Rueben's Ramblings

In the ratings section, you will find out how all of the dramas that aired throughout 2010 fared in the overall ratings war, but the following list shows my personal choices for the top 10 shows (again, dramas only) of the year in no particular order:

Doctor Who

1. Doctor Who – Doctor Who is not only the longest-running sci-fi series in television history but it is also one of the most complex, compelling, entertaining, irreverent and just plain fun shows – period. With the introduction of the new Doctor – Matt Smith – and his new companion Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), the show has garnered even more fans with its over-the-top thrills and adventures. I, personally, cannot wait to see what 2011 has in store for the Doctor, Amy and her new husband Rory.

Terriers

2. Terriers – While Terriers was short lived on FX this fall, lasting only 13 episodes not to mention having one of the most obnoxious, unrelated titles, it was a cleverly written, wonderfully portrayed series to grace our screens this year. The characters were three-dimensional and complex, making for an edge-of-your seat thrill ride as Hank and Britt navigated the overall story arc. It’s just a shame that the show wasn’t given a second chance to continue its stories.

Eureka

3. Eureka – In the imaginative, science-based town of Eureka, you never know quite what will happen next. During the episodes that ran over the summer, the unbelievable did happen: Jack, Alison, Henry, Fargo and Jo all traveled back in time, eventually returning to what they believed was their time only to discover it wasn’t quite right. Maintaining their secret was not simple and all of them gained and lost what was most valuable to them in very unique and unexpected ways. All the while they were teamed with Dr. Grant, their unlikely companion who joined in their time travel back to the future. What will be in store for the inhabitants of Eureka next? Only time will tell…

Lost

4. Lost – Much has been written about the final season of this groundbreaking series with audiences arguing over the meaning of it all and the overwhelming religious overtones that were the cornerstone of the series finale especially the final 15 minutes; but one thing remains true: this show was one of the best on TV, bringing people together to wonder over what in the world was going on on that mysterious island. The characters will forever be a part of the lexicon of television history and will live on in pop culture forever. And I, for one, am glad to say I was present for every moment of it.

The Vampire Diaries

5. The Vampire Diaries – What can be said about this teen-based vampire series? Well, it’s certainly not Twilight, but it is one of the most deftly written series on TV right now. The show had a powerful season one that ended with a chilling cliffhanger; and when it returned for its second season there was absolutely no sign of a sophomore slump, as each episode has notched up the tension, romance and intrigue, which have become the signatures to this show.

The Closer

6. The Closer – Don’t let her southern drawl fool you – Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson is a force for which to be reckoned. Running the Priority Homicide Division of the Los Angeles Police Department is in no way an easy job nor is dealing with the complex cases that come their way. But with her stalwart team consisting of Detectives Provenza and Sanchez, Lieutenants Flynn and Tao and Sgt. Gabriel as well as computer tech expert Buzz Watson and with the assistance of Commander Taylor and Agent Howard, they bring down the criminals behind some of the toughest, most sensitive cases in the city.

Friday Night Lights

7. Friday Night Lights – At first glance this series would seem to simply be a show about football but that is merely the icing on the cake where this fantastic program, now in its final season on DirecTV, is concerned. The show is probably the most honest, realistic portrayal of small town life in a Texas town where everyone is simultaneously consumed with family, love and football. The series will air its final season on NBC next year and it will be one hell of a ride for the fans of this much-beloved series.

Justified

8. Justified – The man in the hat is a good tagline of this new FX series, starring Timothy Olyphant as U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, who is forced to go back to his hometown area in Eastern Kentucky because of literally taking down a criminal at a fancy Miami restaurant. While in Kentucky he deals with his estranged father, his former friend turned bank-robber turned religious zealot and an ex-wife he hasn’t gotten over, all the while being involved in cases that would otherwise be unbelievable in any other setting.

Sherlock

9. Sherlock – This spectacular present-day reimagining of the classic tale of Sherlock Holmes by the BBC was reaired here in the States on PBS stations in October and November. Divided into 3 parts this mini-series depicted the title character and his roommate John Watson as they delved into some very disturbing cases. Each case displayed the remarkable deductive characteristics of Sherlock and the wonderment expressed by those around him as he solved each crime for which he was brought in to consult. The mini-series left off with a cliffhanger that will thankfully be explained when Sherlock returns next year.

Luther

10. Luther – This slick unpredictable 6-part BBC series was a relative hit in the UK and was reaired on BBC America here in the States in October and November. This mini-series depicted the turbulent personal and professional life of John Luther, a police officer in the London Serious Crime Unit. Much like Sherlock Holmes, Luther investigated ever increasingly horrendous cases involving a double murder, a serial killer, a sniper intent on taking out police officers and a dirty cop. None of these episodes were easy to watch, but each was well-written and expertly portrayed; and new episodes will be aired sometime next year.

Honorable Mentions:

The following shows just missed the top 10 for 2010 by the slimmest of margins, but rather than leave them off the list all together, I wanted to include them as honorable mentions. They are listed in no particular order:

Supernatural

1. Supernatural – Much can be said about the horror-laced story lines within this series, consistently creeping out the audience on a weekly basis and just as much can be said about the handsome cast and guest stars. But, just as much can be said about the fans who rallied around the show in order to get it on the first ever fan-voted-on TV Guide cover. The show is simply a thrill ride each week and is a “can’t miss mainstay” no matter what night of the week for which it airs.

Chuck

2. Chuck – His name is Chuck, Chuck Bartowski and he is a part of the Buy More Nerd Herd but he is also probably one of the coolest nerds on TV. For the last few years now, Chuck has been one of those shows just on the cusp of mainstream success with a very avid and devoted fan following. The series itself may have had its ups and downs, but the audience can always count on the (mis) adventures of Chuck, Sarah and Casey each week.

Castle

3. Castle – What do you get when you combine a world-renowned author and one of New York’s finest detectives? You get Castle, the popular series that is a procedural at heart but covers much more than the expected. You get comedy, mystery, intrigue, romance and familial ties all wrapped into one terrific package; and you also get the best reason to tune in to TV on Monday nights at 10 PM.

Being Erica

4. Being Erica – If you were given the chance to travel back in time to correct a past regret, would you? Well, Erica Strange – the title character in Being Erica – is given that chance on a regular basis courtesy of her unorthodox therapist Dr. Tom; and the results are not always what the viewers – or Erica, for that matter – expect. But it certainly is exciting and fun to follow along while she makes her journeys of self-discovery.

Now, no proper top 10 list would be complete without mentioning those guilty pleasure shows that capture your attention or become the show that you simply cannot miss each week. For me the following three shows are the series that had me excited to watch TV (or catch them online) each week:

Lost Girl

1. Lost Girl – This new Canadian series is a big hit in its home country and has yet to receive distribution outside of Canada, but thank goodness for the internet. Over the course of a few weeks, I was able to watch all 13 episodes of the first season of this unique supernatural-based series that chronicles the life of Bo (Anna Silk), a beautiful young woman who just happens to be a succubus, as she learns more about who and what she really is and makes a life for herself within the “fae” (aka supernatural) world.

Pretty Little Liars

2. Pretty Little Liars – This new series, which debuted on the ABC Family Channel this past summer, is based on a series of books by Sara Shepard. It covers the secrets shared by 4 very different teenaged girls who are best friends in a small but affluent community in Pennsylvania. While the show is laced with typical teen-angst and family drama, it is a captivating story of just how far friends will go to keep each other’s secrets as well as keep secrets from those most dear. It is the epitome of that one guilty pleasure show that you just can’t seem to get enough of from week to week.

Nikita

3. Nikita – While the story of Nikita is not new to viewing audiences – given the fact it has been depicted in film several times and was a successful series on the USA Network – the CW has breathed new life into the franchise, making this new series one of the main reasons to tune into the network on Thursday nights. I really look forward to more intrigue, action and adventure in the new year.

So, there you have my list of the top 10 shows as well as my honorable mentions and the guilty pleasures for which I look forward each week. What are your top 10 shows? Do you have any guilty pleasures from this past year? Please share.

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