Season 12
It’s interesting how much I’ve come to appreciate Grey’s Anatomy. A few seasons back, I was all but ready for the show to come to an end. But now? Grey’s is my favorite kind of “comfort-TV” – I know I can always turn to it when I’m looking for that special blend of tears and laughs. And as much as the cast has changed, I’m still emotionally invested in Meredith Grey’s journey, particularly in the aftermath of Derek’s loss. At this point, I kind of hope Grey’s never ends.
Nad Rating
A-
Season 7
And thus one of my favorite shows of all time finally came to an end this season. I know many people thought that The Good Wife slipped in quality after season five, but I don’t think the show ever truly faltered. Sure season five was the peak, but the past two seasons were filled with top-notch storytelling and sharp character development. The more I think about the series finale, the less I like it, but that doesn’t take away from the fact The Good Wife is one of the most magnificent shows ever created, and season seven was pretty terrific on every level. Alicia Florrick, you will be missed.
Nad Rating
A
Season 6
It’s a pity really, but I’ve grown sick of The Walking Dead. It was extremely engrossing the first three seasons, but the past few years have proven tedious to watch. Season six was a particular bore, culminating in a bizarre finale that was severely underwhelming (I’ll never forgive that ill-advised cliffhanger). Nevertheless, I’ve always said that the show needed a villain to rival the Governor, and Negan might prove to be exactly what the show needs. Fingers crossed that season seven finally allows the show to knock our socks off again, because this was such a chore.
Nad Rating
C
Season 5
It’s so easy to hate on Scandal‘s exaggerated melodrama and repetitive subplots, but after an atrocious third season, it’s safe to say that the show definitely bounced back with seasons four and five. In fact, I think that season five was probably the show’s strongest yet (after the masterful second season of course). This is thanks to the increased emphasis on Mellie, the show’s standout character, not to mention the dark turn that Olivia’s character took in the final stretch. Here’s hoping Shonda Rhimes decides to end the show on a high with season six (which won’t be hitting the airwaves before January thanks to Kerry Washington’s pregnancy). As much as I critique it, I’m still a devout fan of this crazy thriller no matter what!
Nad Rating
A
Season 5
Unfortunately, it sure feels like American Horror Story has hit rock bottom with absolutely no signs of recovery. I thought season four (Freak Show) was horrendous, but Hotel was abysmal in every way. Without Jessica Lange, the show floundered with an irritating protagonist (Lady Gaga simply can not act) and haphazard storytelling filled with pointless subplots. With the news of Gaga returning at the helm for season six, I’ve even less excited for the new season. My how the mighty have fallen.
Nad Rating
C-
Season 5
No show on television is quite like Suits, and season five was one of the finest seasons of the show yet. Thanks to the in-depth exploration of Harvey Spectre (those therapy sessions were awesome), and Mike’s lies finally coming out into the open, the show rose to new heights. The season finale really flipped the status quo on its head, so I do hope the show follows through and continues to explore new dimensions.
Nad Rating
A
Season 4
This was the year I fell out of love with Arrow. It’s true that season three was horrible, but that year at least had the epic Black Canary arc. This season? The show decided to kill off my favorite character for absolutely no reason, effectively destroying my emotional investment in the show. And since Olicity seems to be taking center stage (not to mention bucketloads of cheap storytelling and a terrible finale), I think I’m pretty much done with the show. Oh well, at least we’ll always have season two.
Nad Rating
C-
Season 4
After a somewhat weaker third season, House of Cards bounced back with a brilliant year punctuated by an impeccable narrative focus and clever plotting. Of course none of the arcs would mean anything if Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright Penn weren’t so darn mesmerizing in their respective roles. Plus the finale has me immensely excited for season five and the prospects of Claire herself narrating the show. Perfection.
Nad Rating
A+
Season 3
Who would have thought that a show that was so weak and formulaic in its first season (the first half at least), would come to rival the best that comic book TV has to offer? Shield simply blew my mind this year with the incredible Inhumans arc. Moreover, Daisy became a kickass lead, and the rest of the cast all got their chance to shine in memorable ways. If the show had any missteps, it’s that they wrote off Bobbie and Hunter for a spinoff that never materialized. Bring them back, and we’re all good.
Nad Rating
A
Season 2
I wasn’t exactly a fan of Murder‘s first season (it was actually a chore to get through), but season two definitely amped up the show’s game with flying colors. With intense forward momentum and nuanced character motivations, Murder surprised and thrilled me on a weekly basis. The last few episodes took somewhat of a dip in quality, but didn’t take away from a much stronger sophomore effort. Also, Viola Davis can do no wrong.
Nad Rating
B+
Season 2
Season one of American Crime was riveting television, but season two? Well it was downright transcendent. Right from the shocking opener, the season did a harrowing job of exploring the effects (and blurred lines) of rape. Headlined by Felicity Huffman’s gamechanging performance, this was a thought-provoking season that culminated in a beautiful and ambiguous finale that paid off the show’s open-ended nature in every way. I can’t wait to see what this show pulls off next.
Nad Rating
A+
Season 2
I so wanted to love season two of Daredevil, but it simply couldn’t match the heights of the show’s debut season. The inclusion of Elektra was definitely a highlight, as she proved to be the single best thing the show ever did (Thank you Elodie Yung for your first-rate performance). However, the seasonal arc with Black Sky (not to mention Karen’s annoying story) ended up bringing the show down. Nevertheless, I’m optimistic that the show can course-correct in season three; the potential is always there.
Nad Rating
B+
Season 2
Words can’t express how much I loved this season of The Affair. The writers displayed a masterful handle on their characters and story, and the addition of Helen and Cole’s perspectives deepened every dynamic while creating a rich tapestry of complexity and intrigue. The only drawback? I’m nervous about how the show could possibly top itself in season three. Astounding stuff and most assuredly my favorite thing on TV all year.
Nad Rating
A+