THE BEST SHOWS


24 (Seasons 1-5) This real-time espionage thriller, each season of which chronicles a single, really lousy day in the life of counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland), presents us with a critical conundrum. Yes, its hair-trigger plot twists often leave gaping holes in logic that you have to ignore to enjoy the show. And, yes, the show's creative team is often obviously vamping for time with inane story arcs that leave even its most ardent fans scratching their heads. But if you can check that disbelief at the door, you'll be rewarded with a thoroughly engrossing and addictive viewing experience. The series' "holy-shit"-cliffhanger-at-the-end-of-every-episode format is perfect for DVD, eliminating that agonizing week's wait for the next thrilling installment. Season 5 is actually the darkest of all I have seen not with Edgar and president Palmer dying. Is Jack Bauer human?- he does not die, look out for season 6 in 2007.


Scrubs It's amazing that a show that constantly employs fantasy sequences and wacky flashbacks can feel so grounded in reality, but somehow, this show about hospital interns does just that. From his anxiety-filled first day on the job to his anxiety-filled second day and so forth, newbie Zach Braff does an exceptional job carrying the show, which isn't even necessary thanks to the incredibly strong ensemble cast. The creative gags and stop-and-go pacing make this show feel different from everything else on the tube.








Arrested Development :This wicked comedy about the dysfunctional but bizarrely endearing bluth family. As it turns out, Arrested Development also happens to be the most consistently surprising and daring purveyor of genuine laughs on TV after friends. It's blessed with a staggeringly talented ensemble cast. Its deft writing and direction brings to mind the once best comedies from hollywood. The one thing it's missing: Viewers. Only you can change that, this is an exceptional comedy.









Smallville (season 1-5): This is an adaptation from the man who taught us that man could fly- superman. It revolves around a young man named clark kent who discovers that he is not from earth and seeks to know the limits of his powers in order to help others from his now destroyed home of krypton and the various relationships that he has with his friends in smallville town. Season 5 is the best not with all the maximum usage of his powers and the special effects that make it so real.



Alias (Seasons 1-4) Capturing thrills similar to 24, Alias' first four seasons are essential for both the late adapters and non-adapters as they capture the complexity of what J.J. Abrams –the producer thought of before he toned down the plotlines in search of better ratings, Abrams lavished in extremely non-linear storytelling and totally unpredictable plotlines. The series begins following his ass-kicking it-girl, Jennifer Garner and her life as a secret agent, a double agent and then a heart-broken agent. Season 2 closes with arguably the best cliffhanger ever, and then Abrahms basically presses the reset button for season three, introducing new storylines and characters who forever changed the dynamics of the ensemble/series.