[2013 review] TV
END OF YEAR ROUND-UP
Now, the turn of television:
FICTIONAL TV OF 2013
All the 2013 telly I watched, in order of preference:
1. Breaking Bad
If I'd said anything else it would be false. The final eight episodes of Breaking Bad were some of the finest crafted, finest acted moments in television history. JESSE PINKMAN!
2. Being Human
Had Breaking Bad not happened, Being Human would have had the most perfect final series of the year. The new trio of Hal, Tom and Alex had one series to make you fall in love with them where Mitchell, George and Annie (and Nina) had three. And they not only meet it, but surpass it. The finale is beautiful with the most subtle of twists at the very end.
3. Please Like Me
One of the funniest, most awkward, and gloriously gay shows I have ever seen. Every character is brilliant, and Geoffrey is beautiful.
4. Ripper Street
Unjustly cancelled after an amazing second series, I pray to the television gods that Lovefilm picks it up, because it's one of the most historically accurate period dramas, one of the most exciting crime procedurals, on telly.
5. Orange is the New Black
The best of Netflix's original output by a long shot. Every character is just amazing.
6. The Wrong Mans
A sitcom about two bungling council workers getting caught up in a huge conspiracy involving Russian mobsters, the FBI and Chinese terrorists, starring James Corden and Mat Baynton. It's even more brilliant than it sounds.
7. Horrible Histories
It is an utter travesty that Horrible Histories has ended. How many other hilarious, inventive and educational kids shows are out there that are equally (or even more) appealing to adults?
8. Luther
IDRIS ELBAAAAAAA. As with Breaking Bad and Being Human, Luther was another program that ended with the perfect final episode.
9. Yonderland
At least with Horrible Histories gone, we get Yonderland. It's equal parts Horrible Histories, Monty Python, Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal.
10. Teen Wolf
Even though season 3A was kind of a mess, it still gave me more than enough feels to warrent putting here. In particular, everything about Stiles Stilinski, Allison being an utter badass, and the excellent episode Motel California. Plus, more impossibly hammy dialogue delivery, this time from Deucalion and Peter Hale.
11. Game of Thrones
I fell very behind on Game of Thrones, which is why this is lower than it probably should be. But it continues to be fascinating, Joffrey and Ramsey are little shits, and, well, The Red Wedding.
12. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
I haven't completed season 9 yet, but how refreshing is it to have a comedy that is still as fantastic nine years on?
13. In the Flesh
The first season was only three hour long episodes, but a promising start to a unique take on zombie mythology.
14. Broadchurch
I GOT THE ENDING SPOILED FOR ME. Which is really shit because until then, I was really loving it. David Tennant and Olivia Colman were exceptional.
15. Doctor Who
I'm torn here. Judging by season 7 alone, I hated it. But then, I really liked The Day of the Doctor, and thought The Time of the Doctor was mediocre but acceptable. I was considering bumping this up for the fantastic An Adventure in Time and Space, the short The Night of the Doctor, and the ridiculous The Five Doctors(-ish) Reboot, but ultimately decided to judge just on the full-length canon episodes.
16. Downton Abbey
Thomas got very little to do, and the Dowager Countess even less. Anna's rape was very affecting, but otherwise, not much happened.
17. Agents of SHIELD
I persevered with this, because it was starting to improve, but then I missed the last four episodes and can't be arsed catching up. Coulson deserves better.
18. The New Normal
I only watched this on a recommendation, and it was fun watching, but I don't miss it.
19. Winners and Losers
This season pretty much disposed of everything I enjoyed about previous years. Jonathan got very little screentime, and Rhys didn't even appear, while my other favourite couple, Frances and Zack, broke up. I don't care about any of the other characters. Dull viewing.
20. Community
The Jim Rash-penned episode aside, this was just awful. Thank god Dan Harmon's coming back next series, because this felt like an entirely different show.
Honourable Mention: Neighbours
I love Neighbours, and it's been one of the best years in ages, but because it's a continuous soap, I'm not including it with seasonal telly.
NON-FICTION TV OF 2013
Again, in order of preference:
1. Strictly Come Dancing
BECAUSE SUSANNA AND KEVIN! But really, the standard of dancing this year was impeccable, as was the standard of fandom. Worst year for music choices, though.
2. Educating Yorkshire
If you didn't weep tears of joy when Musharaf overcame his stammer, you have no soul. One of the most beautifully crafted documentary series on TV.
3. 8 Out of 10 Cats/8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown
The quality of this show has improved so much in recent years. I'm not saying it's because of Jon Richardson joining as team captain, but it did happen around the same time.
4. The Last Leg
If you're having a bad day, just watch Adam, Alex and Josh have a little giggle. As I've said about the show before, it's fantastic for disability representation, without making a big deal out off Adam and Alex's disabilities.
5. The Great British Bake-Off
Lovely, lovely cakes galore, with some of the best contestants ever in Ali, Glenn, Howard (HOWARD!) and Frances. When Frances made her cakes taste as good as they looked, she was a worthy winner.
6. Whose Line is it Anyway?
A bit of a ropey start to the reboot, but if they rely less on celebrity guests and more on the actual improv guys, it will be excellent. Colin, Ryan, Wayne, and the fourth chair are all still on fine form.
7. Auction Hunters
Every episode is pretty much the same, but it's still mighty fun watching. Allen and Ton's giddy delight is infectious.
8. Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway
I missed this show so much. But then, I just love Ant & Dec.
9. The Daily Show
I watched every now and then, but nowhere near as much as I have done in previous years, which is why it's down here.
10. The Apprentice
Still mad that the winning business idea was high-street botox. Vampire Alex and his tombstone business should have won.
11. Would I Lie to You?
Again, I missed a lot of episodes this year, but it was still fun.
12. I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!
I like I'm A Celeb, and I was certainly supporting the winner, Kian from Westlife, but being in the hospital with my grandma meant I missed a lot of the show this year.
TV I missed out on: Sleepy Hollow, Hannibal, Orphan Black, House of Cards.
Now, the turn of television:
FICTIONAL TV OF 2013
All the 2013 telly I watched, in order of preference:
1. Breaking Bad
If I'd said anything else it would be false. The final eight episodes of Breaking Bad were some of the finest crafted, finest acted moments in television history. JESSE PINKMAN!
2. Being Human
Had Breaking Bad not happened, Being Human would have had the most perfect final series of the year. The new trio of Hal, Tom and Alex had one series to make you fall in love with them where Mitchell, George and Annie (and Nina) had three. And they not only meet it, but surpass it. The finale is beautiful with the most subtle of twists at the very end.
3. Please Like Me
One of the funniest, most awkward, and gloriously gay shows I have ever seen. Every character is brilliant, and Geoffrey is beautiful.
4. Ripper Street
Unjustly cancelled after an amazing second series, I pray to the television gods that Lovefilm picks it up, because it's one of the most historically accurate period dramas, one of the most exciting crime procedurals, on telly.
5. Orange is the New Black
The best of Netflix's original output by a long shot. Every character is just amazing.
6. The Wrong Mans
A sitcom about two bungling council workers getting caught up in a huge conspiracy involving Russian mobsters, the FBI and Chinese terrorists, starring James Corden and Mat Baynton. It's even more brilliant than it sounds.
7. Horrible Histories
It is an utter travesty that Horrible Histories has ended. How many other hilarious, inventive and educational kids shows are out there that are equally (or even more) appealing to adults?
8. Luther
IDRIS ELBAAAAAAA. As with Breaking Bad and Being Human, Luther was another program that ended with the perfect final episode.
9. Yonderland
At least with Horrible Histories gone, we get Yonderland. It's equal parts Horrible Histories, Monty Python, Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal.
10. Teen Wolf
Even though season 3A was kind of a mess, it still gave me more than enough feels to warrent putting here. In particular, everything about Stiles Stilinski, Allison being an utter badass, and the excellent episode Motel California. Plus, more impossibly hammy dialogue delivery, this time from Deucalion and Peter Hale.
11. Game of Thrones
I fell very behind on Game of Thrones, which is why this is lower than it probably should be. But it continues to be fascinating, Joffrey and Ramsey are little shits, and, well, The Red Wedding.
12. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
I haven't completed season 9 yet, but how refreshing is it to have a comedy that is still as fantastic nine years on?
13. In the Flesh
The first season was only three hour long episodes, but a promising start to a unique take on zombie mythology.
14. Broadchurch
I GOT THE ENDING SPOILED FOR ME. Which is really shit because until then, I was really loving it. David Tennant and Olivia Colman were exceptional.
15. Doctor Who
I'm torn here. Judging by season 7 alone, I hated it. But then, I really liked The Day of the Doctor, and thought The Time of the Doctor was mediocre but acceptable. I was considering bumping this up for the fantastic An Adventure in Time and Space, the short The Night of the Doctor, and the ridiculous The Five Doctors(-ish) Reboot, but ultimately decided to judge just on the full-length canon episodes.
16. Downton Abbey
Thomas got very little to do, and the Dowager Countess even less. Anna's rape was very affecting, but otherwise, not much happened.
17. Agents of SHIELD
I persevered with this, because it was starting to improve, but then I missed the last four episodes and can't be arsed catching up. Coulson deserves better.
18. The New Normal
I only watched this on a recommendation, and it was fun watching, but I don't miss it.
19. Winners and Losers
This season pretty much disposed of everything I enjoyed about previous years. Jonathan got very little screentime, and Rhys didn't even appear, while my other favourite couple, Frances and Zack, broke up. I don't care about any of the other characters. Dull viewing.
20. Community
The Jim Rash-penned episode aside, this was just awful. Thank god Dan Harmon's coming back next series, because this felt like an entirely different show.
Honourable Mention: Neighbours
I love Neighbours, and it's been one of the best years in ages, but because it's a continuous soap, I'm not including it with seasonal telly.
NON-FICTION TV OF 2013
Again, in order of preference:
1. Strictly Come Dancing
BECAUSE SUSANNA AND KEVIN! But really, the standard of dancing this year was impeccable, as was the standard of fandom. Worst year for music choices, though.
2. Educating Yorkshire
If you didn't weep tears of joy when Musharaf overcame his stammer, you have no soul. One of the most beautifully crafted documentary series on TV.
3. 8 Out of 10 Cats/8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown
The quality of this show has improved so much in recent years. I'm not saying it's because of Jon Richardson joining as team captain, but it did happen around the same time.
4. The Last Leg
If you're having a bad day, just watch Adam, Alex and Josh have a little giggle. As I've said about the show before, it's fantastic for disability representation, without making a big deal out off Adam and Alex's disabilities.
5. The Great British Bake-Off
Lovely, lovely cakes galore, with some of the best contestants ever in Ali, Glenn, Howard (HOWARD!) and Frances. When Frances made her cakes taste as good as they looked, she was a worthy winner.
6. Whose Line is it Anyway?
A bit of a ropey start to the reboot, but if they rely less on celebrity guests and more on the actual improv guys, it will be excellent. Colin, Ryan, Wayne, and the fourth chair are all still on fine form.
7. Auction Hunters
Every episode is pretty much the same, but it's still mighty fun watching. Allen and Ton's giddy delight is infectious.
8. Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway
I missed this show so much. But then, I just love Ant & Dec.
9. The Daily Show
I watched every now and then, but nowhere near as much as I have done in previous years, which is why it's down here.
10. The Apprentice
Still mad that the winning business idea was high-street botox. Vampire Alex and his tombstone business should have won.
11. Would I Lie to You?
Again, I missed a lot of episodes this year, but it was still fun.
12. I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!
I like I'm A Celeb, and I was certainly supporting the winner, Kian from Westlife, but being in the hospital with my grandma meant I missed a lot of the show this year.
TV I missed out on: Sleepy Hollow, Hannibal, Orphan Black, House of Cards.