Favorite New TV Shows of 2016

There is so much TV to keep track of nowadays, what with the influx of not only cable channels joining the fray, but also Netflix, Amazon, and so forth and ad nauseum. So, being one person with limited amounts of time, I haven’t been able to keep up on everything, and how could anyone unless that was their job? So, the below is just a list of the shows that I did manage to keep up with and enjoy enough to either watch them all at once, or managed to not build up a bunch on the DVR.

On to the shows!

Stranger Things

I mean, obviously this show tops the list. I don’t know how anyone who grew up in the ‘80s or at least has an appreciation of the ‘80s wouldn’t enjoy this series. It’s mysterious and fun and full of nostalgia at the same time. Not to mention the kids in it are great. We can only hope that season two can live up to the hype, because boy does this one have a lot to live up to now!

This Is Us

Yes, it’s sappy. Yes, it deliberately pulls on your heartstrings and can be very melodramatic. But there’s still something that draws you in, wanting to know what’s going to happen next to this family across the generations. Hopefully they give Kate more to do than just have it all be about her weight. Still, how the series weaves in and out of the different time periods is done very well, and makes us all wonder – what happened to Jack?

The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story

I remember the OJ Simpson trial happening back in junior high, and talking about it in one of my classes. But I’ll be honest, I don’t really remember many of the details. This series dove down into the nitty gritty of everything that led to OJ being found not guilty, and it was some riveting stuff despite knowing the outcome, thanks to some great pacing and acting from the ensemble cast.

The Good Place

 The Good Place is goofy and strange, and features a lead character that, played by anyone other than Kristen Bell, would likely come off as so unlikable as to be impossible to watch and care about on a weekly basis. But somehow it all comes together to work really well! Ted Danson makes me laugh out loud at least once an episode, as well as the helper computer character Janet. Though it is odd and silly at times, it also has a good message at its core, and makes me want to come back each week. I just hope it makes it to season two! Start watching, people! 

Westworld

You know, I’m a little ambivalent about Westworld. I want to like it more than I actually do. Something about it leaves me feeling a bit cold, and I think it has to do with there being zero redeemable human characters. I know that’s sort of the point of the thing, that the hosts are more human than the humans themselves, but I don’t know. That said, it’s a very well-done show, and all of the acting was great as well, with a particular shout out to Thandie Newton who had to do so much of the show bare naked. The biggest question is – where does it go from here? Guess we’ll have quite a bit of time to think about that as it doesn’t come back until probably 2018!

Honorable Mention: The Shannara Chronicles (super goofy at times, but still engaging)

Still Unsure About: Timeless, Designated Survivor, Frequency

I Want to Like You, But…: Shadowhunters

Any new shows you loved that I should check out? Let me know in the comments!

My Favorite New Shows of 2015
My Favorite New Shows of 2014
My Favorite New Shows of 2013
My Favorite New Shows of 2012
My Favorite New Shows of 2011

Favorite Books of 2016

Looking back over the books I read this past year, one thing is clear – I liked a lot of them, but I didn’t love a lot of them. So, my list of favorites of the past year is perhaps a bit shorter than previous years. That said, I did read more books this year than I did last year, which is always good, but will never compare to the one year where I seemed to read a book a week! 

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo 

Synopsis: Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.

Why it made the list: The sequel to Six of Crows had me just as enthralled, if not even more. I think it helps that I already knew the characters and didn’t have any trouble getting back into the world. If anything, I wanted a little more from certain characters, but it’s tough when she has to balance so many different perspectives. Which makes it all the more impressive how easy it is to follow given the number of perspectives. I also liked that it was a clear end to the story rather than making it into a trilogy as is the common thing to do. Duologies are the new thing!

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Synopsis: World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, many with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer to safety.

Why it made the list: Wow. This one is powerful. I then went and read Between Shades of Gray shortly after this one, and it’s great as well. But, for some reason this one really knocked my socks off. Another book that features multiple perspectives that are distinct and interesting in their own ways. The fact that I knew absolutely zero about the real-life event this was based on made it all the more intriguing (and made me want to look it up to find out what had happened before finishing the book, but I stopped myself!). If you like historical fiction even a little bit, you’ll like this one.

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

Synopsis: Every dawn brings horror to a different family in a land ruled by a killer. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. So it is a suspicious surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid. But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls. Shazi’s wit and will, indeed, get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch . . . she’s falling in love with the very boy who killed her dearest friend. She discovers that the murderous boy-king is not all that he seems and neither are the deaths of so many girls. Shazi is determined to uncover the reason for the murders and to break the cycle once and for all.

Why it made the list: I wasn’t sure about this one at first, then it steadily drew me in just as Shazi drew in Khalid. I also read the sequel this year, but I don’t think it’s as strong as this debut. The two leads spend too much time apart in the sequel, though it does end in a very satisfying way. This book is very romantic while also building up a sense of mystery and intrigue and kept me hooked throughout.

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith

Synopsis: When a mysterious package is delivered to Robin Ellacott, she is horrified to discover that it contains a woman's severed leg. Her boss, private detective Cormoran Strike, is less surprised but no less alarmed. There are four people from his past who he thinks could be responsible--and Strike knows that any one of them is capable of sustained and unspeakable brutality. With the police focusing on one of the suspects, Strike and Robin delve into the dark and twisted worlds of the other three men. But as more horrendous acts occur, time is running out for the two of them..

Why it made the list: Yes, this is another in the Cormoran Strike series by JK Rowling aka Robert Galbraith. However, I think this one may have been my favorite out of all of them so far. The other books focus more on Strike than Robin, whereas this one really brings Robin to the forefront, delving into her relationships and feelings for the two men in her life. Not to mention she’s basically being stalked by the killer. It ends on a note that makes you want the next one right now as well, which I think is always a good sign!

You can check out all of the books I’ve read on my Goodreads page, but let me know if you’ve had any favorites from this year that I should check out!

My Favorite Books of 2015
My Favorite Books of 2014
My Favorite Books of 2013
My Favorite Books of 2012

Supernatural 12x08 "LOTUS"

Was it just me, or did this episode feel super long for some reason? Well, it might be just me. I have a terrible cold right now! Like, I could hardly sleep last night because I had such a terrible sinus headache bad. So much fun!

As you may remember from the previous episode, Lucifer revealed he had... plans? Okay. Some sort of vague big plans. Which turn out to include possessing a big philanthropist followed by an archbishop. The boys, plus Castiel and Crowley, find this trail, but aren't sure who he could be heading to next, only that he's upping his game from regular joes to big-time people.

Enter President Jefferson Rooney aka David Chisum! Who, thankfully, is a much better actor than Rick Springfield. Lucifer must spin him some yarn about how he can help make the world a better place with him together, though I find it hard to believe that a true religious person as Jeff is made out to be would actually believe such things. Nonetheless, he accepts Lucifer and promptly kills one of his guards for butting in on a self-talk session.

That unnatural death is what ultimately leads the boys to figure out who he's possessing, thanks to a member of his team being on Crowley's soulroll (you know, payroll, but for souls. You get it.). Problem is, while they may know who Lucifer is possessing, that doesn't make it any easier to get close to him. You know, Secret Service and all kinds of other security and all. Still, Crowley heads off to recruit Rowena for backup in taking Lucifer down again.

Lucifer has other ideas, though, as he tells his secret service that there are some fanatics on their way to assassinate him - you know, the Winchesters. The secret service tracks them down and they all get into some fisticuffs, but then wouldn't you know it, Mr. Catch shows up to save the day. You see, Sam tried calling up the British Men of Letters earlier on to possibly help with the Lucifer situation, but he never actually talked to anyone. That doesn't stop Mr. Catch from showing up. And guess what! He has some special device that can expel angels from their hosted bodies! What luck!

Meanwhile, Castiel hears a big hit on angel radio - a Nephilim has been conceived - you know, a child of an angel and a human. Turns out, President Jeff was getting it on with one of his aides, Kelly, and Lucifer decided he'd like to create a little somethin' somethin' with her. The boys are able to use this to their advantage, by being able to lure Lucifer to where they are by kidnapping Kelly.

He shows up, and the egg angel-expeller works! Well, with some apparent help from Rowena. Would it have worked on its own otherwise, who knows? Lucifer is expelled from the President's body, leaving him alive. Crowley and Rowena pop away, Castiel takes Kelly out a back entrance, but the boys remain with the President for who knows why, only to be arrested by the secret service for an attempted assassination.

And, even though Kelly knows that her child is the son of the devil, she doesn't want to have the pregnancy terminated, so she escapes from Castiel all too easily. Castiel, come on.

Well, that's it for awhile - the show doesn't return until January 26. So, until then, wish this terrible cold adieu!

Random Thoughts:

- I honestly can't even think straight enough right now to come up with random thoughts. Hit the comments with your own, if you have some!

Quotes:

Lucifer: It's almost like I've never done that before.

Sam: Can we get the info without all the drama?
Crowley: Can I get you without the flannel? No, and still I endure.

Rowena: That is the sweetest thing you've ever done for me.

Dean: Lucifer? I didn't know he was dating.

Kelly: Oh, God.
Castiel: Actually, he left.

Previous Episode -- Next Episode

Supernatural 12x07 "Rock Never Dies"

Vince Vincente, we hardly knew ye. Not that I cared so much, because to be perfectly honest, I'm already over this Lucifer storyline. How many times do the Winchesters have to deal with Lucifer before he's gone already? We've been dealing with angels and demons since season four now, when is enough enough? At least we aren't having to watch angel politics again. ...yet?! Please no!

Anyway! Let's get on to this week in particular. While Dean plays Words with Friends with his mom, Sam is researching the British Men of Letters. But they aren't the focus on this episode, oh no! Because Lucifer has found his way back from the oceanic depths and is able to give his faded rocker body another lease on life thanks to a fossilized feather of his. Yes, that sounds ridiculous, and yes, it's true. He decides he wants to get Vince's band back together to gain new followers. Okay?

When they hear of this reemergence of Ladyheart, said faded rocker band, the brothers plus Crowley and Castiel team up and head to Los Angeles to find out if Vince is still possessed, etc. The answer? Yes. Duh. They do all have some difficulties in getting anyone to divulge where a secret show is going to be taking place, though. Because everyone in LA is narcissistic and only cares about fame and money, apparently, no matter how it comes to them.

We have to endure quite a few scenes of Lucifer being "menacing" and making fans carve his name into their flesh and kill the head of his record label and members of his band, so on and so on. It's not clear what his point is - and that's kind of the point, apparently. Once the team manages to confront him, he basically whines a lot about God leaving and now he's not sure what to do. He doesn't have a grand plan. So... okay? Blah?

He burns through this body before he's able to do any more bodily harm to anyone else, though Sam argues that though Dean might count saving all of the concert-goers as a win, he doesn't because the real Vince still died, and now they don't know what Lucifer is going to do next, only that it's "big" or something.

Yup. That's about it. Next week - the midseason finale.

Random Thoughts:

- When Dean looked at the box of pizza only to find it was empty and was all subtly disappointed? Ha, too funny.

- No but seriously, do any of you care about this Lucifer storyline? It's also quite clear they're going to have to eventually work with the British Men of Letters to take him down or something. It only seems logical since they are so ineffectual at doing anything to him on their own. Seriously, why do they ever bother when it's so obvious they're just going to get tossed around a bunch?

- All of the shots of LA were kind of disconcerting, especially when combined with that 90210-type music. Especially since they clearly never actually shot in LA at all.

Quotes:

Dean: Still living out an '80s buddy comedy with Crowley?
Cas: Unfortunately.

Crowley: We team up to save the world and them bupkis. You don't call, you don't write.
Dean: We don't care.

Dean: I like history. Gladiators. Outlaws. Pirates. Hell, we're driving a piece of history right here.

Sam: He could be an agent.
Dean: Yeah, a third tier agent.
Cas: At least I don't look like a lumberjack.

Crowley: This is LA, I know a lot of people.

Crowley: Well, together again.
Cas: Yay.

Sam: We're not winning. We're losing slow.

Previous Episode -- Next Episode