Mr. Robot
Mr. Robot is by far my favorite show of the summer and easily my favorite new show of the year. It looks and feels different than everything else on TV. The less you know about Mr. Robot the better. In short, Rami Malek plays Elliot, a social misfit hacker that gets recruited by a mysterious anarchist named Mr. Robot, played by Christian Slater. Malek is fantastic as Elliot, he gives a haunting performance that is guaranteed to make Hollywood stand up and take notice. I'm also happy for Christian Slater who has had a string of failed TV shows over the years. I think he finally found one that will stick. The show weaves a great mystery mixed with poignant social commentary. If you watch one show on this list, make it Mr. Robot.
Wayward Pines
I knew nothing about Wayward Pines when I started watching. I honestly didn't have very high expectations, and I almost bailed on the show after a few episodes. Boy, I'm glad I stuck with it. After a few episodes, the show goes from your standard cozy mystery to some seriously messed up places. In short, the show becomes way more Sci-fi than it was initially billed as, which I welcomed with open arms. Wayward Pines feels like a mix of a bunch of different movies, TV shows and books. The best way to describe it is a mix between The Twilight Zone, Under the Dome (the first season, before it turned into the worst show on TV), Cabin in the Woods and Twin Peaks. If you like your mysteries with a side of WTF, give Pines a shot. In the meantime, I'm going to try and track down the books the show is based on.
Extant
Extant was one of my favorite shows from last summer despite the fact that it was very uneven at times. For season 2, they've completely reworked the show. Jeffrey Dean Morgan joins the cast as a bounty hunter who tries to help Berry's character clear her name. His addition to the cast is welcomed and it's added a dynamic that was missing from the first season. Season 2 has focused on the production of Humanics (a line of lifelike androids) and the social ramifications of their production. Of course, the Humanics are being made to fend of a growing alien race that has spawned from Berry's son. Are they peaceful, are they evil? Either way, the American government isn't going to stand around to find out.
Tyrant
Tyrant was my favorite show of summer 2014. The show had a very Godfather feel to it. The son who comes back and is drawn into a world he left behind. The dynamic between Barry, the level-headed doctor who has created the ideal life in America and his brother Jamal, an unpredictable maniac from the Middle East, who just happens to be next in line to be president. Season 2 has thrown a curveball at the audience. At first, I wasn't sure what to make of it, but it's really turned out to be a very entertaining sophomore season. I don't want to give too much away, but Season 2 has Barry getting involved with his country and its people. He soon realizes that it's more a part of him than he ever could have imagined.
Show Me A Hero
Show Me a Hero is a six part HBO miniseries starring Oscar Isaac, one of the best actors in Hollywood today. Hero tells the true story of Nick Wasicsko, the mayor of Yonkers during the worst crisis in the history of the city. As mayor, Wasicsko oversaw the construction of low income housing in the city of Yonkers, much to the dismay of the local white population. Show Me a Hero is a timely show that is as much about race relations as it is about politics. The scary part about the show is that the events the show depicts isn't that long ago and that it's still happening today. Isaac gives a fantastic performance as a man who just wanted to be part of something. He loved politics and he loved being in the middle of change. The political side of the show might be too much for some, but it's a show that really should be seen.
Fear the Walking Dead
As of this writing, only two episodes of Fear the Walking Dead have aired. It's possible that by the time the season ends, it could be higher on this list, lower on this list, or completely off this list. For those expecting the same sort of action as The Walking Dead, you will be wildly disappointed. Fear is a very different show. It's more about family and how they deal with the start of the zombie apocalypse. My problem with the show is the family itself. So far, they aren't very compelling. My hope is that once things really start going south, it will start to get interesting. Until then, the jury is still out.
True Detective
I know it was a mess. I know each episode ranged from mildly coherent to completely incomprehensible. That being said, there was still enough there, especially in the acting department, to make it on my list. The biggest problem with True Detective is that it had the dubious task of living up to an incredible first season. The second biggest problem with season 2 is the utter lack of mystery. I can't recommend season 2 of True Detective, but the show is filled with strong performances. I have high hopes for season 3, but they need a griping mystery, or the franchise could be in trouble.
The Strain
Season 1 of The Strain started out really slow, but the show really got going towards the end. It still feels like The Walking Dead light, but it's a lot of fun if you're looking for some mindless entertainment. Season 2 is once again light on action at the moment, but I'm hoping it will pick up as the season progresses. Most of the season so far revolves around finding a cure for the vampire infection. Also, we've gotten a glimpse into the vampire underworld as well as some history to some of the vampire lineage. Like season 1, some side story lines aren't quite so captivating. My other problem with the show is that New York City has been overrun by vampires, but most people seem to have the mentality of "business as usual." It's a little odd, then again, it is New York.
The Brink
The Brink is a half hour HBO comedy starring Jack Black and Tim Robbins. The show is essentially a political satire that sets out to poke fun at the American government, as well as Middle East dictators and extremists. In the end, the show shines a light on how silly politics and war in general can be. The Brink isn't nearly as funny or clever as it thinks it is or it should be. Honestly, I think some of the comedy could be even more hard hitting. It feels a little safe for my tastes, which is kind of odd considering it's an HBO show. The Brink got picked up for season 2, so I'm interested to see what they will do with another season under their belt.