I like seeing how some people desperately work to change their future, while others do whatever they can to make sure that it happens the way it’s supposed to. And I can’t wait to see what happens when they catch up to April 29, 2010. What happens when they catch up to their future and uncertainty returns? Clever writing (including the work of showrunner and Dark Knight co-writer David Goyer), a strong and likeable cast, and some really mind-blowing paradoxes make FlashForward a must-watch.
EJ’s Top 20 Series of 2009: Part Two
9. Eastbound and Down (HBO) – In only six episodes, the first season of Eastbound brought us the
year’s most unforgettable character, the year’s best (unrepeatable) catchphrase, and jokes that were both unbelievably hilarious and unspeakably offensive. The always amazing Danny McBride plays Kenny Powers, a disgraced big league pitcher who moves in with his brother and takes a post-rehab job as a junior high gym teacher. Kenny is just about the worst human being in the world, and you won’t be able to stop laughing. He’s the kind of guy who tries to break the ice with a rape joke and calls up escorts while babysitting. (“Can I wear the Scream mask? The mask from Scream… when I do you from behind?”) Add in Will Ferrell’s recurring role as the unscrupulous owner of a BMW dealership, and you have comedy of the most wrong kind. I can’t even tell you how happy I am that HBO has ordered a second season.
year’s most unforgettable character, the year’s best (unrepeatable) catchphrase, and jokes that were both unbelievably hilarious and unspeakably offensive. The always amazing Danny McBride plays Kenny Powers, a disgraced big league pitcher who moves in with his brother and takes a post-rehab job as a junior high gym teacher. Kenny is just about the worst human being in the world, and you won’t be able to stop laughing. He’s the kind of guy who tries to break the ice with a rape joke and calls up escorts while babysitting. (“Can I wear the Scream mask? The mask from Scream… when I do you from behind?”) Add in Will Ferrell’s recurring role as the unscrupulous owner of a BMW dealership, and you have comedy of the most wrong kind. I can’t even tell you how happy I am that HBO has ordered a second season. 
8. House (FOX) – 2009 was a year of change for everybody’s favorite doctor. Between the shocking suicide of a regular character, a mind-screw of a season finale, and House’s earnest (for a change) attempts to get better, this year was consistently excellent. House mixed up its sturdy medical-mystery formula this year for some real character drama. House’s stay in a mental health facility made for one of the year’s best single episodes, and it hardly involved medicine at all. Just an actor at the top of his game cutting loose and exploring his character. And in a really bold move, House kicked his Vicodin addiction. Whether that’s the status quo or whether a relapse is on the way, it’s still risky to take one of the defining characteristics of a character and do away with it. House could have coasted along on the strength of its cast and a likeable formula, but the show keeps stretching and challenging. 7. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX) – Two words: Kitten Mittons. And yes, I know that one of those words isn’t spelled correctly. The gang at Paddy’s brought us another hilarious season. Bird law, a love letter to Chase Utley (“Did you have a good relationship with your father? Me
neither.”), multiple interventions, Rowdy Roddy Piper, cats in the wall, Dolph Lundgren and his nose for crime (“He can smell crime before it happens!”), the return of Green Man, busty whores, Crab People, and the most insane marketing ideas ever – this season was a collection of classic laugh-out-loud bits. The gang hasn’t learned anything, they steadfastly refuse to grow, and they’re just as awful (and in Charlie’s case, illiterate) as ever. Always Sunny continues to bring a higher laugh ration than just about anything on the air, and it’s impossible not to find yourself sympathizing with these ill-mannered misanthropes. Oh, and actually, I have two more words for you: Dick Towel! (God, I love this show.)
neither.”), multiple interventions, Rowdy Roddy Piper, cats in the wall, Dolph Lundgren and his nose for crime (“He can smell crime before it happens!”), the return of Green Man, busty whores, Crab People, and the most insane marketing ideas ever – this season was a collection of classic laugh-out-loud bits. The gang hasn’t learned anything, they steadfastly refuse to grow, and they’re just as awful (and in Charlie’s case, illiterate) as ever. Always Sunny continues to bring a higher laugh ration than just about anything on the air, and it’s impossible not to find yourself sympathizing with these ill-mannered misanthropes. Oh, and actually, I have two more words for you: Dick Towel! (God, I love this show.)6. Breaking Bad (AMC) – This season was the most brutal thing on TV. We knew that Walter White had to compromise himself when he started selling meth to support his family, but what we 
didn’t know is that he’d have to lose his soul. Breaking Bad took us on a ride through hell, a hell where ATM’s are deadly weapons and a lost cell phone connection can mean the difference between life and death. Walter watched a young woman choke to death on her own vomit, refusing to intervene because she threatened the security of his operation, an act that would have been unthinkable to him only a few short months ago. And in a chilling example of the butterfly effect, that death let to two planes colliding in midair and crashing into a suburban neighborhood. This season was grueling (like when the psychotic Tuco and his mute uncle held Walt and Jesse captive), heartbreaking (see Walt’s anguish at a positive prognosis, realizing he’d have to live with who he’s become a little bit longer), and occasionally savagely funny (as in the episode where Walt’s motor home / meth lab broke down in the desert). Breaking Bad can be hard to watch, so unrelenting is its darkness, but it’s also brilliant.
didn’t know is that he’d have to lose his soul. Breaking Bad took us on a ride through hell, a hell where ATM’s are deadly weapons and a lost cell phone connection can mean the difference between life and death. Walter watched a young woman choke to death on her own vomit, refusing to intervene because she threatened the security of his operation, an act that would have been unthinkable to him only a few short months ago. And in a chilling example of the butterfly effect, that death let to two planes colliding in midair and crashing into a suburban neighborhood. This season was grueling (like when the psychotic Tuco and his mute uncle held Walt and Jesse captive), heartbreaking (see Walt’s anguish at a positive prognosis, realizing he’d have to live with who he’s become a little bit longer), and occasionally savagely funny (as in the episode where Walt’s motor home / meth lab broke down in the desert). Breaking Bad can be hard to watch, so unrelenting is its darkness, but it’s also brilliant. 5. The Venture Bros. (Cartoon Network) – TV’s best animated series just keeps getting better, and when you consider that Brock Samson only made two appearances this season, that’s pretty amazing. The characters have continued to grow after the game-changing third season, and it’s been particularly fun to see Hank’s youthful rebellion and 21’s complete badass makeover. While
the season premiere brought us some of the most innovative storytelling I’ve ever seen, with two plotlines – one of which ran chronologically and the other running in reverse yet still crossing over with one another, each subsequent episode was full of insight, action, and comedy. For us long-time fans, it was gratifying to see some real character developments, including Rusty’s breakthrough and Dean coming into his own. And it was great to finally meet some of the characters who we’ve been hearing about for years. Captain Sunshine (a fantastic guest appearance by Kevin Conroy) and Monstroso made their debuts, and they were awesome. Of course, you didn’t have to be a fanatic to love this season. Whether it was Dean’s attempts to reassemble a handgun, Billy Quizboy’s sack, Sgt. Hatred and his “Nomolestrol”, Ghost Robot, or Brock stabbing Hitler, this season rocked. And best of all, it gave the various characters a ray of hope. While Venture Bros. has always focused on failure, each of the regulars managed a tiny success of their own. Maybe it’s weird to find inspiration a cartoon where Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper become super-villains and get both of their heads stitched onto the same body, but that’s what happened.
the season premiere brought us some of the most innovative storytelling I’ve ever seen, with two plotlines – one of which ran chronologically and the other running in reverse yet still crossing over with one another, each subsequent episode was full of insight, action, and comedy. For us long-time fans, it was gratifying to see some real character developments, including Rusty’s breakthrough and Dean coming into his own. And it was great to finally meet some of the characters who we’ve been hearing about for years. Captain Sunshine (a fantastic guest appearance by Kevin Conroy) and Monstroso made their debuts, and they were awesome. Of course, you didn’t have to be a fanatic to love this season. Whether it was Dean’s attempts to reassemble a handgun, Billy Quizboy’s sack, Sgt. Hatred and his “Nomolestrol”, Ghost Robot, or Brock stabbing Hitler, this season rocked. And best of all, it gave the various characters a ray of hope. While Venture Bros. has always focused on failure, each of the regulars managed a tiny success of their own. Maybe it’s weird to find inspiration a cartoon where Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper become super-villains and get both of their heads stitched onto the same body, but that’s what happened. 
4. 30 Rock (NBC) – It’s tough to come up with anything new to say about Tina Fey’s widely-praised and much-awarded sitcom. I guess the best I can do is say that it’s all true. Wildly innovative, lightning-quick, and consistently hilarious, 30 Rock just keeps raising the bar. Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy have already earned their place in the Comedy Hall of Fame, but the rest of the cast has really shined this year. Kenneth the Page steals his scenes with delightful abandon, Jenna is getting more insane by the day, Scott Adsit’s Pete has become the comedy equivalent of a stealth bomber, while Grizz and Dotcom score huge laughs with minimal screen time. Even the little-scene members of the writing staff – Frank, Lutz, and Twofer – are getting more exposure. (Witness Frank’s metamorphosis into Liz for some comedy gold.) And every single one of Tracy’s lines has been funny. Trust me, I’ve done the research. Maybe I can’t say anything new about 30 Rock, but four seasons in and it’s still fresh and funny and unpredictable – there’s not much more I need to say.3. The Office (NBC) – Still my favorite comedy. The Office pulls off an amazing tightrope act, balancing character growth with the demands of the premise, and it just keeps bringing the magic. Yes, that metaphor was mixed, but I think Michael Scott would approve. How many shows have failed horribly when the adorable couple finally gets together? And yet, married Jim and
Pam are just as funny and interesting as flirting Jim and Pam, and when the baby comes along, I’m willing to bet they’ll still remain the characters we know and love. Jim’s new managerial role could have been a disaster for the show, but instead we get a new perspective on Dunder-Mifflin, and the sheer delight of Dwight’s Byzantine attempts to bring down the new boss. And if anybody thinks that, six seasons in, The Office can no longer make us squirm, I would direct them to the “Scott’s Tots” episode, which induced both uncontrollable laughter and severe stomach pain. I feel bad not mentioning the entire cast, because they’re all glorious. There’s not a useless player here – it’s one of TV’s best-developed casts. I’ve looked forward to The Office every week for years, and that won’t be changing any time soon.
Pam are just as funny and interesting as flirting Jim and Pam, and when the baby comes along, I’m willing to bet they’ll still remain the characters we know and love. Jim’s new managerial role could have been a disaster for the show, but instead we get a new perspective on Dunder-Mifflin, and the sheer delight of Dwight’s Byzantine attempts to bring down the new boss. And if anybody thinks that, six seasons in, The Office can no longer make us squirm, I would direct them to the “Scott’s Tots” episode, which induced both uncontrollable laughter and severe stomach pain. I feel bad not mentioning the entire cast, because they’re all glorious. There’s not a useless player here – it’s one of TV’s best-developed casts. I’ve looked forward to The Office every week for years, and that won’t be changing any time soon.2. Mad Men (AMC) – What an amazing season. While I expect excellence from Mad Men, with stunning acting, note-perfect writing, and meticulous production, an already strong season ended 
with three amazing episodes. Seriously, it was three weeks in a row of “Best Episode Yet!” Betty’s discovery of Don Draper’s Box of Secrets and the ensuing conversation only set the table for the episode that had to happen – the Kennedy Assassination. And then, after two gut-wrenching episodes, the exquisite finale “Shut the Door, Have a Seat” was a rousing, clever caper. Myndi compared it to Ocean’s Eleven, and that’s dead on. Starting with Don and Bert Cooper, there was a mass exodus from Sterling Cooper as they cleaned out the office and set up shop in a hotel room. It was a fantastic hour, just bursting with possibilities and promise for the new season. And that’s not to slight the rest of the season – every single episode was a tiny work of art, whether it was Joan’s quiet humiliation, Don’s unlikely bond with Conrad Hilton, or the lawnmower incident. It may be to soon to say for certain, but I think creator Matthew Weiner has actually surpassed his former boss. (You know, David Chase? The Sopranos?)
with three amazing episodes. Seriously, it was three weeks in a row of “Best Episode Yet!” Betty’s discovery of Don Draper’s Box of Secrets and the ensuing conversation only set the table for the episode that had to happen – the Kennedy Assassination. And then, after two gut-wrenching episodes, the exquisite finale “Shut the Door, Have a Seat” was a rousing, clever caper. Myndi compared it to Ocean’s Eleven, and that’s dead on. Starting with Don and Bert Cooper, there was a mass exodus from Sterling Cooper as they cleaned out the office and set up shop in a hotel room. It was a fantastic hour, just bursting with possibilities and promise for the new season. And that’s not to slight the rest of the season – every single episode was a tiny work of art, whether it was Joan’s quiet humiliation, Don’s unlikely bond with Conrad Hilton, or the lawnmower incident. It may be to soon to say for certain, but I think creator Matthew Weiner has actually surpassed his former boss. (You know, David Chase? The Sopranos?) 1. Lost (ABC) – Really, there was no other option here. Never has a network series put so much faith in its viewers. This season spread the Lostaways through time and space, wreaking havoc with our expectations and creating loopy, intricate timelines. And yet, Lost didn’t hold our hand or talk down to us. They took us on a wild ride and just asked us to hang on. But it wasn’t all flash and gimmicky. Our favorite characters went on an amazing journey this year. A time-lost Sawyer became a leader and turned out to be really good at it. Desmond found long-awaited happiness.
Benry met his God, only to find out that a kind and loving God didn’t so much care for him, in particular. Sayid made a horrific decision. Miles met his father. And in the single best hour of TV this year, “The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham”, John Locke gave up the Island that he loved in order to save it. When he couldn’t fix things, it drove him to the edge of suicide. And then he was pulled back from the brink only to be murdered. In an excellent season, it was an absolutely breathtaking stand-out. Perhaps the most amazing thing about this season is how the storylines and conspiracies are starting to come together. There really was a plan at work, and we’re finally starting to see it. TV doesn’t get better than this, and I can’t wait until February, when we’ll learn what happened with that hydrogen bomb, whether Jacob still exists, the fate of Claire, and much more. And as for Locke? Well, don’t forget that we last saw his body in the shadow of the statue. And what lies in the shadow of the statue? He who will save us all.
Benry met his God, only to find out that a kind and loving God didn’t so much care for him, in particular. Sayid made a horrific decision. Miles met his father. And in the single best hour of TV this year, “The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham”, John Locke gave up the Island that he loved in order to save it. When he couldn’t fix things, it drove him to the edge of suicide. And then he was pulled back from the brink only to be murdered. In an excellent season, it was an absolutely breathtaking stand-out. Perhaps the most amazing thing about this season is how the storylines and conspiracies are starting to come together. There really was a plan at work, and we’re finally starting to see it. TV doesn’t get better than this, and I can’t wait until February, when we’ll learn what happened with that hydrogen bomb, whether Jacob still exists, the fate of Claire, and much more. And as for Locke? Well, don’t forget that we last saw his body in the shadow of the statue. And what lies in the shadow of the statue? He who will save us all.Thanks for a great 2009, everybody! We’ll meet you back here in the new year for more with the Smoke Monster, New Directions, the Mosaic Project, Ghost Robot, and much, much more!
