Status Report #19: I Am Not a Number, I Am a Free Man! Plus Top 35 Episodes of 2008

Hello readers,

I’m sorry it’s a bit late from my last update. Hope everyone had a good holiday and is being treated well by the new year. Anyway, the 24 reviews are in the works, but won’t be all live by the time of the new episode because of illness and work. Until then, this entry contains my count down of my Top 35 Episodes of 2008. Why 35? I don’t know. It is a little late, but that’s the burden of being a non paid TV writer.

But first, I must acknowledge the passing of Patrick McGoohan. McGoohan’s seminal work, The Prisoner, was hugely influential on genre television. The Prisoner, along with Star Trek & The Twilight Zone, paved the way for everything you see now, from Lost (the smoke monster clearly a descendant of the rover) to Battlestar Galactica (Tricia Helfer’s character is named after McGoohan’s Number Six) to The Simpsons (the rover popped up in two spoofs, one episode featuring McGoohan himself). I had only seen eight episodes or so a few years ago, but its influence is obvious. AMC, hyping the upcoming remake starring Jim Caviezel and Ian McKellan, has all 17 installments online.

http://www.amctv.com/originals/the-prisoner-1960s-series/

Matt’s Top 35 of 2008!

Overall, this was a good, but not great year for TV. Sadly the writer’s strike kept a lot of shows away for a good chunk of the spring, or off the schedule until the fall if they weren’t canceled out right. Also, a lot of my favorite shows this year didn’t quite hit the spot the way past seasons have, even if an installment or two made my list this year. One major piece that must be brought up is that I can only watch so much. So that’s why Mad Men, a show I’m woefully behind on, isn’t on the list, among other shows. If I manage to see them afterward they’ll get an honorable mention on next year’s list.

35. True Blood – “You’ll Be the Death of Me” (W: Raelle Tucker, D: Alan Ball, Airdate: November 23, 2008) Part one of the “don’t blow it” pair. I was ready to hang up this series, which basically came off as a romance novel with graphic violence, the finale reeled me in for more, between Jason’s siding with anti-vampire activists, the horrifying contents of Bellefleur’s car and the promise of more Michelle Forbes (can’t get enough of her).

34. Fringe – “Safe” (W: David H. Goodman and Jason Cahill, D: Michael Zinberg, Airdate: December 2, 2008) Part two of the “Don’t blow it” pair. Hyped as the second coming of The X-Files, Fringe turned out to be one of the big disappointments of the fall 2008 line up. It had all the ingredients, but it lacked the punch. The pattern so far felt pretty random, and the characters, except Walter Bishop, have yet to pop. However, if this episode is any indicator, with Olivia given something to do besides not smile and Mr. Jones shaping up to becoming a major villain, the series can grow.

33. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles – “Allison from Palmdale” (W: Toni Graphia, D: Charles Beeson, Airdate: September 29, 2008) Although the series as a whole leaves something to be desired, this installment, telling the origin story behind Terminator Cameron (played terrifically by Summer Glau), showed what this show is capable of, hopefully we’ll see more of that.

32. Prison Break “Safe & Sound” (W: Seth Hoffman, D: Karen Gaviola, Airdate: September 22, 2008) Prison Break has been on the wane since they broke out of Fox River, but this season has been a return to form and has quickly become my guilty pleasure of the year. The season, essentially a series of heists, was at its best in this installment.

31. SouthPark “About Last Night…” (W: Trey Parker, D: Trey Parker, Airdate: November 5, 2008) While South Park was another show that disappointed me this year, its ridiculous post-election episode, wherein it’s revealed the entire campaign was part of an elaborate heist as Obama supporters celebrated and McCain supporters panicked, was just the cool off we needed after the dramatic election season.

30. Californication “In Utero” (W: Tom Kapinos, D: David Von Ancken, Airdate: November 30, 2008) While I felt the second season of Californication didn’t push itself into what it could be (aside from when Callum Keith Rennie’s Lew Ashby was on screen), this examination of Hank & Karen’s relationship (the best thing about this series) was touching and utilized the great chemistry between David Duchovny & Natascha McElhone.

29. Jericho “Termination of Cause” (W: Rob Fresco, D: Guy Norman Bee, Airdate: March 11, 2008) It was a bittersweet second season of Jericho for me. Just as it was finding an interesting grove, it was re-canceled (although its legion of devout fans would care to disagree with me there). Especially here, as the stand between J&R and the town of Jericho came to a cross roads. If only there was more time for the aftermath.

28. Chuck “Chuck Vs. Tom Sawyer” (W: Phil Klemmer, D: Norman Buckley, Airdate: October 27, 2008) Kill screens (that actually kill), Rush and Tony Hale. What’s not to like?

27. This American Life – “Escape” (D: Christopher Wilcha and Adam Beckman, Airdate: May 4, 2008) Whereas many reality shows feature self-absorbed sociopaths with serious issues encased in a Petri dish, I mean fish bowl, this under looked gem (based on the successful public radio program) strives for fascinating true stories like the one featured here, of Mike Phillips and his struggles with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

26. A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! (W: Stephen Colbert, Allison Silverman, David Javerbaum, Michael Brumm and Rob Dubbin, D: Jon Hoskinson, Airdate: November 23, 2008) A delightful send up of the corny Christmas specials of old, with terrific songs that’ll surely be heard for years to come.

25. Breaking Bad “…and the Cat’s in the River” (W: Vince Gilligan, D: Adam Bernstein, Airdate: February 10, 2008) Bryan Cranston’s Emmy win was one of the best surprises of the awards, and episodes like this show why he got it. As Walter White, a chemistry teacher turned meth cook following the knowledge that he was dying of terminal cancer, Cranston shines, especially here as he confronts his new found occupation’s dark side.

24. The Daily Show/Colbert Report - “Election Night Special” (Airdate: November 4, 2008) Obviously the big story of the year was the election, and as expected The Daily Show and Colbert Report were at the top of their games all year long, much like TDS was solo back in ’04. It’s hard to pick just one episode out of the 160 or so each show did this year, so in recognition of a stellar year, I give it to their coverage of that historic night.

22.-23. Dexter – “Go Your Own Way” & “I Had a Dream” (GYOW: W: Timothy Schlattman, D: John Dahl, Airdate: November 30, 2008. IHAD: W: Lauren Gussis and Charles H. Eglee, D: Marcos Siega, Airdate: December 7, 2008) Unfortunately the best part of Dexter’s third season was short lived because the build up this season was much slower than the past. Regardless, the cat & mouse games and the big showdown between Dex & Miguel Prado (Jimmy Smits) made up a bit for the meandering storylines.

21. The Wire – “Clarifications” (S: David Simon and Dennis Lehane, W: Dennis Lehane, D: Anthony Hemingway, Airdate: February 24, 2008) In a season that was all about the big lie and how institutions shape opinions, this episode essentially debunks the Omar myth, while not making us feel like idiots for loving this brilliant character.

20. Breaking Bad “Crazy Handful of Nothin’” (W: George Mastras, D: Bronwen Hughes, Airdate: March 2, 2008) Seeing Bryan Cranston maneuver Walter White from average high school teacher to the guy who’d drop an, albeit harmless, explosive in a dealer’s office was proof that this guy was great at serious drama as well as the comedic stuff he’d proven himself with on Malcolm in the Middle.

19. Friday Night Lights – “Leave No Man Behind” (W: Aaron Rashaan Thomas, D: Dean White, Airdate: February 1, 2008) After a shaky second season with a few ridiculous elements (meth dealers & murder cover ups), the second half went back to its roots as one of the most earnest, endearing shows you’re probably not watching. (Note: I don’t have DirectTV, so any third season episodes that make the cut will be on my 2009 list.)

18. 30 Days “Same Sex Parenting” (Airdate: June 24, 2008) Many people found this episode endlessly frustrating, including myself. In particular the Mormon mother living for 30 days with a gay couple raising four kids. It was infuriating how she refused to budge from her stance that gay couples shouldn’t be allowed to adopt even seeing proof that gays can raise kids just as well as straight couples, or better in the case of one of the children, whose biological parents told her he was better off with the gay couple. In a year where gay rights were in the spotlight, particularly with the passing of Prop 8 and the resulting backlash, this episode encapsulates the stalemate and the major obstacle gays face getting their rights.

17. The Shield “Parricide” (W: Kurt Sutter and Gary Lennon, D: Guy Ferland, Airdate: October 21, 2008) After a cluttered first half, the season really gets cooking here as Shane’s scheme for revenge fails, he goes on the run and Vic turns in his badge.

16. John Adams – “Join or Die” (W: Kirk Ellis, D: Tom Hopper, Airdate: March 16, 2008) This was the only installment of HBO’s award sweeping epic about the second president I saw, but it was an impressive episode as Adams (played by the consistently great Paul Giamatti) dealt with trying to give a fair trial to the men responsible for the Boston Massacre, men whom his colleagues would mostly prefer throwing to the wolves.

15. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia “The Nightman Cometh” (W: Charlie Day & Glenn Howerton & Rob McElhenney, D: Matt Shakman, Airdate: November 20, 2008) It’s Always Sunny’s fourth season lacked a lot of the crazy fun of its previous three. It might’ve been because of the strike (that excuse is still valid) or their new projects (the guys have a new show in the works). However, the finale made up for that. Expanding the “Night Man” concept into a full length musical, filled with terrible theater and questionable “metaphors”, was hilarious.

14. Pushing Daisies “Bzzzzzzzzz!” (W: Bryan Fuller, D: Adam Kane, Airdate: October 1, 2008) Basically this was the only episode I saw, and judging by the beautiful visual scheme and clever writing, I truly regret not seeing more and getting behind it while I could.

11.-13. Lost “There’s No Place Like Home 1-3” (W: Damon Lindelof & Carlton Cuse, D: Jack Bender, Aidates: May 15 & 29, 2008) While it may not have been the mind bender last season’s finale was (my favorite episode from 2007), Lost’s stellar fourth season wrapped up well, with some great pay offs and an interesting new dynamic for the new season.

10. The Office – “Dinner Party” (W: Lee Eisenberg & Gene Stupnitsky, D: Paul Feig, Airdate: April 10, 2008) While The Office this past year hasn’t been up to par with the greatness of its second and third seasons, this episode is one of the exceptions. It takes the uncomfortable moments that are a staple to the series to its extreme as Michael & Jan’s truly dysfunctional relationship reaches its breaking point.

9. Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog (W: Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Zack Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen, D: Joss Whedon, Airdates: July 15, 17 & 19, 2008) While not a show per se, it’s approximately 43 minute length is close to that of an hour-long drama without commercials. One of the few good things to spawn from the writer’s strike, this server melting hit was a blast. Hopefully we don’t have to endure another strike for a sequel to happen.

8. 30 Rock – “MILFIsland” (W: Tiny Fey and Matt Hubbard, D: Kevin Rodney Sullivan, Airdate: April 10, 2008) Quickly becoming one of my favorite comedies (thanks Hulu!), this episode stood out as it hilariously parodied reality shows and how their conventions have permeated our lives.

7. The Wire – “-30-“ (T: David Simon, S: David Simon & Edward Burns, D: Clark Johnson, Airdate: March 9, 2008) TV’s most ambitious, sprawling epic of the grand failure of our public institutions didn’t have the best final season, but then again, its final season could’ve been 10 episodes of a test pattern and it wouldn’t have tarnished the brilliance of its previous four. It’s final episode was a great cap off to a milestone of television, showing the “circle of life” continues in Baltimore and while that means new stick up kids and addicts, it also gives us a glimmer of hope (but not too much, it is The Wire after all) that people can escape the life or continue to fight the powers that be.

6. The Shield – “Possible Kill Screen” (W: Adam E. Fierro & Evan Bleiweiss, D: Billy Gierhart, Airdate: November 18, 2008) Vic Mackey’s confession solidifies Michael Chiklis’ Emmy standings. A jaw dropper, period, and a great set up for the devastating finale.

5. The Wire – “Late Editions” (T: George Pelecanos, W: David Simon & George Pelecanos, D: Joe Chappelle, Airdate: March 2, 2008) The arrests, the parting of Michael & Dukie, “You look good girl”, Bub’s confession. This series will be truly missed.

4. Lost – “The Shape of Things to Come” (W: Brian K. Vaughn and Drew Goddard, D: Jack Bender) The episode that should’ve won Michael Emerson an Emmy was more proof that Emerson is one of the best actors working in TV right now and Ben Linus one of its most compelling characters.

3. Battlestar Galactica – “Revelations” (W: Bradley Thompson and David Wheedle, D: Michael Rhymer, Airdate: June 13, 2008) Way to leave us hanging: outing the four known Final Five Cylons to the fleet as the humans and the rebel Cylon models discover Earth, their long awaited destination. But no sooner can you scream “You maniacs! You blew it up!”, Earth is revealed to be a nuclear wasteland with no trace of life anywhere to be seen.

2. The Shield – “Family Meeting” (W: Shawn Ryan, D: Clark Johnson, Airdate: November 25, 2008) Much of what I could say was covered in my recent Shield wrap up review, but I’m still digesting the stellar wrap up to this riveting drama. As if the penultimate episode wasn’t amazing enough, the finale followed through with an ending most shows can only wish they had. 2009 just isn’t going to be the same without new episodes of this and The Wire to look forward to.

1. Lost – “The Constant” (W: Carlton Cuse & Damon Lindelof, D: Jack Bender Airdate: February 28, 2008) Remember all those people who argued that Heroes was better than Lost? They’re pretty quiet now. Lost won. If I wanted to flood my list with too many of the same show, Lost could easily pop up more than it did. An episode that moved the mythology while still enjoyable as a self-contained episode, it featured Desmond’s consciousness jumping back and forth from 1996 to 2004, trying to make a connection with his long lost love Penelope. If it doesn’t get dusty in the room when he makes that call (on Christmas Eve no less), nothing will. This episode even introduced a new term into the nerd vernacular, one smitten nerds will use for years to come.

Well that is it. Obviously your list is going to be different from mine, but that’s where interesting discussion comes from. Feedback is appreciated.

That’s it for now. I may post again later in the week and hopefully get the 24 reviews all up, but with it being four reviews (five by tonight) and the Lost premiere, it may take some time. Until next time, peace and humptiness forever.

Matt