a few tv shows (that i watched) in 2016
Here's all of the rare tv I watched last year. I usually choose to spend my time on watching movies rather than catch up on all the amazing shows that are out there, but was able to watch a few.
(in alphabetical order, left to right, descending):
Agents of SHIELD (Season 3)
Just a fun time watching this; it got really good halfway through Season 1, and has continued to excel when letting Marvel Cinematic Universe events affect the show. Crazy how they're tackling Inhumans here, on a TV budget, but they're going to get their own show in 2017! Haven't started Season 4 yet, and am looking forward to seeing where they go with Ghost Rider.
Arrow (Season 4)
Another lackluster season after starting out so damn well. Neal McDonough is so damn good, but so wasted. Stephen Smell continues to be incredible as Oliver Queen, and I wish I got more Constantine. Still haven't lost faith, especially after hearing how awesome Season 5 is supposed to be, and how much I loved Season 2 of this show. This show was the father of the whole DC TV Universe, and still my favorite of them all.
Black Mirror (Seasons 1-3)
Finally was able to catch the first two seasons back in January 2016 and loved every minute of it; all thee social commentary on technology is so engaging and crazy to think about it. Out of the 6 first episodes and Christmas Special, there were only two uninteresting episodes, and with the new season all coming at once, the "San Junipero" was my favorite of the batch. There's so much to unpack in each episode in themes, as well as each actor's performance; definitely one of my favorite shows of all time.
Daredevil (Season 2)
My goodness, the action sequences here are the best filmed in any medium. The first four episodes involving the Punisher this season are so incredibly dark, violent but emotional. Jon Bernthal is a great addition to the Marvel Netflix Universe (which still lives in the Marvel Cinematic Universe), and Charlie Cox still kills it as Matt Murdock/Daredevil. The second half of the season wasn't as stunning, but strong performances and action do the heavy lifting.
The Flash (Season 2)
A little bit of a sophomore slump, but I still love Grant Gustin as Barry Allen/The Flash. He's just so damn charming and exudes charisma in each episode. The beginning of the season starts out so strong, with a Big Bad that is so damn scary and vicious, but it gets stuck and doesn't know what to do for a while, and tries to gain momentum for what was a lackluster season finale. Hope they're doing better this (current) Season 3.
Game of Thrones (Season 6)
Ho boy. "The Battle of the Bastards" is probably THE best episode of television I've seen, and I wish it could be seen in a cinema. The season overall was great, as many characters are being positioned for the show's endgame (only 13 episodes TOTAL left...).
Legends of Tomorrow (Season 1)
Starts out super fun, but meanders in the middle of the season. The villain, Vandal Savage, is not menacing at all, and the actors of the Hawkpeople I can't stand to watch. There's so many bad things about this show, but it's so joyous in its execution that it evens out eventually, and leaves me optimistic to finally get around to Season 2.
Luke Cage
Another example of a show that loses major steam. The MCNU (which includes Daredevil, Jessica Jones, the upcoming Iron Fist and The Defenders) needs shorter, more focused seasons, or else they'll be in danger of having too many filler episodes. But the first six episodes are the best, and Mike Colter is great as Luke Cage, and with Marvel's track record (on film AND TV), I'm not losing hope.
The Night Of
Eh, it was just okay. I loved Riz Ahmed in NIGHTCRAWLER, but I guess this show just went where I didn't want it to, and that's okay. The John Turturro lawyer storyline got kinda stale, and the mysterious case wasn't interesting. Just not for me.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Seasons 1-6)
I binged the whole damn series to expand my Star Wars Universe canon knowledge, and I'm so happy I did. It really fleshes out stories that make the Star Wars prequels (Episodes I-III) more interesting (albeit not any better). There were a lot of childish storylines, but that's what you get with a kid's show; even with those, you get the very dark thematic storylines that are so fulfilling. Gotta say my favorite storylines are anything involving the Death Watch.
Star Wars Rebels (Seasons 1-3)
Another binge I wanted to complete before watching ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (which I finished a few hours before the movie), and I love every single character on the Ghost. This show takes place in between Episodes III and IV, a few years before ROGUE ONE too. Everything about this show makes me so happy, and it gets really dark, especially whenever Darth Vader and Maul show up. I can't wait to see where it goes from here, now that ROGUE ONE is out.
Stranger Things
The kids in this show are literally the best thing ever. I want more of this, but am cautious of the upcoming second season. I don't know if they can accomplish the same magic they did with Season 1, because this brought me back to all the Spielberg movies I watched when I was little. It was surprisingly scary/haunting at times, too.
Supergirl (Season 1)
Super cheesy, but Melissa Benoist is a great, cute Supergirl. I've heard it gets more serious/crazy after the move to the CW (to complete the DCTVU with Arrow/The Flash/Legends of Tomorrow), so I can't wait to watch the current season.
The Walking Dead (Seasons 6 & 7)
I'm really only watching this to keep up with the cultural lexicon. I don't really find anything about this show interesting nor entertaining, since it has become so repetitive over the years. I just don't want to watch a show where the only thing I look forward to is the answer to "Who is going to die next?" There are some hopeful episodes that portray optimistic societies, but it's not enough for me. Maybe I'll change my tune if Negan gets any interesting throughout the season.
Westworld
Very thematically deep and twisty. It's one of the most profound shows that deals with artificial intelligence, what defines the world around you as real, etc. There's so many interesting characters to follow. This one sticks with you.
Other Shows I Watched But Never Finished...
American Crime Story (Ep 1)
Atlanta (Ep 1-2)
Preacher (Ep 1)