The Top Television of 2011

It was quite a year for television. In almost every top 10 for film there is a mention that nothing on the big screen compares to the last act of the most recent season of "Breaking Bad." Sadly, I have never seen one episode, so it is not on this list. Also not on the list: "American Horror Story." Although I really enjoyed the show, I only saw the first half...and considering things got really crazy near the end (for better or worse) I don't feel comfortable making an informed decision...not yet. Part of me wanted to include "the Good Wife," until I realized that my love for the show was mostly based on the first two seasons, which I pounded through after watching the first episode of season 3...a season that I found to be much weaker than the rest. I also wish that I could've included "Glee," everyone's favorite show to hate. I think this current season has been on a major upswing. Although the hater's arguments are the same, I actually think the characters are more consistent, the storylines are more linear and interesting, and there has been much less Mr. Schuester. But...it just didn't make the cut. And I was tempted to include "Absolutely Fabulous," and that's after only one episode. Maybe next year....So, here is the list. Enjoy

1. Revenge
Revenge is the only show from this new season that I try to watch consistently on the night it runs. It is not just a guilty pleasure night time soap. It is must see tv. Is Daniel the dead body from the pilot? Perhaps? And perhaps not...if the showrunners read their audience well. But who cares about Daniel. For me, we have the ultimate "villain" with Madeleine Stowe's Victoria Grayson. And the "hero," Emily Van Camp's Amanda/...whatever her other name is...might actually be the one in the wrong. I am convinced that Victoria was the one who wanted to save Amanda's dad from prison...the underlying major story arc driving Van Camp's character. When the show began it seemed to be headed toward episodic Revenge of the week fare, but it became much more. It's the speculation and excitement about where the show is headed that makes it "Dallas" (in its prime) material. And once the Talented Mr. Ashton Holmes (as Tyler Barrol) came on board things got really interesting.

2. The Vampire Diaries
TVD is the heir obvious apparent of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." I loved it from the start, but every episode keeps getting better and better. When the "originals" story line...the very first vampires...was initially introduced...and with it the hybrid vampire/werewolf...well...if you aren't watching, it's hard to explain. And just like other shows in its genre...it's not worth explaining. It's time to watch.

3. Prime Suspect
Unfortunately, this incredible show that I have been been championing since its second episode (the very first was a little iffy in its depiction of character...part of the reason it didn't click, I guess) will not live past what we have already seen...unless they continue to air the remaining filmed episodes. I had hoped NBC might give it a little more life, like it did with "Friday Night Lights" and comedies "The Office" (which wasn't a hit in the beginning) and "30 Rock," but alas...no. Maria Bello is a force...and each story...a new one each episode, highlighted by the sexism within Timoney's force was incredibly compelling.

4. Pretty Little Liars
Now, Liars is an ABSOLUTE guilty pleasure. Every week the characters think they know who the mysterious "A" is...A being the frenemy who seems to be hiding just around the corner with their every action, texting them, attacking them...sometimes even helping them. By the end of this season we are supposed to discover her/his identity...which is a good thing. The mystery is very exciting...and the cast of young folk are the best pretty folk out there on the telly...but it's exactly the right time to move on to something else.

5. Mad Men
"Who is Don Draper." That's how the season began. It ended with an engagement/marriage (he did get married right?) that truly baffled me. While most people found it brilliant, I found it rushed and ridiculous. But it was this incredible scene (which sadly just missed my upcoming top 10 scenes of the year...at least as of now) that helped me to understand that the bafflement that I experienced was intended.

6. American Idol
From the beginning of the top 12...or 10...who can remember these things I had my first post Lambert obsession with Pia Toscano...who absolutely nailed the ballad, whether or not she had the stage presence to win...but when we got closer to the end, (near one of the most difficult times of my life) it was my love for Hailey Reinhart that truly made me appreciate the people who got her there. And concerning the judges...I really appreciated Jennifer Lopez's handling of the contestants, her "unlike" of Haley showed that she wasn't all positivity. The fact that I disagreed with JLO...and that Steven Tyler was the new, sometimes odder "Paula" made the show one of the most watchable and enjoyable of the year. Sorry X-Factor.

7. Damages
Who knew that a few "F bombs" could take a show this exciting/slightly guarded to a whole new level. I was quite sad when F/X "canceled" this show...even though the previous season ended things incredible...a satisfying ending to the Patty/Ellen story. But...even though they are pretty much the ultimate opposites, the keep getting brought back together. Close and Byrne (who did amazing film work this year as well) have never been better...but it was the central plot...involving John Goodman's CEO...of a private and BAD military defense company and his henchman, the ULTIMATE unforgiving villain played by Dylan Baker that made this another fantastic and unpredictable season. So happy that we are getting one more.

8. Happy Endings
Earlier this year, ABC seemed to be burning off episodes of "Happy Endings," but being the only (surprisingly) smart network out there, they renewed this very funny show. Although we have had some good comedies in years past (Parks and Rec, Arrested Development, The Office and 30 Rock) this is the closest thing we have to "Friends." And Elisha Cuthbert proves that she has more chops than she displayed on "24." The "hipster" episode was an absolute fave...and this coming from a Brooklyn-nite!

9. Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl has always been a favorite of mine, but with last year's unrequited tease of Dan and Blair (loving known as Dair by fans) and this season's very entertaining will she or won't she marry (and did I mention preggers!) plotline with Blair and the Prince...GG landed a spot as one of the best WB/CW shows of all time. Still waiting for some serious Dair action...but in a show that flies through arcs faster than any other on television, the hesitation is (hopefully) worth the wait!

10. The Food Network
I'm cheating just a little bit here...not choosing a specific show, but I have been a lover of The Food Network since the days of Rachel Ray and Emeril almost 24 hours a day. After working in restaurants for years...(and acutally being featured on a RaRay's Tasty Travel's episode...yes, that's me at Five Points delivering a delicious brunch to a diner!) I started watching even more closely. Love Anne Burrell's "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef" who's turkey I make every year for Thanksgiving. Also love watching the Barefoot Contessa play around with her many male besties...using the best of ingredients. And then there is the awesome Sunny Anderson (one of my tweet buddies) who always gives a personal touch, "Cooking for Real." And just when I thought I knew everything about Paula Deen and her family...this season she had her husband on...taking things to a very intimate place...showing us more than just butter...we got to see how a dynasty interacted with someone from before the fame. This network continues to provide more than just background television.