Best trend: Cable shows that appeared out of nowhere and turned into some of the best the year had to offer. A year ago, nobody had ever heard of AMC's "Mad Men," or its leading man Jon Hamm, and now both are critics' darlings. The quick-witted USA action comedy "Burn Notice" premiered during the summer with little fan fare, and became a modest hit. And FX's "Damages," while not a ratings blockbuster, was critically adored and gained a mass of ardent fans. Plus, it reminded us how terrific Ted Danson is.
Worst trend: Disappointment. Sure, "Cavemen" stunk, but that was to be expected. The bad shows that really hurt me were those that had the potential to be good -- lackluster remakes like "Bionic Woman" and "Viva Laughlin;" the prestige-heavy (but boring) "Cane" and TNT's strident "Saving Grace" (I know it was a big hit, but I just didn't get it). Of course, the biggest disappointment was HBO's indecipherable mess "John From Cincinnati." It had oodles of pedigree, coming from "Deadwood" mastermind David Milch, and started promisingly. But then it disappeared up its own rear end, becoming a preachy, overly complicated piece of hooey. I'm still depressed.
Best argument against musical television: CBS's "Viva Laughlin," which tried to integrate clunky musical numbers into its storyline about murder and mayhem in Nevada. Actors sang wanly against backing tracks of songs like "Sympathy for the Devil." Could have been campy fun. Instead, it was just embarassing.
Best argument for musical television: "Flight of the Conchords" and "Pushing Daisies." Both seamlessly integrated songs into their shows. That was easy for "Flight," which is about a pair of musicians. But in "Daisies," there's no real reason for the characters to sing -- except that they can't help it (besides, you don't cast stage goddesses Kristin Chenoweth and Ellen Greene in a show and keep them quiet). Characters don't sing in every episode, but when they do, it's pure pleasure. Greene's tender rendering of "Morning Has Broken" still makes me a little misty when I think about it.
Best plot twist: FX's "Damages" was full of twists and turns. But the most shocking occurred when we learned that ruthless attorney Patty (Glenn Close) ordered the hit on her young, ambitious associate Ellen (Rose Byrne). Ellen's realization of that fact in the show's season finale made for gripping TV -- especially when she returned to work for her would-be murderer at the episode's end.
Worst plot twist: Three-way tie between Landry's murder of a rapist on "Friday Night Lights" and any storyline on the sixth season of "24" and the second season of "Heroes."
Best new character: Dana Delaney's snarky and secretive Katharine on "Desperate Housewives."
Worst new character: Any of the new characters on "Heroes"
Best ending: After an appallingly uneven seventh season, the CW's once-charming dramedy "Gilmore Girls" finally pulled itself together and rallied to a warm, satisfying finish. Rory (Alexis Bledel) graduated Yale, got a job and tenderly bid adieu to her mom/best friend, Lorelai (Lauren Graham). Meanwhile, Lorelai finally shared a warm moment with her parents, and reconciled with ex-fiance Luke. Sigh.
Worst ending: "Veronica Mars." Hastily cancelled due to low ratings, this clever and well-acted drama about a teen detective ended without a proper conclusion. Too many questions were left open-ended, making fans squeal in agony. Hopefully, a movie, book or SOMETHING is forthcoming. But I'm not holding my breath.
Best reality show: Sort of a false category, as there's only one reality show I really watch -- "Kathy Griffin, My Life on the D-List." The show, which provides a window into the life of comedienne Griffin, isn't the usually celeb-reality freak show. Instead, we see a hard-working professional with a quick wit and a dedicated team of employees and supporters. This season was more melancholy than the first two, as Griffin went through a divorce and lost her dad. But all of that was handled with tact, class and, of course, humor.
Best TV movie: It's not been mentioned much, but I really liked HBO's "PU-239" about a man dying of radiation poisoning who decides to sell plutonium on the black market.
Best special event programming: Again, the prize goes to HBO, for the fun and involving documentary "Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project."
Best Guilty Pleasure: "Dirt," FX. Yes, it wasn't as well-crafted as other FX shows, like "The Shield" or "Damages." But damn, it was fun. Courtney Cox was bitchtastic fun as a cold-blooded tabloid editor and Ian Hart was nothing short of brilliant as her scizophrenic photographer-best friend. It also nabbed some great guest stars, like David Fincher, Paul Reubens, Vincent Gallo and Cox's "Friends" co-star Jennifer Aniston.
Runner-up: "Tin Man," Sci-Fi. A fun, campy sci-fi take on "The Wizard of Oz." The image of winged monkeys flying from Kathleen Robertson's boobs still haunts my dreams.
Best cliffhanger: The shocking flash-forward reveal in the season finale of "Lost."
Worst cliffhanger: The one involving striking writers, their producer adversaries, and the fate of the TV season.
Only mystery on "24" that I cared about:What exactly did Mike Doyle (Rick Schroder) DO in Denver?