkable with the new setup at Division, and Amanda is beyond brilliant as the hellbent antagonist. If the show does end this year (as the cancellation specter never ceases to loom), they’re definitely going out with a bang. Outstanding.
Nad Rating
A

Season 3
This was the year The Walking Dead evolved into must-see television. The first half of the year was shocking, brutal and all-round magnificent. Season two was pretty fun, but the characters are now more defined than ever, and the action more visceral that I ever thought possible. In addition, I’m extremely invested in the characters’ apocalyptic plight and the losses they experience. This is one show everyone should be watching (that is if they can handle the guts and gore).
Nad Rating
A

 
Season 2
I absolutely adored Revenge last year. I literally couldn’t stop praising the show’s delicious blend of vengeful wish-fulfillment and soapy twists. It really was the strongest offering of the season and I recommended it to pretty much everybody on Earth. However, as much as I hate to admit it, the show is experiencing a sort of sophomore slump this year. The first couple of episodes didn’t have much momentum to them, and it felt too much like the writers were trying to stretch a premise past its due date. Nevertheless, the show eventually bounced back and I’m pretty invested in Emily’s plight again as well as her budding relationship with fellow avenger Aiden. Unfortunately, a lot of the useless subplots and characters remain (Declan and Jack’s adventures primarily) and it doesn’t look like the writers share our views over how utterly boring they are. Still, I have high hopes for the rest of the season, and I have faith that Emily VanCamp and Madeleine Stowe will ensure the show goes out on top this year.
Nad Rating
B-

Season 2
I wasn’t a big fan of Once Upon A Time last year. I stuck with the show but it was much too cheesy and straightforward. Nevertheless, I’m glad I didn’t quit because this year is already much more impressive. We’ve got a couple of great villains (Cora & Hook), more emphasis on action, and lots of impressive mythology tidbits. Yes the dialogue still needs a lot of work, but I think the show will keep on evolving and improving. Well done.
Nad Rating
B+

Season 2
What a shock. Scandal has now evolved into one of my most favorite shows on television. It’s intelligent, thrilling, and just darn brilliant. The cast is uniformly excellent, and Shonda is extremely impressive in pulling the rug out from under her viewers when they least expect it. Olivia and Fitz in particular have forged the most compelling and layered relationship on television. I’m just really looking forward to see what the show does next in the second half of the season and the years to follow. I do hope it goes on for a long time to come.
Nad Rating
A

Season 1
There was a lot of hype going into Revolution this year, primarily due to the pedigree of its creators. While the pilot was fantastic, the following episodes stumbled a bit and proved to be a tad hit-or-miss. Nevertheless, I stuck with the show due to its awesome premise, impressive cast, and its enthusiasm at answering significant questions instead of incessantly playing the mystery card. All in all, the first half of the show’s debut season proved to be a pretty enjoyable ride, and has capably set the stage for a hopefully explosive second half. I’m definitely a fan.
Nad Rating
B

Season 1
666 Park Avenue was one of the shows I was most excited about this year. That’s why I’m sad to report that it’s such an utter disappointment. The elements are all there (the spooky premise, the superb cast) but the show just fizzled out on every level. I hate to say it, but the show deserved to get cancelled as this way we’ll at least get a complete story by the 13th episode. I do hope I won’t get disappointed by the time the series finale comes around because there has been a noticeable improvement in the show’s momentum lately. But honestly, I don’t have high hopes. It’s a shame Miss Williams, a true shame.
Nad Rating
C-

Season 1
I really wanted to love Last Resort but just like 666 Park Avenue, it’s an undoubted misfire. It had an amazing pilot (much like Revolution) but it stumbled immensely in the following episodes. The premise just feels too thin, and unlike Prison Break which stretched out its core idea in thrilling manners, Last Resort just isn’t satisfying to watch in the slightest. We can only hope the series finale will be a knockout.
Nad Rating
D

Season 1
One of my favorite new dramas of the year, Arrow isn’t must-see television yet, but it has all the right ingredients. Unlike Last Resort and 666, Arrow has been pretty darn entertaining. The cast is likeable, the action is top-notch, and who doesn’t love some superhero hijinks on a weekly basis? Still, I do hope the show taps into its full potential soon because I know it can evolve into truly masterful television if the writers can iron out the kinks by the end of the season.
Nad Rating
B+

Season 25
The only reality show on my list, 25 seasons in and Survivor is still epic television. I’ve been watching the show for over ten years and this season did not disappoint. It’s a fascinating and enthralling human experiment that’s consistently riveting and addictive. This season in particular was just awesome, and Denise’s win was highly satisfying. My faith in the show never wanes, and I can’t wait for next season.
Nad Rating
B+