Best of 2012

2012 has been an interesting year, but a pretty good one. As we close in on the new year, here is my list of the best and most interesting things of 2012. Enjoy the list and all the best for 2013.






Best Returning Show:

There is a lot of good drama on television right now, two shows of which I review here. But, if I am being brutally honest, my favorite show in its sophomore season or beyond is Scandal. I have become completely wrapped up in this year’s story line about election fraud and the attempted assassination and can’t wait to see where the writers are going with it.


Best New Show:

This is a difficult one for me. I am not in love with any of the new shows, but I like several of them quite a bit. If I am forced to choose one (the pressure!), I would have to go with Nashville. The show can be a bit soapy, but both Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere are doing a fantastic job. The aspect of the show that put it over the top for me, however, is the music. The songs are wonderful and I have found myself downloading more than one of them.


Best Show of the First Half of the Year:

If I had been writing this article in June, the best show would have been easy, The Vampire Diaries. I loved the third season and the finale was breathtaking. To put it mildly, I do not like the fourth season at all and am hugely disappointed in some of the choices the writers and producers have made. I’m still watching it, but unless they pick up their game significantly and soon, I don’t think I will be for long.


Best Show New to Me:

I read sunbunny’s 'What You Need to Know' article about The Tudors without having the slightest intention of watching the show. I was so intrigued by the article that I decided to give the show an episode or two to see what it was about. I’m hooked and loved the first season.


Best Marathon:

At any given time, I am marathoning through two different shows. The first is one I have seen many times and I can watch while I am doing other things around the house. The second is one that I actually sit down and watch. In the former category, the best marathon of 2012 was Smallville. This was my third time through it, but this time I had Billie’s reviews which, of course, made the experience that much better.

In terms of new shows to me, I know that I should say Lost. I liked it enough, I did, but the best new marathon was Friday Night Lights based on Jess’s recommendation. Absolutely stunning show that I laughed over and cried over and didn’t want to end. I will definitely be re-watching this show at some point down the line.


Best Reality Show:

I almost never watch reality shows, but this year I got caught up in The Amazing Race. I love watching the various places the contestants go, some of which I have been to, but this year was a great example of the good guys winning. I cheered when the Beekman Boys won.


Best News Moment:

CNN calling the election for Obama, and before midnight EST. Let’s hear it for Ohio!


Best Book:

For I think the first time ever, my favorite book this year is non-fiction. The Storytelling Animal, by Jonathan Gottschall is a fascinating account of why humans tell stories. Gottschall argues that it is an imperative and he backs up his arguments using a lot of the shows and books familiar to us all. Highly recommended.


Best Movie:

Again, for the first time ever, my favorite movie is non-fiction. The Invisible War is a documentary film by Kirby Dick about sexual assaults on both men and women serving in the military. It is a chilling portrayal of what the military machine does to cover up these crimes and the long term effects on the victims. It won the Best Documentary category at Sundance and deserved to. A must see.


Best Ad Campaign:

Come on people. Admit it. We all have one. Although the vast majority of ads are vapid or ridiculous, I must admit that I am a fan of the new Geico campaign. I’ve always loved the Gecko, but the new “happier than a [fill in the metaphor]” campaign I find clever and funny. Columbus in a speedboat, although I have now seen it dozens of times, always makes me laugh out loud.


New for 2013:

I haven’t really decided yet which of the many, many shows I want to catch up with will be next. Right now, I’m part way through about five different series. Perhaps I will actually sit down and finish one of them. But, I am tempted to start on Community.