BEST OF 2005: new television series

To me, this pick was pretty cut and dry. My pick goes to PRISON BREAK on the FOX network.

The whole story revolves around the character of Michael Scofield played by actor Wentworth Miller. Scofield robbed a bank solely with the intent of getting caught and going to prison so that he could break out with his brother Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) who is on death row for the murder of the vice president's brother. The problem is that Burrows was framed, and Scofield knows he is innocent which sets up the plot. While the series doesn't return until March and the prisoners were only halfway through breaking out at the end of the fall run, we found out that the vice president's brother that was "murdered" is still actually alive further twisting the plot.

As such, with a plot that's relatively easy to follow, and more twists thrown at it than a bavarian pretzel baker, you can see why this makes for compelling television. The supporting cast, of course, is really what sells the series with solid acting by nearly everyone on camera. The show needs no gimmicks because the writing is thorough, consistent and plays to the actors and their characters' strengths with great fluidity. Every episode is wrapped up by revealing enough new plots but providing no resolution until the next episode serving to suck the viewer into the show as a series and not as a self-contained unit like your typical sitcom. Mixing drama, action and romance with perfect proportions makes this show a hands down winner.



Honorable mention goes to Brainiac. While not brand new for 2005, it has only just started airing in the united states this year on the G4 cable network. While most science shows could be considered bland and maybe even boring, this one is like a nice hefty shot of steroids right in the pectoral muscles. While demonstrating some basic concepts of everday sciences like physics and biology, they do so with crazy and outlandish stunts of what appear to be reckless abandon. Think Mr. Wizard hosting "The Man Show" to get an idea of type of show it is. The fact that they also have an affinity for blowing things up (in the name of science no less) and hot babes tends to lend this educational show some real street cred. This is a show not to be missed - so if you have digital cable or satellite, be sure to set your recorders to grab this gem!