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Lindsay Sperling’s Top 10 TV Shows Of 2013

Television isn't made by any one person, and it certainly isn't made for any one specific demographic, which can sometimes blur the line between what is considered "good" TV and what isn't. In contrast to "popular opinion," I admittedly prefer some television series that are heavier on the fluff factor (I offer most of the shows I regularly review as examples) rather than what can be considered as compelling examples of TV narrative at its' finest. But, that's what I love about the medium. Good television is not exclusive to one genre or network. You can find series that fit all of your viewing desires without sacrificing personal taste; the part of me that loves to see comic book characters come to life on film can enjoy CW's Arrow while the history buff part of me craved Showtime's mini-series The White Queen.

sons-of-anarchy

2. Elementary

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Elementary

Wit, intelligence, suspense, what more could you ask for from a television show? Elementary has all of the above. Keeping with the traditions set forth by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the source material, the traditional motif for the Sherlock Holmes character extends to this show.

Jonny Lee Miller captures the difficult nature of his character and proves to be a formidable asset to the series. The dynamic between him and Lucy Liu, who plays the contemporary version of Watson, comes across brilliantly and sets viewers up to be entranced by the budding friendship and partnership that consistently manages to contradict Holmes’ more lacking personality traits.

I am consistently impressed with the quality of story that Elementary presents too. Season 1 ended the initial Moriarty storyline (this version of the story) translated the professor to that of the female persuasion (portrayed by Game of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer). Another inspired alteration came from combining iconic character Moriarty with the equally important Irene Adler. Between the creative liberties the development team behind Elementary have taken and the updated scenery, the show remains unparalleled. Season 2 has only extended that success further as Sherlock becomes increasingly aware of his deficiencies and begins to address them.