EJ’s Top 20 Series of 2009: Part One
19. Modern Family (ABC) – I haven’t watched a family sitcom since the much-missed Arrested Development, but this is an absolute delight. The documentary-style tale of three related families is both relatable and completely absurd. What Modern Family does is take set-ups that have been done to death as sitcom fodder (older guy married to a hot young woman, you say?) and made them real and funny. The cast is amazing, and I’m especially happy to see Ed O’Neill shake off the specter of Al Bundy. John from Cincinnati gave us just a glimpse of just how talented the guy is, and he’s just nailing it here. Ty Burrell’s Phil is one of the best characters of the year, who somehow walks the line of being a sitcom goofy dad but never quite falling into that trap. Really, everybody is great. If this is where family sitcoms are headed, Modern Family may bring me back to the fold.18. Metalocalypse (Cartoon Network) – The animated adventures of the greatest heavy metal band in the universe expanded to a half hour with the third season. Because when Dethklok wants
more time, you give them more time! The first two seasons were funny and endearing, but it wasn’t until the end of Season Two that it really distinguished itself from the rest of Adult Swim’s lineup. And now, it’s deeper and funnier than any show with a character named “William Murderface” has any right to be. The extra time gives the jokes room to breathe and allows for more story development, and they no longer have to abruptly end every episode with slaughter at a Dethklok concert. It’s still violent, filthy, and over-the-top, but now there’s more of it, and that’s always welcome. And now there’s continuity, non-metal musical numbers (see Dethklok’s ode to good health or Skwisgaar’s power ballad about his absent father), and character development. All they need to do is give us more Doctor Rockzo, and it’ll be near-perfect.
more time, you give them more time! The first two seasons were funny and endearing, but it wasn’t until the end of Season Two that it really distinguished itself from the rest of Adult Swim’s lineup. And now, it’s deeper and funnier than any show with a character named “William Murderface” has any right to be. The extra time gives the jokes room to breathe and allows for more story development, and they no longer have to abruptly end every episode with slaughter at a Dethklok concert. It’s still violent, filthy, and over-the-top, but now there’s more of it, and that’s always welcome. And now there’s continuity, non-metal musical numbers (see Dethklok’s ode to good health or Skwisgaar’s power ballad about his absent father), and character development. All they need to do is give us more Doctor Rockzo, and it’ll be near-perfect.
17. Flight of the Conchords (HBO) – Sadly, it looks like the second season was the last one for Brett and Jemaine, but they went out with ten near-perfect episodes. Whether they were competing with each other for the love of a woman with an epileptic dog or dealing with the financial repercussions of an unexpected cup purchase, they guys were charming and hilarious. The musical numbers were better than ever, with the catchy as hell “Too Many Dicks on the Dance Floor” being a standout. And the Michael Gondry-directed “Carol Brown” was pure, glorious genius. With guest-stars like Kristen Wiig, Art Garfunkel, Patton Oswalt, and Lucy Lawless, season two was ridiculous and hilarious, and it kills me that they’re not coming back for another season. 16. Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO) – Larry David got a lot of publicity for this season, with its mini-Seinfeld reunion, and he gave us what might be the best season yet. Sure, the running reunion plot was irresistible, especially those scenes from the fictitious episode (George Costanza created an
iPhone app that helps you locate public restrooms, then got swindled by Bernie Madoff!), but there was more than that. Whether it was inappropriate belly shirts, the interchangeability of women in wheelchairs, or when you’re allowed to dump somebody who has cancer, Larry muddled his way through minefields nobody else could have found. There was even some heart, with his attempts to win back Cheryl. And best of all, Larry actually enlisted Michael Richards to satirize his now famous “n-word” outburst. That takes balls, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned from this show, Larry’s got some long balls.
iPhone app that helps you locate public restrooms, then got swindled by Bernie Madoff!), but there was more than that. Whether it was inappropriate belly shirts, the interchangeability of women in wheelchairs, or when you’re allowed to dump somebody who has cancer, Larry muddled his way through minefields nobody else could have found. There was even some heart, with his attempts to win back Cheryl. And best of all, Larry actually enlisted Michael Richards to satirize his now famous “n-word” outburst. That takes balls, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned from this show, Larry’s got some long balls.15. The Daily Show / The Colbert Report (Comedy Central) – I think I do this every year, but I’m 
going to cheat by lumping both shows together. The best political satire on television stayed sharp, even without an election year. In fact, the Obama presidency didn’t dull their knives one bit, with Jon and Stephen diving right into the era of hope and change. The Daily Show has a real edge lately, skewering the mainstream media, the Glenn Beck crown, and the Administration alike. Add in a strong line-up of correspondents and some fantastic recurring guests (John Hodgman! Larry Wilmore!), and it’s still essential viewing after all these years. And Stephen Colbert is still playing the slickest game in TV with his pundit persona. Not only is his fake outrage hilarious, but his sense of the absurd is always fun, as is his self-promotion. And heck, he’s sponsoring the US Speed Skating Team, and self-promotion that helps other people is the best kind of self-promotion.
going to cheat by lumping both shows together. The best political satire on television stayed sharp, even without an election year. In fact, the Obama presidency didn’t dull their knives one bit, with Jon and Stephen diving right into the era of hope and change. The Daily Show has a real edge lately, skewering the mainstream media, the Glenn Beck crown, and the Administration alike. Add in a strong line-up of correspondents and some fantastic recurring guests (John Hodgman! Larry Wilmore!), and it’s still essential viewing after all these years. And Stephen Colbert is still playing the slickest game in TV with his pundit persona. Not only is his fake outrage hilarious, but his sense of the absurd is always fun, as is his self-promotion. And heck, he’s sponsoring the US Speed Skating Team, and self-promotion that helps other people is the best kind of self-promotion. 14. Chuck (NBC) – I’m continually surprised that this show isn’t a bigger hit. How do you not love
Chuck? This year struck a really solid balance between comedy, action, and solid emotional storytelling. The fake relationship between Chuck and Sarah got kind of real, complicating things significantly. Chuck tracked down his father, while the impending wedding of Ellie and Captain Awesome formed the spine for much of this year. And with the ongoing Fulcrum plot developing nicely, Chuck had more than enough action to go around. Even in regular old two-dimensions, the 3-D episode was a great ride, and the battle at the wedding was just fantastic. When you consider that said battle featured a live performance of “Mr. Roboto” by Jeffster, that pretty much makes it the best thing ever. I can’t wait for the new season, especially with Chuck’s badass upgrade. “I know Kung-Fu.” Oh, hell yes.
Chuck? This year struck a really solid balance between comedy, action, and solid emotional storytelling. The fake relationship between Chuck and Sarah got kind of real, complicating things significantly. Chuck tracked down his father, while the impending wedding of Ellie and Captain Awesome formed the spine for much of this year. And with the ongoing Fulcrum plot developing nicely, Chuck had more than enough action to go around. Even in regular old two-dimensions, the 3-D episode was a great ride, and the battle at the wedding was just fantastic. When you consider that said battle featured a live performance of “Mr. Roboto” by Jeffster, that pretty much makes it the best thing ever. I can’t wait for the new season, especially with Chuck’s badass upgrade. “I know Kung-Fu.” Oh, hell yes.
13. Battlestar Galactica (Sci-Fi) – This final season was just plain epic. The final Cylons were revealed, and not all of them were happy to discover their origins. The mutiny arc was just stunning, with some absolutely chilling moments. And you know what? I didn’t hate Starbuck this season. I’m not saying I’m joining the Kara Thrace fan club or anything, but I wasn’t hoping for a Viper malfunction this time around. The final episode, with Colonials and rogue Cylons teaming up against the Cylon Empire was a glorious capper to a show that was much better than I ever thought it could be. Aside from those damned octagons, that is.12. Better Off Ted (ABC) – From the mind of Victor Fresco, the man who brought us Andy Richter Controls the Universe, comes this screamingly funny workplace comedy. Honestly, the return of 
Arrested Development’s Portia Di Rossi to television would have had me watching regardless, but Ted is sharp and surreal and unrelentingly hilarious. The high point for the year had to be “Racial Sensitivity”, in which Veridian Dynamics’ new motion sensor technology fails to recognize Black people. Incredibly awkward and wildly funny, this is an episode that should be in the Comedy Hall of Fame. Separate drinking fountains? Oh yeah, they went there.
Arrested Development’s Portia Di Rossi to television would have had me watching regardless, but Ted is sharp and surreal and unrelentingly hilarious. The high point for the year had to be “Racial Sensitivity”, in which Veridian Dynamics’ new motion sensor technology fails to recognize Black people. Incredibly awkward and wildly funny, this is an episode that should be in the Comedy Hall of Fame. Separate drinking fountains? Oh yeah, they went there. 11. Parks and Recreation (NBC) – Sure, this began as Office-Lite, but you know what? That’s a good formula. Parks found its voice in the second season and emerged as a comedy juggernaut. 
Embracing the absurdity of small-town government, this season brought us outsider art, beauty pageants, a dinosaur-themed restaurant, and the interrogation of a teenage boy. Meanwhile, the characters are more fleshed out now. Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope is stronger and feistier than before. As Tom Haverford, Aziz Ansari brings us primetime’s most sympathetic d-bag. Chris Pratt is just blowing up as Andy, and Rashida Jones’s Ann no longer seems like a transplanted Karen Filipelli, and has come into her own. The real scene-stealer though, is Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson. The Parks Department head who hates government and has a breakfast fetish, Ron is an absolute breakout character who makes the most of every line. In fact, he may have had the best line of the year when he asked Leslie after her meeting with his ex-wife “What’s it like staring into the eye of Satan’s butthole?” If you don’t love Ron Swanson, you don’t understand comedy, my friend.
Embracing the absurdity of small-town government, this season brought us outsider art, beauty pageants, a dinosaur-themed restaurant, and the interrogation of a teenage boy. Meanwhile, the characters are more fleshed out now. Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope is stronger and feistier than before. As Tom Haverford, Aziz Ansari brings us primetime’s most sympathetic d-bag. Chris Pratt is just blowing up as Andy, and Rashida Jones’s Ann no longer seems like a transplanted Karen Filipelli, and has come into her own. The real scene-stealer though, is Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson. The Parks Department head who hates government and has a breakfast fetish, Ron is an absolute breakout character who makes the most of every line. In fact, he may have had the best line of the year when he asked Leslie after her meeting with his ex-wife “What’s it like staring into the eye of Satan’s butthole?” If you don’t love Ron Swanson, you don’t understand comedy, my friend.Pretty great line-up, right? Come back tomorrow for my Top Ten Series of 2009!
