2013 Wrap-Up – Dramas Part Two

Season 2
Scandal‘s sophomore season is probably one of the finest seasons of television I’ve ever witnessed. It was masterfully-constructed, magnificently acted, and thoroughly involving on every level. My only complaint is that the second half of the year (the Albatross arc) wasn’t as mindblowing as the Defiance material in the first half of the year. Nevertheless, the sheer brilliance of this show can not be denied, and for that, it deserves a perfect rating. Also, the season cliffhanger was utterly mindblowing. If you’re not watching Scandal already, you’re missing out on a masterpiece.
Nad Rating
A+

Season 2
Oh Revenge, what am I going to do with you? I’ve nagged about the show a lot this year and it’s sad how messy its sophomore season was compared to the show’s breakout debut year. The Initiative debacle, the numerous horrid subplots – it just became extremely grating. Thankfully, the show somewhat course-corrected itself by the end of the year and ended the season with a terrific season finale that has me quite optimistic for next season. I guess miracles can happen?
Nad Rating
C+

Season 2
Much like the second season of Scandal, this was one of the most expertly-constructed seasons of television I’ve ever seen. American Horror Story is definitely not for everyone; it’s beyond twisted and frequently shocking, but you can’t deny the utter brilliance of the whole thing. I for one simply can’t wait for season three, particularly since Jessica Lange is going to be surrounded by what looks like an even more impressive cast. Also, the finale was magnificent.
Nad Rating
A

Season 3
The lovable cast, the unpredictable plot twists, and the consistently reliable action –  I frequently feel like Nikita can do no wrong. I know many people hated this year, but I positively adore Amanda as the show’s big bad so I found the season to be utterly spectacular on pretty much every level. However, the finale really ruined things with its lazy plotting. Nevertheless, I’m so thankful the CW is giving the show a final six episode run to really wrap up its story and go out on top. I have no doubt Craig Silverstein and his talented writing stuff will give us an explosive and satisfying ending.
Nad Rating
A

Season 3
There’s nothing on television quite like The Walking Dead. It’s a harrowing and disturbing adventure that never ceases to unsettle me on a weekly basis. In fact, I think season three was the show’s strongest yet (and it’s reassuring that the show keeps breaking rating records left and right). However, I’d be in denial if I didn’t admit that the show kind of floundered in its last couple of episodes. The first half of the year was just so disquieting and fantastic, that I kind of wanted the year to go out with a bang as well (which it didn’t). Still, it was an outstanding year of television filled with shocking moments and terrifying reveals. More please.
Nad Rating
A

Season 4
I freakin’ loved The Good Wife’s fourth season. Sure Peter’s campaign wasn’t as exciting as it could have been (how wasted was Maddie Hayworth?), and Kalinda’s husband entering the fray was probably the dumbest writing move of all time, but the rest of the show was as stellar as it’s always been. Julianna Margulies was predictably marvelous, and I loved her budding partnership with Carey culminating in that epic final moment. Somehow I feel like next season might just be the show’s best one yet.
Nad Rating
A-

Season 4 
I hate to say it but I think I’m finally over TVD. I thought this season would be the show’s most formidable one yet with Elena’s transformation, but it turned out to be a slow, muddled trainwreck of a year compared to previous seasons. Thankfully, the finale was pretty promising, with a host of intriguing developments (particularly regarding Katherine and Stefan). Here’s hoping the show returns to the top of the heap next year because it was overshadowed by a ton of great television this year.
Nad Rating
C- 

Season 6
The general public didn’t really appreciate Mad Men this year until that glorious finale. I however found the entire season to be as captivating as ever. Don continued to spiral out of control, and the fantastic cast continued to grow in surprising ways (I can’t express how much I love Joan). Moreover, the finale did an extraordinary job of reshuffling the chess pieces and setting a whole new status quo for the show’s final season. As far as I’m concerned, Mad Men is one of a handful of shows that managed to maintain its extraordinary quality throughout its entire run (I’m assuming next year will be equally stunning of course). Bravo.
Nad Rating
A

Season 6
Season six should have probably been True Blood‘s finest season ever. Under the tutelage of a new showrunner, the vampire (and werewolf, faerie, witch, shifter) drama felt completely invigorated. In fact, it was more focused than it had been in years, and it wasn’t afraid to take risks and kill off superfluous characters from its ginormous cast. In addition, the penultimate episode was downright extraordinary. Naturally, the show went on ahead and squandered the entire year’s goodwill with a disastrous finale. Oh well, there’s always next year (here’s hoping it’s the last).
Nad Rating
A-

Season 9
As always, I enjoyed Grey’s Anatomy very much this year. The aftermath of the horrifying plane crash reverberated throughout the entire season, and gave us plenty of compelling storylines. However much like Nikita, the finale left a lot to be desired and thus slightly tainted my view of the season. I know it’s extremely challenging (and unrealistic) to top shootings and plane crashes, but the storm blackout was just ridiculously anticlimactic. Plus Webber’s fate in the final moments? That’s just not shocking enough to leave us hanging after last year’s jawdropper of an ending. A pity. But I still love Grey’s, and I know Shonda plans on giving us one heck of a final season.
Nad Rating
B+