Midseason Thoughts 2013

Season 10
After ten seasons, I’m finally sick of Grey’s Anatomy. It’s incredibly sad but the show has finally lost its luster, and I find myself incapable of defending it anymore. The storylines have become painfully redundant, and a slew of characters I could care less about have taken center stage (yes interns, I’m looking at you). Sure I’m still invested (that’s only natural after nine seasons), but I just want Grey’s to end. And with Sandra Oh leaving by the end of the year, there could be no better time. While the midseason finale was admittedly the best episode the show had in a while, I hope ABC will do us all a favor and let Grey’s end with what’s left of its dignity intact.
Nad Rating
C-

Season 5
Much like Grey’s Anatomy, I’m bored of The Vampire Diaries. I know the show’s fanbase is still pretty devout, but I’m only watching out of habit. I’m not enthralled by any of the proceedings, and I feel the show is way past is prime. At the moment, its strongest asset is undoubtedly Katherine, and she’s the main reason I continue to stick around. Obviously with the numbers TVD pulls in, there’s no way the show is going to end anytime soon, so I do hope the upcoming 100th episode will restore my love in the vampy drama. A guy can dream right?
Nad Rating
C

Season 5
The Good Wife might just be the best thing on television at the moment. I’ve already raved about this season countless times, but it’s worth reiterating how mindblowing it is that a show in its fifth season could be so darn spectacular. Starting with Hitting The Fan, one of the most phenomenal episodes I’ve ever seen, the show’s status quo and character dynamics was irrevocably altered. If you’re not watching The Good Wife, it’s time to jump on board. Truly marvelous television on every level.
Nad Rating
A+

Season 4
After utterly dismal ratings, The CW thankfully renewed Nikita for a final six-episode season to pay off an increasingly complex world. I’m pleased to report that the show’s final season was a bonafide success, punctuated by an almost-perfect series finale. Nikita never really got the acclaim it deserved, and it’s a pity the show was cancelled way before its time. Nevertheless, we’ve got four glorious seasons and one heck of an epic journey to enjoy in the future. Fondly remembered.
Nad Rating
A

Season 4
Season three of The Walking Dead turned the zombie tale into must-see television. However, I haven’t been majorly impressed by the show’s fourth season. I don’t know if it’s the plague arc, or the fact that the season didn’t feel especially focused, but I certainly began to lose interest. Shockingly enough, the show capped off the first half of its season with a stunning midseason finale, and one of the best hours its ever produced. And now? I’m extremely optimistic. Let’s see how the second half fares.
Nad Rating
B-

Season 3
Revenge needs to end this year. The soapy drama had a great debut season, but has been struggling ever since. Even though the show’s midseason finale was very promising, I feel like I’ve seen this all before; the show exhibits glimmers of potential, and then stumbles all over again. I’ve learned my lesson and I just want Emily Thorne’s saga to come to its natural conclusion (it’s already been stretched out way more than it should have been). Enough is enough.
Nad Rating
C

Season 3
Tying with The Good Wife, Scandal is one of the most masterful creations on television. It feels like a lot of people are starting to turn on the show (which is always the case when a series really blows up in pop culture), but I think it’s still as downright fantastic as it’s always been. Yes it’s gotten a tad too gruesome, but that’s expected from Shonda Rhimes and her flair for brutality. And that midseason finale? Positively terrific.
Nad Rating
A+

Season 3
I’m a zealot when it comes to American Horror Story; it’s a show that’s equal parts twisted and captivating. Season three (Coven) has done an outstanding job of creating a fascinating world with a compelling witch war at its center. In addition, Jessica Lange continues to lead an all-star cast of awesomeness. The show lost a bit of ground in the last couple of episodes, but it certainly bounced back, and I’m positive it will go out with a bang this year.
Nad Rating
A

Season 2
I adore everything about Arrow. Sure the first season wasn’t perfect, but the show’s sophomore season has capably and thoroughly tapped into all of its potential. Today, the show’s world is populated by an amazingly diverse and intriguing cast of comic book characters, while all the subplots continue to fire on all cylinders (except for Laurel that is). I have a feeling that Arrow is going to keep thriving, and remain a staple of my TV-watching experience for a long time to come. Oh, and the midseason finale was absolutely brilliant.
Nad Rating
A

Season 27
14 years later and I’m still not bored of Survivor. The mother of all reality shows continues to produce thought-provoking, engrossing television season after season. Season 27 was no different; the concept of Blood vs Water was marvelous, and imbued the show with a whole new layer of complexities. Although I wasn’t a fan of Tyler ultimately winning (I pretty much adored Monica), this was still a standout season week-in-week-out. Fantastic.
Nad Rating
A