What to watch (TV)

Ok, as everyone knows, there are a lot of bad shows on TV. And thankfully most of them are cancelled. But their is plenty of stuff that I watch that people have never heard of. So today I will be telling you about some of the best stuff out there. Buy it, rent it, download it illegally, but partake nonetheless.

The Tudors (or "A bunch of people who never got to be happy")

"I'M THE KING OF ENGLAND!"

Indeed, Henry VIII was the King of England. He also was the husband to six wives, tore away from Rome, was prone to rash jealously and rage, and consumed with an obsession for a male heir.

And dammit if it isn't interesting.

Creator Michael Hirst toys with historical fact but it remains that the main story is interesting enough for a historical bodice ripper. Those who don't know the story will be at the edge of their seats, while those who know the story can sit back as it unfolds to its inevitable conclusion.

Great acting, great sets, great storytelling, The Tudors is a benchmark for historical drama.

2. 24 (or "I should be dead by now")

"DAMMIT!"

24. What more can be said about such a groundbreaking show. Brought to the FOX network post 9/11, it was in some ways, a means to show that America could still protect itself and display the courage and sacrifice of those who put others above themselves at all times.

In a comeback showstopping role, Kiefer Sutherland has live and breathed Jack Bauer for 8 seasons. A government agent and family man, all Jack wants to do is be a good husband and father. But his struggle between what he wants and who he is always rises inside himself. Add to his numerous enemies old and new who care nothing for his happiness, and make the ones he loves pay the price instead.

24 has set the benchmark for quality tight knit storytelling due to its format alone. It's dense plot twisted mythology has caused the quality to dip in some seasons, but its impact as a whole cannot be denied in the landscape of television.

3. Dexter (or "Blood excites me.")

"I'M A VERY NEAT MONSTER"

A serial killer you can love.

How fucked up is that.

But their in lies in the rub. Dexter Morgan is no ordinary killer. You see he tracks down killers themselves, and lives by a code to hurt no innocent people. His father taught him that and Dexter learned very well. However, in order to blend in, sociopathic Dexter must pretend to be a real person, and that is quite difficult when you feel nothing at all.

Dexter succeeds where other series would fail due to two key points. One, the performance of Michael C. Hall who imbibes Dexter with bits and traces of humanity. Dexter may think he is not part of humanity but slowly but surely finds small parts of himself that make him realize he is more part of humanity than he thinks. The second is the serialized season plots that entwined all main and supporting characters into a overarching case or problem every season. Whether it is the Ice Truck Killer in season 1 or Trinity in season 4, Dexter always has a new opponent to tackle.

4. Chuck (or "Group Hug? AWESOME!")

"IT'S NEVER SAFE IN THE CAR!"

Do I even need to talk about this show? No I don't. Go watch it, that's an order.

5. Rome (or "Titus Pullo, reporting for duty ma'am")

"13TH!"

Now this is historical drama for you. Epic is every sense of the word, Rome's two seasons span over twenty years, and encompass many Roman men and women (real and fictional) through the blood soaked Roman empire. Blood, violence, sex, and four letter words. What more do you want in a series?

So good in fact, this is all I have to say.

I think five is a good number.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.