Juanita’s Must-See TV of 2019

Written by Juanita ‘Obi-Juan’ Bonner 

As we collectively say good-bye to 2019 and optimistically move into 2020, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on some of the TV shows that rocketed to the top of my “must see” TV list in 2019. Whether a veteran or freshmen show, all of them displayed unique themes, imagery and character development that moved me in one way or another enough for me to share with you!! So let’s begin with five shows that ended in 2019 followed by five that began. 

FIVE SHOWS THAT ENDED

5. ‘The Tick’ (Amazon) 

This wonderful little gem of a show is yet another try from Ben Edlund, the creator of the original character, to bring The Tick into mainstream. Sadly, just like the first go around in 2001, rather than be allowed to run its course, the show was cancelled after only two seasons. And just like before, I fell for the show and its characters only to be saddened by the news of its abrupt end. Peter Serafinowicz as The Tick and Griffin Newman as Arthur Everest are excellent matches. And I especially love Scott Speiser as Overkill, Jackie Earle Haley as The Terror, and Alan Tudyk as Dangerboat. The overall show is witty, fun and quite silly! That shake your head, “Did I just hear that?” silly. Not to mention the fanbase is huge. Unfortunately, Amazon didn’t agree. *Frowny Face* 

4. ‘Game of Thrones’ (HBO) 

Whether you loved or hated the final episodes in season 8 (I fall in the latter), it’s undeniable the effect this show had on modern television. Single handedly changing the idea of cliff hangers, character deaths and special effects, Game of Thrones rallied hordes of people to pick a house and settle in for one hell of a ride. Built on the simple theme that “winter is coming…” this show will be hotly debated, cosplayed, and copied for eons to come! The sets are just as dramatic as the characters and no matter whose side you’re on, you will scream at your TV… more than once!! Just as the twisted and sadistic Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) says, “If you think this has a happy ending, you haven’t been paying attention.” Facts, Ramsay, absolute FACTS! 

3. ‘Mr. Robot’ (USA)

​Considering most of my television viewing consists of escapism drama, comedy, animation and pop culture, I’m not even sure how I fell upon the very real life-like Mr. Robot, but boy am I glad I did!! It’s fresh, gritty and quite frankly, a mind f@&k of a show that gripped me in episode one. The writing is cohesively spectacular and the cast is truly amazing to watch. Christian Slater (Mr. Robot), who’s wonderful, is just the icing on the cake that is Rami Malek (Elliot Alderson). I literally cannot say enough about this introverted computer hacker that, via fourth wall magic, includes the viewer in his anxiety ridden journey. The same goes for B.D. Wong (Whiterose), Carly Chaikin (Darlene) and Martin Wallström (Tyrell Wellick), which barely touches the talent in this eclectic cast. Whether you know nothing about computers or you’re a programming wizard, the authenticity and real life feel of this show will not disappoint!! 

2. ‘Legion’ (FXX) 

​This fresh and trippy take on the X-Men (Marvel) franchise is simply beautiful from start to finish. The writing is sublime, equally matched by the acting. Particularly, Dan Stevens as David Haller, Aubrey Plaza as Lenny Busker and Navid Negahban as Amahl Farouk. But for me, it’s the cinematography, costumes and set design that solidified the show in my mind – often leaving me in awe and numb for moments at a time. So much so, that I frequently had to rewind scenes just to get a second, or even third look. Visually stunning and mentally stimulating, the show truly carves out its own place in the unique mutant themed world we’ve all come to love. With only three seasons, the show falls far short of the average TV run of today. However, it’s so deep that by the end, the whole thing feels longer and more complete than some series that run well past their sell by date and it’s beautiful!  

1. ‘Preacher’ (AMC)

Having read the comics before the series started, I can honestly say the beauty with which the writers pay homage is epic!! The character arcs are fantastically parallel to their origins without over saturating the source material and I love it!! With only four seasons, I wanted so much more of the awesome trio that is Jesse Custer (Dominic Cooper), Tulip O’Hare (Ruth Negga) and Proinsias Cassidy (Joseph Gilgun). Having said that, the show wraps up so nicely that I most certainly didn’t feel like I lost out on anything. It’s action packed, hilarious and truly twisted in all the right AND wrong places. A constant #WTF from beginning to end, Preacher is definitely the comic book show I didn’t even know I wanted! 

FIVE SHOWS THAT BEGAN

5. ‘The Boys’ (Amazon) 

I’ll admit, based on the initial previews of The Boys, I wasn’t immediately struck. However, quite literally due to it being developed by Erik Kripke (Supernatural), I decided to give it a shot. I had no idea how much I would love this original take on the sometimes played out superhero genre. Set in modern day, the characters are beautifully flawed (on purpose) making the whole thing seem extremely real as it blurs the lines of good guy verses bad. It’s fun, witty, addictive and the acting is definitely on point. In particular, Karl Urban (Billy Butcher), Anthony Starr (Homelander), Jack Quaid (Hughie Campbell) and Elizabeth Shue (Madelyn Stillwell) knock it out of the park! Enough for me to look into reading the comic source material. Not to mention I burned through the first season and can’t wait for the next. At least Amazon got this one right!! 

4. ‘NOS4A2’ (AMC)

I scarcely know where to begin with this show. An adaptation of the horror comic and novel penned by Stephen King’s son Joe Hill, NOS4A2 gives us fresh faces and mind boggling horror that stays with you long after it’s gone. Rooted in the fearless Vic McQueen (Ashleigh Cummings) and the deliciously evil Charlie Manx (Zachary Quinto), they, along with every character in the show, command attention. And the constant undertone of fear laced throughout is like a fog that blankets the series with a tinge of creepiness that never lets up! Original and mystical horror mixed with the real-life circumstances of the working-class McQueen family just works! Not to mention, newcomer Jahkara Smith who plays the Scrabble bag wielding beautiful lesbian librarian Maggie Leigh, is the witchy best friend I’ve always wanted. Finally, Christmasland, which sounds lovely, just so on purpose, isn’t!!  

3. ‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ (Netflix) 

Considering I not only grew up with the 80’s movie The Dark Crystal, but raised my son on it as well, to say I was apprehensive about seeing the television series is putting it mildly. Having said that, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance quite literally gets EVERYTHING right. With an all-star ensemble of voices, master puppeteers and no expenses spared special effects and set designs, the viewer is literally transported into the world of Thra. The throwbacks are enough to make any fan happy, but what I truly love is all the extra character and world building, and how that comes to life on screen. Multiplying my childhood excitement, joy and fear into 10 wonderful episodes, this show, now boasting one of my favorite characters of all time, Hup the Podling Paladin, is absolutely stunning. In addition, The Crystal Calls: Making of The Dark Crystal Age of Resistance, also on Netflix, is just a bonus! 

2. ‘Watchmen’ (HBO)

Even with all the odds against it, including the typical non-endorsement from its source creator, Alan Moore, Damon Lindelof’s vision of a modern-day Watchmen, goes above and beyond any expectations I thought I had. In just 9 episodes, this show tackles the dark side of the comic world with even darker themes rooted in real life. It’s a history lesson set to a fantasy background that truly isn’t as far fetched as one might imagine. Full of wonderful Easter eggs and throwbacks, which we all love, my favorite aspect of this series, actually turns out to be the original spin on real life. The acting is superb overall, but seeing Regina King (Angela Abar) cast in a strong leading role often reserved for a man, is heaven!! And the storyline, with its multiple layers and levels, is some of the most smartly written fantasy television I’ve ever seen. Particularly its penultimate episode. If you love comic book genre television and you haven’t seen Watchmen, all I can say is #TickTock mother f@&ker! 

1. ‘The Mandalorian’ (Disney+)

As the first live action television show and newest edition to the Star Wars franchise, The Mandalorian has single handedly become the leading show for Disney+. And rightfully so!! Each episode plays like a big budget movie because it is. Always over too soon, yet still quite complete, I am obsessed!! With its spaghetti western and Samurai themes, it’s clear that creator Jon Favreau has poured over this series with all the love of not only a true Star Wars fan, but an overall genre and movie fan in general. I would also like to point out that Pedro Pascal as the titular lead is just beautiful. Additionally, the score by Ludwig Göransson is perfection. Not to mention, The Child, affectionately named Baby Yoda by fans, is hands down the breakout star of the year and the cutest thing on the planet!! Seriously… if you show Baby Yoda to someone and they’re indifferent to the character, you might want to rethink that relationship… LOL! #ThisIsTheWay!!

Well there ya have it! My list of TV shows that hit me like a ton of bricks all either ending or beginning in 2019. Do you agree with my choices? Have a list of your own? Let me know in the comments below or reach out to me @obi_juanita on Twitter. Until next time… Happy New Year ya’ll!!