Random clicking of news and tidbits on current and past television programming in the U.S., as well as what's happening in the TV-on-DVD market. Pop culture on the tube. Reliving our childhood one disc at a time.
Monday, July 15, 2013
THE 100 ALL-TIME GREATEST TV SHOWS CONT'D...
Stay Tuned continues to review Entertainment Weekly's list of the 100 All-Time Greatest Television. Today we will highlight the shows ranked #80-71.
So let's hit that 'Rewind' button and flash back to some good ol' days...
#80 - The Office (U.S. version)
More of a mockumentary than comedy, depending on the person you're asking, the U.S. version of The Office followed the day-to-day operations of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, PA. More importantly, it filmed the lives of the employees and their daily interactions with Regional Manager Michael Scott. While Michael wasn't the most politically correct manager, as expressed in frequent uncomfortable situations between him and his employees, he was the core character that held the unit together. Though The Office wasn't a ratings powerhouse, it was critically acclaimed for its premise, use of single-camera setup, and reliance on an ensemble cast that were mostly improvisational actors. The Office showed us that oddly interesting characters exist even in the most mundane locations.
#79 - Everybody Loves Raymond
Everybody Loves Raymond ushered the return of the television family sitcom when it premiered in 1996. The show followed sportswriter Ray Barone as he balanced the challenges of his work life with an often hectic and lively family life in Long Island, New York. Ray and his wife Debra, and their three children, lived across the street from Ray's parents, Marie and Frank Barone, and brother Robert. Much of the antics focused on the family arguments between the members of the Barone family, in particular the long-running friction between mother Marie and daughter-in-law Debra. Everybody Loves Raymond took real-life experiences and situations that were considered "behind closed doors" and delivered the hilarious results in our living rooms every week. We all had embarrassing moments growing up with our parents and just because we move out of their house and start our own family doesn't necessarily mean that those moments end. At some point in our lives, we are Ray Barone.
#78 - Dawson's Creek
Okay, you just started singing the Paula Cole theme song after reading the title? We won't hold it against you.
Dawson's Creek wasn't the average, run-of-the-mill teenage angst show, and that is exactly why the show became both a critical and ratings hit. Premiering on The WB in 1998, Dawson's Creek helped solidify the network's increasing teen-centric line-up and introduced the world to Capeside and the high school drama surrounding principal character Dawson Leery. Along with best friends Pacey and Joey, and new girl with a shady past, Jen, the foursome soon captivated audiences with its realistic dialogue and racy, and sometimes controversial, plots (remember Pacey having sex with his teacher?). Viewers appreciated a show that showcased how teenagers really spoke to one another. On the show, friendships soon became crushes, which later turned into romances, followed by triangles and quadrangles, and pretty soon you needed a scorecard to keep count of everybody. New characters were introduced (including having a gay character in a supporting role for the remainder of the series), older characters written out (we still are raw about the way they killed of Daddy Leery...shout out to John Wesley Shipp!), and the tough television transition of filming a high school show to filming a college show. As the kids matured so did the audience and pretty soon the matters of The Creek were things of the past.
#77 - Ally McBeal
Ally McBeal was a breakout hit for FOX during the late '90s. Considered one of the first 'dramadies' on network television, the show focused on lawyer Ally McBeal's world as she begins working at the Cage & Fish law firm. While the legal cases were sometimes odd (fat department store Santa being fired and replaced by a thin Santa) and sexual innuendo oozed throughout each episode (who could forget Ally's romp in the car wash with a total stranger?), the show stood out for many other reasons: Imaginary CGI baby dancing, spontaneous musical numbers, the sparkling clean unisex bathroom, Barry White woo-sah moments, and Ally's short-short skirts during that first year. The complex characters of the ensemble cast helped the dynamics of the show which focused more on the personal stories rather than legal blah. As the show got older, its appeal began to wane and the new characters just couldn't replace the departing cast members (we still are raw about Billy dying from that brain tumor). Ally McBeal represented the independent woman of the late '90s and new millennium balancing the abnormalities of everyday life.
#76 - Game of Thrones
HBO's epic fantasy drama series Game of Thrones chronicles the struggle of power between various dynastic noble factions in order to gain control of the Iron Throne. Feuding families and civil wars scratch the surface of the underlying tones of social hierarchies, religion, crimes and punishment. Based on R.R. Martin's series of books, Game of Thrones contains an ever-increasing cast of characters that attempting to memorize them all just creates headaches. The show also hasn't skirted away from the nudity and violence demonstrated in the books, and the bloodshed appears to increase each season. The writers and producers also don't mind killing off central and popular characters (Ned's beheading in the first season, and the recent season's 'Red Wedding' episode). Game of Thrones brought big-budget fantasy to television, a feat that was nearly impossible in the past, and continues to captivate viewers with its mix of storytelling and element of surprise.
#75 - Beverly Hills, 90210
If there was a TV series that defined the '90s then Beverly Hills, 90210 would be the show. The premise of the show was following the transplanted wholesome Walsh family of Minnesota to the exclusive zip code in the U.S., Beverly Hills, California. Twins Brandon and Brenda had to adjust and adapt to a whole new culture and found themselves trying to fit in with the privileged world of the rich and richer. Behind the lush mansions, pools, Rodeo Drive, and exotic sports cars, Beverly Hills, 90210 didn't shelter the teen angst and drama from viewers, and portrayed its characters experiencing issues related to sex, violence, drug abuse, alcoholism, racism, and poverty. Pretty soon we saw that the rich had worse problems than the middle class and the poor. During its decade-long run, viewers saw how the characters matured as they transitioned from high school to college and later into the real world. Most importantly, the show spawned the eternal debates of Brandon vs. Dylan and Brenda vs. Kelly. The fans are still undecided...20 years later.
#74 - Homeland
Showtime's psychological spy thriller has become a major hit for the cable network due in part to its premise and entangling storylines. Homeland follows CIA officer Carrie Mathison's investigation into former POW, USMC sniper Nicholas Brody after believing that Brody has been turned by al-Qaeda and is a threat to the United States. To further complicate matters, the relationship between Carrie and Brody has slowly been heating up and adds another layer to the investigative thriller. Homeland provides viewers with the multi-layered drama and mystery of the intelligence community and terrorism, and with the recent NSA scandal regarding phone records, it will be interesting to see how if the show will enter that territory.
#73 - Six Feet Under
Set in the family funeral home business, Six Feet Under explored the intricate interpersonal relationships of the Fisher family after the death of patriarch Nathaniel Sr. Each episode began with a death of that week's client and the topic and effects of death would resound and reflect the personal problems and/or misfortunes the Fisher family were experiencing. Considered at times as a black comedy, Six Feet Under explored the perspective of life and the living through the element of death. And each enlightenment would ultimately help unravel the problems that plagued the family and unite them even more.
#72 - Battlestar Galactica
Battlestar Galactica follows the crew of last surviving humans after a nuclear annihilation. The sci-fi drama focuses on the crew's pursuit of a lost colony while evading a race called Cylons intent on exterminating the remaining survivors. Throughout its four season run, the war between the humans and Cylons increased with the usual twists expected of a space opera. Viewers ultimately were watching the war between man vs. machine and the effects extensive technology had on the human race.
#73 - Beavis and Butt-head
The '90s introduced the era of sitting around and do nothing except watch music videos all afternoon. At least that's what it did for four years with Beavis and Butt-head. The teenage duo managed to grab a loyal following thanks in part to its network, MTV. Hilarious hijinks, ridiculous gags, and annoying laughter was what the show was all about. The animated shorts incorporated popular music videos of the time, which was either beneficial or detrimental for the artists depending on how Beavis and Butt-head really felt about them. The animation was also unique for its time and actually influenced future animated series like Daria and King of the Hill. Whether you loved them or hated them, we all were Beavis and Butt-head at one time during our adolescence, and we all managed to watch at least one episode. Admit it. You did.
Well that concludes our review of the #70s on EW's all-time greatest list and while the magazine has chosen some memorable shows of the past, it is refreshing to see the inclusion of current shows (Homeland, Game of Thrones) in the mix. It is important to note that some television shows might not be the best in terms of content or characterization, but its influence on a genre or a certain storytelling merits their placement on this list.
What are some of your memories of these shows? Would you agree with the current selection or placement of shows? Comment below and share with us.
Remember to Stay Tuned for the next review of Entertainment Weekly'slist of the 100 All-Time Greatest TV Shows!
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