Honorable Mention: Ash vs Evil Dead, Black Mirror, Vice Principals, Silicon Valley
10. Daredevil
Now that's how you up the ante in a season 2! "Daredevil" exploded in its second season expanding the world, the action scenes and the series mythology leaps and bounds. This show absolutely went for broke introducing new and exciting elements like Elektra (Elodie Yung), The Hand and of course Frank "The Punisher" Castle (Jon Bernthal). Charlie Cox is once again pitch perfect as Matt Murdock and is wonderful portraying a man who is trying to do good things but can't stop them from spiraling out of control. The story of Elektra and the Hand also is a nice toe dip into the more fantastical elements of the comics as well as a subtle set-up for the upcoming "Iron Fist" series. Anytime you introduce magicish things it has the chance to throw the series out of whack but that doesn't happen at all here and leaves me excited for whats next. The action as well has been ramped up as not only did the series go in a more R-rated area in terms of blood and such the addition of a literal Ninja army opened up a huge opportunity for larger scale fights that the crew takes full advantage of! Its probally the best fight choreography on television. Of course the star of the season (and soon his own show) is Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle, what a perfect choice he ended up being. He's the perfect mix of physicality and suffering. Bernthal is able to mix the seething anger he has over the death of his family with the guilt he feels over possibly being the cause that you completely believe him as a man who can snap at any moment. Its hard to make a man who's basically a mass murderer sympathetic but you do here and can understand his reasoning, which leads to some great philosophical discussions with him and Murdock about the morality of killing. Just great stuff all around and can't wait for season 3!
9. The Exorcist
Talk about a show that i had zero expectations for and proved me wrong in basically every way. I figured this was going to be a TV adaptation of the movie and boy was i wrong and never more happy to be so. As a "Hannibal" fan i should have known horror shows have a place on Friday nights and this one was another example. This is a sequel to the movies as they make mention (and more?) of the events in the original movie. It centers around a Chicago family led by Geena Davis and Alan Ruck. Their daughter begins to act strangely and through a series of creepy and unsettling events we come to see she's been possessed. This being "The Exorcist" we also once again have a duo of priests to help the girl. A grizzled full-time exorcist whose been trained since childhood to deal with these demons, you can imagine his mental state over that, and his partner who is more devout but also questioning if he wishes to remain a priest due to being in love with a married lady friend. The set-up sounds exactly like the movie but its here that the show takes its most interesting twist that i wont spoil here suffice it to say it kicks the show to another level! That's to say nothing of the conspiracy storyline and freaky organ stealing subplot that's also unsettling. The demon Puzuzu is also personified in this show by Robert Emmet Luney giving the show an actual villain we get to see torturing both mentally and physically our poor possessed lead. Speaking of possession this is not a show that skimps on the scares as there are multiple very well done scenes you'd expect to see from this franchise. Amazingly this is a TV show that actually adds layers into an existing and well established franchise very well and fully deserves a place among the top 10. Don't miss this show.
8. South Park
In its 20th season under super stressful and unpredictable times "South Park" continued to amaze with its incredible new season. The election really screwed allot of people up and "South Park" was an example of a show that had to make huge changes on the fly. Lately the show has been going a more serialized route and doing season long story arcs. This allows them to do more in depth stories but also can open them up to unforeseen issues gumming up their plans. That happened this year in that if you look back on the early part of the season pre-election you can see that the story lines they seemed to be setting up to be the main plot and villains, JJ Abrams and the 'Memberberries, get swapped for Mr. Garrison and the Denmark Trolling as the main focus after Trumps election. The idea that Trey Parker and Matt Stone were able to rework their entire planned story on the fly and produce a new chapter in it every single week and still remain funny and relevant is incredible. Also amazing since the episodes are all quite funny as well. At no point was the humor lost in the stinging satire that was being lobbed, most notably at Trump and his supporters. Even the story lines that took awhile to develop like Cartman and his girlfriend had excellent payoffs by season end. Also anytime Butters just loses it and goes rogue as he did with his wieners out movement you know we're in for gold. These guys haven't lost a step and can't wait to see what they have in store next season.
7. Narcos
How do you build tension on a show where everyone watching it knows how the story ends? Well just watch "Narcos" to find out how. The ongoing story of Pablo Escobars reign atop the drug food chain is the same intense and absorbing drama in its second year. This is one of the best acted shows on TV, let alone on Netflix, as every cast member is pitch perfect in their roles. Wagner Moura is scarily believable as Pablo Escobar. He not only looks the part but is able to be both charming and terrifying at the same time, much like the man himself was. The way he uses his entire body and voice to convey every emotion is reason enough to watch. As if the acting wasn't enough reason this show is an example of why sometimes real life is better then anything a writer can make up. If you don't know the story of Pablo and the Medellin Cartel then you are in for a treat. Some of the real-life twists and turns, getting to build your own personal resort prison for instance, are almost too far out to be believed but happen they did. Don't be confused and think this is a boring and formulaic docu-drama either. There is a ton of good and violent action to be seen scattered throughout for all adrenaline junkies out there. Also being filmed on location in Colombia adds a layer of authenticity and beauty that is itself enough to recommend it. Nothing feels staged or plotted as the environment itself in a way becomes its own character. If you're looking for a good crime drama look no further then "Narcos"
6. The Strain
Vampire shows are really hard to do uniquely and well but that's exactly what Guillermo Del Toro has done with his FX show "The Strain". The "Strigoi" as they're called are unlike any vampires you've seen in movies up til now. They use 6-foot long tongues to feed and infect victims and that infection isn't through some supernatural possession but instead is a worm that infects the host. The plot revolves around an ancient Strigoi named "The Master" (yeah a bit goofy i know) who has decided now is the time to make his play at world domination. Standing in his way is a ragtag group of heroes including a CDC Virologist (Corey Stoll), a NYC exterminator (Kevin Durand) and an old vampire hunter with a grudge (David Bradley) who intend to kill the Master and stop the threat once and for all. Make no mistake this is not "Mad Men" in its plot but for what its trying to be, a pulpy, dark and violent horror show, it succeeds wonderfully. The premise is intriguing and only gets better as the story unfolds and as season 3 just ended things are fully in high and unexpected gear! The cast is outstanding top to bottom and really helps the show from devolving into campiness in its lesser moments. If you're on the hunt for a horror show with a great mythology/premise, excellent casting and a A+ pedigree of creators the don't miss "The Strain".
5. Better Call Saul
Its hard for a prequel to really stand on its own, especially when said prequel still contains multiple characters from the original show. "Better Call Saul" however has managed to do just that and escape the long shadow of "Breaking Bad" by doing something that's both familiar and original. One of the main reasons it stands is because of its excellent cast starting with Bob Odenkirk. He takes the role of Jimmy (Sauls real name BTW) and is pitch perfect. We know that this man morphs into the "Criminal Lawyer" Saul Goodman but for now he's just Jimmy McGill, a low level personal injury lawyer trying very hard to gain his brothers approval that will never come. His ability to add comedy to what is ultimately a tragic story considering we know what will happen to him is one of the more impressive acting jobs on television this year. Jonathan Banks also returns as Mike Ehrmantraut, future Gus Fring Fixer and former Philadelphia cop, and also gets to add depth to his character through the tragedy of how his life has turned out. These performances also help to flesh out their roles in "Breaking Bad" as well and add a new layer to already complex characters and events there. The co-stars are all stellar as well. Michael McKean steals every scene he's in as Jimmy's mentally unstable but brilliant lawyer brother Charles. Rhea Seehorn also shines as Jimmy's love interest Kim, and extra tragic element because we're left wondering what happens to her that she's not around in the future? What many people assumed would just be another drug and crime show, which there is allot of don't get me wrong, is actually more interesting when it delves into the lives and interactions of its stars. When its more a character study then crime show. The added bonus of it standing on its own, you don't need to have seen "Breaking Bad" to enjoy it, is just the icing on the cake as to why this is one of my highest rated shows of the year.
4. Penny Dreadful
Gothic horror is a really hard genre to get right but Sam Mendes got it perfect with his Showtime series "Penny Dreadful". Taking full advantage of his industrial revolution age London setting the entire show has a poetic and dark feel to it that is perfectly suited to the themes and characters. If you don't know what the show is about it revolves around a group of individuals all based on old literary monsters (Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman) and revolves around their life in turn of the century England. This third season specifically involves the group taking on Dracula and his minions. This show isn't the usual monster vs monster hunters trope however as along the way we learn of each characters dark and tragic past through interactions with each and some of the best monologues on television. Every member of the cast is a perfect choice for their respective role. Eva Green would be considered the star as she's the one whom all the evil creatures are drawn too and trying to control. Along the way she is joined by Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton and Rory Kinnear, each who has "demons" of their own they are facing but unite against the ultimate evil. This show gets everything from the casting, tone and music exactly right. You can feel the dirt and grim of this time period and it really helps to suck you into this world. If you're looking for one of the best acted shows, and possibly the best horror show ever, look no further then "Penny Dreadful".
3. Stranger Things
The 80's nostalgia trip is in full force nowadays but the best use of it comes in the form of Netlfix's new series "Stranger Things". This show feels like Stephen King and Stephen Spielberg decided to collaborate and all the awesomeness you'd expect shows up on screen. The plot revolves a group of pre-teen boys who are trying to find their missing friend and in the process find a mute girl with telekinetic powers and a monster from another dimension hunting them. The beating heart of this show is the performances starting with the kids. Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard and Caleb Mclaughlin all exceed every expectation in their roles. They each have different roles in their group and pull each one off seamlessly. Most importantly though this group comes off as being real friends. Nothing seems forced here between them and since this is a show that lives and dies by their relationship this is extremely important. Not to be outshone however is 80's star Winona Ryder in a career revitalizing role. What could have been looked at as stunt casting turns out to be brilliant as not only is she in top form as the missing boy's unraveling mother but her movie career up until now bleeds into the show as a whole and helps give it even more authenticity. This show is a love letter to the cinema of the 80's and Ryder helps cement that in her performance and her presence. Rounding out the cast is David Harbour as the town Sheriff. Harbour is another familiar face who takes his first real opportunity as a lead and runs with it. He gives us the male lead with the tragic past. An obviously capable Sheriff who is haunted by memories of his past. Cliche sure but done wonderfully here, never going into melodrama and allot of the feelings kept right below the surface. That's to say nothing of all the supernatural goodness this show has to offer, you'll never look at "Dungeons and Dragons" or Christmas lights the same after watching this show that's for sure. Don't miss out!
2. Game of Thrones
Getting to the top here and no surprise really that HBO holds the top two slots. First off is the mega-hit "Game of Thrones". I don't have to spend any time really selling you on why you should be watching this series, unless you've been living under a rock you should be well aware of how good it is and its impact on pop culture. What makes this year different and noteworthy however is this is the first year the show runners didn't have a book to base the story on. George RR Martin is having a quite public bit of writers block and is still fumbling away at "Winds of Winter". This meant Benioff and Weiss had the unenviable task of almost predicting where the story would go but also bringing the show into its home stretch with only 13 episodes left after this year. There was no time to waste and the "Double D's" delivered masterfully. Revelations and reveals happened almost every week. The series at times has been known to drag its feet at times in story lines but this year everything kept its forward momentum. Once again it was shown no one is safe as many important characters met their demise but none felt cheap or for shock value. Everything made sense on what has been built before and we were even given our first idea as to what the ultimate endgame might be. Not to mention this season giving us some of the best action of the series to date, most notably the penultimate episode "The Battle of the Bastards" which had not one but two of the biggest battles in television history! Its not too late folks to get into the zeitgeist but with only two seasons to go time is running out. If season 7 is any clue about whats to come jump in now because you're not going to want to miss it! Let me just hold the door for you.......
1. Westworld
"These violent delights have violent ends..." Its with that Shakespeare quote (quite prophetic when you realize where its from) that HBO found its new hit show with "Westworld", a reboot of the 1973 movie written by Michael Crichton. The idea of a theme park going awry is not a new concept in sci-fi at all, neither is the idea of is Artificial Intelligence capable of being alive (and what does that mean anyway?) but the way its done here is one of the ways this show stands alone. Make no mistake anyone why enters, this is a deep show. There are layers to it that won't reveal themselves on the first viewing. Small details that slip by you the first time will hit you upside the head on any re watch. The beautiful way its plotted and executed really sucks you in from the first moment you see it. This is a show that rewards you for paying attention and asking questions. The more you think about it the better it becomes, an impressive feet for sure. HBO went all in on "Westworld" with $100 million budget and even allowed a delay for a shutdown while some kinks were worked out. That investment paid off as what they produced is one of the best pieces of television, and cinema in general, to come along in years! For starters its absolutely gorgeous. The setting and vistas look more at home on the big screen but we're treated to them here. The contrast between the wide open expanses of the park and the cramped/cold setting behind the scenes are stark and really help set the two worlds apart. This is aided by an amazing soundtrack by Ramin Djawadi. Using modern songs in player pianos for instance both gives authenticity to the world of the hosts but is also something i could imagine a theme park doing to keep guests entertained. Once you get over how beautiful the show is too look at then you start digging into the lore, themes and the mystery and that's where this show really shines. Right from the first episode we're not only given pieces to the puzzle but simultaneously receiving answers to ones we haven't asked yet. Ideas of what being alive really means, can AI and robots ever truly have free will? What would your average human do or become if the constraints and laws of modern society were taken away? I don't want to reveal too much about the mystery and the more philosophical questions the show poses but you'll be on the edge of your seat with you thinking cap on trying to figure it out. This far into my recommendation and i haven't even gotten to the best part of the show with the acting. This is truly a star studded affair with Oscar, Golden Globe and Emmy winners front to back lead by Sir Anthony Hopkins. Hopkins gives his best performance in years as Dr. Ford, the man who invented "Westworld". His ability to threaten and intimidate both mentally and physically with just a word and a raised eyebrow makes him one of the best characters on TV today. You never know exactly what he's really up to and you get the feeling he's always one step ahead, masterful stuff. Ed Harris is equally as intriguing as "The Man in Black", i mean how cool is that name? He's set up as villain early on but is there something else going on perhaps? Thandie Newton and Evan Rachel Wood are also excellent as two of the female hosts who may or may not be "evolving" and gaining free will for the first time, both give tortured performances at times that really make of think what kind of horror show this park would be from the Hosts perspective. Folks everything about this show is A+ and any more description and I'm risking revealing too much. Just rest assured this is by far in my opinion the best TV show of 2016 and one you cannot miss!
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