Poplicks.com: BEST TELEVISION OF 2005

Sister Act 3: Back in the Nasty

I hope it's not too late to post yet another 2005-related list: here below lies my Best Television of 2005 - Top 10 List:

The debut episode of Extras - In this HBO series opener, Kate Winslet has a cameo as a crass version of herself acting in an Anne Frank movie. From her acting out phone sex while dressed as a nun to her admitting she's only playing the role because holocaust movies lead to Oscars, Winslet's performance was gut-busting, shocking, against-type, and the mother of all stunt casting. Predictably, Ricky Gervais is a comic genius.

The final five episodes of Six Feet Under - Not surprisingly, the show that began each episode with a death knew how to end the series with a bang -- kill off all the characters. The last few episodes masterfully wrapped up loose ends, provided closure, and haunted me for weeks. The last episode was a stunning finale, using Sia's "Breathe Me" as a soundtrack during the ending minutes during which the writers committed cast genocide.

Arrested Development - The writing in the third season hasn't been as consistent as the first two; Charlize Theron playing an MR F (mentally retarded female) was a lame story arc. But some of my favorite episodes came from this season -- most notably, the episode where Buster teaches everone not to use one-armed people to teach others lessons. Plus, AD in 2005 birthed the soon-to-be-ubiquitous job title "analrapist" (analyst + therapist). The most recent episode - SOBs - was brilliant, making constant references to their impending cancellation. As of now, only four more episodes left. Please, Showtime, pick this up.

The Office - Any show where Steve Carell is the seventh funniest character has got to be good. The episode where Michael gave a video iPod in an office gift exchange is a classic. Strangely, I feel more invested in Jim and Pam getting together than any other romantic couple on the boob tube.

"The Word" on the Colbert Report - While The Daily Show spits out the most reliable, smart, and witty political commentary, I submit the Colbert Report is actually funnier. Colbert's character is a delicious mockery of the self-righteous right-wing talking heads on Fox News. And the segment called "The Word" is the most on-point. If you hit the link, watch "Satisfied?".

The "Muslims and America" episode of 30 Days - Super Size Me's Morgan Spurlock created this smart show that documents various persons undergoing significant lifestyle changes for 30 days. While the "living on minimum wage" episode was compelling, the show in which a Christian man lived in a Muslim family's home was the most informative discussion of Muslims on American television. (And it's on a Fox network!) If only the other 99.9% of America watched this show, maybe villifying Islam wouldn't be our country's foreign policy.

Entourage - This show used to be an escapist guilty-pleasure for me, but the show has matured into a respectable, endearing series about male bonding. While Ari Gold's lines keep getting all the attention ("I would say lets hug it out guys ... but I don't wanna draw wood"), Johnny Drama is the clutch character. What other show has characters getting cock-blocked by Bob Saget and bulge commentary by Brooke Shields?

"This Week in God" on The Daily Show - TDS's religious commentary best showcases their writers' brilliance. My biggest fear about Stephen Colbert getting his own show was his departure from the "This Week in God" segment on TDS. Thankfully, Rob Corddry is a worthy electric boogaloo. Peace be with you. Now peace be with the ladies!!

Comedy Central Roast of Pamela Anderson - This one-time roast upheld the finest tradition of ripping the honoree a new one with nasty barbs flavored with love. Interestingly, a drunken Courtney Love, who was on stage, ended up the most singed. Sarah Silverman brought her A-game.

Grey's Anatomy - The quality of the writing on this melodramatic show fluctuates, but the acting is superb, with one of the most diverse casts on TV, to boot. Dr. Bailey aka "The Nazi" (Chandra Wilson), George (T.R. Knight), and the outrageous medical predicaments showcased on the show ensure I can't look away. If only Meredith Grey were more sympathetic and Sandra Oh's character were more three-dimensional, I'd elevate its status above guilty pleasure.