Random, yes, but also appropriate. With a few notable exceptions (Lost is NOT one of them) network television is bizarrely, stupefyingly bad. To catch something worth watching on TV, one has to turn to the premium channels–or at least cable. That being said, I’ve decided to rank the major shows HBO has produced since it turned its attention to original programming in the late 90’s. The list will grow as I watch more shows, with the rankings likely to slide around a bit as well.
Oh, and Lost fans: that scary monster’s made of smoke. Smoke.
1. Six Feet Under- Alan Ball followed up on the success of American Beauty by writing a show called Oh, Grow Up…which nobody watched. After that, he went a slightly more serious route and came up with this show, a brilliant blend of well-shaded characterization, mordant humor, and potent drama. Centering on a family who lives amongst the dead (they run a funeral home), the show deftly captures the dynamics of human interaction at numerous levels, from the family unit to relationships both heteronormative and otherwise. The excellent central cast are supported by standouts like Ben Foster, Patricia Clarkson, and Lily Taylor in long-term arcs. On the whole, the show distinguishes itself as one of the most mature and nuanced pieces of television I’ve ever seen.
Progress: Beginning of Season Three
2. Carnivale-As a Twin Peaks fan, the sight of “The Man From Another Place” (Michael J. Anderson) a few minutes into Carnivale’s pilot hooked me from the get-go. The bizarre story, freak-show characters, and ominous religious overtones kept me interested for the length of the show’s two-season run. Things do get a little slow at times, and the knotty surrealism may be a turn-off for some, but the show’s dark revelations make it more than worthwhile to see it through to the end.
Progress: Complete (both seasons, though the show was originally scheduled to be six seasons in total)
3. Entourage-People call it Sex in the City in Hollywood, or Sex in the City for guys–which probably means I should watch Sex and the City and see if either is a valid comparison. But since I haven’t, this stupid but strangely endearing show serves as an enjoyable guilty pleasure.
Progress: Season One only
4. Rome-Speaking of stupid, who decided that Romans should talk with a random accent that’s one part British, one part American, and one part mannered theater student? This two-season series (like Carnivale, cut off before its conclusion due to budget conflicts) is definitely a mixed bag, with storylines and characters (namely, the legionnaires) generating a great deal of interest and others (the overarching political conflict) falling awfully flat. Ciaran Hinds as Caesar possesses an anti-charisma that makes one ache for the moment Brutus will plunge his treacherous dagger into the warlord’s Roman hide. Still, the show’s more than enough fun to be worth watching for the length of its rather abbreviated run.
Progress: Halfway through season one
5.The Sopranos-I know it revolutionized the gangster genre, and is a psychological masterwork, and is supposed to be every critic’s darling. The problem is, try as I might, I just can’t give a shit.
Progress: First two seasons (which will be it)
6. Curb Your Enthusiasm-Seinfeld plus the ability to swear and have a lot of sex jokes, minus Kramer, Elaine, and you know, Seinfeld. Not horrible, but doesn’t do anything for me.
Progress: First half of the first season (and that’s it)
7. Da Ali G Show-I liked Borat about half as much as the next guy, but this is just bad. Really bad. The Daily Show and Colbert Report handle political figures with more subtlety; sketch comedy involving gay fashion designers is never funny. I tried watching this with my sister and awkwardness ensued.
Progress: first four episodes (and that’s it)
Currently Watching: Halfway through season one of Rome, just started season three of Six Feet Under.
On Deck: Season one of Deadwood, season two of Entourage.
