IMDB link. Basic premise: In a startling twist, crystal meth helps cure cancer, indirectly. Why it's here: Bryan Cranston was, before this show, a decent actor, but not much to write home about. This show made him into a star. More than any other show on this list, it looks hard at society and doesn't pull punches.…
Top thirty crime procedurals, #4: Bones
IMDB link. Basic premise: The unholy offspring of CSI and Murder, She Wrote, with a dash of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Why it's here: Because it is probably the best show on FOX right now. The cast works really well together; even the intern concept (a rotation of actors to fill one of the key spots) is…
Top thirty criminal procedures, #5: Criminal Minds
IMDB link. Basic premise: The FBI tracks down serial killers by thinking like them. Why it's here: Rich characterization for all the parts; every character is fleshed out and crucial to the plot. Matthew Gray Gubler is a scene stealer (even if eidetic memory is overused in modern fiction, with him it works). They turned Tim Curry…
Top thirty crime procedurals, #6: Quincy, ME
IMDB link. Basic premise: A more realistic CSI with fewer puns. Why it's here: Jack Klugman is underrated as an actor; this is the oldest show in the top 10, and each time I think about it I wonder if I might not push it a little higher. There's an emphasis on realism and practicality that CSI…
Top thirty crime procedurals, #7: Sons of Anarchy
IMDB link. Basic premise: Biker gangs run guns and occasionally drugs. Why it's here: A phenomenal cast and plot, about both the biking sub-culture and the role the club plays in the psychology and society of their small town. Why it isn't higher: The subplot of "the Sons are really just knights on motorcycles" gets harder and harder…
Top thirty crime procedurals, #8: CSI
IMDB link. Basic premise: Solving crime with Science! Why it's here: Although not the first show to use forensics as the main basis for crime solving, it's one of the few modern shows to make the point. It's done a great job of lasting as characters arrive and leave (although Grissom is still the best), working in…
Top thirty crime procedurals, #9: Hannibal
IMDB link. Basic premise: Hannibal Lecter in a TV series. Why it's here: This show represents the ultimate in dramatic irony -- we know who's responsible for the murders, but no one else does. It's very, very gory at times, but the gore never seems unnecessary -- it's always part of the story. Mads Mikkelsen is brilliant…
Top thirty crime procedurals, #10: Law & Order: Criminal Intent
IMDB link. Basic premise: Insane criminals foiled by slightly less insane detective. Why it's here: Vincent d'Onofrio. He is absolutely phenomenal and his character makes the entire show work. When they introduce Jeff Goldblum in a later season, there's almost too much awesome for one TV screen. Props to Olivia d'Abo, who plays his mortal nemesis, Nicole…
Top thirty crime procedurals, #11: The Good Guys
IMDB link. Basic premise: Buddy cop movie, turned into a TV series. Why it's here: It is absolutely hysterically funny. If you've only seen the West Wing, you've never seen Bradley Whitford. His work is sublime here, with the perfect blend of over-the-top insanity and pathos to keep you coming back. Colin Hanks proves an excellent straight man,…
Top thirty crime procedurals, #12: CSI: NY
IMDB link. Basic premise: Science + Crimes + NY = television. Why it's here: Gary Sinise, who was mentioned when I talked about the Stand. Another example of Gary Sinise playing Gary Sinise. The concept actually works a little better here, because they don't push the science angle as hard as they do for Las Vegas in CSI.…
36 Chambers - The Legendary Journeys: Execution to the max! 