My Top Ten For 2018, Part 2
The Top 5
5. The Assassination of Gianni Versace (FX)
Let’s clear this up outright — the second edition of American Crime Story wasn’t anywhere as good as the first. But it’s hard to argue that’s it wasn’t as relevant as The People V. O.J. Simpson, and in its own way, it was more successful. By airing in reverse order, we saw the construction of Andrew Cunanan (an incredible Darren Criss) as a serial killer and the web of lies that he constructed, bit by bit. This edition also did a far superior job at showing who the true victims of the crimes were (something the previous edition failed at), and just how living in the world of lies surrounding homosexuality in the ’90s — not nearly removed enough from the today — could allow a monster like Cunanan to thrive. All of the performances, from Edgar Ramirez to Judith Light were all flawless, showing that in a bizarre way Versace and Cunanan were not different at their core — Cunanan just never had the resources. It’s horrifying to think that we live in a world where indifference allowed Cunanan to get as far as he did — and the sad part is, we haven’t come as far as we’d like to think.
4. The Good Fight (CBS All Access)
In just its sophomore season, this series set in the same universe as the incredible The Good Wife, has already demonstrated that it is already playing at its origin series high level. Watching Diane (Christine Baranski, why do the Emmys ignore thee?) begin a slow-motion process of spiraling out in relation to the insanity that surrounds much of the modern day world was both sad and hysterical. Freed from the central plot that took up a little too much of last season, the supporting characters (particularly Sarah Steele and Cush Jumbo) have begun to shine in ways that were even more daring last season, and the series continues to introduce more memorable recurring characters into its universe. (An entire article could be written on the in-jokes this show keeps slipping in — including the Schoolhouse Rock segment on impeachment we never knew we needed). About the only real question that needs answering is — why are the Emmy voters ignoring this series? It’s got the swear-words and sex and its on streaming, which seemed to be the only reason The Good Wife was ignored season after season. This series is going to be here awhile. Don’t ignore it just cause its not on Netflix.
3. This is Us (NBC)
We learned how Jack died. We learned that his baby brother didn’t. In between was some of the greatest television that any show has done in awhile. Just when we thought all our questions were answered about the Pearsons, we got to see Jack’s story in Vietnam, and how much of his life was affected by the loss of his brother. We also got to see the first flash-forwards of the Pearsons final chapters (please don’t let it come to it soon) , Kate’s wedding, her struggle for a child, Kevin’s trying to build a relationship, and Randall’s struggles with his father’s legacy — which may be causing damage to the one relationship in this series we thought could not break. Milo Ventimiglia continues to astonish, and the rest of the cast remains at a supreme level. Yes, this series has a great gift at making us weep. But it wouldn’t be so good if we didn’t care so much. This is one of the most joyous experiences I’ve seen on TV in awhile
2. Atlanta (FX)
The world had to wait more than a year to see the further adventures of Donald Glover’s incredible series. We definitely got our money’s worth. If anything, Glover went into even more radical directions than he tried in the ultra-ambitious first season. We saw Paperboi take a journey into the woods on the run, we saw Earn breakup with his girlfriend, and his girlfriend so on a surreal journey involving Instagram. We saw the sage of a $100 bill, and we saw just how deadly trying to have a fake shirt could be when you were in middle school. And that’s all without having to deal with the incredible journey of ‘Teddy Perkins’, one of the most incredible episodes of television of the year. Atlanta is a brilliant story on race, class and growing up poor in America disguised as a comedy. It is one of the most incredible accomplishment television has ever aired, and every episode makes you wonder: how can Donald Glover and company top this? Season 2 was subtitled Robbin’ Season but the biggest robbery was that the cast and crew didn’t get nearly enough Emmy love. (I liked Marvelous Mrs. Maisel too, but still?) I don’t know how long we’ll have to wait for Season 3, but it will be worth it.
1. The Americans (FX)
All year long, I wondered how The Americans would end. It didn’t end with a bang or a whimper, but that didn’t make it any less perfect. The Jennings’ spent most of the seasons working against each other. Philip learned he was a failure as a travel agent. Elizabeth finally began to buckle under the pressure. Stan finally began to realize who his neighbor were. When the revelation finally came as to who the Jennings were, it led to a finale that was one of the greatest episodes not only of this year, but of all time. The final confrontation between Stan, Philip, Elizabeth and Paige was one of the greatest scenes I’ve ever seen as everything was laid bare. No guns were fired, no blood was shed, but it was as powerful a scene then any you’ll see anywhere — and had a conclusion that no one saw coming. The Jennings got away, but their children stayed behind. Stan can probably never trust his wife. And the Cold War ended — but we all know how that turned out. There were no winners in the end — except for the viewers. This is one of the greatest show in television history, deserving to be mentioned in the same breath as Breaking Bad and The Wire. The Emmys were even willing to give it some much deserved trophies, and I expect there will be more in the next month. Bravo, FX. Dos vadanya.