I’m not sure I’ve watched 12 TV series in 2011, but we’ll see how it goes.
Downton Abbey. Wow. This British period drama began in 1912 with the sinking of the Titanic and ended with the outbreak of World War I, and it was a great ride. I laughed, I cried. I’m looking forward to the second season of Downton Abbey which is supposed to air in the U.S. in January. Anyone know when and where? On PBS? More thoughts on Downton Abbey here.
Lark Rise to Candleford. I could only get this series on DVD from Netflix, and I quit Netflix when they did the whole split thing. So I didn’t get to watch all of the episodes from the fourth and final season of the series. However, what the girls and I did watch was excellent, uplifting, and thoughtful. More Semicolon thoughts on Lark Rise to Candleford here.
Friday Night Lights. I wish this series had done more with the religious (Christian) themes that were so inherent in many of the characters’ actions and that forms such a big part of the culture in West Texas. However, what was featured was sacrifice for the good of others, teamwork, and redemption, and I found the entire series riveting. More Semicolon thoughts on Friday Night Lights here.
Once Upon a Time. This is a new show from the producers of LOST, and so far I’m enjoying it. It’s about fairytale characters trapped in our world by an evil curse. The characters have no memory of who they really are, and it’s up to Snow White’s and Prince Charming’s daughter, Emma, to free them from the curse.
House. House ended last season with a Big Mess, bigger than any chaotic predicament the brilliant but nearly psychopathic Doctor House has managed to get himself into in past seasons. Season eight begins with House in prison, and I’m relishing the ethical dilemmas and the character development as much as I have in past seasons. Adults only, and use the fast forward when necessary.
Psych. This series about a “psychic detective” is pure froth, and sometimes it’s a little over the top. But, hey, it’s fun, and I can mostly watch it with the kids, after I warn them that lying and deception are funny in a TV show, but not so much in real life.
Nope, there are only six. So is this a half best post of 2011 favorites?
Downton Abbey premieres January 8 on PBS. (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/season2.html) Looking forward to it!
Oh, I loved Larkrise and Downton. Why can I not get into House? My older two (in college) like it a lot. He is sooooo grumpy. I want to like Once Upon a Time, too, but it comes on at a time that isn’t always good so will wait and see if others still like it at the end of the season and then catch up. A friend recommended The Closer to me and we have been working our way through the netflix videos. I love the characters in this show.