Although 2005 was a rather lackluster year for movies, I have to say that it was a great year to watch television. This was the year where I discovered that television, if done correctly, can be better than most movies Hollywood puts out.

Recap:

Lost

"Lost" is not only my favorite show on television, it's my favorite television show of all-time. It wasn't until later that I discovered that it's also my sister Katie and my brother Luke's favorite show. Speaking of, I'd like to give a big shout out to my brother Luke for turning me onto to this show. I had both heard and read about how great “Lost” was, so I knew that at the very minimum it would be a quality show. But I’m weird with hype. The more something is hyped, and the more people try to convince me to check something out, the more reluctant I become towards said entity. I don’t know what it is, but I hate having stuff hyped to me. I think part of it is because I like the feeling of knowing that I came to something on my own, without the help of outside forces. I guess I need to get over that, since a few shows on my list were shows that were “hyped up” to me by everyone from my brother to Entertainment Weekly.

That being said, I purchased “Lost” with a gift card from my mother without ever having seen a single episode of “Lost.” I had seen about 15 minutes (maybe less) of an episode, but decided to turn it off since I don’t like having shows spoiled for me. If I’m going to watch a show, I’m going to do my darndest to check it out from episode 101.

Watching “Lost” on DVD also convinced me that watching shows on DVD is the best way to go. Not only are there no commercials, DVD also ensures that I don’t have to wait week to week between episodes. But now that I’m officially caught up on “Lost” I find myself in the same week-to-week boat everyone else is in. Or "same island," as it were.

I completely agree with Stephen King that “Lost” is better than both the “X-Files” and “The Twilight Zone,” not only because it combines all the best elements of both shows, but also because it adds in about 30 layers of the best human to human drama that television has to offer. So whereas “The X-Files” and “The Twilight Zone” put most of their emphasis on creepy situations, “Lost” puts most of its emphasis on equal parts creep and equal parts human drama.

“Lost” is also a huge show. When I said “30 layers” of human drama, I meant it. There are a lot of characters on the show, each one having their own in-depth back story and current story that’s being played out in each episode. It’s so layered in fact, that I know full well that there are things about each character that we don’t know yet and won't know for episodes (maybe seasons) to come. “Lost” is one of the few shows I’ve seen where you take comfort in knowing that the creators have a grand scheme going on, ensuring that you may or may not know everything there is to know about a character until a season or two after the one you’re currently watching.

But all that being said, it’s the best show on TV. In many ways, it’s the best thing I’ve watched in 2005, movie and TV combined.

Arrested Development

I said above that “Lost” is my favorite show on television. Well, so is “Arrested Development.” I know it sounds a bit contradictory to have two favorite shows, but I think it’s important to break down shows into two categories; prime-time dramas and sitcoms. “Lost” is my favorite drama and “AD” is my favorite sitcom.

Although calling “AD” a sitcom is like calling “The Godfather” a gangster film; it’s a bit of a misnomer. When I think of sitcoms, I think of “Friends” and “Cheers.” Sitcoms are occasionally great (Cheers, Friends, the Cosby Show), sometimes good (Will and Grace, Spin City), but more often than not, they’re total crap (open up a TV guide, close your eyes, point to any random show). “AD” is the sitcom on steroids. There’s no static camera work. There’s sharp writing. There are clever nuggets thrown into each episode that harkens back to previous episodes. The acting is top notch. It’s all there.

I’ve done a bit of internet reading, and I think I fall right in line with most “AD” fans; we all feel like the show was made just for us. The shows that have always impacted me the most were the ones that feel like the creators of the show ripped open my brain, studied my brain as to what it would most want to see in a show/movie, and then went out and created said show/movie.

To put the cherry on top, “AD” also has David Cross, who is a comedic genius. And that's no hyperbole.

Thanks to Luke, again, for telling me all about this show. This is another show that I purchased on DVD without having seen one full episode. It’s greatness.

Scrubs

“Scrubs” is a recent discovery. Thanks to Luke, again x 2, for turning me onto this show. During his recent visit, he brought the DVDs of “Scrubs” with him and I don’t think I’ve stopped watching it since. With a little bit of Xmas money, I purchased both the first and second seasons of “Scrubs,” and am a few episodes from finishing up season 2.

“Scrubs” is a bit of a combination of a show like “Arrested Development” and “Family Guy.” It’s hip and irreverent like “AD,” but also filled with little asides and cutaways like “Family Guy.” Like “AD” and “Family Guy,” it’s a perfectly written show.

The cast is also excellent. I’ve rarely seen such a great ensemble show, where each of the cast members plays their part radically different than the other cast members on the show.

But perhaps my favorite part of the show itself is realizing that although it’s set in a hospital, “Scrubs” is really a show about any new person, in any new working environment. Sure it captures all the awkward moments, but it intermingles them with all of the learning that happens when you’re in a new place.

Take for example the theme of “mentors.” I know exactly what it’s like to be thrown into a working environment where you’re expected to act and perform as if you’ve always been working there. The people that *have* been there can choose to help you or not. What’s great about “Scrubs” is that it shows all the different avenues where this learning process can happen. In my four years of USMC service, I’ve known my fair share of Dr. Cox’s and Dr. Kelso’s.

Even though the show is brilliantly funny, it’s also sprinkled with a lot of touching moments. If there’s one downside to “AD,” it’s that there sometimes isn’t enough to ground the show. It’s usually 100%, full bore comedy. “Scrubs” does a much better job at showing the humorous and dark sides of work and daily life.

And at the end of the day, I'd watch the show if for nothing else than to hear John (Dr. Cox) McGinley's hilarious rants. Dr. Cox is the part McGinley was born to play.

The Daily Show

“TDS” remains hilarious, though I long for the sheer comedic lunacy that was “Indecision 2004.” I think Colbert’s absence from the show is palpable, but the other correspondents are stepping up to the plate. Nick Cordry, Samantha Bee, and Ed Helms remain awesome, but the show really misses that Colbert swagger. Newbie Jason Jones is really good. I predict him to keep getting better and better.

Stewart is at his best when he wears his righteous indignation on his sleeve.

The Colbert Report

“TCR” is, in many ways, a superior show to “TDS.” Because it’s a little more manic, it tends to pack more laughs per square inch that “TDS” is capable of. It’s newer, so it feels a bit fresher than the tried and true “TDS.” Since “TCR” is set up as a one pony show, it also gives Colbert a bit more of a voice in expressing how he feels about topics.

But it does have its weaknesses. I usually can’t stand Colbert’s interviews. His pre-interview victory jog is hilarious, but I think he sometimes gets a bit narcissistic with his interviews. Interviews are noticeably better on “TDS” because Stewart does a better job at really getting to the point of why the person is there in the first place. I also like that “TDS” isn’t all about Jon Stewart. I like a healthy ego as much as the next guy, but because of the way “TCR” is set up, I tend to get more tired of Stephen Colbert than I ever have of Jon Stewart.

But it’s a great show. I try not to miss it.

House

“House” is ER meets Archie Bunker meets Sherlock Holmes. If that doesn’t explain why the show is great, nothing will. Equal parts medical drama, equal parts witty and harsh sarcasm, and equal parts mystery ailment. “House” is another show that I try not to miss.

Project Runway

I’m not a huge fan of reality television. So much of it is filled with untalented people, doing blasé things, for lame winnings. The reality television I do watch is usually more skill based. I like seeing people compete, and no, what they do on “Fear Factor” doesn’t cut it for me. I like seeing people of considerable skill come together in a competition to see who has the most mojo. “Project Runway” fits those criteria. Plus, it’s filled with some of the most colorful (they are fashion designers, so the pun is clearly intended) characters on all of television.

South Park

"South Park" remains a funnier and more pointed show than "The Simpsons," but it's also a lot more troublesome. They've really gotten political with the show, which is fine, but it makes vieweing a bit more of a chore than it used to be should you not agree with the politics putting forward by the show.

Along the way, I also watched:

"Family Guy": Pound for pound, one of the funniest shows on television. I honestly haven't seen enough to place it as one of my favorite shows, but it *always* gets a laugh.

“The Showbiz Show with David Spade”: pretty funny, but a little too caustic for my tastes.

“Saturday Night Live”: the first 45 minutes are usually pretty good. The rest is hit and miss.

“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”: good show. Getting tired.

“E.R”: good show, but too heavy on the melodrama.

“Aqua Teen Hunger Force”: When I’m good, it’s really good. When I’m not, not so much.

“SeaLab 2021”: Pretty funny show because it’s so damn bizarre. See above answer.

“Harvey Birdman”: File this in the “Further Proof that Stephen Colbert and Gary Cole are geniuses” cabinet. The early episodes are brilliant comedy.

“Curb Your Enthusiasm”: Still a funny show, but I do grow tired of the curmudgeon thing. It’s gotten formulaic, though the episode where Larry dies was greatness.

I’m sure there are other shows, but none worth mentioning right now. As Heidi Klum says on “Project Runway,” Auf Wiedersehen!

matt out