While sourcing content for my Plex server, I have found many great TV shows, alas also many instantly-forgettable ones. When deciding on whether to watch a show or not, my first step is to check the rating on IMDB and read through some of the top-rated user reviews.
That is not foolproof however, and additionally, if upon watching; the acting, plot, production, direction et al do not meet my ridiculous standards, it will be turned off. I cannot stand lazy film/tv-making aimed at idiots.
#1 The Sopranos [1999]
Plot Overview:
# New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano deals with personal and professional issues in his
home and business life that affect his mental state, leading him to seek professional
psychiatric counseling.My number one selection is without question The Sopranos. It has so many levels I could go on and on, but the incredible performance of James Gandolfini (RIP) throughout is enough to warrant a viewing. No surprises (given it is a HBO production) that the stellar writing, acting, direction and characters are immediately notable, and it simply engages the viewer with its absorbing, intricate plots following the complex lives of Tony Soprano, his associates and family, all intertwined.
Something I only found out quite recently was that Tony Sirico who plays 'Paulie' actually pretty much played his own personality, which is actually hard to believe. I would rate watching this show likewise, just to see his larger than life character steal every scene.
$ The Sopranos
When Paulie went to Italy and failed hilariously in integrating.
The Sopranos is one of those shows that when you get around to watching or indeed re-watching it, it is evident that such a series can sometimes be as gratifying as reading a great book. You can think about certain scenes or chapters, of which many encompass different meanings and conclusions, such is the richness of the story.
The underlying dynamic of the interactions between not just the co-protagonists, but the vast cast of accomplished actors, and their subtle mannerisms, offer an utterly enthralling universe of gritty mafia realism, each of the characters are utterly believable.
David Chase, the mastermind behind this masterpiece, is currently wrapping up production on a prequel to The Sopranos (starring Gandolfini's real son as a young Tony Soprano).
#2 Gomorrah [2014]
Plot Overview: (watch with english subtitles)
# Ciro disregards tradition in his attempt to become the next boss of his crime syndicate.
The internal power struggle puts him and his entire family's life at risk.
I am forever telling friends and family to watch this show. It is absolutely sublime. The soundtrack and dark cinematography stand out consistently, as does the gritty realism in the portrayal of the darker side of Naples. Gomorrah is quite realistic, even down to the local dialects being spoken.
This show reminds me of Breaking Bad in the sense that it just gets better and better. The music by Mokadelic is superb, notable themes throughout, with each episode culminating invariably with a cliff-hanger ending. Season 2 is standout, with 'Salvatore Conte' being a memorable character throughout, and the show continues to impress with its storytelling and thrilling drama in the later seasons.
The actors, portrayals of characters, and their castings, are so close to, if not bordering on perfection, that it is a marvel to look on as the stories and plots unfold. Stefano Sollima, one of the main directors (also involved with ZeroZeroZero) utilizes his very unique style of cinematography. The many 'first-person' shots from cars are great to look at. There are no ridiculous scripts here or over the top plot lines - Cattleya & Sky Atlantic (check out Romulus) have proven themselves on multiple occasions now with top tier productions. There is a spin-off movie titled L'immortale centered around 'Ciro' which I also highly recommend, however it is set after season 4 so watch it only after finishing the first 4 seasons of Gomorrah. The final season (5) is currently filming having been delayed due to covid. A quck reminder not to confuse this show with a movie also titled 'Gomorra' (no 'h'), which I have to say I found utterly boring, and just to clarify that it is unrelated to this series. This is one of those shows that has an absurd fan following, and Vince Gilligan's masterpiece is deservedly popular. Bryan Cranston was standout in this not only for his performance of a cancer patient turned meth-producer, but because this was his breakout performance into drama after starring previously almost exclusively in comedies. The story-telling, tension, thrilling plots incline steeply, getting consistently more nerve-racking in the later seasons, during which the introduction of a pervasive cartel theme and the character and surrounding chaos of 'Gus Fring' and Los Pollos Hermanos, gives the show an intrepid feeling.
Other characters and plots of note such as Don Eladio, and Don Hector, are just enthralling, addictive to follow and watch unfold. I don't have much to add about Breaking Bad, because it is already widely-known and publicised as one of the top TV shows of all time, which of course is warranted and it simply must go in my top 5. First off, I am referring to Seasons 1-5 only. The later seasons were, as most people, even non-fans know, quite disappointing (but still worth watching). This show is quite complex, with many plots and intricate sub-plots happening at a rapid rate, and it can be difficult to follow. Part of the reason it is so good, is due to it relying on the viewer having some sense of intelligence and wit. There are many many subtleties throughout that only those with a quick brain can deservedly marvel at. If you have refused to give GOT a watch because it is a 'fantasy' and 'about dragons'; don't. I would be the first person to likewise dimiss watching such a seemingly silly premise. However - yes there are some fantasy elements - but it is mostly based in what you could loosely term as a medieval'esque setting. The storyline is very much believable in terms of realism. The show excels in the many twists, turns, violence, unpredictability, clever writing, CGI at times, and use of scenic locations and brilliant effects throughout, helped by the massive budgets HBO allocated the production.
All of my top 5 shows are binge-worthy, but I believe GOT is probably one that you will lose days to. If you have you never seen it, you wouldn't understand the hype, but having seen it or given it a chance of a few episodes, it should become crystal clear that all the hype was well-founded. It's also one of those shows (like The Sopranos) where the theme song & intro is so good, you let it play through every time. This is in essence a complete thriller; a masterpiece. Off the bat, I know the premise is questionable to any close-minded person, plus I know, Korea is famous for rubbish K-dramas. However, Korea also has a world class movie industry, with many great horrors and thrillers of note: It is complex, twisted, multi-layered, and like many if not all of the shows I have written about in this blog post, aimed at those of us who appreciate complexity, who can comprehend subtleties, unspoken actions on-screen and who have a capacity for inference, indeed it is at its most basic: not aimed at idiots.
At first I was apprehensive, "wait what is this about, some time travel rubbish? Turn it off!". Do not be put off like I almost was, just give the first episode your undivided attention, and it will become apparent, kind-of, what is going on. It might take two episodes to start to truly follow what is happening on screen, as aforementioned it is complicated and of course watching anything with subtitles takes time to adjust. The incredible writing, suspense, direction, soundscore - everything involved to make this premise actually believable and watchable - is breathtaking. The music is fantastic. The acting, direction and twists and turns in the plot are absurdly brilliant. This show is a standout and I rate it easily as number 5. If you watch this show and somehow do not enjoy it, let me know and I will give you a lifetime Plex membership gratis, although you wouldn't deserve it. Adriano Chiaramida, at 80 years old, steals the show. The plot centered around him in Italy is quite evidently the most riveting, however the show as a whole is fantastic, spanning across the US, Mexico, Africa and Italy - the budget spared no expense. Alas there is only one season (thus far) but it is still a masterful production.
Not surprisingly, the producers of Gomorrah La Serie were involved in the production of this show, and it is evident throughout - realistic violence, amazing camerawork and a huge budget went into this; the results are impressive. It appears a second season is currently in pre-production. This is a relatively recent show, one which you have probably never heard of, and it is made by HBO Europe (yes wtf, HBO has a european arm) and it shines through in this fantastic production - the acting, music, effects - caught me completely by surprise: flawless. I went into this show having been recommended by some users on the Gomorrah reddit community, and having zero expectations, such is the name (weird name) and fact that its, well Polish.
This is a thrilling show, with even some elements of CGI in places which is surprisingly well done. A solid 9/10 in every way, just watch it. Unfortunately there is only one season. Another flawless HBO production, and the favourite of many people, even scores of years after it came out. This show already so widely publicised I don't need to overly praise it other than advise a watch if you have not seen it.
The acting, plots, slang dialects and portrayal of Baltimore policing and drug dealers are all mesmerizing.
The way in which season 2 arcs completely into a new 'realm' is perfectly executed. Series creator David Simon, wrote a book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets about his experience as a journalist covered crime and policing in Baltimore in the late 1980s. It is a must-read for any fans of The Wire and indeed by reading it it becomes apparent the influences in the shows arc. This show could have been so much better, in that it has taken a ridiculous amount of time to 'get going', but in the last two seasons, it finally has done just that, and is worthy of an inclusion. Season 6 is eagerly anticipated, but to be honest I skipped through much of the mundane, slow-moving first 3 seasons.
The latest season (to air - the final season is currently filming, with a release due in 2022) in particular, was outstanding, and I would easily rate it a 10/10. It's a pity the producers didn't take heed of that earlier on, and for that reason, Better Call Saul remains an outlier in my top 10. Far too much time in the earlier seasons was wasted around boring plotlines regarding Chuck and other similar monotonous storylines. Not surprisingly, another HBO production rounds out my top 10 TV shows. It was a difficult choice, I had narrowed it down to one of Carnivale, Gangs of London and Narcos Mexico, but Deadwood edged out on top.
A really intriguing casting at the time was the excellent Garret Dillahunt, who plays two different characters in the show, which is not entirely noticeable as they are so different but brilliantly portrayed. Thirteen years after the series finale, HBO surprisingly made a movie sequel, to the joy of many fans. I have yet to watch it, but it has received good reviews. That's my top 10 list, hope you enjoy some if not all of them. And of course, each and every TV series mentioned is available to stream on |droid|.
$ Gomorrah La Serie
Ciro and Gennaro, the show's two protagonists, face off.
#3 Breaking Bad [2008]Plot Overview:
# A high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer turns to
manufacturing and selling methamphetamine in order to secure his family's future.
$ Mark Margolis
steals the show portraying the Cartel boss 'Hector Salamanca'.
#4 Game of Thrones
[2011]Plot Overview:
# Nine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient
enemy returns after being dormant for millennia.
$ Charles Dance
plays the character of 'Tyrell Lannister'.
#5 Signal [시그널 2016]Plot Overview: (watch with english subtitles)
# Detectives from the present and a detective from the past communicate via
walkie-talkie to solve a long-time unsolved case.
[Memories of Murder, Oldboy, The Handmaiden, The Wailing, No Mercy, I Saw The Devil,
The Chaser, Lady Revenge, New World, Memoir of a Murderer + more]
$ Cho Jin Woong:
flawless in his performance as 'Detective Lee Jae Han'.
#6 ZeroZeroZero [2019] Plot Overview:
# A cocaine shipment makes its way to Europe, starting from the moment a powerful
cartel of Italian criminals decides to buy it, to its journeys through Mexico, to
its shipment across the Atlantic Ocean.
Adriano Chiaramida
excels as mafioso Don Minu.
#7 Blinded by the Lights [2018]Plot Overview: (watch with english subtitles)
# An eight-episode story charting seven days from the life of a cocaine dealer
whose perfectly organized life begins to sink into chaos while he is forced to
make the most important choices in his life.
Blinded By The Lights
Blinded By The Lights
#8 The Wire [2002] Plot Overview:
# The Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.
HBO's The Wire
Drug runner 'Marlo'.
#9 Better Call Saul [2015] Plot Overview:
# The trials and tribulations of criminal lawyer Jimmy McGill in the time before
he established his strip-mall law office in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Better Call Saul
Gus Fring and Mike Ehrmantraut.
#10 Deadwood [2004] Plot Overview:
# A show set in the late 1800s, revolving around the characters of Deadwood, South Dakota;
a town of deep corruption and crime.
Garret Dillahunt
The actor plays the part of two opposing characters.
# Other TV Shows to watch
# Add these other stand-out series to your to-watch-list:
Braquo
From the director of 36th Precinct, one of the best French movies
I have seen. This show is a similar kind of plotline - french cops, dirty cops, violence
- this is an epic TV show. The protagonist 'Caplan' is superb. I am not sure if there are
any other such shows from France, I went looking after watching this, the closest I could
find was 'Spiral' which was not that good, in fact it was awful, but this is up there with
the best on my top 10 list.
Gangs of London
From the director of The Raid movies. Tells the story of London being torn apart by the
turbulent power struggles of its international gangs and the sudden power vacuum that's
created when the head of London's most powerful crime family is assassinated.
Fargo
Various chronicles of deception, intrigue and murder in and around frozen Minnesota.
Yet all of these tales mysteriously lead back one way or another to Fargo, North Dakota.
True Detective
Seasonal anthology series in which police investigations unearth the personal and
professional secrets of those involved, both within and outside the law.
Narcos Mexico
This is the Netflix spin-off of Narcos, and in my opinion rises high above
the other offering. Gritty, realistic and thrilling, this show is excellent.
Medici
Dustin Hoffman stars in the opening season of this fantastic Italian drama
Love/Hate
Irish crime drama following the rise of gang leader 'Nidge' played by Tom Vaughn-Lawlor
Carnivale
During the Great Depression, an Oklahoma farm boy and a charismatic minister learn that
they are key players in a proxy war being fought between Heaven and Hell.
The Exorcist
Yes the TV Show - great effort to play off the theme of one of my favourite movies.
Follows three priests dealing with cases of a demonic presence targeting a family.
Taboo
An adventurer returns to London during the War of 1812 to rebuild his late father's
shipping empire. However, both the government and his biggest competitor want his
inheritance at any cost - even murder.
Godfather of Harlem
A gangster named Bumpy Johnson makes his way in Harlem during the 1960s. A prequel
to the film, 'American Gangster', which centered on the criminal enterprise of Frank Lucas.
Goliath
Billy Bob Thornton plays a disgraced lawyer, now an ambulance chaser, gets a case
that could bring him redemption or at least revenge on the firm which expelled him. Great
series, if a little hard to believe at times.
Magic City
Centers on Miami mobsters and other characters from Miami Beach in the late 1950s.
Sons of Anarchy
A biker struggles to balance being a father and being involved in an outlaw motorcycle club.
Bosch
An L.A.P.D. homicide detective works to solve the murder of a thirteen-year-old boy
while standing trial in federal court for the murder of a serial killer. Titus Welliver
is perfect in this role.
Line of Duty
Started off quite promisingly, if not excellently, however the far-fetched
plots in season 3 stunted this show for me and I stopped watching. Season 4 however
regains momentum and season 5 is a standout.
Dexter
By day, mild-mannered Dexter is a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami police. But
at night, he is a serial killer who only targets other murderers. They are currently
filming a new final season after a huge hiatus!
Bad Blood
Kim Koates excels in this dramatization of the life and death of a Montreal mob boss.
Tales from the Crypt (!)
Tales of horror based on the gruesome E.C. comic books of the 1950s presented by the
legendary Crypt Keeper, a sinister ghoul obsessed with gallows humor and horrific puns.
Each episode is like a mini-movie. This show stands up terrifically even today, such
was the rich production and budget capabilities of HBO cable in the 1990s.