E N S E M B L E
drama shows
.
P A R E N T H O O D : [2010.ron HOWARD & jason KATIMS]
the ensemble that define my year [2011]
.
t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d
.
AMERICAN HORROR STORY : [2011.ryan MURPHY & brad FALCHUK]
BREAKING BAD : [2008.vince GILLIGAN]
REVENGE : [2011.mike KELLEY]
SHAMELESS : [2010.paul ABBOTT & john WELLS]
TRUE BLOOD : [2008.alan BALL]
E N S E M B L E
comedy series
.
H A P P Y - E N D I N G S : [2011.david CASPE]
the ensemble that define my year [2011]
.
t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d
.
the BIG BANG THEORY : [2007.chuck LORRE & bill PRADY]
BORED TO DEATH : [2009.jonathan AMES]
COMMUNITY : [2009.dan HARMON]
MODERN FAMILY : [2009.christopher LLOYD & steven LEVITAN]
PARKS & RECREATION : [2009.greg DANIELS & michael SCHUR]
![A C T O R in a SUPPORTING role
drama shows .G I A N C A R L O - E S P O S I T O : [breaking bad,2008]one of the performances that define my year [2011]
no other actor was so great last year delivering menacing silences where you could see his mind struggling to chose the right option and pick who is his worst enemy.
. t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d .
he is an arrogant successful man that never hides his talents but still shows [us] how he is still trying to figure out how to get everything he wants but money cannot buy.josh CHARLES : [the good wife,2009]
he is not the average cliched rookie police detective, yes, he is energetic, innocent, optimistic but he does show also how clever, empathic and vulnerable he is.joel KINNAMAN : [the killing,2011]
in this show great acting is never lacking but he does what few have done: empathizing with the average post-traumatic suffering soldier and portraying the very humble crumbling man.chris MESSINA : [damages,2007]
he is undoubtedly second to JESSICA LANGE’s extraordinary acting; he does teenage angst with an assortment of explosive emotions that does show some range but also understand the mindset behind.evan PETERS : [american horror story,2011]
the season’s MVP which in this show means that did comedy, drama, action [and sex] better than anyone; he made [the usually jump shark] sudden amnesia an innocent childish [but still mature] game.alexander SKARSGAARD : [true blood,2008]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m19ogv1ejt1qb7iobo1_500.jpg)
A C T O R in a SUPPORTING role
drama shows
.
G I A N C A R L O - E S P O S I T O : [breaking bad,2008]
one of the performances that define my year [2011]
no other actor was so great last year delivering menacing silences where you could see his mind struggling to chose the right option and pick who is his worst enemy.
.
t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d
.
he is an arrogant successful man that never hides his talents but still shows [us] how he is still trying to figure out how to get everything he wants but money cannot buy.
josh CHARLES : [the good wife,2009]
he is not the average cliched rookie police detective, yes, he is energetic, innocent, optimistic but he does show also how clever, empathic and vulnerable he is.
joel KINNAMAN : [the killing,2011]
in this show great acting is never lacking but he does what few have done: empathizing with the average post-traumatic suffering soldier and portraying the very humble crumbling man.
chris MESSINA : [damages,2007]
he is undoubtedly second to JESSICA LANGE’s extraordinary acting; he does teenage angst with an assortment of explosive emotions that does show some range but also understand the mindset behind.
evan PETERS : [american horror story,2011]
the season’s MVP which in this show means that did comedy, drama, action [and sex] better than anyone; he made [the usually jump shark] sudden amnesia an innocent childish [but still mature] game.
alexander SKARSGAARD : [true blood,2008]
![A C T O R in a SUPPORTING role
comedy series .N I C K - O F F E R M A N : [parks and recreation,2009]one of the performances that define my year [2011]
he is just a tiny part of just another very good ensemble in tv working today but his dry sense of humor and somehow straight persona have made him the true breakout character of the show.
. t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d .
he was the definite MVP of the second season and he followed that trend with the third; he is charming playing the enthusiastic, innocent, optimistic dad and it never hurts being great doing physical comedy.ty BURRELL : [modern family,2009]
hate him or love him you have a very strong opinion on this very polarizing character [who might be FAMILY GUY’s BRIAN & STEWIE’s love child]; he is an unapologetic and unstoppable bastard.jason GANN : [wilfred,2011]
definitely the least comedic actor in this list [and in that cast] but no one does teenage angst with so much class and grace; he is always touching and knows how to ground the whole thing.keir GILCHRIST : [united states of tara,2009]
another breakout character who acts as a bridge between the show and the audience; his deadpan humor and perfect line delivery show how good he is, doing that while grounding the character makes him great.danny PUDI : [community,2009]
he belongs to a comedic dynasty and he did not disappoint debuting in this show [and the pilot of NEW GIRL], he is the embodiment of fun and joy and just good old craziness.damon WAYANS JR : [happy endings,2011]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m19odhN4jm1qb7iobo1_500.jpg)
A C T O R in a SUPPORTING role
comedy series
.
N I C K - O F F E R M A N : [parks and recreation,2009]
one of the performances that define my year [2011]
he is just a tiny part of just another very good ensemble in tv working today but his dry sense of humor and somehow straight persona have made him the true breakout character of the show.
.
t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d
.
he was the definite MVP of the second season and he followed that trend with the third; he is charming playing the enthusiastic, innocent, optimistic dad and it never hurts being great doing physical comedy.
ty BURRELL : [modern family,2009]
hate him or love him you have a very strong opinion on this very polarizing character [who might be FAMILY GUY’s BRIAN & STEWIE’s love child]; he is an unapologetic and unstoppable bastard.
jason GANN : [wilfred,2011]
definitely the least comedic actor in this list [and in that cast] but no one does teenage angst with so much class and grace; he is always touching and knows how to ground the whole thing.
keir GILCHRIST : [united states of tara,2009]
another breakout character who acts as a bridge between the show and the audience; his deadpan humor and perfect line delivery show how good he is, doing that while grounding the character makes him great.
danny PUDI : [community,2009]
he belongs to a comedic dynasty and he did not disappoint debuting in this show [and the pilot of NEW GIRL], he is the embodiment of fun and joy and just good old craziness.
damon WAYANS JR : [happy endings,2011]
![A C T O R in a LEADING role
drama shows .B R Y A N - C R A N S T O N : [breaking bad,2008]one of the performances that define my year [2011]
he is without any doubt the best male actor working on tv right now, he makes us forget that we are watching a genre series and instead makes us condemn the actions or empathize the behaviour of this very real three dimensional character.
. t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d .
we cannot help but empathize with the average man just trying to do the right thing for his family; his look and his voice always conveys every concern and every doubt in his mind.peter KRAUSE : [parenthood,2010]
this show might be long dead but fortunately the writers have not forgotten poor old GREGORY and he gets to portray a genius crumbling to not so deep insecurities.hugh LAURIE : [house,2004]
is he or is he not the terrorist CARRIE thinks he is? we don’t know, why? because he is the man playing with fire that full of doubt wonders what is the right thing to do, what path should he pick.damian LEWIS : [homeland,2011]
you can scream category fraud all you want because this show is more a dark comedy than your average drama but no one can deny that this man plays crazy yet sane like he does.william h MACY : [shameless,2011]
definitely the best acted show on tv right now [and no one is even playing attention] but he plays with charm and grace the very vulnerable man who just keeps screwing things up trying to make things right.dax SHEPARD : [wilfred,2011]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0zohqAD6n1qb7iobo1_500.jpg)
A C T O R in a LEADING role
drama shows
.
B R Y A N - C R A N S T O N : [breaking bad,2008]
one of the performances that define my year [2011]
he is without any doubt the best male actor working on tv right now, he makes us forget that we are watching a genre series and instead makes us condemn the actions or empathize the behaviour of this very real three dimensional character.
.
t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d
.
we cannot help but empathize with the average man just trying to do the right thing for his family; his look and his voice always conveys every concern and every doubt in his mind.
peter KRAUSE : [parenthood,2010]
this show might be long dead but fortunately the writers have not forgotten poor old GREGORY and he gets to portray a genius crumbling to not so deep insecurities.
hugh LAURIE : [house,2004]
is he or is he not the terrorist CARRIE thinks he is? we don’t know, why? because he is the man playing with fire that full of doubt wonders what is the right thing to do, what path should he pick.
damian LEWIS : [homeland,2011]
you can scream category fraud all you want because this show is more a dark comedy than your average drama but no one can deny that this man plays crazy yet sane like he does.
william h MACY : [shameless,2011]
definitely the best acted show on tv right now [and no one is even playing attention] but he plays with charm and grace the very vulnerable man who just keeps screwing things up trying to make things right.
dax SHEPARD : [wilfred,2011]
![A C T O R in a LEADING role
comedy series .S T E V E - C A R E L L : [the office,2005]one of the performances that define my year [2011]
season after season he showed how great he was at the funny stuff but his last season allowed him to stretch his range and he delivered some of the most heartfelt episodes on tv this year.
. t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d .
there is no doubt that he is second in command in that show but he acts with more subtle humor that grounds the whole thing instead of leaving the series float around in crazy world.johnny GALECKI : [the big bang theory,2007]
even though he is part of an ensemble his charisma and his presence make him shine most of the time brighter than anyone else in the show; the fact that he plays the straight man persona also helps.joel MCHALE : [community,2009]
his SHELDON COOPER has risen to hall of fame territory, he is now somehow of a household name but he has not forgotten how simple and subtle the character traits should be.jim PARSONS : [the big bang theory,2007]
one of those highly functional yet very mind sick characters who made his show what it was; a crazy yet plausible character trying to figure out who he is and what he wants.jason SCHWARTZMAN : [bored to death,2009-2011]
this whole thing is seen from his point of view therefore he carries this show effortlessly on his back portraying the right sense of emotional and psychological baggage with a dark sense of humor.elijah WOOD : [wilfred,2011]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0zoel9gvq1qb7iobo1_500.jpg)
A C T O R in a LEADING role
comedy series
.
S T E V E - C A R E L L : [the office,2005]
one of the performances that define my year [2011]
season after season he showed how great he was at the funny stuff but his last season allowed him to stretch his range and he delivered some of the most heartfelt episodes on tv this year.
.
t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d
.
there is no doubt that he is second in command in that show but he acts with more subtle humor that grounds the whole thing instead of leaving the series float around in crazy world.
johnny GALECKI : [the big bang theory,2007]
even though he is part of an ensemble his charisma and his presence make him shine most of the time brighter than anyone else in the show; the fact that he plays the straight man persona also helps.
joel MCHALE : [community,2009]
his SHELDON COOPER has risen to hall of fame territory, he is now somehow of a household name but he has not forgotten how simple and subtle the character traits should be.
jim PARSONS : [the big bang theory,2007]
one of those highly functional yet very mind sick characters who made his show what it was; a crazy yet plausible character trying to figure out who he is and what he wants.
jason SCHWARTZMAN : [bored to death,2009-2011]
this whole thing is seen from his point of view therefore he carries this show effortlessly on his back portraying the right sense of emotional and psychological baggage with a dark sense of humor.
elijah WOOD : [wilfred,2011]
the 25ish drama shows’ episodes that define my year [2011]
AMERICAN HORROR STORY’s
“pilot”
“halloween”
true season finale “smoldering children” & “birth”
BREAKING BAD’s
“box cutter”
“bullet points”
“shotgun”
“salud”
season’s final three “crawl space” & “end times” & “face off” : E P I S O D E (S) - O F - T H E - Y E A R
DAMAGES’
“failure is lonely”
the GOOD WIFE’s
“what went wrong”
HOMELAND’s
“pilot”
“the good soldier”
“the weekend”
“representative brody”
“the vest”
the KILLING’s
“pilot”
“beau soleil”
REVENGE’s
“pilot”
“guilt”
“charade”
TRUE BLOOD’s
“she’s not there”
“you smell like dinner”
“cold grey light of dawn”
true season finale “burning down the house” & “soul of fire”
the WALKING DEAD’s
“what lies ahead”
“pretty much dead already”
the 5+1 drama shows that define my year [2011]
another year has come and gone, and drama shows still cannot hold me down, some were great and left me to want more but most did not come close to seize me.
another year has come and gone, and even though i am not so sure this were the shows on top i present; “the 5+1 drama shows that define my year”.
.
H O N O R A B L E - M E N T I O N S
american horror story * the good wife * parenthood * shameless * the walking dead
.
i present to you in strict alphabetical order the 5 drama shows that define my year.
D A M A G E S
2007.todd a KESSLER, glenn KESSLER & daniel ZELMAN
season four [4]
a procedural that takes one case each season [and not the case per episode we are used to] while exploring the lives [and the minds] of its two leading ladies.
unfortunately the formula quickly became too old, the flashbacks too cliched and the turns and the twists too predictable.
fortunately relying on the great actresses’ performances the writers decided to study closer and deeper the lives, pasts and futures of these women.
key episodes: we’ll just have to find another way to cut the balls of this thing [s04e05], failure is lonely [s04e10-season finale].
H O M E L A N D
2011.gideon RAFF
season one [1]
definitely the best new show on television, they did not deliver a weak episode and kept us guessing throughout the entire run.
it is a very smart and very bold series that truly plays with fire by examining the mind behind the paranoid [and somehow “right”] american and the fanatic [but not completely “wrong”] terrorist.
well directed but even better acted it did came as a surprise in an era when many other drama shows are outstanding, this show gives them a run for their money.
key episodes: pilot [s01e01], grace [s01e02], the good soldier [s01e06], the weekend [s01e07], representative brody [s01e10], the vest [s01e11].
the K I L L I N G
2011.veena SUD
season one [1]
the best mise-en-scene in television today, the wet SEATTLE makes the creepiest place to murder a teenage girl.
it is yet another show who takes one case per season while exploring the characters involved with the investigation or related to the victim.
it is yet another show that loses momentum episode after episode but the second to last episode showed again how strong it could be but then the season finale ruined everything again.
key episodes: pilot [s01e01], the cage [s01e02], el diablo [s01e03], a soundless echo [s01e04], super 8 [s01e05], beau soleil [s01e11].
![E N S E M B L Edrama shows
.P A R E N T H O O D : [2010.ron HOWARD & jason KATIMS] the ensemble that define my year [2011] . t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d .AMERICAN HORROR STORY : [2011.ryan MURPHY & brad FALCHUK]BREAKING BAD : [2008.vince GILLIGAN] REVENGE : [2011.mike KELLEY]SHAMELESS : [2010.paul ABBOTT & john WELLS]TRUE BLOOD : [2008.alan BALL]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1gh7pIaLk1qb7iobo1_500.png)
![E N S E M B L Ecomedy series
.H A P P Y - E N D I N G S : [2011.david CASPE] the ensemble that define my year [2011] . t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d .the BIG BANG THEORY : [2007.chuck LORRE & bill PRADY]BORED TO DEATH : [2009.jonathan AMES]COMMUNITY : [2009.dan HARMON]MODERN FAMILY : [2009.christopher LLOYD & steven LEVITAN]PARKS & RECREATION : [2009.greg DANIELS & michael SCHUR]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1ggxwDFdh1qb7iobo1_500.jpg)
![A C T R E S S in a SUPPORTING role
drama shows .J E S S I C A - L A N G E : [american horror story,2011]one of the performances that define my year [2011]
she is crazy and delivers a delicious performance, she enjoys it so much we feel her crazy energy through the screen, this great actress is back and shows how the vets do it.
. t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d .
no one can manage with such ease the transformation from just a witness to PATTY HEWES’ atrocities to the devil she swear she would never be.rose BYRNE : [damages,2007]
a mostly silent performance but oh so powerful, her blank stare was filled with emotions and full with anger, pain and regrets; she embodied every mother’s worst fear.michelle FORBES : [the killing,2011]
she is the embodiment of the average american mother but she nails the anguish of a woman trying to save everyone without even showing how crumbled she is inside.monica POTTER : [parenthood,2010]
another delicious over-the-top performance; she steals every scene without even blinking, let alone break a sweat, another actress that is back and makes every one regret her abscence.madeleine STOWE : [revenge,2011]
a truly three dimensional character that is very relatable, she delivers a character that is never judges nor victimized by her, she represents with class the talented teenager that might fail.mae WHITMAN : [true blood,2008]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1ggl7gwjV1qb7iobo1_500.jpg)
![A C T R E S S in a SUPPORTING role
comedy series .M A Y I M - B I A L I K : [the big bang theory,2007]one of the performances that define my year [2011]
many actress have come and go but she stayed for good; she is the breakout character and the only one that steals the spotlight from JIM PARSONS, their scenes together are pure gold.
. t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d .
i feel like i’m cheating on SOFIA VERGARA but this is a competitive category and she delivered outstanding episode after episode stealing every week along her on-screen husband, TY BURRELL.julie BOWEN : [modern family,2009]
felt more her the moment she delivered her first line, as a huge fan of FRIENDS is good to see a character that resembles so much MONICA, but unlike her she embraces the crazyness.eliza COUPE : [happy endings,2011]
second season finally explored the talents we have seen hints from the beginning, NAYA nails the bitchiness, craziness but most importantly the emotional moments where she shows her insecurities.naya RIVERA : [glee,2009]
this show’s third season was not great but she kept her bubbly persona untouched and deliver line after line of idiot savantry.merritt WEVER : [nurse jackie,2009]
the writers must love her because no one else in that cast is as quotable as her, or maybe it is her outstanding line delivery that makes her look so A-MA-ZING.casey WILSON : [happy endings,2011]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1ggjsoW6W1qb7iobo1_500.png)
![A C T R E S S in a LEADING role
drama shows .C L A I R E - D A N E S : [homeland,2011]one of the performances that define my year [2011]
an outstanding breakthrough performance that showcases how great she is; the embodiment of american paranoia and the sad life of a lonely hard-working woman in contemporary society.
. t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d .
silent, subtle but still somehow such a strong presence that steals every scene she is in without her even trying that hard.connie BRITTON : [american horror story,2011]
such a complicated and intriguing character whose moral decisions and dilemmas might be tough to watch but nevertheless the actress humanizes this villainous woman.glenn CLOSE : [damages,2007]
a down-to-earth woman who might not be as glamorous as other tv detectives but still manages to do show that internalized struggle to solve the case without average storytelling tecniques.mireille ENOS : [the killing,2011]
no actress has taken a character through a more thorough process of change and maturing, evolving this modern day woman without even breaking a sweat; she is the definition of inner expression.julianna MARGULIES : [the good wife,2009]
she might spent lots of time mostly naked but it is the emotional rawness and the psychological harshness that breaks your heart without falling into melodrama and sentimentalism.emmy ROSSUM : [shameless,2011]
*this article was co-written by @film_snob007](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m13k8bIlqy1qb7iobo1_500.jpg)
![A C T R E S S in a LEADING role
comedy series .L A U R A - D E R N : [enlightened,2011]one of the performances that define my year [2011]
DAVID LYNCH’s muse cannot be funnier showing an insecure, vulnerable woman going through an spiritual awakening while dealing with everyone’s expectations.
. t h e - r e s t - o f - t h e - f i e l d .
definitely a pleasant surprise; no one can be that raunchy and vulgar with that much class and grace, she shares the joy with everyone watching her.beth BEHRS : [2 broke girls,2011]
she does the most acting but that is not the reason she gets a shout out, it is the fact that she plays six different characters that are just exaggerations of a troubled woman.toni COLETTE : [united states of tara,2009-2011]
she leads this show effortlessly with very much charm; no episode work without her straight man persona.kaley CUOCO : [the big bang theory,2007]
raunchy, vulgar but very hot no one embraces that average girl side as much as her; she is not shy in showing one cannot be as feminine and still be very sexy.kat DENNINGS : [2 broke girls,2011]
she is comedy series royalty, she created an iconic character from nothing, became one of tv’s most beloved actresses and still delivers surprisingly emotional moments every once in a while.amy POEHLER : [parks and recreation,2009]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m13k6wLyuu1qb7iobo1_500.jpg)
![the 25ish drama shows’ episodes that define my year [2011]
AMERICAN HORROR STORY’s
“pilot” “halloween”true season finale “smoldering children” & “birth”
BREAKING BAD’s
“box cutter”“bullet points”“shotgun” “salud”season’s final three “crawl space” & “end times” & “face off” : E P I S O D E (S) - O F - T H E - Y E A R
DAMAGES’
“failure is lonely”
the GOOD WIFE’s
“what went wrong”
HOMELAND’s
“pilot”“the good soldier”“the weekend”“representative brody”“the vest”
the KILLING’s
“pilot”“beau soleil”
REVENGE’s
“pilot”“guilt”“charade”
TRUE BLOOD’s
“she’s not there”“you smell like dinner” “cold grey light of dawn” true season finale “burning down the house” & “soul of fire”
the WALKING DEAD’s
“what lies ahead” “pretty much dead already”](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0wpnz6fad1qb7iobo1_500.jpg)
![D A M A G E S
2007.todd a KESSLER, glenn KESSLER & daniel ZELMAN
season four [4]
a procedural that takes one case each season [and not the case per episode we are used to] while exploring the lives [and the minds] of its two leading ladies.
unfortunately the formula quickly became too old, the flashbacks too cliched and the turns and the twists too predictable.
fortunately relying on the great actresses’ performances the writers decided to study closer and deeper the lives, pasts and futures of these women.
key episodes: we’ll just have to find another way to cut the balls of this thing [s04e05], failure is lonely [s04e10-season finale].](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0wmepwrHi1qb7iobo1_500.jpg)
![H O M E L A N D
2011.gideon RAFF
season one [1]
definitely the best new show on television, they did not deliver a weak episode and kept us guessing throughout the entire run.
it is a very smart and very bold series that truly plays with fire by examining the mind behind the paranoid [and somehow “right”] american and the fanatic [but not completely “wrong”] terrorist.
well directed but even better acted it did came as a surprise in an era when many other drama shows are outstanding, this show gives them a run for their money.
key episodes: pilot [s01e01], grace [s01e02], the good soldier [s01e06], the weekend [s01e07], representative brody [s01e10], the vest [s01e11].](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0wn1pqVpi1qb7iobo1_500.jpg)
![the K I L L I N G
2011.veena SUD
season one [1]
the best mise-en-scene in television today, the wet SEATTLE makes the creepiest place to murder a teenage girl.
it is yet another show who takes one case per season while exploring the characters involved with the investigation or related to the victim.
it is yet another show that loses momentum episode after episode but the second to last episode showed again how strong it could be but then the season finale ruined everything again.
key episodes: pilot [s01e01], the cage [s01e02], el diablo [s01e03], a soundless echo [s01e04], super 8 [s01e05], beau soleil [s01e11].](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0wnp58ZGd1qb7iobo1_500.jpg)
