Dramas
Justified (FX)
No show sets up dramatic domino pieces only to have them topple in the form of crazy southern shootouts like Justified does. And with new villains, a different theme, and the same old Raylan Givens and Boyd Crowder, this season will be just as satisfying as the last two. Justified’s diversity when it comes to story is as compelling as ever. Season one dealt with the Crowders, season two dealt with a rival family faction and the town’s social structure, and this season we have an African American convent-type thing as well as Boyd Crowder put ‘carpet baggers’. What can Raylan do to stop all this madness? Shoot first and ask questions later.
Justified continues as scheduled until it’s season finale come March 27th
Awake (NBC)
NBC has gotten this one right. Jason ‘Malfoy’ Issaacs nails this very emotional role in a very interesting story. I’ve been hyping this show since last fall where I posted it in my ‘Fall TV preview’, and I knew it would do well. We’ve only seen one episode, but it looks promising so far. Hopefully NBC doesn’t fck this one up too.
The four episodes that were ordered will air over the next four weeks. By episode 2 or 3, we will know if it will pick up the rest of the 6-8 episodes. But judging by a big premiere week of nearly 6 million viewers, there are high hopes.
Alcatraz (FOX)
Probably the dark horse of the shows on this list, Alcatraz has proved itself interesting and even juicer, ‘unforgiving’. In true JJ Abrams fashion, it’s been about 7 episodes and we still don’t know too much, but the juicy and interesting inmates are definitely keeping things interesting with their fascinating MO’s and kills. The main characters aren’t that interesting, but there’s still plenty of room to grow.
Alcatraz doesn’t seem to have a consistent schedule, but it seems shows fluctuate every other week or so. There should only be about 4-6 more episodes.
Game of Thrones (HBO)
Of every single television show on this list, I would trade it all away for Game of Thrones. This series still has not aired, but the sheer anticipation is driving my head into a wall. I’m about halfway through the first book book [season 1] and I guarantee I’ll finish it and start the second book by the time season 2 premieres. I won’t write anymore to ward off any potential spoilers.
Game of Thrones makes its season 2 premiere April 1st. And I can’t count the days any faster.
Game of Thrones is making its way to DVD soon. If there’s anything you should spend your next paycheck/allowance on, it’s this series. You’re seriously missing out if you haven’t picked this series up.
Page 3 for the Graveyard and Whatever Remains in the Shadows
Banana Scoop 
agreed on The Walking Dead. Great first season, life and death all the time. Suspense. Awful, awful second season. As you pointed out, very few zombies (so what’s the point?). Cliche too, you can tell every time when they make it so obvious that they’re trying to spur some interest in the plot, but fail. And all the decisions they make, the childish attitudes they have towards one another. Can’t stand it. As soon as the “rebel” kid was brought onto the farm and a preview of the next episode just showed them arguing about his life, I stopped. Not going to touch it anymore.
Archer had me almost instantly hooked. You are absolutely correct, it is incomperable with other shows of its genre.
Fox manages to screw around with their own shows. I have no idea what their rhyme or reason is. I have actually forgotten about New Girl; I did enjoy it, but an irregular work/life schedule coupled with their own scattering, means I have no idea what I may/may not have missed.
I used to hate Happy Endings but since I have 30 minutes to waste before my next show I’ve started watching it and I don’t hate it. I still don’t get half of it but it’s not bad.
And I agree with Awake. I was instantly hooked and I hope they can keep it going!