LITTLE ROCK — There’s a whole lot of swill on TV.
You’ll get no argument from me on that. In fact, there’s a bunch of garbage in every medium.
But there is plenty of outstanding entertainment and enlightenment on television. You just have to know where to look and you have to be discerning.
Quality depends on for what purpose you watch TV. If you simply want to zone out, lie back and let it wash over you, there are any number of escapist dramas or comedies or reality programs that will oblige.
If, however, you want to be intellectually engaged with clever writing, outstanding acting and characters you really care about, the list dwindles down.
This is the time of year my fellow TV writers in the Television Critics Association feel obligated to compile a Top 11 list of favorites. Not only is it the end of the year, but there is precious little to write about while regular programming takes a holiday hiatus until January.
With that said, here is my own list of 11 outstanding programs that make it all worthwhile. Feel free to disagree, but note there’s not a single “reality” program in the bunch.
Homeland (Showtime). How do you follow up the Best Drama Emmy for your first season? Was there a “sophomore slump”? Despite some convoluted plot points, Homeland managed to maintain a high degree of nail-biting intrigue. The season 2 finale was a blast (literally) that has fans yearning for the next episode.
The Walking Dead (AMC). Far more than blood and guts (although there’s plenty of that), The Walking Dead is a gripping study in what it means to be human. Next season promises to be even better when the evil Governor (David Morrissey) has his showdown with hero Rick (Andrew Lincoln).
Game of Thrones (HBO). If it’s escapist fantasy youcrave, don’t bother with The Bachelor, just step into this magical world of epic adventure. And don’t forget, winter is coming.
Breaking Bad (AMC). We have had four seasons now with our anti-hero Walter White (Bryan Cranston). There’s a half season left for us to see if Walter completely spirals down into the darkness.
The cliffhanger: Walter’sbrother-in-law has evidently had the long-awaited epiphany. The series’ final episodes are sure to be gripping. Look for it next summer.
Mad Men (AMC). This season I was all set to dismiss this Emmy darling as having overstayed its welcome. It didn’t happen. The series rallied with Don Draper (Jon Hamm) struggling to grow up with his new wife Megan (Jessica Pare). Her renditionof “Zou Bisou Bisou” was enough to melt the remote control.
Downton Abbey (AMC). “Oh, it’s just a soap opera,” is what I hear from my more myopic readers. Granted, but the Masterpiece Classic drama is a delightful dip into early 20th century British societal evolution. Emmys? Downton Abbey is now the most nominated non-American program in Emmy history. I proudly wear my “Free Bates” T-shirt.
Justified (FX). Timothy Olyphant is brilliant and complicated as Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens. The first three seasons have featured a sterling ensemble cast - especially Walton Goggins as Boyd Crowder - that never fails to deliver memorable performances. If this series is under your radar, check it out.
New Girl (Fox). Admittedly, they had me at Zooey Deschanel. Who knew her back-up guys would turn out to be so funny as well? My hat’s off to Max Greenfield, Jake Johnson and Lamorne Morris for making this one of the best comedies on TV.
The Good Wife (CBS). A well-written legal drama with heart, The Good Wife continues to surprise with itstwists and turns and emotional conflict. Will Alicia (Julianna Margulies) go back to Peter (Chris Noth)? And has Kalinda (Archie Panjabi) dispatched her drug-smuggling ex? Can’t wait for the series to return.
Suits (USA). Another legal drama, Suits gives as much energy to its flawed characters as the lawyer stuff. The pairing of Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams was fortuitous casting, and Rick Hoffman makes an especially smarmy villain without becoming a caricature.
Nashville (ABC). Let’s call this one my guilty pleasure. And it’s not just because I was stuck on an elevator once with star Connie Britton.
The series continues to surprise by mixing juicy traditional soap elements with outstanding musical performances and intriguing storytelling.
The show has also elevated Hayden Panettiere’s character from skanky vixen to multidimensional. Yea.
The TV Column appears Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
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Weekend, Pages 28 on 12/27/2012