Techtite Game Reviews ---

TV Series of the Year: 24. Making a serial drama is so difficult, few even try it anymore. As The Simpsons often jest, it matters little what happens in one episode of such a sitcom, since by the following week nobody will even remember it! So, you can imagine how cool a TV series is, that is not only serial, though in "real time"; every episode is one hour of one "day," each season! What makes this so over-the-top in 2003, however, is how the series not only did it again for season 2; they offered yet another third day, for season 3. Topping off the reasons for this series as TV Series of the Year was its cliffhanger; simply the best of May sweeps 2003. Enough said, right?

Best New TV Series: Las Vegas. We can't be right all the time. We listed our choices of the most promising new shows this season, and for the most part, promising they were...yet nearly all have been disappointing, however slightly, in some small way. Las Vegas is the exception. It promised to be a flashy, glitzy series about Vegas, and it never holds back on the flash and glitz. The actors and actresses are fun to watch, the predicaments they get into each week are well written and engaging, and overall, this is a great new series. It may not win any Emmys anytime soon, but as new series go, this is the best one of 2003.

Best Drama: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Another good season of "James Bond in a lab coat." The way forensic evidence is used to nab the crooks is still totally fascinating, even if, admittedly, the spin-off is not as good as the original series (but is it ever?). With two seasons now available on DVD, a PC game, and a second PC game in the works as you read this, CSI is one popular show; the best drama of 2003.

Best Comedy Series: Monk. Leave it to Disney these days to make a fresh, vibrant and new comedy, only to distribute it to USA channel, not their own ABC. Sure, they show reruns on ABC once and again, but who wants reruns? However, I digress. The point is Monk is hilarious; the best laugh we have had all year. In a good way.

Best Reality TV Series: The Amazing Race. What pulls this series over the top each season is its interesting locales. Instead of putting all contestants in one hotel, one deserted island, or one studio lot, this series has contestants travel all across the globe in the race to end all races. What makes this series work, however, is how even the most clichéd of competitions can look fresh and new in a different setting. Whether they are looking for a specific mask worn at a costume party in Italy, or going on a scavenger hunt on the streets of India; this series never failed to amuse its viewers. Too bad so few people are watching it.

Best (NEW) Animated Series: Star Wars: The Clone Wars. They may be mere 5-8 minute snippets in between Cartoon Network repeats, but these little pieces of Star Wars anime-style whimsy were the best treat cartoon TV offered in 2003.

WORST TV Series, New: The Brotherhood of Poland, NH. The lowest of the low seems to get lower every season, with this tale of three imbeciles and their three genius wives. The men are so stupid their daughters can paint Spongebob Squarepants on their foreheads while daddy takes a nap; the women are so brilliant, they're thinking of opening up their own classic theater. Oh, the men are also adulterers, hotheads, and the occasional jerks. Did we mention the women were really, really brilliant? Yes, sir; they probably were so brilliant, they personally cancelled this series. You go, girls.

WORST Reality TV Series: Cupid. A Bachelorette and her two sardonic friends travel to various U.S. cities as she looks for a husband. Trouble is, little miss fancy-pants is very picky, so at least 90% of the men are callously torn to shreds, unless they are 1) very cute, or 2) brought roses. Then America chooses who, among the finalists, she should marry...only to have the two "love birds" decide they'd prefer to casually date, instead. Thanks for your time, America...now change the channel!

WORST TV Series, Old: The Practice. I do not want it without Bobby, I do not want it in a lobby; I do not want it without Lindsay, I do not want it offered chincy; I do not want it without Flynn Boyle, I do not want to see face oil...er, well...oh skip the rhymes. This series is nothing without its original characters. Accept it and end the show with grace.

Best Series Finale: Buffy the Vampire Slayer. One great final battle, with everyone present to enjoy it, including "Angel." Seems as though the entire town escaped in time but just to show how impactful this final battle was, the entire town is engulfed into the "hellmouth." Don't worry, though; the evil forces at work are thwarted, all but two of Buffy's "Scooby Gang" escape unscathed, and in the end, Buffy offers the best possible way to end this series, through a very telling smile.

Worst Series Finale: Dawson's Creek. Joey winds up with Pacey...after sleeping with Dawson. Way to be decisive there, Joey! Oh, and Jennifer dies. Her baby is given to what's his name and his husband, which would be very nice and sweet and all except...Jennifer dies. Oh, and somewhere along the way to airing this train wreck: Meredith "Andie" Monroe --one of the few recurring guest stars of the series that was ever worth a darn-- was offered to return in the finale, only to have every scene she was in left on the cutting room floor. What a mistake this finale was. The only thing that would've been worse was if a nearby nuclear power plant suffered a complete meltdown. No, actually, that would be of little difference, because Jennifer dies.

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