Best Comedy: Parks and Recreation
This had two things working in its favor when it first aired: a strong pedigree, and thus, high expectations; and a free-falling network in NBC. These factors combined to give the writers time to work out the kinks and find the right formula for success. At first, this was just a platform for star Amy Poehler to play Amy Poehler. The show revolved almost solely around her character, Leslie Knope, and more accurately, her wacky behavior. This may have worked at skit length on SNL (or not, as is their standard), but it got old before the first commercial break in a sitcom. So, the writers decided to expand the storylines to incorporate the talented supporting cast while at the same time toning down Knope's antics. The key, it turned out, was that while Poehler can play manic as good as anyone, her killer trait is a down-to-earth likeability. Her sweetness makes her fits of hysteria all the more fun to watch. This season, the full time additions of Adam Scott and Rob Lowe have given the show even more depth and made it something to look forward to every week. Bonus: Ron Swanson is the first civil service role model. At least mine.
Best Drama: Justified
The coolest show on TV thanks in large part to the coolest character, Timothy Olyphant's U.S. Marshall Raylan Givens. Olyphant is all charm and swagger and makes it cool to cheer for the good guy again (though one with an itchy trigger finger). Walter Goggins picks up where he left off on The Shield as the guy you love to hate (or in this case, love to hate to love). Highly recommend using the summer to catch up with this.
Around the...well no one has a "dial" anymore, do they? At least no one who would be reading this on the Intertubes. And remotes don't click anymore either, so "clicker" is out, too. Yet another way technology is ruining our lives. Thoughts?
30 Rock: Last year's best comedy is still on top of its game, but has plateaued. It was inevitable. It's usually as funny as it ever was, but it's just not going anywhere new. Expect a decline.
The Office: There's nothing more to say at this point. I think they messed up Michael's farewell episode (particularly his final scene with Pam...though the one with Jim was well done). Will Ferrell was a nice change-up, but his run was necessarily brief. Who'll be the boss next year? I can't believe how little I care. The better question is will I watch out of habit? (Also, Jim Carrey on the final episode? Well played. I know I'm not the most objective critic here, but his accent was pathetically laughable, though I hesitate to use that word as it may be misinterpreted that I actually laughed.)
Raising Hope: The surprise of last fall finished out a solid first season. I stick with my concern that it may fall down off My Name is Earl cliff, but for now I'll enjoy the excellent comedic work of Martha Plimpton and Garret Dillahunt.
The Simpsons: For all the knocks on this show, it can still be pretty funny at times. Unfortunately, those times are about midway through every third episode. I hear next season they are going to have shows about Lisa not wanting to be smart anymore and Marge wanting something more out of her life.
South Park: Like The Simpsons in that it has been on so long that you tend to take it for granted. But unlike that other show, it is still relevant, and maybe more so than anything else on TV. And I still don't understand how they can turn around an episode to address the most recent news and celebrity stupidity so quickly. I think next year The Simpsons have an episode about Janet Jackson's nipple.
Workaholics: Vinny High Life recommended, Frank approved. This is one of those shows where there is no logical reason to like it other than it's funny. Good sign: it has steadily improved throughout the season, the finale of which airs this Wednesday night. Help VHL out. He can't figure out who the Adam character reminds him of. I suggested Jack Black meets Seann William Scott. Leave comment below.
Eagleheart: Did you watch this? You needed to have watched this. The closest anyone has come to recapturing the vibe of Get a Life. If you know me, you know that is the highest praise.
Bob's Burgers: Not much buzz about this show, but I really like it. H. Jon Benjamin (Bob, as well as TBS's Archer) has a voice that just makes me laugh, and outstanding delivery. But the kids seal the deal, especially Kristen Schaal as the wise-ass youngest daughter. The only drawback is the wife is from the Peggy Hill school of show killing. The less of her the better.
Community: An incredible turnaround from where this started last year. While still not consistently laugh aloud funny, it is the most ambitious and creative sitcom on TV, and honestly, one of the most ever. Most ambitious and creative. That wasn't the best sentence.
House: There is nothing left here. I'm giving it one more season and then it has to end one way or another. The season finale seemed desperate, a cheap visual stunt. I thought Amber Tamblyn had a very good run, but it sure is nice to have Olivia Wilde back in the mix.
Lights Out: Biggest disappointment of the season. Started out promising enough, but the storyline was stretched beyond credibility and the supporting cast (or maybe the writing) wasn't up to playing out a whole season. The climactic fight? Anticlimactic. It got canceled, so there you go.
What did I miss?
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