Instead of a pre-set group of best and worst categories, I've just decided to let you come up with your own choices.

I don't know if I care enough about a lot of primetime now to put "worst."

Anyway:

Best exits:

- Lori Grimes on The Walking Dead. A very unpopular and poorly written character, Lori's shock death (not only to the viewer fan base, but also those who read the comics) was done in a way which didn't shame her or give her one last kick in the teeth, but instead gave her incredible strength and dignity. You felt like you were there as she made an unimaginable choice. Nothing about this felt "TV". There was no manipulative montage, no overbearing music, no arty director trying to find an Emmy. Her last words to her son, his anguished "You're killing her!" to Maggie, and the poetic brutality of her last moment were some of the most affecting TV in many years.

- Amy Pond on Doctor Who. You idolize the Doctor from the time you're a little girl, when you know him as the Raggedy Man. He leaves and returns, with years between visits. You change his life and he changes yours. Throughout, you fall in love with and marry Rory, your lifelong best friend. You save each other's lives over and over again as he travels the stars for you, with you. He's always there, even when you tell yourself he should leave for his own sake. You do your best to find and have a "normal" life, a house, a job, friends, family, with Rory by your side for the average days, along with the battles in space and time with the Doctor. Deep down, you know you truly don't have to choose. Until one day, you do. And the choice is painful, but simple, never to be regretted.

One of the biggest cliches of modern Doctor Who is that most of the companions will travel with the Doctor forever and ever unless she is literally ripped out of his arms. Rory was the one ripped out of Amy's arms, sent back to a past she could only hope to find if she followed him immediately. The Doctor begged her to stay with him, knowing that due to the random rules of time travel on this show, he would never be able to see her again. Amy was heartbroken, but her choice was clear:

"Raggedy Man...goodbye."

Then she vanished.

Aside from background music that was too loud, this was an incredible scene, superbly acted, and one of the most emotionally potent moments on this show in a long time.

Best reality TV moment:

This summer's Big Brother was probably one of the most confusing ever, as people struggled to keep alliances for a week, let alone a season. On BB, confusing is good, it's addictive. There were a wide variety of emotional breakdowns, because no reality show does emotional breakdowns like Big Brother. On BB, emotional breakdowns are addictive, especially when you get payoff. This was payoff.

One of my favorite BB players is Dan Gheesling, who is kind of fun, kind of weird, kind of a douchebag, yells too much in the Diary Room, is a little too fond of himself, but tries to be very nice to everyone - really, he does try. In the middle of all this he is also more capable of unleashing brutal psychological warfare than just about anyone I've ever seen on this show. As a former winner, returning for a "coach" role with some new players, he probably didn't have much chance of winning, and the betrayals he made to get to the last weeks of the game all but guaranteed this. Whether he could admit it to himself or not, he was basically going to the end as a goat.

So who was he goating for? The idea was that he would go to the end with his "student", Danielle, a complete trainwreck masquerading as a sweet Southern belle. She casually betrayed pretty much everyone, and invented insane stories about people in the house, along with bizarre tales about her personal life. She was more than happy to betray Dan, all while insisting she'd never do that, that she just loved him to death, they'd be great friends for life, et al. Her house boyfriend Shane was pretty much the same way, a simpleton who somewhat reluctantly submitted to her charms because he was setting himself up for a situation where he, she, and Dan would go to the final 3, and Dan (who was poor at many of the competitions) would likely go out first, leaving Shane, Mr. Nice Guy, to easily beat Danielle. Danielle was - although she insisted otherwise - probably going to just throw all competitions, knowing she'd be safe.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with the idea of her betraying Dan, as that's what the game's about, after all. And there wasn't anything wrong with the alliance dumping Ian, the other member of their alliance, in fourth place. What made this a little distasteful was that Danielle and Shane had an irrational and at times incredibly offputting hatred for Ian, including such nuggets as Shane being outraged that Ian was going to use some of his money, if he won, to help his parents.

So, here's what happened:

Dan knew, but kept quiet about, the strong likelihood that Shane and Danielle were going to the end together.

Dan knew that Ian would definitely take him to the final 2.

Danielle won HOH *and* veto. She was thrilled. "Her boys" were safe. Ian was going.

Dan coaxed Danielle into letting him use the veto, and make the final choice between Shane and Ian. He told her this would make her look better to the jury,

Danielle agreed, with Shane only briefly wary of the idea of being nominated in Dan's place. Hey, this will make Dan look bad for evicting Ian, and get them more jury votes, right?

Wrong.

This show is often scripted to the teeth and the best moments are those which no one ever sees coming. You'd probably have to watch more of the season to really be invested in this but I just loved this so very much.

Honorable mention goes to his "funeral", which he conducted around midseason, when he was definitely leaving, when the people who had power hated him, and when he was able to use this as a smokescreen to get results (everyone was busy comforting Danielle while he convinced the HOH to work with him and put his biggest game threat up in his place).

Is this a way to win? Probably not. Is it a way to keep this show insanely entertaining all the way up to the very last days? Yes.

Biggest surprise

Lucy Liu on Elementary. I'm not a huge fan of Lucy, but I felt sorry for her after some of the nasty, racist, sexist backlash following the announcement that she'd be playing Watson. Over the years the idea of Watson and Holmes has moved from a complex detective and his strong but frustrated backbone of a friend to more of a slash fantasy, cute guys staring into each other's eyes.

While Elementary itself seems a little too much like all the other CBS procedurals for my taste, I've been very impressed by Liu's work. She makes Watson tough yet vulnerable, cool but not cold, and understates Watson's traumas while still showing how they affect the character's life. I don't think all of the chemistry with Sherlock is there yet, but she's definitely a contrast to Jonny Lee Miller and it's refreshing to see Sherlock and Watson with more firmness and less codependence.

Best fanfiction that somehow wandered on my TV set

Supernatural. So, emotionally closed off Dean Winchester has a friend, the angel who pulled Dean out of Hell and then rebelled against Heaven to save him. Sometimes innocent and kind, sometimes suicidal, sometimes desperate to "protect" everyone by going on a power trip that causes him to become God. Sometimes dead. Sometimes insane. Always involved in staring contests with Dean, no matter what. Dean was once very close to "Cas", as he called him, then slowly began rejecting him (which probably helped lead to said power trip), fell into a depression over his death and spiral into insanity, and finally, tried to overcome his anger enough to repair their friendship. At season's end, they killed a bad guy (played by AMC's James Patrick Stuart) and were then thrown into Purgatory. Cas then almost immediately left Dean to fend for himself.

In fan fiction, this type of situation often translates into an epic adventure, complete with heartfelt confessions of love, and extremely explicit sex.

What happened onscreen? Well, there was no sex, unfortunately, but Purgatory had some kick-ass action and adventure sequences. Dean looked for Cas in Purgatory even when he could have found his own way out. He was there for a year. When he finally found Cas, he actually had lines like, "I prayed to you, Cas, every night!" and, "Cas, buddy, I need you." (Dean doesn't say "I need you" to anyone, except sometimes his brother). Cas revealed that he was hiding from Dean to protect him from the monsters who might overlook a human but would do anything to kill an angel. He begged Dean to leave him behind. Dean refused. Cue epic, heartbroken staring contests. Cue Cas later almost dying and Dean looking like someone had gutted the Easter Bunny. Finally, Dean got out of Purgatory, but without Cas. His memories of losing Cas' hand as they neared the exit, and Cas calling out to him, traumatized him into even further depression.

Over time, Dean began seeing visions of Cas, walking on the roadside, standing outside his window. As it turned out, Cas had somehow been taken out of Purgatory. Dean was thrilled, but was also confused, upset, hurt. He knew Cas must have blamed him for "failing [him], like I've failed everyone in my godforsaken life." Cas was stunned. Why didn't Dean remember? Cas had wanted to stay behind. Cas had, at the exit to Purgatory, backed away at the last minute, only going along to ensure that Dean would safely leave.

Dean had been so crushed by this that he actually invented false memories because blaming himself hurt less than knowing Cas willingly stayed behind.

All of this is pure fanfic, but, somehow, was beautifully acted by Jensen Ackles and Misha Collins, who have chemistry that is pure fire, full of longing, pain, joy, and depth I have not seen on daytime in many years.

Unfortunately this won't be leading to any epic romance, but it's still something I will credit, and maybe someday, on one of these shows, it actually will lead to the makeout session which somehow always gets left offcamera.

Edited December 30, 201212 yr by CarlD2

just a thought but you may want to put spoiler tags around certain stuff, bc I know a lot of people don't view shows until a season is done and they can view on Netflix. The Walking Dead material particularly comes to mind

Best Show: Homeland - Sheer perfection. A season with no flaws in any way whatsoever.

Best New Character / Most Improved Show: Yvonne Strahovski as Hannah on Dexter - She was a huge part in bringing this show back to life after the terribly amateurish season before it. I pray they find a way to bring her back for the final season, though I'm just happy she didn't get the Lila treatment.

Best Exit: Sybil on Downton Abbey - She was my absolute favourite character on the show, but her surprise death was heartbreakingly brilliant television.

Best New Show: Girls - People idiotically gave this show the shaft from jump. It was hilarious and original and the women are strong, the friendhsips not forced and the ugliness of the characters, especially of Hannah, aren't forgotten because she's the lead. I just pray it doesn't fall into the sophmore slump. And if someone watches the PARTY episode and doesn't enjoy this show, then they really don't know how to enjoy awesomeness and will probably die alone.

Best Couple: Terry and Toni (David Morse & Melissa Leo) on Treme - Thank God these two got together. They didn't have some typical couple story of contrived angst or whathaveyou but whenever they shared scenes their chemistry was undeniable and I'm just glad TBTB saw that as well.

Honorable mention: Davis / Janette, Treme and Joel / Julia, Parenthood

Worst Plot: The Porters boringness on Revenge - I don't think I need to explain my decision here at all. I actually like Jack (and Aiden and Daniel), but holy crap did I not give a f*ck about their stupid bar. It has nothing to do with the rest of the show, is the epitome of fast forward material, and if a show makes me not want to watch the gorgeous and awesome Michael Trucco, well, that just pisses me off!

Most gripping show: American Horror Story - The first episode gave me pause, but once the second came with the possession of that boy who taunted Sister Jude, I was all in once again. The complete torture of Lana, Sister Jude falling from grace, ending up as PATIENT in the institution, Grace's death, Shelley's rotting deformation at the hands of Dr. Arden and, of course, the complete joy of Sister Mary Euinice being possessed by the devil. This show is just a thrill ride and anyone that's missing it is a fool!

Worst Lead Character of a show I love: Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) on Boardwalk Empire - I hate him. Not love to hate, just pure seething hatred. He sucks, he's not sympathetic and honestly, I don't understand why Buscemi is a praised actor. However, I can't stop watching because almost every other character on this show is fantastic to watch. The three biggest contenders being Gillian, Richard Harrow and Nelson Van Alden ... and Bobby Cannavale's Gyp Rosetti helped make season three the best season of the series so far. It's just too bad he couldn't successfully kill Nucky in the end, but watching his crazy ass, there was no way he was going to succeed, unfortunately. Not to mention, the series finale left practically every character in limbo as to whether they could return next season. Has Margaret finally left Nucky, will Harrow (who kidnapped/saved Gillian's grandson/son) get a happy ending, and has Gillian finally lost the plot after all the tragedy she's gone through? I have no idea what season four will bring, but with these lingering questions and the imfamous Al Capone in a high place of power, anything could and probably will happen, especially since this show loves killing off my favourite characters (Dormody, Angela, Owen!)

Best Character Transition: Kevin on Nurse Jackie - Simply put, this dumb schmuck finally wisened up and got some balls, giving the show the ammo to show what it does best, watching Jackie squirm!

Best Single Scene: Cersei almost poisoning her son to save him from a brutal death on Game of Thrones - This epic series probably has a million other go to scenes to choose from, more harsh, more thrashing, more explosive, but this, this subtletly poignant scene is what makes this show one of the absolute best. And thankfully, here it is ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5edak6uHMGo

Best rollercoaster ride: The Killing - From episode one I placed my bets on the mother played by the exquisite Michelle Forbes. I thought her guilt was eating away at her, not her grief, and boy was I wrong. Many people complained, as they do, that the second season dragged, but I loved every push and pull this story took and the reveal, Jesus f*cking Christ, was the reveal worth it!

I would also give Linden and Holder the Best TV Friendship!

Most Underrated Show - Shameless (US): The second season was just as awesome as the first. Comparing it to the UK version might not be the best idea, but this show knows how to shock, entertain, make you laugh, make you cry, and hell, it might even want to make you get f*cked up. Watch this show people, you won't regret it!

Best Comedy - HAPPY ENDINGS - Oh my God, I'm so happy I watched this show for most of the season. I don't really watch comedies until the show is done so I can watch it season by season, but damn, these are people I want to know, be and love!

Edited December 30, 201212 yr by Bright Eyes

And just one more category ...

The show with the hottest guys: The Vampire Diaries!

Stefan, Damon, Tyler, Matt, Jeremy (my favourite), Mason, Klaus, Elijah, & Alaric. And if they would have kept Sean Faris on this show for more than three episodes I might have gone into overdrive. These guys are so hot, sometimes I have to watch this show twice

Runner Up: Boardwalk Empire - Dormody, Lucky, Owen, Gyp - Men being men and looking good while they do it. What's a better turn on than that? This answer use to go to Rescue Me, but I'm glad with that show gone, this one has stepped up to the plate. Of course, now only Lucky remains alive, so next year's runner up will certainly have to change. What is a boy to do?

Edited December 30, 201212 yr by Bright Eyes

Worst Final Season - Fringe. I was glad it got one more season to wrap things up but now I wish it had ended last season. I hate the season-long observer arc, the time jump. I'm finishing it out these last couple of weeks since I watched the show from the start but I feel a disconnect from it that wasn't there before.

Most Annoying Twins - the Sri Lankans on The Amazing Race. Made you want to yell STFU every episode.

Worst Idea to Kill Off A Character - Supernatural's Bobby Singer. Without Bobby around to remind the boys what idjits they are, Dean and Sam (Dean, in particular) have become more grating on the nerves and not just to each other. This show keeps killing off (and sometimes reviving in different form) its supporting characters and introducing new ones who aren't anywhere near as charismatic.

Show that Most Needs to Stop Introducing New Characters - Once Upon A Time. I like classic horror but, seriously, Victor Frankenstein with the fairy tale crowd? Enough Captain Hook. I'm still wondering if Pinocchio is rotting away.

And 2012 was the worst year for the deaths of so many entertainers, especially the classics.

Edited December 30, 201212 yr by applcin

Still not working right

Edited December 30, 201212 yr by CarlD2

Best new show: Arrow. I am not a comic book nerd by any stretch, but Stephen Amell is wonderful as The Green Arrow. I swear, The CW has the hottest guys on TV period.

Worst couple: Castle and Beckett. The show spent all of season 4 making Kate utterly detestable so now that they're together, I can barely stand to watch the show anymore.

Best Show - I agree with Bright Eyes. Homeland. I only started watching it earlier this month & ended up catching up on all 24 episodes in 4 days. It's really gripping. I was on the edge of my seat each episode & there were so many times I found myself completely immersed in the show & getting lost (in a good way) in its storytelling. I really recommend this show to ANYONE. Watch Homeland!

Worst Show - Single Ladies (Vh1). To this day I still don't even know how season 2 ended. I had to stop watching because it got beyond awful. Denise Vasi did NOT help! her character was with a new man in each episode! Things just got too messy and I despised how Stacey Dash's character was dissed & dismissed.

Best Reality Show - Survivor: Philippines (CBS). The best season the show has had in quite a while. It provided some interesting players, classic tribal councils, & a really deserving winner!

Worst Reality Show - Jersey Shore (MTV). It just went downhill!

Most Embarrasing Show - WWE Raw/Smackdown (USA/SyFy)

Most Disappointing Show - Degrassi (Teen Nick)

Best New Show (tie) - Catfish (MTV) & Love And Hip Hop: Atlanta (Vh1)

Best Episode/Most Underrated Show - Shameless (S2) second to last episode. I still think about that episode sometimes. Won't go into details but it was PERFECT SOAP! I agree with Bright Eyes again that that show is very underrated.

Best Actor/Actress - Damian Lewis & Claire Danes (Homeland). Anyone who watches that show knows why!

Worst Actress (and character) - Morgan Saylor (Dana, Homeland). OMG. This little girl is the worst I have seen on a TV show EVER. Narrow-browed, monotone, & whiny. Doesn't move her bottom lip. She has so many little acting ticks like flailing her arm in a huff at the end of each scene. Her character wears the same boots everyday. I could just go on. She & her character are pretty much the only fault I have w/that show. I really think a more versatile Actress could've helped that.

Worst Actor - Jahmil French (Dave, Degrassi). CRINGE!

Best Exit - Vanessa (90210) - Bitch fell off a balcony and was swept away by the ocean!

Worst Return - Vanessa (90210) - Bitch suddenly surfaced again & the first we saw her she was swimming in a pool at a party....WTH.

Best Show - Scandal

Worst Show - Partners.

Best Reality Show - Survivor

Worst Reality Show - Eastwood & Co

Most Embarrasing Show - Honey Boo Boo

Most Disappointing Show - Revenge season 2

Best New Show - Scandal

Worst New Show - Girls

Best Episode - Damages. The one with Patty & Ellen in the airport where Ellen tells Patty she knows she tried to kill her.

Most Underrated Show - Happy Endings

Best Actor/Actress - Kerry Washington (Scandal) & Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)

Best Finale - Gossip Girl

Best Character - Olivia Pope, Scandal - I love that the show allows us to hate her sometimes. & Daryl Dixon, TWD

Worst Character - Adrianna, 90210

Best Couple - Emily & Daniel, Revenge

Worst Couple - Chuck & Blair, Gossip Girl

Best Cast - Happy Endings

Best show

Game Of Thrones/Walking Dead

Best Episode

The hour long war episode of Game Of Thrones/The season finale of Spartacus

Edited January 1, 201312 yr by quartermainefan