MVP: William Sadler

Regency Television, 20th Century Fox Television, Living Dead Guy Production, Warner Bros. Television Distribution

Sons of biscuits! William Sadler's IMDB credits seem to go onto infinity covering film and television, both high brow – The Shawshank Redemption or The Green Mile and low brow –  playing Grim Reaper in Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey. However, my love truly blossomed for the actor on the small screen, in particular, on three appearances that crossed through my fangirling galaxy. 

In 1999, Sadler played Sheriff Valenti on Jason Katims' Roswell where he morphed from alien hunter to supportive father-figure to Max and friends. In 2008, he again popped on my radar as Dr. Sumner on Fringe. Sadler played a compassionate hardass who grilled Walter Bishop on his monthly mental evaluations. I assure you Dr. Sumner, the only continued care Walter Bishop needs is with JJ Abrams. Praise! And lastly, what set off this Sadler love-fest, he appeared on new fantastical favorite, Wonderfalls. In the 2004 Bryan Fuller creation, Sadler served as Darrin Tyler, loving father to Sharon, Aaron any youngest, Jaye, whom he earnestly tries to understand and support, even inquiring about his daughter's last orgasm. I ask you, what's not to love about William Sadler? Not only has he charmed me, but he's obviously charmed three of my favorite show runners – Jason Katims, JJ Abrams, and Bryan Fuller. With eight - eight!! - projects in post-production, there are sure to be plenty of William Sadler fangirling opportunities in 2016. Tipping my Sheriff hat to you, Mr. Sadler.

Fringe is Real!

Warner Bros. Television Distribution

Leave it to China to attempt to make Fringe seem real. Check out this surveillance footage from Xingtai, China of 'levitating cars'. Two vans and a car suddenly rise off the ground with so much force that one overturns. If that isn't reminiscent of Olivia returning from the alternate universe (Season 2, Episode 1: A New Day in the Old Town), I don't know what is. Looks like a case for Walter and Peter Bishop! The cause of the levitation was actually a cable that had been laid across the street and caught in the street sweeper. So much for Fringe science. Don't worry, JJ, I still believe.

Damn You, JJ. Damn You All Over Again.

Warner Bros. Television Distribution

Another great series that starts with a plane crash. Another great series with a smart, strong female lead. But most importantly, another great series by JJ Abrams. He gets me every damn time. With Fringe he's created Olivia Dunham played by Anna Torv who brings the Fringe FBI agent to life with both strength and vulnerability. 

You’d think with all the time jumps, loops, bubbles, and displacements along with entirely alternate, yet duplicate universe (Walternates and Fauxlivias included), I’d be out, but the human connections keep me definitively IN. The primary relationship of father and son, Walter and Peter, is the emotional core of the show as they play off each other in genuine, touching, and often humorous ways. Other compelling relationships include the evolving relationship of Peter and Olivia and the mentor/mentee relationship with Walter and – Astro, Astericks, Asteroid, Aspirin, Asterix, Astra, Ostrich – Astrid. Together, the Fringe team blinds me with science in the best damn laboratory ever, in a Harvard basement with Gene, the cow.

For five seasons, this cast of characters sought their connection to the world even in the most absurd and horrifying situations (props to the make-up and special effects teams). However, when it comes to Season Five with the dystopian, 20-year time jump, where the bald-headed baddies, The Observers, take over, I’m out. I’m out on the faux baby and real baby. All the babies. Plus, I don’t like revenge or sadness or goodbyes. Cast in darkness, with no escapism and no fluff, I say, pass the Red Vines and wrap with Season Four. No offense JJ, I assure you, Fringe is still one of my very favorite things.