How The Strain dominated the summer, John Oliver wins big, and the biggest letdown ...

With the premier of Boardwalk Empire and Sons of Anarchy right around the corner it is time to make it a wrap for a very solid stable of summer shows. The summer used to be a desolate wasteland for repeats and shows that were just filling time, but in this Golden Age of Television, the summer has some of the best offerings out there. Unfortunately, they are so early in the Emmy cycle, they often get forgotten by the voters.This summer had the return of some greats (including the long awaited return of Jack Bauer) and saw the debut of many hopefuls in the TV landscape, but only a few have shown to be the cream of the crop. Here is the Summer rundown ...

The Strain, FX – 9.5 – No show has grabbed the summer by the tongue quite like The Strain. It is a simple formula really ... never doubt Guillermo del Toro. FX got this show pushed through quickly as it obviously needed a player other than American Horror Story in the growing horror genre on TV and they ended up with gold mainly because of the strong influence of del Toro and the strong acting of Corey Stoll. The contributions of David Bradley — who has surged to prominence with roles in the Harry Potter films and as being the architect of The Red Wedding – and Richard Sammel cannot be downplayed either. Like any horror show, there are a few inconsistencies that keep the story running, but outside of that, the writing is superb. It pushes the story along at a rapid pace and keeps the viewer hooked. I don't know if it is an Emmy contender — because summer shows and shows with high gore factors often have a tough time — but it is the winner of the summer.

Masters of Sex, Showtime – 8.8 – Into its second season, the true story of Bill Masters' and Virginia Johnson's venture into the world of human sexuality started off the same way the first season did — slow and methodical. But, by the end of episode two, it is nearly impossible to look away. A fantastic show is often nothing more than great chemistry between two actors surrounded by strong writing and supporting characters (i.e. Breaking Bad, Homeland, True Detective, Justified) and MoS has the best duo on television. Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan dominate every scene they are in, yet don't compete with each other when sharing the screen. The show moves at a fast pace and has many more years to cover in these two scientific pioneer's lives ... and it should be fantastic every step of the way.

The Honorable Woman – 8.4 – A little preachy and a little optimistic ... this show has really proved to have the most serious intrigue of any show on television this summer. Add in superb acting and relevance to current events and Sundance has a show much better than its critically acclaimed, but highly overrated Rectify. Maggie Gyllenhaal is absolutely perfect in this show and the exceptional writing keeps the twists believable and agonizing. The show does a pretty decent job of being on "both sides of the fence" and making the viewer think about both sides of every argument that comes up. Many shows start solid and whimper down the stretch. What makes THW work so well is that it keeps getting stronger and more complicated.

24: Live Another Day, Fox – 8.2 – The more and more I think about it, the more and more I loved 24's triumphant return. When the series ended after Season 8, it needed a break. Hell, it needed one after its glorious Emmy-winning Season 5. But this 12 episode run-off was damn near perfect. Sure, I could have went without suffering through Kim Raver's return as the insufferable Audrey Raines ... but at least she got killed off! Simply put, the world is a better place with Kiefer Sutherland running around killing the bad guys as Jack Bauer ... and when the Emmy's roll around next year, expect to see his name in the miniseries category as well as plenty of other Emmy nominations.

Ray Donovan, Showtime – 7.9 – One of the tougher shows to judge on a week-in and week-out basis, there is plenty to dislike about Ray Donovan. But the good far outweighs the bad. The demons with which the title character battles are serious and thought-provoking, making him a very solid antihero. And the supporting cast is superb. Jon Voigt is perfect every single episode and deserves the credit (and the Golden Globe) he has gotten for his performance as Micky Donovan. Hank Azaria has been an odd addition that seems to be working. One thing the show has to work away from is the "villian of the season" complex that in the long-run doomed its predecessor, Dexter.

Hell on Wheels, AMC – 7.6 – Speaking of shows that have hit their stride. Hell on Wheels has really found a niche on Saturday nights and has developed from a watchable period drama in its early seasons to excellent weekly television and must-see for any serious drama lover. Anson Mount as Cullen Bohannon might be one of the best 5 characters on television. He is easy to root for in the battles against all the savagery that comes with the expansion to the West. But the real character that makes this show work is Colm Meaney as Thomas C. Durant. As head of the Union Pacific Railroad his ambition is clear and he will do anything to see it through. But like a gangster, he does not believe in harming the innocent, only competing with those "in the game." All this, and the acting of Christopher Heyerdahl make Hell on Wheels the best show on television right now that gets no awards love.

The Bridge, FX – 7.6 – The Bridge flipped the script from last year. Last season it started with three great episodes and then sputtered down the stretch leaving me with the feeling of, "Why do I care?" This year it started slow and I was about to give up ... and it found its footing. Its footing is simply in the acting. Get as much of Diane Kruger, Ted Levine and Demian Bechir on screen as much as possible. All three carry any scene they are in and Bechir is likely the most underrated actor on the tube. The border provides endless story possibilities, so as long as they keep the characters interesting, this show should be solid for a few more seasons.

The Leftovers, HBO – 7.3 – This by far has been the toughest show for me to judge this summer. It clearly takes itself far too seriously, but its overall premise is original and very thought provoking. Every week I find myself disliking something enough to wonder why I can't turn away, but the simple truth is that I can't turn away. The acting is top notch and the story is really something can make you think for days. If it really figures itself out, it could be a cable heavyweight by the third or fourth season.

Halt and Catch Fire, AMC – 7.1 – I really hope that Halt and Catch Fire did not kill itself off with its pathetically slow start. By midseason this was an unbelievably good show and by the end, it was clearly the best chance that AMC has for a new hit. The music on this show is so fantastic it is worth watching for it alone, but what really carries this 80's drama is the fantastic performance given in every episode by Lee Pace. One of the most underrated actors in the world, he owns this show, and hopefully will get at least another season to hook more viewers.

Tyrant, FX – 6.3 – Wow, what a swing and a miss, but I like the swing. FX might not bring this back next year and it would not be a huge loss. BUT ... there is so much that is on the cusp of being good here I would like to see it get a chance. The acting is average, but not cringe worthy and the idea is relevant, but the storyline is a little convoluted and has their ever been a more detestable character on television than the Los Angeles wife typecast on this show? AMC is known for giving subpar shows with promise a chance to figure themselves out but FX has been quick to cancel some very good shows (Terriers, Lights Out). I don't know if Tyrant will get a chance to right the ship.

Biggest Disappointment
Extant, CBS – Wow. Seriously, how can a show with Halle Berry and the production provided by Steven Spielberg be such a complete disaster?Virtually guaranteed to not be coming back, it is a mercy killing at this point. Far too much ambition, far too many things going on and way too weak of a script. Network television execs are starting to whine about the love cable and Internet television is getting, but as long as they keep churning out trash like this that costs a fortune, they will not be able to get into the mix with the cable heavyweights.

Best Non-Drama Series
Last Week Tonight – 10.0 – John Oliver wins the summer. Last Week Tonight has been perfect every single week. I focus mostly on scripted dramas, but this show has tackled so many issues with the perfect tone it has to be mentioned. When Oliver filled in for Jon Stewart on The Daily Show it was clear he had the chops, but I don't think anybody could have predicted this level of perfection. His humor and genuine passion for every subject shines through and leads to one simple fact. Comedy, Reality, Scripted, Drama — Last Week Tonight is the BEST SHOW ON TELEVISION right now.

Best Reality TV moment 
The Real Housewives of New York – Just needs to be mentioned ... some lady threw her fake leg on a table to make a point. Yeah ... her fake leg.

True Detective vs. Breaking Bad: The Primetime Emmy Predictions Spectacular

Well, here we are, just three days away from the Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony and it is time to get the official predictions in on all the big awards.

We can gain a little insight from the Creative Arts Ceremony that took place. From that ceremony we can see there is plenty of love for True Detective and a surprising amount of love for Masters of Sex (deservedly so). We can also see that Orange is the New Black is a very strong contender to dethrone Modern Family and any other comedy hopefuls.

BUT ... the center of everything at this year's Emmy Awards is the spiraling Abyss of True Detective vs. the Heisenberg finale of Breaking Bad. The two shows are battling head to head in a number of huge categories, including Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Drama ... without further ado, here are my predictions for all the Drama categories and the top Comedy.

Most Outstanding Comedy
Nominees: The Big Bang Theory; Orange is the New Black; Modern Family; Veep; Silicon Valley; Louie
Should win: Orange is the New Black
Will win: Orange is the New Black

The hotshot freshman takes down the longstanding top comedy.

Most Outstanding Television Movie
Nominees: The Normal Heart; Sherlock: His Last Vow; Killing Kennedy; The Trip to Bountiful; Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight
Should win: Sherlock: His Last Vow
Will win: The Normal Heart

Sherlock was nearly perfect, but it won't be enough to take down the heavily favored HBO production The Normal Heart.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Nominees: Allison Tolman, Fargo; Julia Roberts, The Normal Heart; Frances Conroy, American Horror Story: Coven; Angela Bassett, American Horror Story: Coven; Kathy Bates, American Horror Story: Coven; Ellen Burstyn, Flowers in the Attic
Should win: Allison Tolman
Will win: Julia Roberts

The voters will not be able to avoid the Hollywood pit and will leave a very deserving Tolman empty handed.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie

Nominees: Matt Bomer, The Normal Heart; Alfred Molina, The Normal Heart; Jim Parsons, The Normal Heart; Joe Mantello, The Normal Heart; Colin Hanks, Fargo; Martin Freeman, Sherlock: His Last Vow

Should win: Martin Freeman

Will win: Matt Bomer

Outstanding Actress in a Miniseries or Movie

Nominees: Jessica Lange, American Horror Story: Coven; Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story: Coven; Cicely Tyson, The Trip to Bountiful; Kristen Wiig, The Spoils of Babylon; Minnie Driver, Return to Zero; Helena Bonham Carter, Burton & Taylor

Should win: Jessica Lange

Will win: Cicely Tyson

Lange is the best actress on television, by far, but the voters seem intent on erroneously recognizing Lifetime as a legit cable network.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie

Nominees: Billy Bob Thornton, Fargo; Martin Freeman, Fargo; Mark Ruffalo, The Normal Heart; Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock: His Last Vow; Idris Elba, Luther; Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dancing on the Edge

Should win: Martin Freeman

Will win: Billy Bob Thornton

Thornton is certainly deserving, but Freeman as Lester Nygaard was the best single character on television this year.

Outstanding Miniseries

Nominees: Fargo; American Horror Story: Coven; Luther; Treme; The White Queen; Bonnie & Clyde

Should win: Fargo

Will win: Fargo

Fargo was simply too good. Horror Story had another very successful season, but the will be topped by the FX sibling. 

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama

Nominees: Josh Charles, The Good Wife; Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones; Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad; Jim Carter, Downton Abbey; Jon Voight, Ray Donovan; Mandy Patinkin, Homeland

Should win: Peter Dinklage

Will win: Aaron Paul

Dinklage's dialogue at the end of Tyrion's trial should win him this award, but it likely won't. Paul and Pinkman will continue driving off into the sunset with the actor's third Emmy award.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama
Nominees: Christine Baranski, The Good Wife; Joanne Froggatt, Downton Abbey; Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad; Leana Headey, Game of Thrones; Christina Hendricks, Mad Men; Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey
Should win: Anna Gunn
Will win: Anna Gunn

This should be another win for Breaking Bad. It will be Gunn's second Emmy for the role, but her first that was deserved.

Outstanding Actress in a Drama
Nominees: Claire Danes, Homeland; Juliana Margulies, The Good Wife; Robin Wright, House of Cards; Lizzy Caplan, Masters of Sex; Michelle Dockery, Downton Abbey; Kerry Washington, Scandal
Should win: Lizzy Caplan
Will win: Juliana Margulies

This is the most difficult category on the show. Danes carried a very subpar season of Homeland all by herself and kept it very watchable. Margulies performed fantastically as she always does. Wright was the early favorite and was central to keeping House of Cards from going off the rails. In the end though, Lizzy Caplan was just perfect in a difficult role. She should be staggered with a win on Monday, but Margulies will be taking the gold for a third time in her illustrious career.

Outstanding Actor in a Drama
Nominees: Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad; Matthew McConaughey, True Detective; Woody Harrelson, True Detective; Jon Hamm, Made Man; Kevin Spacey, House of Cards; Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom
Should win: Bryan Cranston
Will win: Matthew McConaughey

Wow. Just wow. It is a coin flip. There is no real wrong answer. And as I write this I find myself changing my mind over and over again on who SHOULD win. In the end though, I think McConaughey grabs his second EGOT trophy this year by adding the Emmy to his Academy Award win for Dallas Buyers Club.

Outstanding Drama
Nominees: Breaking Bad, Mad Men, True Detective, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Downton Abbey
Should win: Breaking Bad
Will win: Breaking Bad

This is not quite as close as the actor vote. I think that this one has shifted slowly to Breaking Bad over the last couple of months. It was a nearly perfect final eight episodes. As good as True Detective was, I think Breaking Bad gets the send off as one of the greatest dramas to ever come into our living rooms.

My 2014 Emmy Predictions

All right ... the big day is here ... Emmy nominations will be announced Thursday morning.

Here are my official SHOULD BE and WILL BE Drama predictions for the 2014 Emmys!

Lets Start with the Movies and Miniseries

Outstanding TV Movie
Should be — The Normal Heart; Sherlock: His Last Vow; Return to Zero; Clear History; The Trip to Bountiful
Will be — The Normal Heart; Sherlock: His Last Vow; Return to Zero; The Trip to Bountiful; Killing Kennedy

Outstanding TV Miniseries
Should be — Fargo; American Horror Story: Coven; The White Queen; Treme; The Hollow Crown; Dancing on the Edge
Will be — Fargo; American Horror Story: Coven; The White Queen; Dancing on the Edge; Luther, Treme

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries
Should be — Matt Bomer (The Normal Heart); Colin Hanks (Fargo); Martin Freeman (Sherlock); Alfred Molina (Return to Zero); Jim Parsons (The Normal Heart); John Goodman (Dancing on the Edge)
Will be — Bomer, Hanks, Freeman, Parsons, Goodman, Frank Langella (Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Movie/Miniseries
Should be — Kathy Bates (American Horror Story); Angela Bassett (American Horror Story); Julia Roberts (The Normal Heart); Allison Tolman (Fargo); Kathy Baker (Return to Zero); Jacqueline Bisset (Dancing on the Edge)
Will be — Bates, Bassett, Roberts, Tolman, Bisset, Ellen Burstyn (Flowers in the Attic)

Outstanding Actor in a Movie/Miniseries
Should be AND Will be — Billy Bob Thornton (Fargo); Martin Freeman (Fargo); Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock); Mark Ruffalo (The Normal Heart); Chiwetel Ejiofor (Dancing on the Edge); Idris Elba (Luther)

Oustanding Actress in a Movie/Miniseries
Should be — Jessica Lange (American Horror Story); Minnie Driver (Return to Zero); Cicely Tyson (The Trip to the Bountiful); Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story); Rebecca Ferguson (The White Queen); Helena Bonham Carter (Burton and Taylor)

Will be — Lange, Driver, Tyson, Ferguson, Bonham Carter, Whoopi Goldberg (A Day Late and a Dollar Short)



On to the Drama category ...
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama
Should be — Beau Bridges (Masters of Sex); Robert Morse (Mad Men); Nathan Lane (The Good Wife); Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones); Paul Giamatti (Downton Abbey); Harry Hamlin (Mad Men)
Will be — Morse, Bridges, Lane, Giamatti, Hamlin, Joe Morton (Scandal)

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama
Should be — Allison Janney (Masters of Sex); Lisa Kudrow (Scandal); Diana Rigg (Game of Thrones); Margo Martindale (The Americans); Carrie Preston (The Good Wife); Patricia Arquette (Boardwalk Empire)
Will be — Janney, Kudrow, Rigg, Preston, Jane Fonda (The Newsroom), Julianne Nicholson (Masters of Sex)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama
Should be — Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones); Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad); Peter Saarsgard (The Killing); Josh Charles (The Good Wife); Walton Goggins (Justified); Noah Emmerich (The Americans)
Will be — Dinklage, Paul, Charles, Dean Norris (Breaking Bad), Jon Voigt (Ray Donovan), Mandy Patinkin (Homeland)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama
Should be — Christine Baranski (The Good Wife); Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey); Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey); Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad); Christina Hendricks (Mad Men); Betsy Brandt (Breaking Bad)
Will be — Baranski, Smith, Gunn, Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Michelle Monaghan (True Detective), Bellamy Young (Scandal)

Outstanding Actor in a Drama
Should be — Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad); Jon Hamm (Mad Men); Matthew McConaughey (True Detective); Woody Harrelson (True Detective); Michael Sheen (Masters of Sex); Damian Lewis (Homeland)
Will be — Cranston, McConaughey, Harrelson, Hamm, Kevin Spacey (House of Cards), James Spader (The Blacklist)

Outstanding Actress in a Drama
Should be — Claire Danes (Homeland); Juliana Margulies (The Good Wife); Robin Wright (House of Cards); Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black); Lizzy Caplan (Masters of Sex); Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men)
Will be — Margulies, Wright, Maslany, Moss, Danes, Kerry Washington (Scandal)

Outstanding Drama Series
Should be — Breaking Bad, True Detective, Mad Men, Game of Thrones, The Americans, Masters of Sex
Will be — Breaking Bad, True Detective, Mad Men, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, The Good Wife

There you have it ... my bold and not so bold predictions. Enjoy Emmy Nomination Thursday everyone!

Television's Top 10 Dramas for 2013-2014

All right ... it is FINALLY here. EMMY WEEK! Total excitement in the air as this was one of the best single season's in television history. The debut of such strong single-season serials "Fargo" and "True Detective" have helped create a wonderful Emmy season full of buzz.

I already posted my 20th-11th shows for the the 2013-2014 season right here: http://iwify.blogspot.com/2014/06/televisions-top-20-dramas-for-2013-2014.html

Tomorrow I will roll out my full Emmy nomination predictions AND reveal what I think they SHOULD be. And Thursday morning we will have the big Emmy Nomination rollout!

The top 10 was very difficult. It fell into 4 tiers for me. The top 4 is agonizingly close and I could make a strong argument for each one as the best show on television this season. 

So ... here are my Top 10 Dramatic Serials from 2013-2014, including episodic shows from the miniseries and movie category.

10. The Walking Dead, Season 4 (AMC) — After a slow, boring second season, The Walking Dead hit its stride in Season 3 and then really stepped it up in Season 4. The show has too many "Huh?" moments for it ever to compete with the Top 5 or 6 on this list, but it might be the most watchable show on television. Losing its best actor to another AMC startup (David Morrissey who played the Governor) is going to hurt, but the intrigue of Terminus and the ridiculously high death count make it a must watch week-in and week-out. I can't wait for Season 5.
9. Justified, Season 5 (FX) — FX continues to churn out gold. With three shows in the 11-20 range, Justified is the first, but not the last, in the top 10. Timothy Olyphant as Raylan Givens and Walton Goggins as Boyd Crowder is the best acting duo on television and when they get in scenes together it is always perfect television. The story was not as strong as it has been in a couple of seasons past, but the setup for the final season was great and has me sitting on the edge of my seat. With only one season to go, we are sure to get plenty of Givens vs. Crowder. 
8. The Good Wife, Season 5 (CBS) — The Good Wife continues to be the class of network television and is the ONLY network show to make my Top 20 for the season. While it has a few dull and slow moments due to a network schedule of 22 episodes, the writing and acting keep it as a must see. For anyone who tries to watch all the great television that is on, it is hard to say that any other show delivered a bigger shock moment this season that The Good Wife. When the sheet is pulled back and Will Gardner is dead it changed the show suddenly, violently and shockingly. The problem is the show was just writing out an actor who wanted off in Josh Charles. They need to work hard to make it pay off and pitting Alicia (Julianna Margulies) against Cary (Matt Czuchry) in their battle for the direction they want to take their law firm is a good place to start. Still the best acting ensemble on television.
7. Masters of Sex, Season 1 (Showtime) — Wow. What a good show this became by the end of Season 1. Masters of Sex has an easy premise to hook viewers, but once hooked it is easy to realize that it is some of the best intrigue on television. Almost every character is easy to relate to in some way and the acting is superb, including the magnificent guest appearances by Allison Janney and Beau Bridges. But the real top notch here is Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan as Dr. Masters and Virginia Johnson. The two really do have a chemistry that never seems forced and is always gripping. The show might have some Emmy snubs because it airs in the summer, so far ahead of voting, but it should be in the running in multiple categories.
6. The Americans, Season 2 (FX) — This show has the potential to be the best on television by Season 3 or Season 4. Season 1 was good, but Season 2 ... just wow. It seems the showrunner and writers have realized that they have endless angles they can explore and at the heart of it all, the Jennings' love for each other and their "fake" marriage will always be able to carry the show. Noah Emmerich as Stan Beeman continues to be one of the best characters on television as we see his personal life keep him from seeing so much happening right before his eyes. And Annet Mahendru as Nina has really taken the show to new heights. But all that aside, the chemistry between Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys carries the show and could carry it to a number of Emmy nominations this year.
5. Game of Thrones, Season 4 (HBO) — Somehow, the slow pace of this show — the plodding of Daenerys and the White Walkers — the randomness of many events does not make it any less perfect. This show gets considerably better with age and we all will keep coming back for more, even as character after character is killed. The Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) storyline is the most underrated piece of excellent work on the small screen right now and a Kings Landing without Tywin Lannister surely has everyone salivating to see the circus in Season 5. But all that aside, the show-stealer on Game of Thrones continues to be Tyrion Lannister ... played so excellently by Peter Dinklage. His performance is going to have to fight for the Emmy it deserves, and he might not get it. But his regularly delivery and the emotion he is able to garner in each and every viewer is magnificent only a weekly basis.
4. Fargo, Season 1 (FX) — There were times when I thought this was the best show on television. The acting ensemble was pretty much untouchable, even by the great duo at the top of True Detective. Martin Freeman is simply laughably good at everything he does. Billy Bob Thornton is an Emmy lock. And Allison Tolman was still able to steal the show nearly every week. Without having the Coen Brothers directly involved, it seemed that almost every nook and cranny had their fingerprints all over it. Every single storyline came together perfectly and the show left us very happily fulfilled, but still wanting more. I feel guilty putting it as low as No. 4 on a list because it was just too good. But it will walk out with the Best Miniseries Emmy without much competition.
3. Mad Men, Season 7 Part I (AMC) — I fully admit that I have a huge thing for Mad Men. I think it might just be the best drama ever on television, so sometimes I might be blind to plotholes and other issues with the show. But the fact is this, right when I think they have something not going right, they will wrap it in a perfect bow. Mad Men does not compete on a season by season basis. It will plant stuff in Season 2 that it does not resolve or handle until Season 5. There has NEVER been a show as good at that as this (not even The Wire.) The first half of Season 7 was as almost as perfect as television gets and means that the second half will come hard looking for that Best Drama Emmy for a record fifth time. I can't see it pulling an upset on True Detective or Breaking Bad for the Emmy this year, but it just might be worthy.
2. True Detective, Season 1 (HBO) — Back when Breaking Bad wrapped in September, I declared that the Emmy's were over. Best Actor and Best Drama were locks for Breaking Bad ... then along came True Detective. While the ending seems to have left many people wanting a little more, the getting there was a fantastic season of twists and turns in the psyche of two great characters played by great actors. Matthew McConaughey could still pull off the Oscar/Emmy double this year, even though the show was unexpectedly entered in the Drama category to go head-to-head with Breaking Bad. It was not McConaughey, however, that made this show tick, that was the unbelievable performance of Woody Harrelson. The give and take between McConaughey's Rust Cohle and Harrelson's Marty Hart made the show perfect no matter how many times the script bounced from the past to the present. There were very few flaws in the show aside from a little bit of predictability and the overall ability to grab the viewers visceral emotions nearly every episode made it impossible to turn away from. The hush-hush on Season 2 (a completely new story set somewhere else) has only added to the allure as the Emmy voters filled out their ballots.
1. Breaking Bad, Season Five Part II (AMC) — It was a tough season to pull it off. Mad Men, True Detective, Fargo and others all produced some fantastic stories, but Breaking Bad pulled off a magnificent and satisfying final season that sends it off as the best show on television and one of the best Dramas to ever air. Vince Gilligan made it a little predictable at times, but all-in-all delivered a final season that very few viewers could complain about (paying attention Dexter?). Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul continued to push the envelope and have completely rewritten what viewers expect from actors on televisions top dramas. The death of Hank (Dean Norris) will likely earn Norris a deserved Supporting Actor nod and was probably the most emotional and memorable moment on television this year. And as the world caved in around Skylar, Anna Gunn sold every moment of devastation with fantastic acting. It might have wrapped up in a little too nice a bow, but overall, we could not have asked for a much better final season to one of the all-time greats.

Final Top 20 Tallies — Premium Cable - 7 (Counting Netflix), Basic Cable - 10, Network (counting BBC) - 3. Networks — FX (6), AMC (4), HBO (3), Showtime (3), BBC (2), Netflix (1), CBS (1)

Televisions Top 20 Dramas for 2013-2014 (No. 20 through No. 10)

Well here we go ... the top 20 Dramas on television for the 2013-2014 Emmy cycle. I have AGONIZED over this list. There are so many good things on television right now and my decision to include the Miniseries American Horror Story, Fargo and Sherlock (which is inexplicably in the movie category) made it an even tougher list to crack. I enjoyed all 20 of these shows quite a bit this season ... and definitely enjoyed a few that just miss the list. Let's start with the honorable mentions.

2013-2014 Honorable Mention
Penny Dreadful (Showtime), Person of Interest (CBS), Hannibal (NBC), Grimm (NBC), Dexter (Showtime) — This list of shows is very strong, but all of them had a glaring thing or two missing. Dexter is the toughest one because there were times during its eight-season run that it was one of the five best shows on television. I enjoyed the final season, but it seemed to just be dragging toward its fate. Penny Dreadful and Hannibal both suffer from too much ambition. In the post American Horror Story world, horror stories are becoming more and more common. These two could definitely be very good in the future.

On to the top 20 ...
20. Hell on Wheels, Season 3 (AMC) — Hell on Wheels got relegated to Saturday nights by AMC and I thought it was a certain death blow to what has been a good show. Instead, it got great ratings and became a future Saturday night staple. There is plenty to dislike about this show, but the quality of Anson Mount in the lead role carries it to must-not-miss territory. He is such a strong actor and really carries the anti-hero burden well. Common continues to be a pleasant surprise every season as well.
19. The Bridge, Season 1 (FX) — FX simply does not put bad stuff on television. This show had a fantastic first four or five episodes before losing exactly where it was going. Despite an all-over-the-place plot and a few, "Why do I care about this?" moments, the show was carried by exceptional acting from Diane Kruger, Demian Bechir and Ted Levine. Supporting roles were also cast very expertly. While there was plenty of unfulfilled promise in Season 1, I find myself very much looking forward to the Season 2 premiere.
18. Boardwalk Empire, Season 4 (HBO) — Wow, how the mighty have fallen. While Season 1 and 2 of this wonderful period show were epic, the death of Jimmy Darmody at the end of Season 2 has left the show desperately trying to find its way for two seasons. Steve Buscemi is so good on this show, and it is a shame that he will end it without an Emmy, but unless the writers figure things out quickly, the upcoming final season could be a dud. I think the storyline pitting Jeffrey Wright against Michael K. Williams was entertaining, but stole far too much of the writer's attention throughout this past season. I am very curious to see where Nucky goes from here as he has very few friends left.
17. Sons of Anarchy, Season 6 (FX) — After a couple of fantastic seasons, Season 6 simply felt forced and lackluster to me. Still can't miss television. Still pretty good storytelling, but making the show nearly 60 minutes every week instead of the standard 42 made it often feel tedious. Obviously there is a very explosive final season coming up, and the death of Jax Teller's wife at the hands of his own mother is what the entire season was about. It is still a great show, but Jax vs. Clay is gone and now Mom vs. Daughter-in-law is gone. I am fascinated to see where Kurt Sutter takes us on one last ride.
16. Homeland, Season 3 (Showtime) — Was there any bigger letdown on television this year? No. Is it still truly an excellent show? Absolutely. Damian Lewis will likely not get any Emmy love this year, but he certainly should. He continued to act the hell out of Nicholas Brody right up until his demise. No matter how ridiculous the story was, Damian Lewis and Claire Danes somehow made it believable, right up to Brody dangling from a crane in the Middle East. While the overall story was completely implausible, the one-on-one interactions on this show continue to make it one of the best on television.
15. Sherlock: His Last Vow (BBC) — With two of the hottest actors on the planet carrying this show could it be anything other than fantastic? This show is entering the "Movie" category at the Emmy's and will surely lose to The Normal Heart, but it was a fantastic three parts of storytelling. Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch are going to make us wait until 2016 for the next installment, but they certainly make us realize that we want nothing to do with Robert Downey Jr. movies that aren't up to snuff.
14. Downtown Abbey, Season 4 (BBC) — A show that has tumbled down these rankings, but not because it lacks quality. While the acting was superb, I was a little disappointed in the show going to the "rape card" to provide a storyline. They could have taken it a better way if you ever felt that Bates was actually in trouble, but they did not play it out well and it seemed like shock television for a show that had prided itself on pace and LACK of shock. The rest of the story is still moving along at the right pace. I think we are all curious to see what the future holds for this estate.
13. American Horror Story: Coven (FX) — There is not a single show own television as self-aware as AMH. It regularly lays its cards on the table. It is not afraid of being scary, funny, tense and flat-out campy. And because of this it is regularly great. It scooped Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett into the fold this past season and they were perfect. Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson continue to be the best actress duo on television. AMH has been such a huge success that miniseries and anthologies are popping up across television and making for some great stories. Without it we would not have Fargo or True Detective and there are more coming. Very few shows are actual game changers and American Horror Story is one of them.
12. Ray Donovan (Showtime) — If you blinked you missed that Showtime's staples Dexter and Homeland were not the best dramas on the network anymore. Two freshman dramas have taken over, and Ray Donovan is one of them. Not getting nearly enough buzz because of its early run in the Emmy cycle, but Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight should both get serious consideration for a Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor nomination. You could tell the showrunners had a plan for if it was only one season and then scrapped it when it was clear they would get a second season. It will be very interesting to see how good that second season is this summer.
11. House of Cards, Season 2 (Netflix) — Ah ... binge watching television at its finest. Makes it tough to remember that Kate Mara was only in one episode because you watched it and Episode 13 all in the same day. There is little argument that the acting of Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright is superb and what carries this show. The overly negative view of D.C. is a little tedious at times, but certainly makes for plenty of fun. Frank Underwood is the ultimate bad guy ... and his ascension to the throne was masterfully done, even if it was highly predictable. It is going to be interesting to see if the writers finally write him a worthy opponent in Season 3.