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Nadim's Midseason Wrap-Up

23 shows, and a whole lot of comments.

Dramas

Grey's Anatomy - 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-

The Vampire Diaries - 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

The Good Wife - 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+

Nikita - 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

The Walking Dead - 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

Revenge - 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-

Once Upon A Time - 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+

Scandal - 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

Revolution - 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

666 Park Avenue - 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-

Last Resort - 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

Arrow - 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+

Survivor - 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+

Comedies

How I Met Your Mother - Season 8
It took me eight seasons, but I finally feel like How I Met Your Mother should have ended already. Maybe it's because I marathoned the first six seasons all at once last year, but I really think the show is past its due date. It's simply not very funny anymore. However, the 2-part mid-season finale was an epic event that singlehandedly reinstated my love for the show. I'm actually glad now that the show has been renewed for a final ninth season as there's a definite sense of momentum in the proceedings. Funny how TV works sometimes.
Nad Rating
C

Modern Family - Season 4
I hate to say it, but I'm starting to get bored of Modern Family. Of course I'll never stop watching the show and it still has some utterly incredible hours, but all in all I've realized that I much rather a comedy with serialized elements and evolving characters (a la the magnificent Cougar Town which is starting late this year). Gloria's pregnancy has undeniably rectified this factor a bit, but I still want more and I don't think the show will ever really embrace its serialized side.
Nad Rating
B-

Hot In Cleveland - Season 4
If there's one comedy that's thriving thanks to its wonderful cast, it's this one. With Betty White and Wendi Mallick, Hot In Cleveland continues to be a diverting and enjoyable sitcom that never ceases to bring a smile to my face. And with a plethora of prolific guest stars (Heather Locklear is a standout this year), I'm still as amused as ever with this show. It's just so darn likeable.
Nad Rating
B+

Suburgatory - Season 2
Suburgatory was last year's strongest new comedic offering. However, it stumbled in its last few episodes thanks to the horrid addition of Alicia Silverstone to the cast. I'm so pleased to report that the show is back on form this year with a splendid run of episodes that have done an outstanding job of balancing the show's cartoonish sensibilities with a poignant heart (particularly with the inclusion of Tessa's mother). Simply wonderful.
Nad Rating
A-

2 Broke Girls - Season 2
I know there's a special place in hell for people who watch 2 Broke Girls but I still can't help myself. It's trashy and cheap on pretty much every level. However, this year the show has marginally improved into simply "bad" television (as opposed to horrendous). And the fact that the girls finally have a bakery means the show is evolving and growing, and Sophie continues to amuse me with her antics. Oh lord.
Nad Rating
D+

Don't Trust The Bitch In Apartment 23 - Season 2
Another standout from last year, Don't Trust The Bitch In Apartment 23 continues to be a hysterical little concoction. I pretty much love the entire cast and the zany world this show revolves in. I do hope it goes on for a long time to come but sadly, the ratings are atrocious and this is probably the show's final season. That's a real pity because there isn't any comedy quite like it on television.
Nad Rating
B+

Up All Night - Season 2
I could watch Christina Applegate read the phone-book. She's gorgeous, charming, and just plain hilarious. Up All Night has had a rocky run, with the most recent development being the announcement that the show will switch into a multi-camera sitcom complete with a live audience and whatnot. I have no idea if that move will improve or completely destroy the show but I'm pretty eager to see it implemented. However, while I thought the show was excellent last year, I haven't really been enjoying it this season. Will and Christina are still brilliant, but the inclusion of her annoying brother (and removing Ava's talk show) really brought things down. Here's hoping the incoming reshuffling will reinvigorate the show.
Nad Rating
C-

Partners - Season 1
I watched Partners because I was going through some Sophia Bush withdrawal after the cancellation of One Tree Hill. Surprisingly it wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be. In fact, Partners proved to be a somewhat amusing diversion when I was bored. I'm not going to lose sleep over the fact that it was cancelled, but I do hope Miss Bush finds a project worthy of her talents soon. Who knew she could do comedy so well?
Nad Rating
C+

Go On - Season 1
An unexpected surprise. Go On is touching, heartfelt, and just plain hysterical. I'm so glad that Matthew Perry (much like Courtney Cox) has finally found a vehicle worthy of his talent post-Friends. Moreover, I love the entire supporting cast of crazy misfits and the family vibe that they've all forged. And to top it all off, there's a genuine message about moving on from loss (which I can unfortunately relate to this year) that just elevates the show to a whole other level. Amazing.
Nad Rating
A

The Mindy Project - Season 1
The quirkiest new show I've seen in a while, I absolutely adore The Mindy Project. I don't know if it's Mindy Kaling's special brand of adorable charm, or the wacky cast but this show is highly addictive and amusing. I know it hasn't had much buzz this year but I do hope it doesn't get cancelled because I can't wait to see where it goes next.
Nad Rating
A

Previously posted at Nad's Reviews.

10 comments:

  1. How amazing that thre is actually so few shows that I do watch on your list LOL

    I'm giving Suburgatory an A. (Dallas in Foam Finger : insane !)

    Same rating with Modern Family : season 3 annoyed me; so far, in this one, they're back on track : they make me LMAO.

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  2. Modern Family is one of those shows I like, but don't have to watch. Cam will always make me laugh.

    2 Broke Girls is definitely one of the worst shows on TV right now. Every week after Partners, I tried to watch it and could never make it five minutes before turning the TV off in horror.

    Like you, I so wanted to like Last Resort. The pilot was fantastic, but each episode got worse and worse. Plus I couldn't tell any of the characters apart. There was Andre Brauer, a bunch of blond men with chin clefts, and a bunch of pretty brunette women. I was constantly confused as to who was whom.

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  3. What a great piece, Nadim!

    I agree with you completely on Vampire Diaries. I'm a hair away from turning it off for good.

    I do believe that you and I are the only people left on God's green earth who are still watching 666! I am curious as to how they are going to wrap it up, but I won't miss it when it goes.

    Go On is my surprise as well this year. I didn't love the pilot, but stuck with it because it was the lead in to The New Normal which was my favorite new comedy. Funnily enough, they have now switched places. The ensemble cast is just wonderful and the story lines always make me smile. Following the Google map truck? I laughed out loud for a week.

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  4. Thanks, Nadim! It is fun to get a taste of everyone's full viewing slates. You watch a lot of shows that I don't, but I pretty much agree with you on the ones we have in common. I'm really enjoying Go On, too. It is kooky, surprisingly sweet, and perfectly melancholy at times.

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  5. Have to disagree with you on last Resort. Yes some episodes have been weaker than others and it probably would have been better done as an 8-10 hout miniseries but I like the acting and feel it's been getting better with later episodes. I'd give it a B.

    Revolution on the other hand i think hasn't done enough with what was an excellent idea and I think Tracy Spiridakps is a terrible actress. They need to either get rid of Charlie altogether or push her to the rear and make Miles the star. C+

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  6. Allo, Nadim.

    Posted my comments for the drama series in you FB; wouldn't fit here.:)

    In your comedy wrap-up, there are only two I follow.

    Firstly, How I Met Your Mother.
    I only started watching this series late last year and was able to catch-up during season 7.
    In my opinion, the show should have another season to at least give its audience a feeling of satisfaction for waiting 8 years to reveal Ted's wife. (We'll, this is assuming that she gets to be revealed by the end of the current season.)
    It has been a roller coaster ride with this series.
    It really is a phenomenal success especially with Neal Patrick Harris's coming out.
    But I really love these ensemble and will watch them till the end.

    Secondly, Modern Family.
    I will definitely watch this till the end.
    Though there are eps that leaves much to be desired, because some storylines have become predictable, this show never fail to make me laugh however corny a situation gets.

    So, there.

    Have a nice day!
    :)

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  7. Agreed about Up all night..Last year it was funny and witty, and this year it just drags..They should have let the Ava show stay..and Missy..she was a bright spot and is sorely missed..Regan's brother is just dull.
    Anna

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  8. So much TV, Nadim! I'm very impressed. You seem to have a higher sitcom tolerance than I do. :-)

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  9. Sunbunny, your Last Resort summary is spot on!

    ChrisB and Jess I'm glad you guys discovered Go On as well. It's just so very charming and amusing! I'm glad I never started The New Normal!

    Tricksterson you're right Last Resort did improve at the end. I'm somewhat excited for the finale! You are also so very right about Tracy Spiridakps! Atrocious.

    Platinum thanks for your comments on both my wrap-ups! Always appreciated (on Facebook too ahha)

    And yes Josie, I'm a true TV addict!

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