Top 10 Best TV Series of 2012

2012 is nearly over. And as the TV shows in America are now taking their usual holiday hiatus, I decided to give you my top 10 best TV shows of the year. This includes new and old shows which ran from January to December 2012. I am following 28 series this year so it's very difficult to evaluate each and choose MY creme of the crop. But I did my best.

I just have to remind you that this is my list - based on my own personal taste and criteria as an audience. I have not seen every show which aired this year so if your favorite is not here, that means either it's not worthy to be in the top 10 or I just do not watch it.

Anyway, here you go. 

Starting from...

TOP 1

BREAKING BAD SEASON 5 

(July - September)

Are you still even surprised? The first half of Breaking Bad's final season was phenomenal, amazing, exciting, and an instant classic. The preceding season took a lot of hype for its mind boggling and twisted plot, but season five started with a slow rhythm until it built up to some strong momentum halfway - and then bam, a jaw-dropping mid season finale. Season five of this award winning series from AMC is definitely one for the keeps. It may not be as perfect as season four, but I know the last eight episodes which would premiere next  year would kill our socks off. 

TOP 2

COMMUNITY SEASON 3 

(March - May)

Episodes 12 to 22 of Community seaosn 3 was such a blast, And the fact that fans all over the world had to endure such longing from January to March just for the second half of the season made it more worthwile. Community is, without a doubt, the funniest show on TV right now. Hands down.

TOP 3

HOMELAND SEASON 2 

(October - December)

I have to admit that the first season of Homeland was better than the second one. But the last 3 episodes of Season 2 put this show on top of my list. It was Homeland at its finest. Unexpected twists, Claire Danes' acting prowess, gut-wrenching plot. And I guess a good season finale is wherein the viewers will have no idea how the next season will go. Homeland delivered that. 

TOP 4

THE WALKING DEAD SEASONS 2 and 3

(February - March [2] and October - December [3])

Season two of Walking Dead was a... bummer. Thank god the plot thickened during the second half of season 2. Two major deaths  and a thrilling season finale. PLUS, the first 8 episodes of season 3 was turning out to be amazing. The Walking Dead does a good job at finding the balance of putting so much brutality and gore from the fighting sequences and the electrifying stories of the survivors while searching for humanity amidst this calamity. My most favorite line of the show so far (which I think can sum the entire series) was said by Maggie: "All this time running from walkers [zombies], you forget what people can do"

TOP 5

SHERLOCK SEASON 2

(January)

Sherlock's three-episode seasons are all 100% perfect - acting, cinematography, screenplay, direction, plot development. Season 2 was so much better the the previous one and the cliffhanger on the third episode killed me. Without a doubt, best British TV show right now. 

TOP 6

GAME OF THRONES SEASON 2

(April - June)

This show has over a dozen major characters yet each still have their moments of glory in this 10-episode per season series from HBO. When I was deciding what to be in my list, Game of Thrones was initially in my Top 10 because I felt that the second season was weaker and less compelling than the first. Daenerys' storyline, for example, was a huge disappointment due to the fact that her storyline in season one was the hilight of the show. I also felt that the characters, especially the Starks, are too apart from each other and there were not any connections that can justify the ending. However, upon realization, Game of Thrones did a bit well. The penultimate episode was the show's best and Arya's and Sansa's plots are very exciting to watch. 

TOP 7

PARKS AND RECREATIONS SEASONS 4 and 5

(January - May [4] and September - December [5])

Aside from Community, Parks and Rec is one of the most underrated comedy shows on TV. The second half of season four - the election campaigns and Leslie's victory - was quality television at its finest. Parks and Rec is poignant and funny, with a tinge of romance and political drama. I just wish people would appreciate this show more before it's too late.

TOP 8

SCANDAL SEASONS 1 and 2

(April - May [1] and September - December [2])

What a huge surprise in mainstream/local television. I believe that Scandal should be in a cable network to fully maximize its potential to be the next big hit. All the plots introduced are engaging and the characters are very well written. Shonda Rhimes surely did an amazing job with Scandal.

TOP 9

SCANDAL SEASON 5

(March - June)

Maybe you're wondering why Mad Men is in my bottom 2. The reason is simple: Season 5 did not meet the standards set by season 4. The latter was so amazing that people's expectations for the fifth season was really high. But thank god for Episode 9 and 10, it saved the show from demise. Mad Men is already considered a TV classic that's why every episode is a gem and every characters are precious. Many exciting things had happened in this season, but it failed to capture the harmonious growth o of the characters of that of the prior seasons.

TOP 10

GIRLS SEASON 1

At first glance, you think this is just your typical show about some white girls facing a couple of basic white girl problems - ala Mean Girls and Clueless. But boy, I was wrong. Girls is so much more than that. It offered a complex view of the lives of four teenage girls in New York as they face some complicated adult (and childish) problems. Yes, it may raise the eyebrows of some convservatists, but Girls proved to be the best teen show on TV right now. I can say that this is one of the best freshman show of 2012. PLUS, it's produced, directed, and written by the show's lead actress herself Lena Dunham. 

As an added bonus, I've decided to also include my Top 11 to 15 for you my readers!

TOP 11

THE NEW NORMAL

(September - December)

One of the best freshman shows of Fall Season 2012-2013. Although the married gay couple is already cliche in terms of television (ehem Modern Family ehem), the show has a strong ensemble and a very poignant and relatable screenplay.

TOP 12

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM

(October - December)

At first, it was a bit weird and wild... very wild. It's quite difficult to move on from the awesomeness that the first season brought last year. The setting for the second season of AHS is interesting (1960s, asylum), the number of characters and storylines were overwhelming which then became complicated. However, as the season progressed, the events became creepier, dreadful, and drop-dead intense. Plus, the actors (Lange, Rabe, Paulson, Quinto, etc) are all unbelievably and undeniably amazing. 

TOP 13

DOWNTON ABBEY Season 3

(September - November)

So many things had happened in the third season of this period drama from UK. It's not as good as the first season, but it's quite better than season 2. Also, the unexpected death of a major character, the conflict between Thomas and O'Brien, the unfortunate events in Sybil's life, and Mary and Matthew's marriage made this season a memorable one.

TOP 14

DEXTER Season 7

(October - December)

Give me this moment and let me rejoice for Dexter. Season 7 became soooo much better than the last two seasons. This season is not perfect (nothing - and I mean, nothing - beats Season 4), but the inclusion of Yvonne Strahovski in the casts made it worth watching. Also, I kinda' like how the Debb-Dexter plot went on. "He knows. She knows."

TOP 15

SUBURGATORY Season 1 and 2

(January - May [1] and October - December [2])

Just like The Middle, Suburgatory is always overshadowed by Modern Family. These shows are in the same network so it's quite difficult to battle an award winning just like ModFam. The second half of season 1 was very funny and season 2 is turning out to be great. Tessa became downright annoying she was in season one to a lovable and funny character. 

Chevy Chase - OUT of Greendale 7

Despite a couple of allegations towards the actors and the producers' hate towards Chevy Chase and a few controversial setbacks on the set of Community because of the actor's attitude, the NBC sitcom has finally pulled out the plug on Chevy Chase as the mean and racist Pierce Hawthorne.

Just a few hours ago, it was announced that the former SNL cast member won't appear on Community season 4's final episode. 

It would be remembered that Community creator Dan Harmon had left the show after its junior run because of some problems in his contract and all that sheningan. But I'm pretty sure it was mainly because of his dispute with Chevy.

How will Pierce leave the show? Will he die? Or will he just decided to leave the study group? 

Is Pierce that much big of a change in the camaraderie between the Greendale7? I personally think yes. 

Good luck to your future endeavors, Chevy... if you still have any.

Top 5 Most Favorite TV Series

I've been a TV buff since I was in grade school. I  have seen more than 70 TV shows in my life and I do not regret spending a lot of my time watching these. Of course, in this 70, I included those shows which got cancelled early or those which I just decided not to watch anymore.

Since I am bored, I decided to share to you my Top 5 Most Favorite TV Series. It is unbelievably hard to choose my top 5, but nah.. who cares.

EMMYs 2012 Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Dream Nominations and Winner

Now that the most prestigious awards night for primetime television is near, let me share to you the six comedy supporting actresses who I think will (and hope) to be nominated for the  Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series category. And of course, I'll include who I think must win the said award. 

I want to call this category as the underrated-actresses category. SO MANY deserving actresses to be nominated, so I did my best to choose my Dream Nominees.

You ready?


Here you go?

Julie Bowen, MODERN FAMILY (ABC)

She won last year, and taking the trophy one more time is not much of a surprise. Although her performance this third season was not as good as Modern Family's second one, the Emmy voters might give the award to her nonetheless. 

And who wouldn't want Julie Bowen as their mother? 

Sofia Vergara, MODERN FAMILY (ABC)

This hot Colombian momma has been receiving praises for her comedic skills in Modern Family ever since the show started.  The writers of the show may not be giving her that much, but Vergara's hot accent and awesome physique makes her one of the biggest contenders for this category.

EMMYs 2012 Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Dream Nominations and Winner

Now that the most prestigious awards night for primetime television is near, let me share to you the six comedy supporting actors who I think will (and hope) to be nominated for the  Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category. And of course, I'll include who I think must win the said award. 

This one is a nail biter. So many deserving actors in this category!

You ready?


Here you go?

Ty Burrell, MODERN FAMILY (ABC)

Last year's winner has a huge shot of taking home the bacon once again this year. Ty Burrell's portrayal of the fun and adventurous Phil Dunphy is surely one for the keeps.

Bill Hader, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (NBC)

Bill Hader is a nerd who's really good at making people laugh. Period.

Definitely one of the best SNL casts in the history of the show.

EMMYs 2012 Outstanding Comedy Series Dream Nominations and Winner

Now that the most prestigious awards night for primetime television is near, let me share to you the six comedy series who I think will (and hope) to be nominated for the Outstanding Comedy Series category. And of course, I'll include who I think must win the said award.

If the battle for Best Drama Series is intense, the fight for the Best Comedy Series Award is more... exciting. There are a lot of funny shows out there, but only few make it on the list of nominees. This category is probably the most difficult one among all the categories.

You ready?

Here we go...

MODERN FAMILY (ABC)

Modern Family has won two times for this category, and it would not be a surprise if they get the award for the third time in a row. Even though the third season of Modern Family had been mediocre and shaky, the Emmy panel might overlook this and give them the award, nonetheless.

Therapized (Community 3x22 Introduction to Finality Episode Review)

The final episode of the night is the season finale. 

The episode is divided into three storylines: Evil Abed and Britta, Shirley vs. Pierce as the rightful owner of the sandwich shop, Troy's life in the A/C school.

The final episode of the season is also very suitable as the series finale already. However, some new questions and cliffhangers are introduced during the episode's final montage scene. Maybe Dan Harmon wrote this, thinking that this is his final episode of Community to write. 

CHANGnity (Community 3x21 The First Chang Dynasty Episode Review)

Ocean's Eleven'd! 

The Greendale 7 took it up a notch as they try to sabotage Chang's 25th Birthday party and to save Dean Pelton from Chang. The gang schemed and plotted and disguised their way in order to prove to the board of Greendale that Chang is a psycho maniac and his authoritarian leadership has to stop immediately. It's also the group study's way to go back to their school from being expelled.

Dan Harmon Exits

Dan Harmon, creator of NBC's Community, has announced that he will leave the show he developed. He will be replaced by David Guarascio and Moses Port as the sitcom's exec producers/showrunners. However, Harmon will be a consulting producer for the show.

Now that Community has been renewed for a fourth season, and after being bumped into Friday nights after Whitney, the show has a lot to prove to NBC that they can survive under a new leadership.

Hawkthorne (Community 3x20 Digital Estate Planning Episode Review)

Community fans, we are in for a treat, aren't we? Three all new episodes of Community in one night.

 Cool cool cool. 

In order to make my review easier, I decided to post three separate reviews for the 3 episodes each. 

In Digital Estate Planning, the show did something unimaginable once again. An episode that proves how modern and imaginative the writers and producers of this show are. Last season, in "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas", we saw the Greendale 7 in claymation as a result of Abed's weird and complex mind. In here, however, we saw them in 8-bit video game. 

Chevy Chase vs. Dan Harmon: An asshole vs. An immature

"Community is a mediocre sitcom" 

No, those words aren't from me. Or from any fan. It's from an actor of the sitcom. Community regular Chevy Chase mentioned those mean words to Dan Harmon - creator of Community - in a voice mail which was leaked by the latter. A voice mail made on March 2011 (14 months ago).

Burning Star (Community 3x18 Course Listings Unavailable Episode Review)

Due to Star Burns' death, the Greendale 7 (our gang) decided to hold a memorial in the cafeteria which turned out to be a disaster. The group study found out that their Biology professor left the campus already so their grades in the said subject is incomplete for the semester, thus, they have to take summer classes. This information enraged the gang, especially Jeff, so he/they decided to retaliate against the school. To stop this ongoing rebellion in the cafeteria, Dean approved Chang's request to take their security up a notch with his little minions. Unfortunately (and obviously), the school committee did not like this madness o they decided to expel all 7 of them. But despite all of this, the Greendale 7 remained intact and happy because they are still together and alive.

This is not a courtroom

In a homage to Law & Order, the study group investigate a crime when someone sabotages their science experiment. When they discover the perp, Annie plans on prosecuting them to the fullest extent of Greendale's Code of Conduct. 

Community has done it again! The NBC sitcom, which is currently in the bubble,  had another pop culture parody centered episode - in this case, Law and Order. "Basic Lupine and Urology" is just like the previous episodes of Community such "Modern Warfare" and "Pillows and Blankets" wherein the entire episode mocks another show or referenced some well known movies. 

#CoolCoolCool or #NotSoCool

After 3 months of waiting, Community is finally back to continue its third season! Apparently, the episode wasn't as perfect as the fans have expected. But nonetheless, I still enjoyed it because...... Community is back! It's really nice to see the Greendale 7 back on my television once again.

Each of the characters has their own subplots, but basically, the entire episode revolved around Shirley when her husband proposed to her for marriage. The funny thing is, the marriage took place in the study area which I guess is pretty cute and funny in some way or another. 

Now for the downside of the episode. Britta is probably one of the most well developed character in the series, bu in this episode, we saw the same Britta we saw during the first season of Community - hard rock, sarcastic, hates everything. I gotta admit that Britta is still funny, but her attitude towards marriage is annoying and, well, repetitive. I was like, "Grow up Britta! Stop being such a pussy".

FURTHERMORE, there is no Chang in this episode which is quite frustrating. Well, I expect to see him next episode! Nevertheless, in my opinion, Pierce brought the entire episode. His funny antics and his racist jokes never fails to make me laugh. Also, we were informed that he was fired in his own company which made him sad that's why he decided to invest into a lot of stuff. I really love it when Pierce has a "sad" moment. Makes him more humane and lovable. (PS. Pierce is my favorite character).

Overall, the episode is mediocre.  But I guess we were expecting too much to the return of Community. It just so happens that this episode did not exceed our expectations. I am sure, though, that the next episodes for the rest of the season will be funnier and better! And once again, I guess I'm just really happy for the return of Community that's why the "bad points" of the episode does not really matter.

By the way, Annie and her boobs are in Jeff's heart.