The Strain
What a pleasant summer surprise (especially compared to most of the horror shows on TV)! I had high hopes because of Del Toro, and it honestly lived up to them. Standouts are Corey Stoll, David Bradley, and Robin Downes as The Master. Really haunting imagery in a twist on the vampire/contamination genres. Looking forward to S2!
Standout episodes: Night Zero, For Services Rendered, The Master
The Americans
This show has really been on the up in S2 (which is impressive considering S1 was great). It's obviously great to see Keri Russell back on TV again, but this show is so much more than that. As someone who studies politics, international relations, and homeland security, The Americans really is a fantastic thriller.
Standout episodes: New Car, Yousaf, Echo
Orphan Black
A lot of people were really disappointed by S2. And while I did experience tings of disappointment, I actually really enjoyed S2 quite a lot. While some introductions were a bit... awkward and pointless (Tony), others were really quite riveting (fully exploring Rachel, introduction to Mr. Duncan). I have really high hopes for next season with the finale's twist and with the addition of Michelle Forbes as (hopefully?) a regular.
Standout episodes: Nature Under Constraint and Vexed, To Hound Nature in Her Wanderings, By Means Which Have Never Yet Been Tried
Game of Thrones
Everyone on here watches it, so I don't really think I need an explanation here.
Standout episodes: The Lion and the Rose, The Laws of Gods and Men, The Mountain and the Viper
The Flash
I knowwww there have only been 9 episodes, but this show has just been SO FANTASTIC. It is, of course, still a CW-esque show, but it's just such a faithful adaptation of a character who is so beloved to me. It makes a strong complement to the much darker and broodier Arrow. Caitlin and Ramon are hilarious and lovable, and I really like the new character of Detective West. And with a Rogue teamup (including Mark freaking Hamill as The Trickster) and GORILLA FREAKING GRODD, I know the show will only get more exciting and out-there.
Standout episodes: Power Outage, Flash vs. Arrow, The Man in the Yellow Suit
Arrow
Yup. It's on the list too. It may be broody, but that's OKAY! Felicity and Dig continue to offer relief during the often heavy and intense show. Last season revolved around Deathstroke (an excellent call in making Slade an Arrow villain - he's kind of synonymous for the GP for that now), and this one has resolved around a murder and a League (not the one that you might be thinking of). Stephen, David, Willa, Emily, Paul, and John maintain a strong cast of actors, with Katie and Colton really improving quite a bit this past half-season. And DAT TWIST (although if you know anything about a certain Demon, you know what comes next)!
Standout episodes: Unthinkable, The Secret Origin of Felicity Smoak, The Brave and the Bold
The Comeback
Valerie is BACK! And it all feels even more timely this go-around. This is one of those shows that I just think is better off experienced than written out. Awkward, hilarious, and, at times, absolutely heartbreaking.
Standout episodes: Valerie Tries to Get Yesterday Back, Valerie Is Brought to Her Knees, Valerie Is Taken Seriously
Please Like Me
This is the one show that I force EVERYONE to watch. If you haven't heard of it, WTF?!!?! This is an Australian dark comedy made by and starring Josh Thomas. It was picked up on the Pivot network in the US, which certainly doesn't help much with visibility. Josh is gay, but this show is so much more than that. Really liked the complexities in the rehabilitation facility this year (particularly with Arnold). It's relatable and takes a giant DUMP on Looking. If you want a recent gay tv show to binge, this is your best pick.
Standout episodes: Lapin a La Cocotte, Scroggin, Margherita
True Detective
Along with Game of Thrones, there isn't much that needs to be said. It's dominating at the award shows (for good reason). DL it, stream it, buy it, ask for it for Christmas, but make sure to watch S1 of True Detective.
Standout episodes: Who Goes There, The Secret Fate of All Life, Form and Void
Transparent
Okay. First, go get Amazon Prime. Now, go watch this show. You'll laugh, you'll cringe, and you'll cry (a lot). This was truly the unexpected gem of the year for me (out of every medium). You'll start out hating most of the cast. And you may still hate some of them at the end of the season, but you'll really start to "get" most of them. That's what this show does best: a study of characters (which is quite rare in a comedy/dramedy).Please please please just do yourself a favor and take a day to watch this masterpiece. Can't wait for a date for S2 to be announced.
Standout episodes: Wedge, Best New Girl, Why Do We Cover the Mirrors?
