PicSpam - Top 18 Television Pilots of the Decade (Plus 5 Finales)
Please do not use images for icons - it took a very long time to get the look of each scene.
Please note: It's obvious, but there are A LOT of images below (more than normal even) ... be warned :D
For Challenge 14 over at picspammy
Pilots: Alias, Bones, Castle, Firefly, Fringe, Glee, Gossip Girl, Heroes, Kings, Lost, Middleman, Prison Break, Pushing Daisies, Queer As Folk, Scrubs, True Blood, Veronica Mars, and Wonderfalls
Finales (both season and series): Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dark Angel, Dollhouse, and House
Warning: Spoilers and some graphic-ish images. Please be warned. Thanks :)
NOTE FROM ME: This is my list of favorite pilot episodes from the decade. I love TV, I don't watch nearly as much of it as I used to. It's a wonderful world that is created with characters that we grow to love. These are shows that showed promise to me, they intrigued me and while I may not still watch them all they all hold a special place in my heart. There is also a Bonus of some of my favorite Finales that aired in this decade. OMFG this took for freakin' ever ... please enjoy :)
DISCLAIMER: These are my opinions. Not trying to pick a fight or argue, not saying that these shows were bad (they wouldn't be on this list if I didn't love them in some way), these are just my opinions about these shows that peaked my interest and intrigued me.
SPOILERS: There are spoilers for all seasons of all shows (some big some small), the writing is small so it's easy enough to skip a panel if you so choose. Show list: Alias, Angel, Bones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Castle, Dark Angel, Dollhouse, Firefly, Fringe, Glee, Gossip Girl, Heroes, House, Kings, Lost, Middleman, Prison Break, Pushing Daisies, Queer as Folk, Scrubs, True Blood, Veronica Mars, and Wonderfalls.
Pilots
Queer as Folk 101 - June 2001
My Thoughts: What I would give to have been one of the many lucky people to have been a fan of this show from the beginning. Unfortunately I didn't catch onto this great show until after it was off the air. I randomly saw a YouTube posting of the Prom scene (and aftermath) from the first season finale and I was quite interested, then the second scene I ever saw was when Brian finally says "I love you" after the bombing at Babylon (and I didn't know that was the final season) ... so when I did actually watch this show, imagine my annoyance that it took him FIVE SEASONS to say I love you ... but damn, it was so worth the wait. This really is a beautiful show. The many different storylines, the characters that come and go, the really really hot guys (yeah, I'm allowed to be shallow at times). There were flaws like in any show (the only one I'll mention is ummm ... where the fuck did Daphane go? I mean she was there and then suddenly they'd like written her out of the show, maybe the actress was doing something else, but it just felt weird story wise that she's suddenly not be around much), but at it's core it was such a great show that I'm more than happy to forgive any and all flaws.
Alias 101: "Truth Be Told" - Sept 2001
My Thoughts: I don't actually remember how it was that I ended up watching the first episode of Alias ... I'm guessing my dad thought it sounded interesting and decided to watch it and thus so did I. The characters were great, the plots and twists kept me guessing, I liked the spy stuff, loved the missions, really enjoyed the other characters, I loved all the devices that Marshall would come up with ... then they introduced the Rambaldi Artifacts and for me the show went down hill from there. I was under the impression that it was based in the real world, for me you just can't suddenly change the genre of a show midway through. This is one of those shows I stopped watching ... then in college my closest friends held Alias Nights ... how could I not go? So that's how I ended up watching the last two seasons, which I'm glad for. It was super weird (didn't a city turn into zombies because of Nadia? ... very strange). Maybe I've got it all wrong. Maybe I'm remembering things incorrectly, beats me ... but this is what I remember ;)
Scrubs 101: "My First Day" - Oct 2001
My Thoughts: The only "sitcom" you will see on this list. I don't actually like sitcoms really, sure I'll watch an episode of Friends or Will and Grace if there's nothing else on, but it's just never been a type of show that's ever been able to hold my interest. For some reason, Scrubs does. Just a really fun show. What I really do like about this show is that you can miss a couple episodes here or there (like with most sitcoms) and still get the whole story. One of my favorite half-hours of TV was the "My Musical" episode.
Firefly: "Serenity" - Dec 2002
My Thoughts: I think it may be safe to say that this is my favorite television show of all time. The Pilot (as it should have been aired ... with Serenity) was spectacular. Ugh, it still kills me how much Fox fucked with this show. They set it up for disaster from the very beginning ... they didn't get it, they didn't know how to market it, and in all honesty ... I think that's part of the reason this show is as good as it is. When watching (from the DVDs of course, in the order it was meant to be aired) it really is near perfection for me. Fox didn't know what they were doing, so I feel Joss got quite a bit of freedom because of that. He got to make the show on his terms. And while it may have ended too soon, it ended perfectly. We also are very lucky to have gotten Serenity out of the deal ... great movie!
Wonderfalls 101: "Wax Lion" - March 2004
My Thoughts: Maybe me watching a really clever TV program is the kiss of death for said show. This was such an interesting show. The character of Jaye was flawed, but in a very normal way ... just being stuck and not knowing what to do with her life. I love all the different inanimate objects they'd get to have Jaye talk to. The supporting characters were wonderful. It really ended way too soon, there was so much more they could have done with this show, but just weren't given the time.
Lost 101: "Pilot" - Sept 2004
My Thoughts: I really don't even know what to say about the first season of this show. Spectacular. Anther show I stopped watching for various reasons, actually I think it was that I felt that the creators were making it up as they went. Luckily I got caught back up and have been enjoying it again. I think once I knew that they set a time limit on how long the show would be (six seasons and that's it), I was very impressed. They were able to map out exactly what would happen, I feel like everything they now add is a clue or is leading to something bigger. I KNOW they have a plan, I don't expect everything to be wrapped up (hell, I don't want that), but they have a direction and I know it. Truly love this show, it's just so freakin' pretty.
Veronica Mars 101: "Pilot" - Sept 2004
My Thoughts: So maybe this is my favorite show of all time? It's between this and Firefly. Veronica is such a sassy character. Kristen Bell just gets the character and plays her so well. I love all the supporting cast. I love the father/daughter relationship. The mysteries she tries to solve are interesting and full of twists and turns. I love that each season has at least one main story arc throughout the season and then many secondary storylines. I love how the show develops. It's one of those shows that when it was on the air I would brainstorm about who the killer could be (my mother actually guessed the first season killer on a whim ... I was like WFT? How did you do that?). The finales on this show were great, Rob Thomas really could almost give Joss a run for his money when it comes to awesome finales. I'll admit that it lost it's way third season (maybe that's the reason Firefly wins? I really can't decide), but sometimes that happens. I think Veronica Mars: FBI would have been very interesting.
Prison Break 101: "Pilot" - Aug 2005
My Thoughts: I'll admit, the first reason I wanted to watch this show is that Wentworth Miller is just too gosh darn pretty. Then I actually found out what the show was about and I was intrigued. I think this show would have been so much better as just a single season season, or mini series, or I don't know ... but exactly how does a show called "Prison Break" work once they've broken out? Don't get be wrong, first season was awesome! And I had high hopes for season 3 since Michael was back in jail ... but I feel like it would have been such a better show if they had the balls to say "this is only going to be a season, or max two because we want to make a really great series and that's the length we feel this show maintain the quality we are striving for." The progression for Michael and Sara's relationship first season was so delicate and handled so well. She resisted, as she well should have, and they big moment between them first season was a kiss ... how awesome is that? All that buildup for a kiss, I don't know ... I always liked that. I also like that they had the balls to kill off a main character (looking at you, "shot in the head Veronica") and keep her dead ... I wont even go into the poor handling of killing of Sara. I get that there was whole conspiracy that got Linc in prison in the first place, but it just didn't keep my interest once they were on the outside.
Bones 101: "Pilot" - Sept 2005
My Thoughts: David Boreanaz? Check. The sibling of Zooey Deschanel (yeah yeah ... that's how I first knew Emily)? Check. Show I'm totally gonna watch? Check! I'll give just about anything with a Joss alum in it a chance and boy am I glad I did on this one. I really think that the Booth and Bones characters are so very interesting. I love that the Bones is an insanely intelligent woman who digs up bones for a living. I love that Booth is a tough FBI agent, but also very smart in a completely different way than Bones. The supporting characters in this show are wonderful.
Heroes 101: "Genesis" - Sept 2006
My Thoughts: Gosh I was excited for this show to start. Superpowers, comic books, Jess from Gilmore Girls :) The first season of Heroes was so good. Everyone learning about their powers, the limitation, the consequences ::gushes:: I'm not kidding, I LOVED this show. Unfortunately this is another show that I've given up on, supposedly it's gotten better this season (the season I stopped watching), but they had Hiro go back in time to Charlie!!!! That was such an important lesson from first season for me in this show, you can't save everyone, you can't always change the past, some people are meant to die (even if it hurts ... there is a cycle of life and death). This show has just lost it's way for me and I don't agree with fundamental changes that the creators have decided to go ... in the end that's OK by me, you're not going to agree with everything and if you're no longer enjoying a show then why stick around? But I'm so grateful for this show, because it truly was remarkable.
Pushing Daisies 101: "Pie-lette" - Oct 2007
My Thoughts: Such a unique and beautiful show. The main love interest can't actually touch. One minute to bring back the dead then they need to go back to being dead or someone else must die. Kristin Chenoweth being the cutest person ever and breaking out into song at times because she's just that cool. Honestly I haven't seen such an original show since Wonderfalls, which with Bryan Fuller involved makes sense. Such a beautiful world that was created for us to enjoy for two wonderful seasons.
Gossip Girl: "Pilot" - Sept 2007
My Thoughts: Funny thing, I ended up watching this episode during the commercial breaks of Private Practice, then I got so bored/annoyed with Private Practice that I ended up watching Gossip Girl and switching to Private Practice during the commercial breaks for Gossip Girl. This then became my biggest guilty pleasure show ... now I'm damn proud of being a HUGE fan of this show. Do I love every storyline or character? No, but that's not what's so great about this show. It's just fun! I enjoy watching this show and in the end I think that's the whole point of television.
Middleman 101: "Sanction" - June 2008
My Thoughts: HA! Who would have thought an ABC Family show would end up on here? Not me, that's for sure. But damn it, this was just such a different show. I mean really, there was really nothing else like it on TV. I'm sure that's why it didn't last very long (I don't even think the full season was ever aired ... thank God for DVDs). Just a very interesting way to do the whole show. You NEVER learn what the Middleman's name actually is. Just such a breath of random fresh air, really great show.
Fringe 101: "Pilot" - Sept 2008
My Thoughts: This is actually the first show in a long time that I was really excited for it to come out and so far has completely delivered. The premise of the show is super intriguing, everything they investigate is strange and different, and Walter Bishop may well be one of the most interesting characters ever created.
True Blood 101: "Strange Love" - Sept 2008
My Thoughts: They have a vampire named Bill ... I mean really? BILL. Ha! Don't get HBO so had to wait until the DVDs came out for the first season of this one. There are actually a lot of Showtime/HBO shows that I just don't watch just because I don't get the channels ... I think I need to change that. I really like the whole premise of this show. I like that for once the Vampires are known, like that they have their own "government head," I like that some are good (but not all), and I really like other peoples reactions to them. It just feels so genuine. Some would embrace a new breed of people, some would envy, some would fear, some would hate, others couldn't care less as long as it doest effect them. Just a very well thought out show. I'm very excited to watch the second season when it comes out on DVD (and YES, I am spoiler free for this show ... although I do know from a fried that Lafayette doesn't die in the finale, which made me happy).
Castle 101: "Flowers for Your Grave" - March 2009
My Thoughts: One and only reason I ever even thought I giving this show a chance was Nathan Fillion. Period. This is one of those shows that totally surprised me with how much I really love it. The humor in this show is great, but more than that I think my favorite thing about this show is the relationship between Castle and his daughter. He's too much for a kid and she's way mature for her age, but it works. He obviously loves her more than anything and I'm sappy and love that. The crimes are interesting, I like the ways they get solved with Castle in the picture. I really enjoy Beckett's character. In all honesty though, this show is Nathan Fillion ... he's the reason I tune in every week. I mean, Castle was a SPACE COWBOY for Halloween (the exact costume from Firefly)! Totally impressive on the part of the people behind the show that they're comfortable and happy to play homage to a short lived show that their lead actor came from. Thumbs up to you!
Kings 101: "Goliath" - March 2009
My Thoughts: Didn't even last a season and to be honest ... I didn't even last the full season that they did show. But this is a perfect example of a show that I was super excited for. Just the scale of it. It was shot like a movie, the cast was outstanding, and the premise was great. I think this was truly a scheduling thing for me, I just lost track of it. I will eventually watch the rest of this show, feel like I owe it that :)
Glee 101: "Pilot" - May 2009
My Thoughts: Gonna tell you the truth and say that I almost didn't watch this show. I got SO FREAKIN' SICK of all the promoting (and this was just for the "special preview" episode ... you know when they aired the pilot way in advance) ... I almost didn't watch it on principle. But then I realized it's a show where they break out in song ... that's like my wish come true and this show is just amazing. Each actor can SING! Like really really well. I do wish they would stop over producing the songs (to where they sound too perfect and leveled out), but that's really my only complaint. Wonderful show I'm so glad I didn't pass up on just because Fox went for overkill with promotion.
Finales (Includes both Season and Series)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer 422: "Restless" - May 2000
My Thoughts: Quite possibly one of the most interesting and telling episodes of TV. I love the different look into everyone's mind. It's funny, it's scary, it's interesting. I love that they brought Oz back for this episode (even if it was just in Willow's mind). The whole desert scene with the First Slayer is shot beautifully and the writing is lovely. I love that Joyce is stuck in a wall randomly. I love the foreshadowing to big and small things. Giles - "Spike's like a son to me," then two seasons later in Tabula Rasa they actually do think they're father and son. Tara - "Be back before Dawn," could be (and is) taken as a foreshadowing to the introduction of Buffy's sister Dawn. It seems like Joss always has a plan, he plants little bits of information here and there (Graduation Day: Faith - "Little Miss Muffet counting down from 7-3-0," the number of days until Buffy dies in The Gift). I can go along with the ride (the ups and downs) that Joss throws at us because I know he has things (at least partially) already worked out in his head.
Dark Angel 221: "Freak Nation" - May 2002
My Thoughts: This is such a great finale, do I wish we got to see what happened in the end, of course, but it was also a great stopping point. We know they're going to fight, we know they're going to stand up for themselves, we know that they are demanding to be given rights and freedoms. The entire scene that takes place in Jam Pony (before the fight ... which was actually kinda blah ... oh well) was great. I love how all the employees there react to the fact that they've been working and friends with transgenics. I love the exchange between Max and the police/detective dude at the end. I even love Max's kinda cheesy speech: "It's time for them to face us and take responsibility, instead of trying to sweep us away like garbage." That last scene when they put up the flag and take a stand ... wow, just love.
Angel 522: "Not Fade Away" - May 2004
My Thoughts: Talk about a Joss ending ... do they live? Do they die? Killing off main characters, morally grey choices, a huge final battle ... if that's not Joss I don't know what is. The two main things that always get me with this finale are the Lorne story and Wesley. Ugh, poor Loren having to kill Lindsey ... just the look on his face when he pulls the trigger, the fact that he tells Angel he wont be coming back. For a character that truly didn't want violence in his life he got dealt the shitty task of killing off a character that was helping them because they knew he would turn on them. Andy Hallett was perfect as Lorne and he is greatly and truly missed. The second storyline is when Wesley dies. The fact that Illyria shows some form of emotion and allows Wesley to be with Fred in his final moments and then she avenges his death. So touching and heartbreaking. Just a wonderful way to end this show, in a battle.
House 416: "Wilson's Heart" - May 2008
My Thoughts: It had been a long time since I sobbed (truly sobbed) during television show, but damn ... how could you not when Amber is dying. That scene is so fucking well acted and written, I just ... wow. And I hated Cutthroat Bitch until she started dating Wilson, then she began to grow on me because she got to annoy House in a completely different way than as an employee. I also really like the structure of the story. Seeing what actually happened in flashbacks, her being visions to House ... that last scene with her and House on the bus with the white light around them, may very well be one of my top scenes ever. She just looks STUNNING and it's very touching and feels real (in a dreamy way). I love that Wilson takes a stand and tells House they're no longer friends. Love that Cuddy sits with house and that final scene with Wilson on the bed is heartbreaking. Yeah, I cried all the way through this episode and I'm not ashamed of it.
Dollhouse 113: "Epitaph One" - Never Aired
My Thoughts: So I'm stretching the rules a little and having a finale that never was. In my defense though, if the show had been canceled this would have been the series finale ... and what a finale it would have been. Once again, a true Joss finale ... he's seriously got quite a skill at it. I love what the world has become. I love the consequences, I love how the guest characters all react to finding out about the past and how all this happened. God I LOVE the flashback with Topher and Adelle, it's just heartbreaking. He knows this is his fault, he knows he caused it, he grew a conscience and morals too late. At first I was really worried about the show getting picked up because this final episode would have made everything worthwhile (and by everything I mean the fact that the show was spotty at best) ... but to my surprise the second season (especially the second half) has been really good. We're seeing the events that lead up to "Epitaph One" and more importantly if the end result can be changed. I have all the faith in the world that Joss will to it again and that the series finale "Epitaph Two" will be just as good if not better.
Please note: It's obvious, but there are A LOT of images below (more than normal even) ... be warned :D
For Challenge 14 over at picspammy
Pilots: Alias, Bones, Castle, Firefly, Fringe, Glee, Gossip Girl, Heroes, Kings, Lost, Middleman, Prison Break, Pushing Daisies, Queer As Folk, Scrubs, True Blood, Veronica Mars, and Wonderfalls
Finales (both season and series): Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dark Angel, Dollhouse, and House
Warning: Spoilers and some graphic-ish images. Please be warned. Thanks :)
NOTE FROM ME: This is my list of favorite pilot episodes from the decade. I love TV, I don't watch nearly as much of it as I used to. It's a wonderful world that is created with characters that we grow to love. These are shows that showed promise to me, they intrigued me and while I may not still watch them all they all hold a special place in my heart. There is also a Bonus of some of my favorite Finales that aired in this decade. OMFG this took for freakin' ever ... please enjoy :)
DISCLAIMER: These are my opinions. Not trying to pick a fight or argue, not saying that these shows were bad (they wouldn't be on this list if I didn't love them in some way), these are just my opinions about these shows that peaked my interest and intrigued me.
SPOILERS: There are spoilers for all seasons of all shows (some big some small), the writing is small so it's easy enough to skip a panel if you so choose. Show list: Alias, Angel, Bones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Castle, Dark Angel, Dollhouse, Firefly, Fringe, Glee, Gossip Girl, Heroes, House, Kings, Lost, Middleman, Prison Break, Pushing Daisies, Queer as Folk, Scrubs, True Blood, Veronica Mars, and Wonderfalls.
Pilots
Queer as Folk 101 - June 2001
My Thoughts: What I would give to have been one of the many lucky people to have been a fan of this show from the beginning. Unfortunately I didn't catch onto this great show until after it was off the air. I randomly saw a YouTube posting of the Prom scene (and aftermath) from the first season finale and I was quite interested, then the second scene I ever saw was when Brian finally says "I love you" after the bombing at Babylon (and I didn't know that was the final season) ... so when I did actually watch this show, imagine my annoyance that it took him FIVE SEASONS to say I love you ... but damn, it was so worth the wait. This really is a beautiful show. The many different storylines, the characters that come and go, the really really hot guys (yeah, I'm allowed to be shallow at times). There were flaws like in any show (the only one I'll mention is ummm ... where the fuck did Daphane go? I mean she was there and then suddenly they'd like written her out of the show, maybe the actress was doing something else, but it just felt weird story wise that she's suddenly not be around much), but at it's core it was such a great show that I'm more than happy to forgive any and all flaws.
Alias 101: "Truth Be Told" - Sept 2001
My Thoughts: I don't actually remember how it was that I ended up watching the first episode of Alias ... I'm guessing my dad thought it sounded interesting and decided to watch it and thus so did I. The characters were great, the plots and twists kept me guessing, I liked the spy stuff, loved the missions, really enjoyed the other characters, I loved all the devices that Marshall would come up with ... then they introduced the Rambaldi Artifacts and for me the show went down hill from there. I was under the impression that it was based in the real world, for me you just can't suddenly change the genre of a show midway through. This is one of those shows I stopped watching ... then in college my closest friends held Alias Nights ... how could I not go? So that's how I ended up watching the last two seasons, which I'm glad for. It was super weird (didn't a city turn into zombies because of Nadia? ... very strange). Maybe I've got it all wrong. Maybe I'm remembering things incorrectly, beats me ... but this is what I remember ;)
Scrubs 101: "My First Day" - Oct 2001
My Thoughts: The only "sitcom" you will see on this list. I don't actually like sitcoms really, sure I'll watch an episode of Friends or Will and Grace if there's nothing else on, but it's just never been a type of show that's ever been able to hold my interest. For some reason, Scrubs does. Just a really fun show. What I really do like about this show is that you can miss a couple episodes here or there (like with most sitcoms) and still get the whole story. One of my favorite half-hours of TV was the "My Musical" episode.
Firefly: "Serenity" - Dec 2002
My Thoughts: I think it may be safe to say that this is my favorite television show of all time. The Pilot (as it should have been aired ... with Serenity) was spectacular. Ugh, it still kills me how much Fox fucked with this show. They set it up for disaster from the very beginning ... they didn't get it, they didn't know how to market it, and in all honesty ... I think that's part of the reason this show is as good as it is. When watching (from the DVDs of course, in the order it was meant to be aired) it really is near perfection for me. Fox didn't know what they were doing, so I feel Joss got quite a bit of freedom because of that. He got to make the show on his terms. And while it may have ended too soon, it ended perfectly. We also are very lucky to have gotten Serenity out of the deal ... great movie!
Wonderfalls 101: "Wax Lion" - March 2004
My Thoughts: Maybe me watching a really clever TV program is the kiss of death for said show. This was such an interesting show. The character of Jaye was flawed, but in a very normal way ... just being stuck and not knowing what to do with her life. I love all the different inanimate objects they'd get to have Jaye talk to. The supporting characters were wonderful. It really ended way too soon, there was so much more they could have done with this show, but just weren't given the time.
Lost 101: "Pilot" - Sept 2004
My Thoughts: I really don't even know what to say about the first season of this show. Spectacular. Anther show I stopped watching for various reasons, actually I think it was that I felt that the creators were making it up as they went. Luckily I got caught back up and have been enjoying it again. I think once I knew that they set a time limit on how long the show would be (six seasons and that's it), I was very impressed. They were able to map out exactly what would happen, I feel like everything they now add is a clue or is leading to something bigger. I KNOW they have a plan, I don't expect everything to be wrapped up (hell, I don't want that), but they have a direction and I know it. Truly love this show, it's just so freakin' pretty.
Veronica Mars 101: "Pilot" - Sept 2004
My Thoughts: So maybe this is my favorite show of all time? It's between this and Firefly. Veronica is such a sassy character. Kristen Bell just gets the character and plays her so well. I love all the supporting cast. I love the father/daughter relationship. The mysteries she tries to solve are interesting and full of twists and turns. I love that each season has at least one main story arc throughout the season and then many secondary storylines. I love how the show develops. It's one of those shows that when it was on the air I would brainstorm about who the killer could be (my mother actually guessed the first season killer on a whim ... I was like WFT? How did you do that?). The finales on this show were great, Rob Thomas really could almost give Joss a run for his money when it comes to awesome finales. I'll admit that it lost it's way third season (maybe that's the reason Firefly wins? I really can't decide), but sometimes that happens. I think Veronica Mars: FBI would have been very interesting.
Prison Break 101: "Pilot" - Aug 2005
My Thoughts: I'll admit, the first reason I wanted to watch this show is that Wentworth Miller is just too gosh darn pretty. Then I actually found out what the show was about and I was intrigued. I think this show would have been so much better as just a single season season, or mini series, or I don't know ... but exactly how does a show called "Prison Break" work once they've broken out? Don't get be wrong, first season was awesome! And I had high hopes for season 3 since Michael was back in jail ... but I feel like it would have been such a better show if they had the balls to say "this is only going to be a season, or max two because we want to make a really great series and that's the length we feel this show maintain the quality we are striving for." The progression for Michael and Sara's relationship first season was so delicate and handled so well. She resisted, as she well should have, and they big moment between them first season was a kiss ... how awesome is that? All that buildup for a kiss, I don't know ... I always liked that. I also like that they had the balls to kill off a main character (looking at you, "shot in the head Veronica") and keep her dead ... I wont even go into the poor handling of killing of Sara. I get that there was whole conspiracy that got Linc in prison in the first place, but it just didn't keep my interest once they were on the outside.
Bones 101: "Pilot" - Sept 2005
My Thoughts: David Boreanaz? Check. The sibling of Zooey Deschanel (yeah yeah ... that's how I first knew Emily)? Check. Show I'm totally gonna watch? Check! I'll give just about anything with a Joss alum in it a chance and boy am I glad I did on this one. I really think that the Booth and Bones characters are so very interesting. I love that the Bones is an insanely intelligent woman who digs up bones for a living. I love that Booth is a tough FBI agent, but also very smart in a completely different way than Bones. The supporting characters in this show are wonderful.
Heroes 101: "Genesis" - Sept 2006
My Thoughts: Gosh I was excited for this show to start. Superpowers, comic books, Jess from Gilmore Girls :) The first season of Heroes was so good. Everyone learning about their powers, the limitation, the consequences ::gushes:: I'm not kidding, I LOVED this show. Unfortunately this is another show that I've given up on, supposedly it's gotten better this season (the season I stopped watching), but they had Hiro go back in time to Charlie!!!! That was such an important lesson from first season for me in this show, you can't save everyone, you can't always change the past, some people are meant to die (even if it hurts ... there is a cycle of life and death). This show has just lost it's way for me and I don't agree with fundamental changes that the creators have decided to go ... in the end that's OK by me, you're not going to agree with everything and if you're no longer enjoying a show then why stick around? But I'm so grateful for this show, because it truly was remarkable.
Pushing Daisies 101: "Pie-lette" - Oct 2007
My Thoughts: Such a unique and beautiful show. The main love interest can't actually touch. One minute to bring back the dead then they need to go back to being dead or someone else must die. Kristin Chenoweth being the cutest person ever and breaking out into song at times because she's just that cool. Honestly I haven't seen such an original show since Wonderfalls, which with Bryan Fuller involved makes sense. Such a beautiful world that was created for us to enjoy for two wonderful seasons.
Gossip Girl: "Pilot" - Sept 2007
My Thoughts: Funny thing, I ended up watching this episode during the commercial breaks of Private Practice, then I got so bored/annoyed with Private Practice that I ended up watching Gossip Girl and switching to Private Practice during the commercial breaks for Gossip Girl. This then became my biggest guilty pleasure show ... now I'm damn proud of being a HUGE fan of this show. Do I love every storyline or character? No, but that's not what's so great about this show. It's just fun! I enjoy watching this show and in the end I think that's the whole point of television.
Middleman 101: "Sanction" - June 2008
My Thoughts: HA! Who would have thought an ABC Family show would end up on here? Not me, that's for sure. But damn it, this was just such a different show. I mean really, there was really nothing else like it on TV. I'm sure that's why it didn't last very long (I don't even think the full season was ever aired ... thank God for DVDs). Just a very interesting way to do the whole show. You NEVER learn what the Middleman's name actually is. Just such a breath of random fresh air, really great show.
Fringe 101: "Pilot" - Sept 2008
My Thoughts: This is actually the first show in a long time that I was really excited for it to come out and so far has completely delivered. The premise of the show is super intriguing, everything they investigate is strange and different, and Walter Bishop may well be one of the most interesting characters ever created.
True Blood 101: "Strange Love" - Sept 2008
My Thoughts: They have a vampire named Bill ... I mean really? BILL. Ha! Don't get HBO so had to wait until the DVDs came out for the first season of this one. There are actually a lot of Showtime/HBO shows that I just don't watch just because I don't get the channels ... I think I need to change that. I really like the whole premise of this show. I like that for once the Vampires are known, like that they have their own "government head," I like that some are good (but not all), and I really like other peoples reactions to them. It just feels so genuine. Some would embrace a new breed of people, some would envy, some would fear, some would hate, others couldn't care less as long as it doest effect them. Just a very well thought out show. I'm very excited to watch the second season when it comes out on DVD (and YES, I am spoiler free for this show ... although I do know from a fried that Lafayette doesn't die in the finale, which made me happy).
Castle 101: "Flowers for Your Grave" - March 2009
My Thoughts: One and only reason I ever even thought I giving this show a chance was Nathan Fillion. Period. This is one of those shows that totally surprised me with how much I really love it. The humor in this show is great, but more than that I think my favorite thing about this show is the relationship between Castle and his daughter. He's too much for a kid and she's way mature for her age, but it works. He obviously loves her more than anything and I'm sappy and love that. The crimes are interesting, I like the ways they get solved with Castle in the picture. I really enjoy Beckett's character. In all honesty though, this show is Nathan Fillion ... he's the reason I tune in every week. I mean, Castle was a SPACE COWBOY for Halloween (the exact costume from Firefly)! Totally impressive on the part of the people behind the show that they're comfortable and happy to play homage to a short lived show that their lead actor came from. Thumbs up to you!
Kings 101: "Goliath" - March 2009
My Thoughts: Didn't even last a season and to be honest ... I didn't even last the full season that they did show. But this is a perfect example of a show that I was super excited for. Just the scale of it. It was shot like a movie, the cast was outstanding, and the premise was great. I think this was truly a scheduling thing for me, I just lost track of it. I will eventually watch the rest of this show, feel like I owe it that :)
Glee 101: "Pilot" - May 2009
My Thoughts: Gonna tell you the truth and say that I almost didn't watch this show. I got SO FREAKIN' SICK of all the promoting (and this was just for the "special preview" episode ... you know when they aired the pilot way in advance) ... I almost didn't watch it on principle. But then I realized it's a show where they break out in song ... that's like my wish come true and this show is just amazing. Each actor can SING! Like really really well. I do wish they would stop over producing the songs (to where they sound too perfect and leveled out), but that's really my only complaint. Wonderful show I'm so glad I didn't pass up on just because Fox went for overkill with promotion.
Finales (Includes both Season and Series)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer 422: "Restless" - May 2000
My Thoughts: Quite possibly one of the most interesting and telling episodes of TV. I love the different look into everyone's mind. It's funny, it's scary, it's interesting. I love that they brought Oz back for this episode (even if it was just in Willow's mind). The whole desert scene with the First Slayer is shot beautifully and the writing is lovely. I love that Joyce is stuck in a wall randomly. I love the foreshadowing to big and small things. Giles - "Spike's like a son to me," then two seasons later in Tabula Rasa they actually do think they're father and son. Tara - "Be back before Dawn," could be (and is) taken as a foreshadowing to the introduction of Buffy's sister Dawn. It seems like Joss always has a plan, he plants little bits of information here and there (Graduation Day: Faith - "Little Miss Muffet counting down from 7-3-0," the number of days until Buffy dies in The Gift). I can go along with the ride (the ups and downs) that Joss throws at us because I know he has things (at least partially) already worked out in his head.
Dark Angel 221: "Freak Nation" - May 2002
My Thoughts: This is such a great finale, do I wish we got to see what happened in the end, of course, but it was also a great stopping point. We know they're going to fight, we know they're going to stand up for themselves, we know that they are demanding to be given rights and freedoms. The entire scene that takes place in Jam Pony (before the fight ... which was actually kinda blah ... oh well) was great. I love how all the employees there react to the fact that they've been working and friends with transgenics. I love the exchange between Max and the police/detective dude at the end. I even love Max's kinda cheesy speech: "It's time for them to face us and take responsibility, instead of trying to sweep us away like garbage." That last scene when they put up the flag and take a stand ... wow, just love.
Angel 522: "Not Fade Away" - May 2004
My Thoughts: Talk about a Joss ending ... do they live? Do they die? Killing off main characters, morally grey choices, a huge final battle ... if that's not Joss I don't know what is. The two main things that always get me with this finale are the Lorne story and Wesley. Ugh, poor Loren having to kill Lindsey ... just the look on his face when he pulls the trigger, the fact that he tells Angel he wont be coming back. For a character that truly didn't want violence in his life he got dealt the shitty task of killing off a character that was helping them because they knew he would turn on them. Andy Hallett was perfect as Lorne and he is greatly and truly missed. The second storyline is when Wesley dies. The fact that Illyria shows some form of emotion and allows Wesley to be with Fred in his final moments and then she avenges his death. So touching and heartbreaking. Just a wonderful way to end this show, in a battle.
House 416: "Wilson's Heart" - May 2008
My Thoughts: It had been a long time since I sobbed (truly sobbed) during television show, but damn ... how could you not when Amber is dying. That scene is so fucking well acted and written, I just ... wow. And I hated Cutthroat Bitch until she started dating Wilson, then she began to grow on me because she got to annoy House in a completely different way than as an employee. I also really like the structure of the story. Seeing what actually happened in flashbacks, her being visions to House ... that last scene with her and House on the bus with the white light around them, may very well be one of my top scenes ever. She just looks STUNNING and it's very touching and feels real (in a dreamy way). I love that Wilson takes a stand and tells House they're no longer friends. Love that Cuddy sits with house and that final scene with Wilson on the bed is heartbreaking. Yeah, I cried all the way through this episode and I'm not ashamed of it.
Dollhouse 113: "Epitaph One" - Never Aired
My Thoughts: So I'm stretching the rules a little and having a finale that never was. In my defense though, if the show had been canceled this would have been the series finale ... and what a finale it would have been. Once again, a true Joss finale ... he's seriously got quite a skill at it. I love what the world has become. I love the consequences, I love how the guest characters all react to finding out about the past and how all this happened. God I LOVE the flashback with Topher and Adelle, it's just heartbreaking. He knows this is his fault, he knows he caused it, he grew a conscience and morals too late. At first I was really worried about the show getting picked up because this final episode would have made everything worthwhile (and by everything I mean the fact that the show was spotty at best) ... but to my surprise the second season (especially the second half) has been really good. We're seeing the events that lead up to "Epitaph One" and more importantly if the end result can be changed. I have all the faith in the world that Joss will to it again and that the series finale "Epitaph Two" will be just as good if not better.