TVLine Shares Its 2013 Wish List for Walking Dead, Once, Community, Idol, Revenge and More!
Emmy love for an overlooked duo, a satisfying finish for a cult favorite and a Mad Men exit — those are just some of TVLine’s small-screen wishes for 2013.
PREVIEW | Hot for Winter: Your January Premieres and Finales Calendar
Last year, some of our dreams even came true: Dexter got good again, Fringe got early word of its fate and The Vampire Diaries’ Elijah got unstaked (but disappeared again, boo!). And two wishes that didn’t become reality are so dear to our hearts, we’ve included them again! Since we’ve been extra good this year — have you seen all the scoop we brought you? — we think it’s only fair that the TV gods deliver on those and all our hopes for Revenge, The Good Wife, How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory and many more shows.
So here is what TVLine Founder and Editor-in-Chief Michael Ausiello, Editor-at-Large Matt Webb Mitovich, Senior Editors Michael Slezak and Kimberly Roots, West Coast Editor Meg Masters, West Coast Reporter Vlada Gelman and Contributing Editor Andy Patrick have singled out as dream TV scenarios in the New Year. (Coming Tuesday: TVLine readers share their picks.)
Matt Mitovich's Wish:
That Joss Whedon's pilot for Marvel's S.H.I.E.L.D. continues to “assemble!” a solid, interesting cast, fulfill its promise and get a green light from ABC come May. Oh, and that we as an Internet can then agree to drop the periods from the title, since they really are a dickens to type.
Michael Ausiello's Wish:
That J.R. Ewing's funeral on Dallas marks the overdue return of Victoria Principal's Pam, whose absence from TNT's otherwise veteran-packed update has been glaring. I'd also get a kick out of seeing Priscilla Presley's MIA Wade. And Susan Howard's Donna. And… Just bring everyone back. My childhood is depending on it.
Matt Mitovich's Wish:
That American Horror Story sets its third tale at a circa-1970s/1980s summer camp populated by tarty teens and has some fun with all the tropes from the Jason Voorhees/Michael Myers/Freddy Krueger era. (Season 4 then can venture to outer space a la Alien.)
Michael Slezak's Wish:
That American Idol crowns a female winner — and gives her a radio-ready coronation single. Granted, I've always felt that the best/most inventive contestant should win — regardless of gender — but after watching five straight men get the top prize while thrilling ladies such as Haley Reinhart, Crystal Bowersox, Skylar Laine and Jessica Sanchez fell short of their confetti showers, it's time for someone without a Y chromosome to take home the title. And once she gets there, may she find a single that's as suited to her musical style as it is to modern radio playlists: Phillip Phillips' “Home” was the first truly great “winner's anthem” in Idol's 11-season history, and based on its runaway success, it had better not be the last.
Meg Masters' Wish:
That Carlton Cuse's Bates Motel — and Damon Lindelof's potential HBO series The Leftovers, for that matter — live up to incredibly high expectations. (We're not too worried about this one coming true.)
Vlada Gelman's Wish:
That Dan Stevens returns for Downton Abbey's fourth season. Mary without Matthew just isn't right, and I will continue living in denial of this news until a Brinks truck is rolled up to Stevens' house.
Kimberly Roots' Wish:
That, despite her Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce departure last season, Mad Men finds a way to get Don and Peggy in the same room... often. And this just may be the martinis talking, but how about revisiting the so-wrong-they're-right Roger-Joan sexy times again after a season of drought?
Andy Patrick's Wish:
That we get more Bang for our Penny. You know how you can tell that the Big Bang Theory has a hella-strong ensemble? These days, Kaley Cuoco -- once the show's only female regular -- often ends up playing a supporting role, and the show is still damn good. But here's the thing: When she's front and center, that good show is even better. So c'mon, more Penny. Please? It just makes cents. Er, sense.
Matt Mitovich's Wish:
That Fringe delivers a series finale that is, yes, emotionally resonant for the characters we have followed over the years and across multiple universes, but also thrilling and unpredictable, barreling toward a satisfying win for the good guys.
Michael Ausiello's Wish:
That the Friday Night Lights feature film becomes a reality. Yes, I know, the finale served as a perfect coda to the series. Yes, I know, a poorly executed big-screen sequel could tarnish the show's legacy. And yes, I know, sometimes I just need to let go. But I also know I want what I want when I want it — so just gimme my movie.
Michael Slezak's Wish:
That ABC's Bachelor Pad never flinches from lobbing weapons of mass indignity at its fameosexual participants. Season 3 of network TV's most smarmily addictive spin-off found contestants slathered in dairy as they made their way through ice-cream-sundae obstacle courses, “couples” being sent on overnight dates in barns and a pair of actual human twins competing as one person for a shot at a cash prize and a lifetime supply of bad mojo. Let's be honest: These folks never really embarked on their Bachelor/Bachelorette journeys “for the right reasons,” so there's no guilt if we end up watching their humiliation for the wrong ones.
Meg Masters' Wish:
That Community's much-anticipated — and long-overdue! — return is a triumphant one, with ratings to spare and more laughs than ever. An early Season 5 pickup wouldn't be too shabby either. (Yes, this was my wish last year, too.
Vlada Gelman's Wish:
That The Good Wife gives Cary a storyline - and soon! When he rejoined Lockhart Gardner, it seemed like Cary was on his way to once again being an integral member of the team. But the talented Matt Czuchry has been strangely sidelined for most of the season. Even with the (too brief) introduction of his father, the legal eagle had more screentime and a meatier arc when he was at the State's Attorney's office.
Kimberly Roots' Wish:
That The Office nails its series finale with an episode that makes us laugh, cry and re-watch whenever we need a boost - think “Niagara,” but even more epic. (No pressure, Office writing staff.) And I don't care if it's greedy to ask for Michael Scott's reappearance: The World's Best Boss better haul it back to Scranton for the series' swan song, or I'm going to encase all of his belongings in Jell-O.
Andy Patrick's Wish:
That The Middle will get an Emmy. Or at least a major nomination. Look, I know Modern Family is good. Really good. But it isn't so good that it deserves to take away every chance that The Middle has at striking gold, is it? (Short answer: No.) So, please afford me this moment of Sue Heck-ian optimism, won't you, and let me dream of the day my wish will come true and the show will get more than a nod for... outstanding makeup.
Matt Mitovich's Wish:
That CBS and How I Met Your Mother agree to make this the final season, because we're way past due to meet the mother, more “fans” than ever seem be hate-watching and frankly no one wants a begrudging Jason Segel biding time in MacLaren's. That the Mother is revealed at the end of this season, and we spend Season 9 watching to see exactly how and when she meets Ted.
Michael Slezak's Wish:
That Nashville's Connie Britton-Hayden Panettiere duet “Wrong Song” roars up the country charts — and results in a ratings surge for the addictive drama. The only disappointment about ABC's acclaimed freshman soap is its less-than-stadium-sized audience, but the ear-wormy “Wrong Song” — with its glorious harmonies, “woman done wrong” empowerment and winking nods to Tammy Wynette — deserves to be a smash. And with a soundtrack that could easily fill Billboard's Top 10 Country Singles list — especially the sizzling duets “No One Will Ever Love You” and “If I Didn't Know Better” - Nashville deserves to be a smash, too.
Meg Masters' Wish:
That if The Killing actually is revived, it's given a fresh start, one that echoes the greatness of its early Season 1 installments. A compelling new case and a Holder/Linden partnership is all it really needs to be back on top of its game.
Vlada Gelman's Wish:
For a Bryan Fuller series that lasts. After getting my heart broken by the cancellations of Wonderfalls and Pushing Daisies and the burn-off of Mockingbird Lane, I'm praying Hannibal is a deliciously twisted hit.
Kimberly Roots' Wish:
That Revenge's Emily gets back to her original plan: taking out those who framed her dad. No more mom, no more Aiden, no more Initiative to distract her, please. Our girl's got some Red Sharpie-ing to do.
Matt Mitovich's Wish:
That Once Upon a Time achieves a laser focus on its narrative, now that everyone is back in the same realm. The first stretch of Season 2, while rollicking at times and populated by myriad new characters in this land, that land or the other one, was a bit uneven. But now, one hopes for some intense interpersonal dynamics.
Michael Ausiello's Wish:
That Mad Men cuts Megan loose. Although photos showing Don and Megan enjoying a Hawaiian holiday in the Season 6 premiere would seem to suggest that we're stuck with the vapid, airtime-sucking interloper for another 13 episodes, I remain hopeful that we're somehow being misled. For instance, maybe they were shooting a pre-divorce flashback? Perhaps Don was imagining what could've been? Or maybe paparazzi failed to capture the scene that came next -- the one where the couple goes for a swim and a strong rip current pulls Megan under and she “tragically” drowns? A boy can dream.
Michael Slezak's Wish:
That The Voice's all-star panel expands its job description to include “judging.” Look, I'm not trying to be curmudgeonly about the positive, supportive vibes the coaches give off during their critiques: It's what makes The Voice a zillion times more fun than The X Factor. I'm just asking that instead of handing out gold stars to absolutely everyone all the time, Blake and Adam (and for Season 4, Shakira and Usher) could offer some kind-worded but honest advice when finalists are clearly off pitch or choose songs that are ill-suited to their voices. That kind of feedback might actually help contestants improve their performances week-to-week, and wouldn't leave viewers feeling worn out from so much reading between the lines.
Matt Mitovich's Wish:
That Scandal forever keeps us guessing (…and second-guessing). Who is Quinn? Ask Olivia and Huck! Who was behind the Cytron bombing? Ask the Quinntet! What the Huck?! Ask Becky!
Meg Masters' Wish:
That the second half of The Walking Dead's third season is able to maintain the first's breakneck pace and no-holds-barred attitude toward risk-taking and game-changing.
Vlada Gelman's Wish:
That Parenthood's Monica Potter and the oft-overlooked but no less remarkable Peter Krause get the Emmy recognition they deserve. If they don't, you better believe there will be a coup at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Kimberly Roots' Wish:
That morning “news” shows like Today and Good Morning America spend more than 10 minutes on the events of the day before devolving into Twitter trends and videos we can easily find on our Facebook walls.
Matt Mitovich's Wish:
That Joss Whedon's pilot for Marvel's S.H.I.E.L.D. continues to “assemble!” a solid, interesting cast, fulfill its promise and get a green light from ABC come May. Oh, and that we as an Internet can then agree to drop the periods from the title, since they really are a dickens to type.
Michael Ausiello's Wish:
That J.R. Ewing's funeral on Dallas marks the overdue return of Victoria Principal's Pam, whose absence from TNT's otherwise veteran-packed update has been glaring. I'd also get a kick out of seeing Priscilla Presley's MIA Wade. And Susan Howard's Donna. And… Just bring everyone back. My childhood is depending on it.
Matt Mitovich's Wish:
That American Horror Story sets its third tale at a circa-1970s/1980s summer camp populated by tarty teens and has some fun with all the tropes from the Jason Voorhees/Michael Myers/Freddy Krueger era. (Season 4 then can venture to outer space a la Alien.)
Michael Slezak's Wish:
That American Idol crowns a female winner — and gives her a radio-ready coronation single. Granted, I've always felt that the best/most inventive contestant should win — regardless of gender — but after watching five straight men get the top prize while thrilling ladies such as Haley Reinhart, Crystal Bowersox, Skylar Laine and Jessica Sanchez fell short of their confetti showers, it's time for someone without a Y chromosome to take home the title. And once she gets there, may she find a single that's as suited to her musical style as it is to modern radio playlists: Phillip Phillips' “Home” was the first truly great “winner's anthem” in Idol's 11-season history, and based on its runaway success, it had better not be the last.
Meg Masters' Wish:
That Carlton Cuse's Bates Motel — and Damon Lindelof's potential HBO series The Leftovers, for that matter — live up to incredibly high expectations. (We're not too worried about this one coming true.)
Vlada Gelman's Wish:
That Dan Stevens returns for Downton Abbey's fourth season. Mary without Matthew just isn't right, and I will continue living in denial of this news until a Brinks truck is rolled up to Stevens' house.
Kimberly Roots' Wish:
That, despite her Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce departure last season, Mad Men finds a way to get Don and Peggy in the same room... often. And this just may be the martinis talking, but how about revisiting the so-wrong-they're-right Roger-Joan sexy times again after a season of drought?
Andy Patrick's Wish:
That we get more Bang for our Penny. You know how you can tell that the Big Bang Theory has a hella-strong ensemble? These days, Kaley Cuoco -- once the show's only female regular -- often ends up playing a supporting role, and the show is still damn good. But here's the thing: When she's front and center, that good show is even better. So c'mon, more Penny. Please? It just makes cents. Er, sense.
Matt Mitovich's Wish:
That Fringe delivers a series finale that is, yes, emotionally resonant for the characters we have followed over the years and across multiple universes, but also thrilling and unpredictable, barreling toward a satisfying win for the good guys.
Michael Ausiello's Wish:
That the Friday Night Lights feature film becomes a reality. Yes, I know, the finale served as a perfect coda to the series. Yes, I know, a poorly executed big-screen sequel could tarnish the show's legacy. And yes, I know, sometimes I just need to let go. But I also know I want what I want when I want it — so just gimme my movie.
Michael Slezak's Wish:
That ABC's Bachelor Pad never flinches from lobbing weapons of mass indignity at its fameosexual participants. Season 3 of network TV's most smarmily addictive spin-off found contestants slathered in dairy as they made their way through ice-cream-sundae obstacle courses, “couples” being sent on overnight dates in barns and a pair of actual human twins competing as one person for a shot at a cash prize and a lifetime supply of bad mojo. Let's be honest: These folks never really embarked on their Bachelor/Bachelorette journeys “for the right reasons,” so there's no guilt if we end up watching their humiliation for the wrong ones.
Meg Masters' Wish:
That Community's much-anticipated — and long-overdue! — return is a triumphant one, with ratings to spare and more laughs than ever. An early Season 5 pickup wouldn't be too shabby either. (Yes, this was my wish last year, too.
Vlada Gelman's Wish:
That The Good Wife gives Cary a storyline - and soon! When he rejoined Lockhart Gardner, it seemed like Cary was on his way to once again being an integral member of the team. But the talented Matt Czuchry has been strangely sidelined for most of the season. Even with the (too brief) introduction of his father, the legal eagle had more screentime and a meatier arc when he was at the State's Attorney's office.
Kimberly Roots' Wish:
That The Office nails its series finale with an episode that makes us laugh, cry and re-watch whenever we need a boost - think “Niagara,” but even more epic. (No pressure, Office writing staff.) And I don't care if it's greedy to ask for Michael Scott's reappearance: The World's Best Boss better haul it back to Scranton for the series' swan song, or I'm going to encase all of his belongings in Jell-O.
Andy Patrick's Wish:
That The Middle will get an Emmy. Or at least a major nomination. Look, I know Modern Family is good. Really good. But it isn't so good that it deserves to take away every chance that The Middle has at striking gold, is it? (Short answer: No.) So, please afford me this moment of Sue Heck-ian optimism, won't you, and let me dream of the day my wish will come true and the show will get more than a nod for... outstanding makeup.
Matt Mitovich's Wish:
That CBS and How I Met Your Mother agree to make this the final season, because we're way past due to meet the mother, more “fans” than ever seem be hate-watching and frankly no one wants a begrudging Jason Segel biding time in MacLaren's. That the Mother is revealed at the end of this season, and we spend Season 9 watching to see exactly how and when she meets Ted.
Michael Slezak's Wish:
That Nashville's Connie Britton-Hayden Panettiere duet “Wrong Song” roars up the country charts — and results in a ratings surge for the addictive drama. The only disappointment about ABC's acclaimed freshman soap is its less-than-stadium-sized audience, but the ear-wormy “Wrong Song” — with its glorious harmonies, “woman done wrong” empowerment and winking nods to Tammy Wynette — deserves to be a smash. And with a soundtrack that could easily fill Billboard's Top 10 Country Singles list — especially the sizzling duets “No One Will Ever Love You” and “If I Didn't Know Better” - Nashville deserves to be a smash, too.
Meg Masters' Wish:
That if The Killing actually is revived, it's given a fresh start, one that echoes the greatness of its early Season 1 installments. A compelling new case and a Holder/Linden partnership is all it really needs to be back on top of its game.
Vlada Gelman's Wish:
For a Bryan Fuller series that lasts. After getting my heart broken by the cancellations of Wonderfalls and Pushing Daisies and the burn-off of Mockingbird Lane, I'm praying Hannibal is a deliciously twisted hit.
Kimberly Roots' Wish:
That Revenge's Emily gets back to her original plan: taking out those who framed her dad. No more mom, no more Aiden, no more Initiative to distract her, please. Our girl's got some Red Sharpie-ing to do.
Matt Mitovich's Wish:
That Once Upon a Time achieves a laser focus on its narrative, now that everyone is back in the same realm. The first stretch of Season 2, while rollicking at times and populated by myriad new characters in this land, that land or the other one, was a bit uneven. But now, one hopes for some intense interpersonal dynamics.
Michael Ausiello's Wish:
That Mad Men cuts Megan loose. Although photos showing Don and Megan enjoying a Hawaiian holiday in the Season 6 premiere would seem to suggest that we're stuck with the vapid, airtime-sucking interloper for another 13 episodes, I remain hopeful that we're somehow being misled. For instance, maybe they were shooting a pre-divorce flashback? Perhaps Don was imagining what could've been? Or maybe paparazzi failed to capture the scene that came next -- the one where the couple goes for a swim and a strong rip current pulls Megan under and she “tragically” drowns? A boy can dream.
Michael Slezak's Wish:
That The Voice's all-star panel expands its job description to include “judging.” Look, I'm not trying to be curmudgeonly about the positive, supportive vibes the coaches give off during their critiques: It's what makes The Voice a zillion times more fun than The X Factor. I'm just asking that instead of handing out gold stars to absolutely everyone all the time, Blake and Adam (and for Season 4, Shakira and Usher) could offer some kind-worded but honest advice when finalists are clearly off pitch or choose songs that are ill-suited to their voices. That kind of feedback might actually help contestants improve their performances week-to-week, and wouldn't leave viewers feeling worn out from so much reading between the lines.
Matt Mitovich's Wish:
That Scandal forever keeps us guessing (…and second-guessing). Who is Quinn? Ask Olivia and Huck! Who was behind the Cytron bombing? Ask the Quinntet! What the Huck?! Ask Becky!
Meg Masters' Wish:
That the second half of The Walking Dead's third season is able to maintain the first's breakneck pace and no-holds-barred attitude toward risk-taking and game-changing.
Vlada Gelman's Wish:
That Parenthood's Monica Potter and the oft-overlooked but no less remarkable Peter Krause get the Emmy recognition they deserve. If they don't, you better believe there will be a coup at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Kimberly Roots' Wish:
That morning “news” shows like Today and Good Morning America spend more than 10 minutes on the events of the day before devolving into Twitter trends and videos we can easily find on our Facebook walls.
Matt Mitovich's Wish:
That Joss Whedon's pilot for Marvel's S.H.I.E.L.D. continues to “assemble!” a solid, interesting cast, fulfill its promise and get a green light from ABC come May. Oh, and that we as an Internet can then agree to drop the periods from the title, since they really are a dickens to type.
Comments (79)