TVSquad

Do you know what I liked about TV in 2005, Beverly? Let me tell you:

Perfect Hair Forever: Okay, Stroker and Hoop has grown on me, I don't think Squidbillies is all that bad, and I still haven't quite made up my mind about 12 Oz. Mouse, but damn, Perfect Hair Forever, the Williams Street artisans ribald and aloof take on the anime genre was by far the best new offering on Adult Swim this year. In typical anime fashion, only six episodes were created. I hope for a DVD release.

Wonder Showzen: Despite my local cable provider moving MTV2 around so much that it makes my Tivo cry, I have hunted down every airing of this subversive "kids show" like a madman. There is nothing else like this on TV right now, and it rivals South Park in just how far it's willing to go to make its audience uncomfortable. A second season kicks off this year.

Everybody Hates Chris: It's a good show, plain and simple. It's not the Holy Grail, as a lot of pre-show hype made it out to be, but it is an unpretentious, hilarious look at what it's like to grow up with limited means in an environment that isn't always fair.

Now, let's talk about what I hated about 2005. Actually, I didn't hate too much about television, since TV pretty much affords you the luxury of not having to watch things you don't like. Nevertheless:

I hate that Family Guy is starting to lose its flavor, at least in my mind. I was always quick to defend Family Guy when people said it ripped off The Simpsons. Lately, as I watch new episodes I find that harder to ignore. I've seen segments on Family Guy that either directly borrow gags from The Simpsons, or recreate Simpsonsesque moments. I suppose the argument that "there's nothing new under the sun" could apply here, but Family Guy also has moments of brilliance that are wholly Family Guy and not comparable to anyone else. When they start getting "Simpsony" I feel let down because the show can, and has, done better. Furthermore, the creators really need to stop recreating scenes from movies with the Family Guy characters. I'm not talking about parody, I'm talking about Brian hanging out in front of a school and quoting a line from Dazed and Confused verbatim. That's not a joke, that's an echo.

Also, on a personal note, local news in the Twin Cities continues to be obnoxious and sensationalistic: "SUVs! Some people love them, others hate them! News at 10!" Hey, guess what, Professor Anchorman? That's not really news!

Here's to a fun and sexually-stimulating 2006.