This thread could get 'deep' and it definitely takes some thought from me. I'll make my list in ascending order to make it that much more dramatic! (Dun, dun, DUNNNNN!)
Firstly, honorable mentions for 'best of' series go to: John Doe and Roswell. I don't know how many of you remember those two. Both were memorable to me for so many reasons. Roswell was Buffy's network sister on both the CW and WB. It was the story about aliens trying to get back home, but along the way, getting much more than they bargained for. Simple concept. Awesomely executed. (Definitely check it out on DVD. I can't stress it enough.)
John Doe was a guy who knew everything there was to know in the world (literally) with the exception of one thing - who he was. Oddly enough, it aired along side of Firefly on Fox friday's back in the day. Canceled after the first season, with a finale that left off on a cliffhanger no less, I've been left for years wondering what could have been. Memories....
My #3 of all time is not a Whedon creation, believe it or not. It's actually Supernatural. I'm not sure how many Supernatural fans we have in here, but I could go on and on and on...but hey, I'll save the spiel for another day. Beside, we already have a thread for that show, so come join. We could you some 'fresh' posts besides the select faithful. New episode tonight, BTW. Shameless plug.
My #2 pick is Angel. Pound for pound (aka season for season), I will argue that it's a stronger series than Buffy in many ways. The story boards were great and let's face it, the idea of a vampire with a soul is brilliant. David Boreanaz sold that character so well, and even then some. The on-screen presence of the rest of the cast, whether you single-out Charisma Carpenter, J. August Richards, Andy Hallett (R.I.P.), Amy Acker, or Alexis Denisof, was stellar. There were no weak links in the cast from beginning to end.
In retrospect, the most memorable (and arguably most favorite) episode for me was 'Hero' of Season 1. It was the last episode we'd ever see Doyle in, and in many ways, this was his 'swan song.' First, let me say, his character was cut way too short on the show. Doyle lasted 9 episodes, but every time I reminisce about the show, I can't help but remember his impact and this episode. It was all about sacrifice and while Doyle was never meant to be a hero like Angel, he certainly was here. The last minute of that episode spoke volumes.
'Is that it? Am I done?' - R.I.P. Glenn Quinn
In terms of a 'top' series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer will always be my #1. At the end of the day, this is the series that started the beginning of my 'craze' (as I affectionately call it. lol) I remember being in high school when I saw my first episode, 'Becoming.' Seeing SMG ride away in the bus, passing the 'Now Leaving Sunnydale' sign, with the Sarah McLachlin's Full of Grace playing in the background, was probably the most powerful moment for me in the show's run.
(So another stunning revelation - Yes, as big of a Buffy fan as I am, I did NOT start watching until the airing of Season 2. lol)
Back to the topic. That was the moment that got me hooked and I still get chills when watching it. 'Becoming' Part 1 and 2 is and has always been my favorite episode in the show's history. Sending the love of your life to Hell? Does it get anymore difficult than that? And how ironic, in his dying moments, Willow restores Angel's soul and it's Angel who we see go to Hell, rather than Angelus.
I connected to that show on so many levels, in large part, because I could relate. I was living it. They had high school drama. So did I. I literally grew up on the show. It was as simple as that, but the way Joss delivered the material, Buffy did it like no others had, has or ever will.
