We come to the end of another television year, and I want to do things a little differently this time. Since I do a sum-up post for other highly regarded movies after writing my movie Top Ten list, I'm going to write one for television shows too. I'm not a television completist due to the sheer logistical impossibility, but I do watch an awful lot of television and web series - enough that I think it makes sense to discuss some of the shows that didn't make the cut. You'll see that post in a few days.
Now, on to the top ten list. A quick reminder before we start that I watch a lot of genre television, I'm notoriously bad with comedies, and have a neverending "To Watch" list. I use the Emmy rules for cutoff dates, which means that this list covers everything from the start of June, 2023 to the end of May, 2024. Entries below are unranked, and I'm limiting myself to one episode per show or miniseries.
Here we go. I'll try to keep the spoilers to a minimum.
Fargo, "Biscuit" - The fifth season of "Fargo" is my favorite to date. A big reason why is that it nailed the last episode, the last scene, and the very last shot. Sam Spruell's Ole Munch is one of the most fascinating television characters of the year, this ancient, monstrous presence that seems like a weird inclusion in the story - until you realize that he's the whole point. And Juno Temple's Dot figuring out how to defeat him with love is one of the most satisfying things I've ever seen.
The Bear, "Forks" - I picked "Forks" out of several good options because it completely turned me around on my least favorite character in the show. Ebon Moss-Bachrach's Richie has been the asshole screw-up in Carmy's crew up until this point, but a stint at a high-end restaurant run by (spoiler) gives him the tools he needs to be better. And Richie steps up. I've never liked Taylor Swift more than that scene of Richie blasting "Love Story" in his car, and triumphantly singing along at the top of his lungs.
Blue Eye Samurai, "The Tale of the Ronin and the Bride" - The reason why "Blue Eye Samurai" works where a lot of similar projects have stumbled is because the characters are so compelling. Our heroine, Mizu, does impossible things in every episode, but she's also a perpetual outcast with deep wells of self-loathing. This episode, which reveals that Mizu once ruined a chance at a happier life, is far more interesting for its character dynamics and deft melodrama than its beautiful action scenes.
Rick and Morty, "That's Amorte" - We're in the seventh season of "Rick and Morty," and still getting incredibly dark, twisted, and insightful episodes like this. Because it turns out that the best spaghetti in the universe comes the bodies of certain suicidal aliens. And of course Morty's attempts to get his spaghetti ethically turn the aliens' planet into a nightmare hellscape. The ending's a little pat (nihilism wins again!), but the gutsy premise and willingness to grapple with tough subjects impressed me.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith, "Infidelity" - The fun of this show is that it's a kickass action series where the main characters, played by Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, are also going through the beats of a very realistic, tumultuous romantic relationship. After several episodes of doubts and disappointments, the big rift happens over infidelity suspicions - and the other woman turns out to be a rival spy! Played by Michaela Coel! The fights are great, the chases are great, and the whole situation in the deli is a blast.
Ripley, "Sommerso" - Some spoilers ahead if you aren't familiar with the plot of "The Talented Mr. Ripley." This is the episode where the first murder happens, along with the aftermath. I don't think I've seen an onscreen depiction of body disposal quite this involved, but it's very engrossing. The fact that so much of it plays out with no dialogue, with black-and-white cinematography, and the murderer is not very good at this, occasionally sends the episode awfully close to silent-era slapstick. And it's great!
Shogun, "Servants of Two Masters" - It wasn't until the end of the second episode of the new "Shogun" that the show's major characters and relationships finally snapped into place. Up to that point, the show's creators did a fantastic job of showing off their meticulous recreation of seventeenth century Japan. However, it's that first real conversation between Blackthorne and Toranaga, with Mariko translating, where the pieces start to connect and everyone realizes that the world just got bigger.
Baby Reindeer, "Episode 6" - I nearly went with the finale because it features more of Jessica Gunning's already absolutely iconic performance as Martha, but "Episode 6" really felt like the climax of the show. Richard Gadd takes us back to the stage play version of "Baby Reindeer" with Donny's soul-baring onstage monologue at the comedy competition. Also, we do get some good scenes with Martha here, including the tense scene in the bar where Donny finally confronts her with her past misdeeds.
Scavengers Reign, "The Wall" - It was a very good year for animation, especially animation aimed at older audiences. "Scavengers Reign" has a lot of DNA from European comics and animation, and I love that it takes place on an alien world that feels like a truly alien place. The early episodes, including "The Wall," have almost no dialogue and nothing to explain what's going on. It makes the experience far more immersive and wondrous, like you're discovering the world right along with the stranded characters.
Black Mirror, "Joan is Awful" - In light of the recent Scarlett Johanssen beef with Open AI, it is amazing how topical this episode is. Charlie Kaufman has a ball skewering Netflix's own programming decisions and corporate culture, while sending us on a journey through multiple levels of simulated realities that have been spawned from one woman's life. Alex Garland should take notes. Special Kudos to Annie Murphy for anchoring the whole thing with her performance, and Salma Hayek for being a good sport.
Honorable Mentions:
I'm a Virgo, "A Metaphor for What," - This was on the list for a very long time, and by far my hardest cut. I still don't understand how Amazon paid for Boots Riley to make such a stridently anti-Capitalist call to action in the guise of a superhero show.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, "Those Old Scientists" - The "Strange New Worlds" and "Lower Decks" crossover episode. Because I'm a nerd.
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