Top Ten Favorite TV Shows of 2002

I started out working on my Ten favorite Films of 2002, but there are still a few possibles that haven't made it to the area yet. In the meantime I did a Top Ten TV Shows for 2002. One thing may have skewed my list slightly. I have sattelite dish service, but am unable to receive local channels via the dish. However my local reception is lousy, and so I applied to the Networks for waviers, but was only granted them for ABC and FOX. I can also get the WB and UPN via satelite, but that means anything on NBC or CBS I just don't watch. This means I have never seen CSI or The West Wing, and I can't watch Friends or Frasier (is it even still on?). So, it's not that I don't like 'em, I just can't watch 'em. Serves them right, anyway the wavier denying bastards.

I was going to say something about my general bias against serious TV drama (i.e. Doctor, Lawyer, and Police shows), but I think a look at my list will make my bias apparent. In other words it would be pointless for me to make a list of my TV Guilty Pleasures, since from most peoples standpoint they are all guilty pleasures. The only difference is I don't feel guilty about it.

1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (UPN) Although dipping slightly in quality since the WB years still the most fun, most addictive, best wisecracking kick-ass chick show on TV.

2. Gilmore Girls (WB) My favorite wisecracking chicks who don’t kick ass.

3. Alias (ABC) Kick ass chick, but less wisecracking more paranoia, angst, and cooler outfits.

4. The Daily Show with John Stewart (Comedy Central) Not much on TV makes me laugh hard as consistently as The Daily Show. Also my primary news source.

5. John Doe (UPN) As a Buffy fan I was excited about Firefly (now soon departing), but ended up hooked on this Fugitive derivative that aired immediately after Firefly. Starting off like the The Bourne Identity meets Beat the Geeks it has developed into an interesting hybrid thriller-cop-sci-fi show that could now go convincingly in any direction with it’s lead. Let’s hope they actually have a plan, and aren’t just making it up and complicating stuff as they go along only to wind-up taking a Twin Peaks/X-Files style nose dive.

6. The Dead Zone (USA) Who would have thought Anthony Michael Hall could walk in Christopher Walken’s shoes. Wisely sticking closely to the original Stephen King source material while carefully expanding the scope, and exploring the character relationships.

7. The Shield (F/X) My newest favorite show. Ultra-violent wisecracking cops abusing their authority and sometimes doing the right thing. I hope Vic Mackey isn’t for real, but I’m glad someone invented him for my amusement. I’m currently catching up via the six day marathon, and am looking forward to the Season Two Premiere Tuesday Jan. 7.

8. Powerpuff Girls / Sponge Bob Square Pants (Cartoon Network/Nickolodeon) Sometimes you just want something silly but not stupid.

9. Hamtaro / Tokyo Pig (Cartoon Network/ABC Family) Sometimes you just want something cute and Japanese.

10. BattleBots (Comedy Central) And sometimes you just want Robots smashing each other. Alas, too long since the last new season.

And what would be the point of TV without reruns. Especially those older shows that are now on every day several times a day so that you can watch until are sick of them.

Reruns currently in Heavy Rotation at Chez Not Crazy…Just Entusiastic

 Daria (on Nogin) "I don't have low self-esteem. I just have low esteem for other people"
 Thunderbirds (on Tech TV) Espeically nice with the information pop-ups provided by Tech TV to point out interesting background stuff and bloopers.
 Buffy the Vampire Slayer Seasons One through Six (on seemingly everywhere at all times) I will stop whatever I am doing at any time to watch the "Evil Vampire Willow" episodes one more time.