Rueben's Ramblings

The TV seasons this year were much better than last year as the COVID restrictions were not as strict, allowing for a lot more new and returning programming to happen on the major and cable neworks as well as streaming.

TV fans have been able to enjoy their favorite shows, good bad or otherwise. There were new shows for which we became obsessed with; outstanding performances, lots of streaming shows to get hooked on, unexpected departures and much, much more.

Please join me as I focus on the top highlights for 2022 (listed in no particular order):

Top Comedy (TIE): Abbott Elementary (ABC) and Ghosts (CBS)

Both of these comedies have captured the hearts of viewers, earning rave reviews and some awards along the way and deep gaffaws from their audiences, making them the clear top choices for comedies of the year.

Amazing Transformation (TIE): Lily James as Pam Anderson in Pam and Tommy (Hulu) and Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana in The Crown (Netflix)

Both of these actresses transformed themselves body and soul (with the help of costumes, wigs and in Lily’s case prosthetics) into two of the most iconic and entirely different women of current history;both bringing a vulnerability and believability to their portrayals of these remarkably complex and history-making women of the modern world.

Memorable Guest Appearance (TIE): Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Death in The Sandman (Netflix) and Patty Guggenheim as Madisynn on She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (Disney+)

Kirby appeared in one episode of The Sandman, playing the title character’s sister Death. As she took her brother on a journey to understand their family’s purpose, we saw not only her compassion for those she helped cross to the other side but her sheer joy in taking the time to enjoy eating an apple and feeling the earth beneath her bare feet.

Patty, on the other hand, stole every scene she was in playing Madisynn “with one Y and two N’s, but it’s not where you thiiink.” Despite being sucked into other worlds in the multiverse and then ending up in the sanctuary of Sorcerer Supreme Wong, as – of all things his TV-viewing buddy – she was a perfect comic foil to Jennifer Walters.

Great Performance and Best Dance Scene: Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in Wednesday (Netflix)

Jenna Ortega really impressed audiences with her portrayal of the infamous sardonic teen with her deadpan delivery of witty, hard-hitting dialogue along with those steely-eyed stares and impressive dance moves – that became a viral sensation. She embodied every aspect of Wednesday Addams, making us want so much more.

Here is the dance scene (personally choreographed by Jenna Ortega):

The Biggest TV Surprises: The following were just some of the biggest TV surprises to happen this year [spoiler alert!]: Soldier Boy is Homelander’s father on The Boys (Amazon); Halbrand is actually Sauron on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Amazon); the MCU is actually run by an AI named K.E.V.I.N. on She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (Disney+) and Jack isn’t the father of Charmaine’s twins on Virgin River (Netflix).

What Do You Mean He’s Leaving?: Henry Cavill leaving The Witcher and being replaced by Liam Hemsworth (Netflix)

Say it isn’t so! At first it felt as if this news were some kind of perverse trick or lie, but it quickly became clear that Cavill was truly leaving of his own volition and viewers of the fantasy series will have to wait to see how well Liam Hemsworth can take up the mantle of the role of Geralt of Rivia.

Taking Over the Reins (Highest Rated TV Drama): Yellowstone (Paramount Network)

For many years the long-running CBS stalwart series NCIS has been the number one rated show, but that is no longer the case. That title now belongs to Yellowstone, the Kevin Costner-led, modern-day western series that is now in its 5th season on the Paramount Network. The show is averaging nearly 12 million viewers every week (when all the final tallies are compiled), which is just shy of double the next highest rated show.

Best Costumes: The Gilded Age (HBO)

Much like The CW period drama Reign and the one and only Downton Abbey, the new drama The Gilded Age was filled with magnificent costumes representing a turning point in American history when the wild west gave way to the grand splendor of the riches of New York not only with opulent homes and the dichotomy of the “haves” and the “have nots,” but with elaborate outfits for the men and women of Fifth Avenue and 61st Street.

Highest Rated New Network Drama: Fire Country (CBS)

Out of all the new dramas that aired during 2022 on the major networks, it was a very close race for the highest rated new drama. By one point, Fire Country – starring SEAL Team alum Max Theriot as a young convict who joins a firefighting program looking for redemption from his past crimes – narrowly ecked out a win over East New York also on CBS.

What Is Going to Happen Next?: Nexstar Media Group buys majority of The CW

This majority acquisition of The CW by the largest local TV and media company, which has 200 broadcast stations in 116 markets and has 68% of the US TV-viewing households, was quite the coup. But Nexstar has basically decimated the once strong Arrowverse world of the 5th ranked network, and more upheaval is sure to follow.

Best Actress: Melanie Lynskey – Yellowjackets (Showtime)

New Zealand-born actress Melanie Lynskey has a resume reaching back nearly 30 years with roles in box office films like Ever After and Sweet Home Alabama along with her long-running recurring role in the half-hour comedy Two and a Half Men; but it was her turn as Shauna in the Showtime series Yellowjackets that has garnered her acclaim not to mention a few acting awards. It has been a long time coming for sure.

Was Really Hoping This Show Would Be Better: The Rookie: Feds (ABC)

As one of the few new dramas this fall to debut on the major networks, I was really hoping that this spin-off of the Nathan Fillion drama would have turned out better. As much as I like the cast, as much as I like that the show is set in the world of The Rookie, I just have a problem with Nicey Nash’s character. Yes, the point of her character is to be bombastic, but there is a time and place for that type of characteristic and in the offices of the FBI is not one of them. And, don’t get me started on her revealing clothing not being appropriate in that world.

So Much Funnier Than I Was Expecting: So Help Me Todd (CBS)

I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this new dramedy on CBS when it debuted, but I certainly didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did while watching the first half of the season. Yes, some of Todd Wright’s antics as a disgraced private investigator now working for his demanding mother are a bit too much, but I have enjoyed the episodes despite that.

Best Actor: Daveed Diggs, Snowpiercer (TNT)

This original Broadway Hamilton alum has been the most compelling part of the ensemble cast of the small screen adaptation of the box office movie. The third season of the series found Layton dealing with reconnecting with Big Alice, dealing with nearly being assassinated by a good friend and creating an elaborate story for the remaining members of the train to follow a “vision” he had where the Earth isn’t frozen anymore. No easy fete, but Diggs pulled it off.

The Show That Came Out of Nowhere: Dark Winds (AMC)

The impact this AMC drama has had on the viewing public is quite impressive, earning critical acclaim and a high approval rating by Rotten Tomatoes. There has been some concern over accuracy about the Navajo Nation (and there are intentions of improving on that for the show’s second season), but it’s the fact that a drama finally brought talented actor Zahn McClarnon to the forefront that makes it worthy of attention.

Can You Believe Those Numbers?: Wednesday (Netflix)

The viewership results for this coming-of-age supernatural comedy horror series (say that three time fast!) has been impressive to say the least. Wednesday is now the third most watched series on Netflix following behind Squid Game and Stranger Things.

Prettiest Newcomer: Simone Ashley, Bridgerton, (Netflix)

Her breakout role was as Kathani “Kate” Sharma in the second season of the global sensation Bridgerton, playing the romantic foil to Viscount Anthony Bridgerton (series regular Jonathan Bailey), who was actually set on marrying Kate’s younger sister. The sexual intensity between these two characters was palpable.

Hunky Newcomer: Lavel Schley, East New York (CBS)

Lavel plays Officer Andre Bentley in the new police drama East New York on CBS. As a rookie, he has been learning the ropes thanks to his training officer Marvin Sandeford (Castle alum Ruben Santiago-Hudson). However, in the fall finale, his life hung in the balance after being shot in a drive-by.

Best Villain and Most Reviled Characters by Viewers [TIE]: Annie Wersching as Rosalind Dyer on The Rookie (ABC) and Anthony Starr as Homelander on The Boys (Amazon)

Say what you will about Rosalind Dyer, the serial killer on The Rookie. She was a piece of work and a vile person, who got her just end even though she deserved a more severe punishment.

As for Homelander on The Boys, he is perhaps the worst possible example of a superhero. He may put on a great fake face to the public, but behind the scenes he is a horrible person and a horrible man (super or not).

We’re Gonna Miss You [TIE]: Rebecca Pearson, This Is Us (NBC) and Elsa Dutton, 1883 (Paramount+)

One of the most moving episodes of the entire series of This Is Us was the penultimate episode entitled “The Train” that focused on Rebecca Pearson’s final day on this Earth, as she traversed a train, reliving moments in her life, surrounded by the people who meant the most to her, ending with her lying down in a bed and looking over to find Jack lying next to her. The entire episode was a roller coaster ride for fans, and Mandy Moore shone bright.

Newcomer Isabel May played young Elsa Dutton in the Yellowstone prequel series 1883. Viewers knew from the start that Elsa wasn’t long for this world because of taking a Lakota arrow to her liver in the pilot episode. She at least got to choose her resting place beneath a tree in Paradise Valley in Montana, on the very land where the family eventually established their ranch. May did an impressive job in her role.

Most Anticipated New, Upcoming Drama: 1932 (Paramount+)

Speaking of Yellowstone, the next prequel series in the ever-growing franchise made its debut last week, featuring powerhouse performers Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as the lead characters, Jacob and Cara Dutton. Just like 1883 before it, this look back at another generation of the Dutton clan will have viewers on the edge of their seats.

Who Saw That Coming? (The Most Unexpected Scenes): The Boys episodes “The Last Time to Look on This World of Lies” and “Herogasm” (Amazon)

First there was that crazy but delightful dance sequence between Kimiko and Frenchie even if it was a dream because of the pair watching Judy Garland in Girl Crazy and then there was nearly every scene in the unforgettable episode Herogasm. I won’t go into details (or provide a picture) because you have to see the insanity of that episode to believe it. But, please keep in mind it’s not for the faint of heart nor for those on the more prudish side. Tread lightly viewers!

Best Performance in an Episode (TIE): NCIS “The Helpers” (NCIS) and The Rookie “Labor Day” (ABC)

In the season 19 NCIS episode “The Helpers” Jimmy and Kasie got infected by a deadly biotoxin. Watching them struggle with the horrible effects was heartbreaking. This was also the episode where viewers finally got to meet Jimmy’s tween daughter Victoria.

The Rookie episode “Labor Day” found Nyla going into labor, as she and her husband James dealt with deadly neighbors she suspected of killing someone. Her rising out of the water as one of the men from across the street attempted to kill her, was perhaps the most action-packed birth scene on TV.

What have been the stand-out moments on the small screen (networks or streaming) for you? Who was your favorite actor for the year? What series, special or TV event disappointed you the most? Please share your thoughts on TV from this year below.

TOMORROW: Music Moments