Tuesdays are Top 10 Tuesdays where I count down some topic of the TV realm. This week it is Top 10 Episodes of 2020!
Close Calls
MRS. AMERICA "Houston"
THIS IS US "Strangers: Part Two"
ZOEY'S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST "Zoey's Extraordinary Dad"
10. THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT "Funeralia" (November 26, 2020, HBO Max)
I binged quickly through The Flight Attendant this last month. This show is best when operating as a dark comedy/thriller and it was in full force in this episode which has Cassie (Kaley Cuoco) crashing the funeral of the man whose murder she is trying to figure out.
Some of these episodes from the beginning of the year feel like they aired five years ago. This episode was a little bit of a standalone as it focused on Fran (Lolly Adefope) attending a traditional Nigerian wedding. The unique customs and the traditional values being at odd with Fran's life was a great exploration of coming out issues told through a different lens.
8. THE CROWN "War" (November 15, 2020, Netflix)
Season four of The Crown was delightful thanks to the emphasis on two separate stories: the ill-fated marriage of Charles and Diana and the reign of Margaret Thatcher. The season finale had some great moments with a final detente between Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth and a throwdown between Charles and Diana. One of those stories will continue into Season Five of course but it was a great way to end the season.
If you have ever had experience with high school or middle school theater (and I have had plenty), this episode is a must watch. There are so many things that ring so true as the two main characters lead the divided between cast and stage crew. But it's also so sweet and endearing. The best episode yet of this underrated show.
6. TED LASSO "The Hope That Kills You" (October 2, 2020, Apple TV+)
It seems like everyone was getting into Ted Lasso over the second half of the year and what better to show to get an escape from the horrors of 2020 than one that is so sunny and so optimistic. The entire first season was great but it culminated in an excellent season finale that had all the elements that made it the feel good show of the year.
The West Wing cast reunited for an impeccably semi-staged performance of the season three episode "Hartsfield's Landing." The cast slipped right back into their roles despite being 14 years older and Sterling K. Brown filled in admirably for the late John Spencer. The simplicity of the staging only helped emphasize the message they were trying to send.
4. SUPERSTORE "Essential" (October 29, 2020, NBC)
I have not been a big fan of all the shows that have tried to incorporate Covid into their stories yet the ones that ignore it also seem weird so I understand the tough spot shows are in. But one show was perfectly suited to address the pandemic and it didn't disappoint. Superstore's season premiere took us back to the early days of the pandemic through the lens of a place that certainly didn't shut down: a big box store. Without ever being heavy handed, the show does what it does best - poke fun at the minute everyday things even in the midst of a pandemic.
Apple TV's anthology series based on true stories of immigrant is a must watch with episodes that were at varying times tear-inducing and heartwarming. The best of the bunch was the story of the "Cowboy" - a Nigerian student (Conphidance) who finds a way to belong in the most unlikely way: with cowboys of Oklahoma. Conphidance gives a stellar performance. If you only have time to watch one episode of this show, watch this one.
2. THE GOOD PLACE "Whenever You're Ready" (January 30, 2020, NBC)
I don't think The Good Place always got things right. It had a very unique premise and a truly jaw-dropping and wonderful twist to end its first season. But there were many times it meandered around too. The final episode, however, was pretty darn near perfect. It had so much to say about life and existence. It gave satisfying endings to all the characters. It was a show that knew the endpoint it wanted and really stuck the landing.
Euphoria's second season is going to take awhile due to filming restrictions so HBO gifted us with two special episodes (the second airing in January). While the show's first season was driven by excess and highly stylized scenes with hoards of people, the special episodes had to have a smaller scope. And instead we got a fascinating hour of Rue (Emmy winner Zendaya) meeting with her sponsor, Ali (Colman Domingo) at a diner on Christmas Eve. Having a sponsor or being a sponsor is something I thankfully have no experience with, but this felt like an extremely honest conversation between two characters who have been through a lot. It was basically a one hour therapy session and yet it was riveting from start to finish. I think it showed that Euphoria can be a totally different show than it was for its already interesting first season.
Tomorrow: A One Season Wonder look at That 80s Show!
Next Tuesday: Top 10 Theme Songs of the 50s & 60s!
Comments
Post a Comment