American Film Institute (AFI) Names their Top Ten Television Shows of 2013

Apparently the American Film Institute did not laugh much this year.  The perennial Modern Family was left off the list (deservedly), but Veep is the only true comedy on the list, and its a pretty dry comedy. Two network television shows made the list, which is big news, they were The Good Wife and Scandal.  Showtime got a show on the list, but it was not Homeland it was there series having a great first year Masters of Sex.  Netflix made this list in a big way joining the ranks of HBO, AMC, each of these "networks" had two shows on the list Netflix had House of Cards, and Orange is the New Black.

Here is the full list of this year's winners:

AFI TV Programs Of the Year
'The Americans
Breaking Bad
Game of Thrones 
The Good Wife 
House of Cards
Mad Men 
Masters of Sex 
Orange Is the New Black 
Scandal
Veep

Fall 2013 TV Preview: Most Anticipated Returning Shows

I would say that during this time, most people pay attention to the new shows coming out, and while there is an excitement/build up for returning shows its almost never the same.  Part of the reason for this is that networks know people are "coming back" to their favorite show, and now its time to build up the hype for all of these new shows, so commercials at movie theatres and at home are geared more for the new rather than the returning, but what returning shows left people with such massive cliff hangers or cast changes that people are even more pumped for them to come back after a summer drought?

Glee (FOX)

Glee sadly makes the list because of the passing of Cory Monteith, if you ever considered yourself a Gleek, you will probably tune into the tribute episode for the young man who played the love able Finn Hudson.  It's honestly a shame that his character had that story line where he kissed Will, his mentor's fiance, but this episode will not allow a dry eye.

The Good Wife (CBS)

Alicia and Cary having their own firm versus Will and Diane?  Does this mean the end for Alicia and Will?  Josh Charles has only signed on for one more season.    Peter is the governor,  and more Carrie Preston, sign me up. all That  sounds like Must-See Television.

How I Met Your Mother (CBS)

The mother of all reveals happened, we finally met the future Theodore Evelyn Mosby, and I am pumped.  Barney and Robin are getting, still not as pumped about this, but I think this could be a great last season for a little show that became something bigger.

New Girl  (FOX)

Nick and Jess are together, it will be exciting to see where the show takes this romance, and hopefully it will not implode the way some shows lose steam with their popular couples once they get together.  Make them a Monica and Chandler, not a Ross and Rachel. Who will Schmidt pick?

NCIS (CBS)

I do not watch NCIS, but Cote de Pablo who plays Ziva is a fan favorite, and she has decided to leave the show, big mistake.  While this does not affect me I know many fans who will be curious to see how the show handles the characters departure.

Revenge (ABC)

Emily reveals herself to Jack, Victoria's son shows up, Nolan is being held, their is a gunshot to open the show, and Charlotte gets even bitchier bangs than Melissa Fuermo from One Life to Live.  This show ended with all cylinders fired up, but with a new show runner I am nervous.

Scandal (ABC)

There was a massive reveal at the end of last season when Olivia was blind sided reporters, and end up in a car with her father.  Where will the excitement head next with Pope and Associates, Shonda Rhimes is always full of surprise?

Emmy Dream Ballot: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2012-2013)

I feel as though I say this every year (but I don't), the roles for women in television have only gotten better.  If you look at these six women, they represent a wide variety of women, and represent different character distinctions along with having their own journeys.  Some of these women are working mothers, bad ass CIA agents, spies for other governments, or fixers.  

Kerri Washington is the first lead African American actress to be a part of this category in all of the years I have watched dramas (or should be a part of this category.)  Washington's Olivia Pope is one of the few strong lead African American or black actresses to be a major lead on any television series cable, basic or pay.  This is odd considering the way television has grown, but I think this is a great advancement, and should be recognized.   Take note television it's time for more representation, and not just the supporting characters!

Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison in Homeland 

Danes performance was made fun of mercilessly by Ann Hathaway on SNL this past year.  While the dig was funny, I think one thing is true, Danes intensity has created on of the most fantastic characters on the air. Watching Carrie grapple with her suspension, and then get sucked right back into the CIA game.  There is no greater performance than watching her go after Brody, attack him using her more together prowess then interrogate him and use him as an agent of the agency.  The episode Q&A proves just how great Danes is within this role, and beyond the romantic connections, she plays every movement, tick, anxiety ridden instance with ease.

Vera Farmiga as Norma Bates in Bate's Motel

I have to say from the first time I saw previews of this show, and heard they were doing a modern take on Psycho, I was against it from the start.  I watched the show, and caught up on most of it, and while I still am not a fan, Farmiga makes me want to tune in, week after week.  Farmiga's dark motherly ways make this one twisted relationship, and give an interesting context to the Psycho story.  Was it needed, no, but Farmiga gives one of the best performances of the year, making a so-so show even better with her strong performance. While Highmoore is great as Norman, it's Farmiga and Norma who week after week make this show something of a great character study.

Julianna Marguiles as Alicia Florick in The Good Wife 

After four years not many characters stay relevant, or as fresh as when they started, but Alicia is one of those characters who continues to develop.  While Robert and Michelle King have a lot to do with that development, Alicia would be nothing without Marguiles.  Alicia fighting for partner, dealing with her mother, her growing children, her husband's gubernatorial election, betrayal of a new friend, her love for Will, and striking out on her own in a new firm with Carrie.  What a year!  Marguiles has created one of the most dynamic female characters in television history; she is so complex, and does a fantastic job with this role.  Marguiles is a pro, and she is fantastic as Alicia! 

Tatiana Maslany as Sarah Manning (and many more) in Orphan Black

What can I say about this performance, that critics, bloggers have not said.  Maslany plays Sarah Manning and many girls who are said to be clones.  Maslany kicks ass, is a soccer mom, a cop, and many more roles; she is a true chameleon within each of these of these different roles, none of them feel the same, and that's an incredibly hard accomplishment to achieve.  While the show is solid it's Maslany's performance which keeps you hooked; she takes each of these roles with ease, and looks like is having a blast doing this.  I burned through an entire season of this show because I was enthralled by Maslany, and I can't wait to see what she does with this role, when the show returns.

Kerri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings in The Americans

Watching Russell play the other half of the married couple pretending to US citizens while really being Soviet Spies is impressive.  Russell is incredibly stoic, while being vulnerable as she deals with the trials and tribulations of finding the balance in being a mother and spy.  While Rhys has gotten more credit (I agree during the evolution of the show he is better), Russell battling the thought of her rape, and dealing with this as she approaches the man who took advantage of her was one of the most intense scenes.  Russell is dynamic in this role, proving she can stretch her acting muscle to newer levels.

Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope in Scandal

I know I may get shit for this one because of the "soapy" nature of this show, but Washington is a force to be reckoned with, and after a roller coaster year dealing with her married lover's assassination attempt (yea he is the President too), and being forced to admit her own fault in helping rig the election; she is was off the charts great.  Washington is no victim, and even though most of her emotional choices may be driven by her love for Fitz she is one strong woman, and fights back in some of the most realistic ways.  Washington's performance is real, and that's one of the major reasons people tune into this show week after week!

Runner Ups: Elisabeth Moss as Peggy in Mad Men, and Emmy Rossum as Fiona Gallagher in Shameless

ABC puts together a Brand New Tuesday led by Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, and Creates One Solid Schedule

Overall, and I have to say this begrudgingly because ABC axed Happy Endings, but they have the Fall 2013 line-up for so far.  Most of their new programming looks promising, and will do well because of fan favorites.  I still am baffled (pissed off) that ABC kept The Neighbors and let go of Happy Endings.  With that said ABC has kept most of their shows on the same night, smart move.  Moving shows around can be jarring.  This network has done well with their shows where they are.  While Sundays are difficult for Once and Revenge the shows have massive followings, so changing them to change them makes no sense.

One of the most interesting things about this line-up is the way Tuesday is brand new!  ABC has started off wisely with Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, which will probably be one of the highest rated shows of the season.  Putting two comedies on after this, which may not get huge numbers was smart!  Well played ABC.  

The mid-season replacements are the returning comedy Suburgatory and the new comedy Mixology,The dramas are all and they are Killer Women, Mind Games, and Ressurection.

Listed below is the fall schedule, with the new shows in caps, the descriptions of the new shows are listed below the schedule.

MONDAY
8/7c Dancing With the Stars
10 pm Castle

TUESDAY
8 pm MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D
9  pm THE GOLDBERGS
9:30 pm TROPHY WIFE
10 pm LUCKY 7

WEDNESDAY

8 pm The Middle
8:30 pm BACK IN THE GAME
9 pm Modern Family
9:30 SUPER FUN NIGHT
10 pm Nashville

THURSDAY
8 pm ONCE UPON A TIME IN WONDERLAND
9 pm Grey’s Anatomy
10 pm Scandal

FRIDAY
8 pm Last Man Standing
8:30 pm The Neighbors
9 pm Shark Tank
10 pm 20/20

SATURDAY
8 pm Saturday Night College Football

SUNDAY

7 America’s Funniest Home Videos
8 pm Once Upon a Time 

9 pm Revenge
10 pm BETRAYAL

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (Drama)

WHO | Clark Gregg (reprising his Avengers role), Ming-Na (ER), Elizabeth Henstridge (Hollyoaks), Iain De Caestecker (Coronation Street), Brett Dalton (Killing Lincoln), Chloe Bennet (Nashville)

WHAT | The adventures of the agents of a covert, quasi-military peace-keeping organization, S.H.I.E.L.D. (or the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division), which was featured in last summer's Avengers movie.

The Goldbergs (Comedy)

EP | Adam Goldberg
CAST | Wendi McLendon-Covey (Bridesmaids), Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm), George Segal (Don’t Shoot Me), Hayley Orrantia (The X Factor), Sean Giambrone and Troy Gentile (Good Luck Chuck)
This ’80s-set series revolves around an overbearing, hyper-emotional shopaholic with no sense of boundaries and a big mouth. Nonetheless, she’s a very dedicated mom.

Trophy Wife (Comedy)

WHO | Malin Akerman (Suburgatory), Bradley Whitford (The West Wing), Marcia Gay Harden (Damages), Michaela Watkins (Saturday Night Live), Natalie Morales (90210), Ryan Scott Lee (Super 8), Albert Tsai (How I Met Your Mother), Gianna LePera (Modern Family)

WHAT | They say the third time's the charm and reformed party girl Kate (Akerman) is hoping that's true when she becomes Pete's (Whitford) third wife. She fell into his arms (literally) at a karaoke bar and a year later, Kate's got an insta-family complete with three stepchildren and two ex-wives.

Lucky 7 (Drama)
EPs | David Zabel (ER), Jason Richman
CAST | Isiah Whitlock, Jr (The Wire), Matt Long (Private Practice), Stephen Louis Grush (Detroit 1-8-7), Lorraine Bruce (Eden Lake), Anastasia Phillips (Stoked), Summer Bishil (Towelhead), Luis Antonio Ramos (The Ruins), Christine Evangelista (The Joneses)
A show about seven employees of a service station in Queens whose lives are changed in many unexpected ways when they win a lottery jackpot.

Back in the Game (Comedy)

WHO | James Caan (Las Vegas), Ben Koldyke (How I Met Your Mother, Big Love), Maggie Lawson (Psych), Griffin Gluck (Private Practice), Lenora Crichlow (Being Human)

WHAT | When Terry Gannon (Lawson), a recently divorced, single mother, temporarily moves in with her estranged father (Caan), a beer-swilling former baseball player, she reluctantly starts coaching her son's Little League team and is drawn back into the world of sports she vowed to leave behind.

Super Fun Night (Comedy)

EPs | Rebel Wilson, Conan O’Brien, John Riggi
CAST | Wilson (Bridesmaids, Pitch Perfect), Lauren Ash (Lost Girl), Liza Lapira (Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23), Kelen Coleman (The Newsroom)
Three nerdy female friends embark on a quest to have super fun every Friday night in the single-cam project (which was originally developed as a multi-cam comedy last spring at CBS).

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland (Drama)

WHO | Sophie Lowe, Peter Gadiot, Michael Socha (the UK's Being Human), Emma Rigby (Hollyoaks), the voice of John Lithgow (Third Rock from the Sun)

WHAT | In Victorian England, the young and beautiful Alice (Lowe) tells a tale of a strange new land that exists on the other side of a rabbit hole. An invisible cat, a hookah smoking caterpillar and playing cards that talk are just some of the fantastic things she's seen during this impossible adventure. Surely this troubled girl must be insane and her doctors aim to cure her with a treatment that will make her forget everything. Alice seems ready to put it all behind her, especially the painful memory of the genie she fell in love with and lost forever — the handsome and mysterious Cyrus (Gadiot). But deep down Alice knows this world is real and just in the nick of time, the sardonic Knave of Hearts (Socha) and the irrepressible White Rabbit (Lithgow) arrive to save her from a doomed fate. Together, the trio will take a tumble down the rabbit hole to this Wonderland where nothing is impossible.

Betrayal (Drama)
EP | David Zabel (ER)
CAST | Hannah Ware (Boss), Stuart Townsend (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) , James Cromwell (American Horror Story), Henry Thomas (E.T.), Chris Johnson (The Vampire Diaries), Wendy Moniz (Guiding Light), Elizabeth McLaughlin (The Clique), Braeden Lamasters (Men of a Certain Age)
A beautiful but unhappily married female photographer begins a torrid affair with a lawyer for a powerful family. When he turns out to be defending a murder suspect who is being prosecuted by her husband, the relationship and the case begin a spiraling series of betrayals with cataclysmic results for everyone involved.