My Top 10 of 2010

With the end of the year upon us, retrospectives and top [insert random number here] lists have been cropping up all over the place. I don't usually do a top whatever list, but I've seen some pretty crazy-ass entries on some lists lately and felt the need to make my own preferences clear. Seriously, Huge? You're kidding me, right?

Here are my picks... (They're numbered, but there really isn't any particular order. I just picked ten and plopped them in there wherever.)

MY SCRIPTED TOP 10 (ish)

1) The Good Wife
I'm sure you're all sick to death of hearing about my love for The Good Wife, but what can I say? It really is the best show on network TV and can hold its own against cable. It does a better job balancing its elements than just about any other show on air, taking what could have been a standard legal procedural and turning it into a captivating drama that borders on a serial. When the show was first pitched, they aimed for 60% courtroom A-plots, 40% serial B-plots. I heard in an interview though that those values were ultimately reversed, and I think that's the key to its excellence (and probably a bit of why its ratings aren't where they should be). Your average middle-American apparently doesn't like to have to remember anything about anything week-to-week, which is why straight-up procedurals do so well here. Well, I hate procedurals, as you'll probably notice from their scarcity on this list. Give me a good serial any day, thanks. The Good Wife has it all and delivers every single week. Kudos, CBS, for doing something right for once.

2) Terriers
Yet another show you're probably sick of hearing about, but its warranted. I'm bummed beyond belief that this true gem won't be back for a second season, but I commend FX for airing the entire season in spite of dismal ratings (the show would have been pulled from network TV after 1 episode) and for manning up and telling us it was canceled right after the finale, rather than casually pretending the show had a chance until the last minute. Funny, dramtic, touching, intriguing, and addictive, Terriers will go down in TV history as one of the very best shows to be cut down in its prime. Assuming it makes it to DVD, I suspect this is a show that people will discover all too late. Here's hoping Donal Logue finds another project that showcases his true acting chops the way this one did.

3) CW Thursdays (The Vampire Diaries and Nikita)
Who'd have ever guessed that the CW, the little network that usually can't, would be the place for must-see TV on Thursdays (one of the biggest nights for programming)? These two series could easily have garnered individual spots on this list, but there's just something about having them back to back that makes the experience of each even richer. TVD hasn't experienced a sophomore slump at all (amazingly, given how fast they burn through story), and Nikita has been the surprise winner of the fall pilot season. Indeed, I think it's about the only network show I kept this year (what with Lone Star getting canceled and all). Hats off to the CW, where little shows with little followings can actually succeed.

4) Justified
Man alive, I'm so excited for this one to come back (February 9th)! Season 1 seems like ages ago. This show isn't quite like anything else on the air right now and somehow managed to make the western cool. It's a great serial with a stellar cast that has a very different flavor that most other programming. It's a breath of fresh Kentucky air (yeah, yeah, I know it isn't actually filmed there) that helps add something different to my slate of shows. From what I'm hearing, season 2 looks to be just as engaging and awesome as the first, so if you haven't checked this show out yet, you have about six weeks to get crackin'.

5) Community
I wanted to make sure to include at least one comedy on this list, and while Modern Family is incredibly well done, its second season hasn't been as hilarious as its first, whereas Community has reached new levels of awesome in its sophomore year. Henceforth, Community makes the cut. It really is the best comedy on air right now and is deserving of much better ratings than it gets. Seriously, people, it blows The Big Bang Theory out of the water and is a much better (and funnier) way to spend an evening.

6) Boardwalk Empire
A lot of people were ultimately underwhelmed by the narrative (even if they were blown away by the visuals), but I really got sucked into this one. I'm a little surprised at how much I enjoyed this one given my general lack of caring about gangsters. It's pacing was slower than most people would have preferred, but I found the slow burn captivating. There were elements that were underwhelming, I grant that, but overall, it's one of the most accomplished and expertly executed shows out there. Also, the fact that it airs on HBO and isn't in any danger of cancellation certainly helps get me invested in a show. I'm more willing to give a show time if I know it'll actually be around next week.

7) Nurse Jackie
Yet another show that feels like it's been gone for ages, Nurse Jackie has been on my favorites list since I saw the first 10 minutes of the pilot. Showtime has built an empire around quirky leading ladies, but Edie Falco tops them all. Sharp, funny, dark as hell, and incredibly dramatic, somehow Nurse Jackie manages to weave everything together in a seamless way, and in only 26 minutes. Here's hoping season 3 keeps the excellence ball rolling. What can I say? I've missed Jackie's style of justice lately and I can't wait to see how her intervention from the finale is going to play out in the coming season. Life really is full of little pricks, and Jackie is just the person to deal with them.

8) Doctor Who
I love British television. It was hard to pin down which of their stellar shows to include on this list, but my first venture into the wonderful world of Doctor Who takes the cake. Being Human got a little soapy and uneven in its second season, otherwise it also would have made the cut. I had only had a smattering of experience with the Doctor Who franchise until now, but I truly got sucked into this one. Matt Smith is charming and delightful as the Doctor and his chemistry with his companion Amy Pond was cheeky and exciting from beginning to end. Every episode had something special to offer, even in their less successful outings (which were still better than a lot of shows' best episodes). Adding international fare to your line-up is a great way to add something new and fresh and Doctor Who succeeds in spades. It's a hell of a lot of fun, but has some serious drama to boot. Cheers!

9) Castle
I really enjoy this show, but I had to really think about putting it on this list or not. It's a fun slice of escapism, but at its core, it's a procedural... and we all know how I feel about procedurals. Granted, this one is a lot better than most, but it still doesn't have the appeal of a good serial for me. I ultimately put it on this list because I genuinely look forward to it each week, even if it has a fair bit of fluff. The show doesn't take itself too seriously and knows how to have fun, which, after looking at some of the heavier options on this list, I really need from time to time. Plus, anything with Nathan Fillion has to get a mention somewhere (well, maybe not Drive, but who's splitting hairs?).

10) USA Network Programming
(Well, most of it anyway. Specifically: Burn Notice, In Plain Sight, White Collar, and Covert Affairs)
It's at this point that you should be crying foul because I clearly have more than 10 on my top 10, but I don't care. USA has a formula for success, and all of these shows follow that format to a certain degree, ergo, they get the same spot on this list. Burn Notice is clearly USA's most accomplished and aberrant program, deviating from the lighter than air elements of its cohorts with some serious drama. The season finale was off the hook fabulous and if I had to choose one show to put on this list, Burn Notice would easily take the cake. I really do enjoy the other shows listed as well, however, and wanted to give them some props. As a network, USA has created a brand that appeals to the masses without being completely devoid of quality and they deserve some recognition for that.

*Honorable Mentions*

Modern Family
"Don't bite my head off, Mitchell. I'm not a pack of batteries!"

Lone Star
I hardly knew ye... It's hard to know where this show would have ended up if I had seen more than two episodes, but after only those two, I was invested hook, line, and sinker. Here's hoping we get to see the rest of the taped episodes someday...

Southland
I'm actually pretty excited for this one to come back. Who'd have guessed?

Glee
This show is hit or miss, but when it's hit, it's one of my favorites.

Dexter
Not their best season, but it's still a hell of a show.


MY REALITY/COMPETITION TOP 5
1) Top Chef
2) So You Think You Can Dance
3) Work of Art: The Search for the Next Great Artist
4) The Next Food Network Star
5) Top Chef: Masters

And no, Project Runway did NOT make the list. I don't like to reward bad behavior, and crowning what's-her-face (Gretchen) the winner of anything is simply inexcusable.


MY REALITY/OTHER TOP 5
1) I Shouldn't Be Alive
2) Hoarders
3) Mystery Diagnosis
4) Intervention
5) Locked Up Abroad


There are a lot of other categories out there that should probably be explored, but when I started compiling a list, it became pretty daunting. There is one more honor that has to be bestowed, however, and it's something that I like to think had a hand in garnering a top ten finish for the show...

MOST IMPROVED HAIR

Kate Beckett (Castle)
If I never see that mullet of hers again, I'll be a happy, happy viewer. Way to grow out the "business in the front", Kate. It was that or lose the "party in the back"... Either way, something had to be done.

Thoughts and Predictions on the Golden Globes Nominations

I've never put a whole hell of a lot of faith into awards shows, what with the nominations being total and utter bullshit so very often, but can't help but to weigh in on them regardless.

I couldn't care less about film (although I think we were all scratching our heads at The Tourist's nomination in the Comedy category... I assume they meant the "Unintentional Comedy" category), so it'll be largely ignored here, but then there the TV nominations.

Must... comment...

BEST DRAMA
Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
The Good Wife
Mad Men
The Walking Dead

Well, where to begin? I think the slate they've selected is quite strong, although I admittedly don't watch Mad Men (it's in my Netflix queue, has been for ages, with the disappointing distinction of being a "very long wait"). I still have several episodes of The Walking Dead saved on my DVR... I just can't seem to get into it. It's very well made, and once I delve into an episode, I find that it's quite entertaining, but I'm just not that excited about the show. I guess zombies just aren't my thing... Anyway, of the shows that were nominated, I'd give the win to The Good Wife, with Boardwalk Empire as a close second. Both are tremendous shows that are worthy of the honor, but I'm guessing Boardwalk Empire is going to take the cake. What's most important here, and is a secondary reason that I'm pulling for The Good Wife is that CBS doesn't have a whole lot of representation on the nominees list without it. The Good Wife's total ratings are quite good, but the show skews older and its key demo numbers are not as high as other CBS shows. This would make me worry a bit if it weren't for the critical love the show gets. Seriously, The Good Wife is responsible for 3 of CBS' 6 nominations, and is the only network program to be nominated in this category (which means that CBS has bragging rights over the other Big Four networks who apparently can't compete with cable). That it can hold its own against basic and pay cable is impressive and I don't think CBS would be dumb enough to give it the axe when it's their one critical trump card. On my nominations wish list, I'd have loved to have seen Terriers get a nod (not that it would have, but it was certainly good enough to make the cut), and in just an unlikely a turn, The Vampire Diaries. Speaking of vampire shows, and for as much as I enjoy True Blood, it is deservedly left off this list. It's more of a campy farce than anything else, and last season was by no means their best.


BEST COMEDY/MUSICAL
30 Rock
The Big Bang Theory
The Big C
Glee
Modern Family
Nurse Jackie

I'm probably going to get some flack for this, but the only nominee in this category that shouldn't really be there is The Big Bag Theory (which, to this day, I still type as The Big Bank Theory every goddamn time!). Even at its best, it was only ever okay. It has its moments, but overall, it's incredibly one-note and could do with about 30% less Sheldon. He's the only real shining star on the show, but he's best in small doses. He's basically the whole show these days and it's fairly untenable. I would have much preferred to see Community not only get nominated, but possibly win. I love Modern Family and Nurse Jackie, but they've already received accolades up the wazoo. Community is one of the funniest shows on air and got completely shut out. Such a shame. Of the nominees included, I'm pulling for Nurse Jackie. I think Glee is sure to take it though. I love Glee, but as the only musical on the list, it's kind of in a different class. In terms of straight up comedy, it wouldn't be my top choice. The good news is that The Office was omitted from the list. I broke up with that show quite a while back and with good reason.


BEST LEAD ACTOR--DRAMA
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Hugh Laurie, House

A respectable list, but I would have liked to have seen Donal Logue nominated for Terriers and walk away the winner. House lost its magic a couple of seasons ago, but that's hardly Hugh's fault. Still, it's an aging series that has lost its luster and shouldn't be receiving accolades any longer. I'd love to see some new blood in the pack. I haven't seen Breaking Bad yet (it's on my list), but I hear it's excellent. Of those nominated, on shows that I watch, I'm going to have to go with Steve Buscemi on this one, and I think he'll end up taking it home. I wouldn't mind seeing Dexter win though. Michael C. Hall has always been the heart and soul of the show and he does an incredible job. In truth, I'd love to see Josh Charles win for The Good Wife.


BEST LEAD ACTRESS--DRAMA
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
Piper Perabo, Covert Affairs
Katey Sagal, Sons of Anarchy
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

Okay, seriously, I almost feel bad for Piper Perabo. After the nominees were announced, I think just about everyone took issue with her nomination and called it laughable. That can't be an easy position to be in and I don't envy her that. Seriously though, WTF? Don't get me wrong, I quite enjoy Covert Affairs and all, but it's barely a drama and her performance on the show, while completely adequate, is by no means worthy of this nomination. Seriously, she gets a nod and Anna Torv and Nina Dobrev don't? I agreed that True Blood deserved to get shut out of the Drama category, but Anna Paquin works a lot harder than Piper Perabo, and I'm not even that fond of Anna. Hell, in terms of performance, I'd say Maggie Q blows Piper out of the water. I appreciate giving some love to USA network, but this was not the way to do it. How about Gabrielle Anwar instead. Wow. Just wow. Anyway, aside from her, it's a strong field. I'm definitely pulling for Julianna Margulies, but think Katey Sagal is going to take it home.


BEST LEAD ACTOR--COMEDY/MUSICAL
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Steve Carell, The Office
Thomas Jane, Hung
Matthew Morrison, Glee
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

Okeedokee, there are some problems with this. Almost nothing but problems. Alec Baldwin is an expected entry, but I think he's been nominated enough, thanks. The Office is unwatchable these days, so it makes very little sense to give props to the acting. I never could get all that attached to Thomas Jane or his show, and am a little perplexed at his inclusion on the list. I guess Matthew Morrison fills the "or musical" niche because he really isn't all that funny (and gets more annoying with each passing episode, it seems). And Jim Parsons simply over does it. I would still include him on the list because frankly, he's the whole show, but I can only handle so much Sheldon at a time. The men from Community were all more deserving of nominations than most of the people on this list and while last season of HIMYM was less than stellar, the current season has been a delightful return to form that should have seen some love. I honestly don't care who wins this one.


BEST LEAD ACTRESS--COMEDY/MUSICAL
Toni Collette, United States of Tara
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Laura Linney, The Big C
Lea Michele, Glee

These are all pretty solid nominations, but again, combining comedy and musical makes for strange bedfellows. Lea just seems like a fish out of water in this crowd. And once again, I'd have rather seen any of the funny ladies on Community make the list. I try to enjoy The United States of Tara, and Toni does a respectable job with a difficult part, but I just can't seem to care about that show. I'd love to see Edie take it, but Laura Linney is going to win. Which I'm okay with. The Big C isn't my favorite show or anything, but it's good, and she's wonderful in it.


Supporting Actor — TV Series, Miniseries or TV Movie
Scott Caan, Hawaii Five-0
Chris Colfer, Glee
Chris Noth, The Good Wife
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family
David Strathairn, Temple Grandin

If there's one thing the Golden Globes doesn't know how to do, it's the supporting categories... Seriously, what the hell is this list? It's basically just men who are sort of supporting players on anything that has ever aired on TV ever. It's a weird category, so it's hard to even articulate who should be nominated. Geez, I, uh, guess I'd like to see Chris Noth take it? Or Eric Stonestreet? Or Chris Colfer? Because yeah, those performances should be in the same category... It's nice to see Scott Caan get some recognition, because really, he's the only redeeming factor on that show, but he really doesn't deserve a nod here. Not when that means that so many more deserving actors get slighted. I would have loved to have seen some of the Boardwalk Empire crew on the list. Agent Van Alden deserved a nod. I can't think of the actor who played him, but he played him very very well. My dream winner would be Matt Czuchry for The Good Wife though. I just love him.


Supporting Actor — TV Series, Miniseries or TV Movie
Hope Davis, The Special Relationship
Jane Lynch, Glee
Kelly Macdonald, Boardwalk Empire
Julia Stiles, Dexter
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family

Again, how do you have a category that pits Kelly Macdonald against Sofia Vergara?! They're both excellent and deserving of attention, but in the same category? Ooo-kay... I, uh, guess I'd like to see Kelly take it? I'd honestly like to have seen The Good Wife and Community get some attention here, but it's just such a silly hodgepodge that it's hard to know what to say. Every single person on The Good Wife deserves recognition, so they could honestly fill the whole category (assuming I ever figure of what this category is actually for)...

Best TV Title Sequenes

Over the past few years I've noticed more and more shows casually opting out of having an opening sequence (and usually settling on little more than a title card). While I realize this is generally done due to time constraints (and don't get me wrong, when it comes to more story or more theme song, I'll take story every time), but I can't help but lament the decline. It seems that only HBO and Showtime babies have the luxury of using a minute and a half of airtime to properly introduce their shows (and as a result, they dominate my top ten).

I love a good title sequence. For the best of the best, I watch it, in its entirety, almost every time I watch an episode. A proper opener should set the tone for the show. For me, it acts as a sort of palate cleanser that washes away the residue left by the previous show, and gets me ready for the next course. Even though a good number of them actually appear after the cold open (or teaser scene of the episode), they still have the same effect. A title sequence should suck you in and put you in the proper state of mind for the show. The very best among them are works of art unto themselves (which is why I haven't really included intros that have rotating clips from the show).

Below are my top ten favorite title sequences. I've only included sequences for shows that I actually watch, so you'll notice some glaring omissions that I might not even be aware of. (I've tried to at least give a shout out to the awesome sequences from shows I don't watch, but I'm sure I've missed some... especially older shows.) After coming up with my basic list, I went online to see how my choices stacked up against others. There are quite a few that seem to grace just about every list out there, mine included. Now, I watch an obscene amount of TV, so narrowing this list down to ten was not easy. I was going to put these in order of awesomeness, but I had a hard enough time winnowing them down at all, let alone ranking them.

So, without further ado, here are my top ten favorites (for various, often totally unjustifiable reasons) in no particular order:

DEXTER
This title sequence made just about every list I came across, and with good reason. It's a work of art unto itself. It's more like a short film than a title sequence. It sets the tone for the show perfectly and points to the not-everything-is-as-it-seems nature of the show perfectly. Dexter appears to be your average, everyday nobody, but there's a lot more to him than that. Even the little things of a morning routine can point to something much more sinister. I watch the into, in its entirety, almost every single time.



SIX FEET UNDER
Another popular choice, this title sequence was created by Digital Kitchen, the masterminds behind several other intros on this list, including the aforementioned Dexter, and the soon to be mentioned True Blood. I only made it through about a season of Six Feet Under (it's still on my list, but other shows kind of took over), but this title sequence has always stayed with me. It's dark and sobering and beautiful. It terms of setting tone, this sequence captures the gravity of the show with miraculous aplomb.



TRUE BLOOD
After six seasons of the heaviness of Six Feet Under, Alan Ball decided to go in a VERY different direction with the tawdry, bawdy, overripe, over-indulgent supernatural-fest True Blood. The true unifying element? The awesomeness of the title sequence and the fact that Digital Kitchen was at the helm. The title sequence and song capture the south awesomely and set the stage for all the craziness the show has to offer. I love that right after the teaser scene of the episode, we cut to the ever-familiar catfish (or whatever it is) plumbing the murky depths of a swamp at the beginning of the sequence. The intro is subtle, but over the top at the same time, showcasing some fundamentally southern elements, and interlacing them with salacious innuendo. And, if you can find me someone who hasn't been stuck on that song at some point, I owe you a cookie.



SOUTHLAND
This show didn't really grab me in its first season, but it really seemed to find its footing in the second. Even in the early days though, when I wasn't all that enamored of it, I always loved the title sequence. It's still my favorite part of the show. It's slick and eerie and menacing and I end up watching it every time. It genuinely gets me excited for the show, just like a good intro should. The music is really powerful (and quite beautiful, really) and when tied to the sepia-toned archive photos of past crimes and policemen, it really sets a stage. In all honesty, it's the kind of intro that I would expect for a slightly different kind of cop show, but it works for Southland as well. It's gritty and dark and classic.



DEAD LIKE ME
This is one of those shows that you hate having to describe to people because it just sounds completely ridiculous on paper. It's got a lot of stuff going on a million different levels and in juxtaposing narrative tones that makes it nigh-impossible to do it justice. Such a show deserves an equally inexplicable opening, and this intro delivers. It's bizarre and absurd, dark and light, funny and off-putting, chock full of the ridiculous and the mundane, all at the same time. Just like the show. Perfect. (In related news... God, I miss this show...) :(



MAD MEN
I've honestly only ever seen a few episodes of Mad Men (it's all in my Netflix queue, I swear it), but I've loved the intro since my very first exposure to it. It's classic and classy and I love it. It has a Hitchcockian Vertigo vibe to it that I really dig and there something about the black animated figures on the colored background that smacks of Sin City's aesthetic (which I also totally dig). It's subtle and smooth, but still packs a punch. It's also short. While I love a good intro, I don't need it to be 3 minutes long, thanks. Update: Yeah, apparently all the youtube clips have been disabled for embedding on this one, but you can see it here.

RESCUE ME
I didn't get into Rescue Me on the ground floor and ended up just watching a random episode one day. I didn't know if it would be a keeper or not, but seeing the intro made me really hope it was a keeper. The song is frenetic and raw and taps into the firefighter experience perfectly. The shots of New York City, smoke imagery, scenes of the firehouse, and the overall pacing from the slow build up to the race to the fire really puts the viewer in the right frame of mind for the show. I don't know why, but the scene of the fireman walking at normal speed for a microsecond then switching to slow motion is one of the most memorable for me. This is yet another song that will get stuck in you head. Especially when you've casually added it to your iPod...



FIREFLY
My dear, darling, departed Firefly... I couldn't not include it in the list. How do you craft an opening credit sequence for a show that is quite literally a Western in space? This is how. I hear that Joss got a lot of flack for this one, mainly due to the song, but I happen to think its absolutely perfect. There's a solemnity and earthiness to the song that pairs surprisingly well with the otherworldly nature of the show and the basic story arc. The bulk of the visuals are indeed clips from the show (which I've largely shied away from), but when it all comes together, the song, the text style, and the images really paint a picture of what this show has to offer. Sorry, had to offer... Yup, still bitter...



CHUCK
It's a nerdy, cheeky blend of Catch Me If You Can, James Bond, and the sounds of my wayward teenage years, and I love it. What better way to set up a show that's equal parts comic-con and spy thriller? For a goofy show, it's a very well-produced, slick intro that totally works for the show. It's got elements of everything and finds a nice balance of sneaky and geeky. It also happens to be a show that I adore, so that helps it endear it to me in the long run. Plus, when was the last time you heard anything from Cake? No, no, besides here?



WEEDS
I only just finished the first season of Weeds, so I'm late to the game, but I'm quick to appreciate this title sequence. This song is simply beyond awesome and it captures the suburbs in a deceptively cutting way. It's the kind of song I'm happy to get stuck on all day because it skewers the yuppification of America in the jauntiest of possible ways. The images of carbon copies jogging around their affluent boxes dotting the hillside... perfect. This is a fantastically quirky show and the intro manages to do it fully justice. After watching it, I, too, want to sell pot. Or smoke it. In a good way. Update: And yet again, embedding has been disabled for this one, so go here.


-----Honorable Mentions-----
There are a lot of intros that I love, but that for whatever reason, couldn't rationalize putting on the full list. I didn't include animated favorites because they really seem to fall into a different category in my head. For whatever reason, they're the kind of intros that you always watch every time because they just seem to be part of the show... or something. I don't know why, but my head is drawing a distinction, and that's why they weren't included above. Others that are listed as "Honorable Mentions" didn't make the list because they are for shows that I don't adore or that have a great song, but weak visuals, or vice versa. I really had a hell of a time paring down my list and even now, as I'm putting together my runners-up, I'm thinking maybe I should have swapped some of them out... Anyway, here are the peeps that just didn't quite make the list (the titles are hyperlinked to a youtube video of the intro, in case you're unfamiliar with it).

The Simpsons: I think I've just seem this one too many times for it to even seem like it's in the same league as anything else. It just didn't feel right to put it on this kind of a list, but rest assured, it's a classic of the highest order. Truth be told, I had never actually seen the new version of it until just now... wow, that's how long ago I gave up on the show (somewhere soon after season 10).

Buffy: I love this intro, but rotating clips from the show just don't equal "classic title sequence" in my book. It is one that I watch basically every time though, so maybe it deserves a higher spot.

Angel: A very different approach than the title credits for Buffy, but it totally works with Angel's brooding and whatnot. More serious, more subdued. Upon first seeing them, I was a little underwhelmed, but as the show continued, they seemed to work better and better.

Alias: Strange as it sounds, I almost put this one on my top ten. It's short, and has little more than text in terms of visuals, but it has always stuck with me. My friends and I used to watch the DVDs and we could put the fast-forward on half-speed so you could still hear the sound, just supped up. This intro sounds awesomely awesome that way, believe me.

Skins: Another close call, I truly adore this intro (or should I say "these intros"). It's more like a collage of images than anything else, but it totally works. It's different depending on who is at the center of the episode, however, so I couldn't really narrow it down to a single intro...

Covert Affairs: Well, this is far and away the newest show to grace this list, but it's definitely worthy. I'll be posting a little something more substantial about this show in a few days, but as a quick note, this show has gotten considerably better since the pilot. I wasn't bowled over by the premiere, but subsequent episodes have actually been really good. It's not perfect or anything, but I find myself looking forward to it week-to-week, which was an unexpected, yet delightful turn. USA shows often follow this trajectory though, so it came mostly as a shock because of Piper Perabo. She's doing a much better job than I would have expected and I'm really starting to dig the show. Also to its credit, the intro is pretty slick. It's kind of Man Men/Sin City-ish and sets a nice tone for the show. I had initially feared that it would be too light and frivolous, but it's actually quite grounded and the smooth intro helps keep it that way.

Doctor Who: I'm a neophyte to the world of Dr. Who (having only begun really watching the show with the newest doctor (and a smattering of the David Tennant years)), but I really love this intro. I've been meaning to get the theme as my ring tone, but that would involve, you know, effort...

Lost: For being only a few seconds long, it does a surprisingly good job telling you exactly what the show is all about. The word "Lost" flying through darkness. Yep, that's about it.

Teen Titans: Man alive, I used to love this show. And I especially love the intro. While both the English and Japanese versions have their charms (I have a slightly easier time singing along to the English version), but the Japanese version wins out overall.

Batman: The Animated Series: Yet another throwback for me, this little kiddie show has a surprisingly good intro. As a child, I really appreciated that the images were timed to the music so well. It's also quite a bit darker than you'd expect for a children's program and had kind of a vintage noir feel to it that I always enjoyed.

Lie to Me: I honestly don't know why I enjoy this intro as much as I do, but for whatever reason, I end up watching it just about every time. It's a mid-level show, so I'm a little surprised at how much I like the title sequence. Especially back when the show first started, it was the best part.

Psych: Gotta love this one. It's a fun song for a fun show. It sets the mood perfectly, and is tweaked on regular occasion to suit the storyline of the week with different fonts, images, and even different versions of the theme song itself. This intro always gets me in the mood for the show and always has me singing along... sometimes for several days afterward... to an annoying extent...

Cowboy Bebop: I have honestly never seen this show and would never have even thought to have put it on my list, but I came across it on another top ten and have to admit, it's pretty badass. It makes me want to give the show a chance.