Overall Show: Timeless
Adventure, intrigue, mystery, humor, romance, engaging characters, wonderful performances. Timeless has everything you could ask for, plus the extremely fun additive of a time traveling premise. Of all the shows of 2016, this was the one where choosing a favorite episode seemed impossible because each and every week came another amazing adventure from The Alamo, to the Moon landing, to meeting the likes of Ian Fleming or Bonnie and Clyde. The Time Team versus formidable villains Garcia Flynn and Rittenhouse are made intriguing by the seeming opposing viewpoints, and indeed the show is made heartfelt and moving by the ways Lucy, Wyatt and Rufus so quickly come to care for each other. From the embraces to the willingness to protect each other to the hilarious use of modern aliases, Timeless is as timeless a form of entertainment and fine storytelling as there ever was.
Top 10 Shows: 1. Timeless 2. Once Upon a Time 3. Stranger Things 4. This Is Us 5. Fuller House 6. Lucifer 7. Agent Carter 8. iZombie 9. Downton Abbey 10. The Goldbergs
Overall Moment:
Emma and Killian are reunited (Once Upon a Time) 
After a truly heartbreaking goodbye in the Underworld, the moment Killian returned to Emma, his life miraculously restored by Zeus himself, was as beautiful and moving a scene as Once Upon a Time has ever done. True Love prevailed, proving that the place Killian belongs is with Emma Swan. And from the way the soft rain symbolized extinguishing the fires of the Underworld and signified a renewal of life, to their incredulous expressions of pure, unencumbered joy, to the sweet cheek kisses and passionate embraces, this was not only of the most exquisite moments for Emma and Killian, but also one of the most beautiful reunions (and moments) to ever grace our screens.
Eleven Saves Mike and Dustin (Stranger Things)
It was the kind of moment where so many emotions were present. Fearful for Mike, angry at the bullies terrorizing him and Dustin into the unthinkable, shock and relief by Eleven’s heroics, and compassion at her admission of causing the “door” to open. We laugh at Dustin crying out “she’s our friend and she’s crazy” and cry at the embrace of friends after such life and death traumatic moment. It does not matter the situation, true friendship and bravery is always touching to see- and seeing this from children is ever poignant.
The Time team bond when stuck in the past (Timeless)
With the lifeboat out of commission, battling the French and captured by Shoshone Indians, Lucy, Wyatt and Rufus feared they may forever be stranded in 1754. So it’s no wonder that they open up about personal memories, regrets, and hopes with compassion for what each is feeling. It’s a simple moment on the surface- just three people talking. But it reveals important things about each other and shows how strong that bond between them has grown. And when the three are back in the “repaired” life boat with nothing but faith that they will return home safely, and the three hold hands in wait, I was moved to tears.
Blink and you miss it Moment:
David and Killian hug (Once Upon a Time)
It may have been in the background of the scene, but when Killian surprises everyone with his return from the Underworld and David gives him a hug, my heart soared. These two men have come a long way and have become not only mates, but like brothers. When they first met, David probably would have never thought he’d ever consider Killian such and willingly embrace him like a brother, but that moment arrived and it was very touching, albeit much too brief. Hopefully someday a moment like this will be in the forefront.
Rufus helps a child reach a water fountain (Timeless)
Rufus has a true heart and is very much the moral compass of the series, so it’s no surprise to see him do such a thing. It’s a moment that is not needed. It adds nothing to the plot of the episode. But it is a great character moment that further demonstrates the kind of man Rufus is- thoughtful and willing to help anyone, able to notice things some may overlook. It’s a simple gesture but no less meaningful or endearing.
Want to Watch Series:
The Crown: A period drama about the British royal family with a production value and a cast that is impressive and award worthy- it’s actually amazing I have not watched this series yet. This is at the top of the “To Watch” list.
When Calls the Heart: This show looks as sweet and lovely as can be. With so few wholesome shows that are of good quality (and ones that are period shows), it’s refreshing to see a G rated drama be successful. It looks a lot like a childhood favorite of mine, Road to Avonlea, so this definitely is one I would long to catch up with very soon.
Series Finale: Downton Abbey
An exremely satisfying conclusion to a sumptuous, moving drama, characters were given happy endings with still the promise of more to come someday. I could not have asked for a better conclusion for the Crawley family and the staff of the English manor. In the end they are all family, everyone finds their place in the world and with each other, and the ever wise and witty appropriately Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) get’s the finale word. And it was the best!
‘Aww’ Heartwarming moment:
Killian tries to make Ashley’s daughter smile (Once Upon a Time)
There have been many sweet moments on this show, but the sight of Killian Jones placing whipped cream on his nose and trying to make Ashely’s little girl laugh will go down in history as one of most heart melting moments ever. One of the best things about Killian’s character is the way we have seen how gentle and sweet he can be, and when that is directed toward making a child smile, it’s as endearing as can be. It’s no wonder Emma looked on with such love and awe
Inspiring Moment:
Lucy educates a NASA scientist about women (Timeless)
There need not be any more explanation of this empowering speech, except that she deserves a round of applause!
Swoon-worthy Romantic Moment:
Killian reads Emma the Storybook (Once Upon a Time)
With countless romantic moments between the Savior and the Pirate, what made this moment such a swoon-worth romantic one was its simplicity, deeper meaning, and admiration between the couple. A simple and assuredly unromantic setting, Emma is plagued with tremors, fear and doubt. So Killian gives her comfort and support by reminding her of who she is- the product of true love and a remarkable woman capable of overcoming even the darkest of times. That fact that he does so by reading her parent’s story to her, which is indelibly entwined with hers (and Killian’s) is undeniably sweet. And his reverence as he grasps her hand and kisses it, no longer trembling, is a beautiful representation of the power of love and the power of storytelling. They can chase away our fears and replace them with hope. This scene proved that a storybook romantic moment can happen anywhere as long as you have belief in each other and in love, and the overall beauty of Emma’s True Love reading to her about the power of True Love is unparalleled.
Sweetest Moment:
Snow and Charming create a True Love Sapling (Once Upon a Time)
When thinking about Once Upon a Time’s True Love couple, sweet is most definitely one of the main descriptors. Importantly the couple may be as sweet as pie, but they are never cloying or saccharine because there is always something deeper behind their moments. And after 6 seasons, it was amazing to showcase something new and poignant as discovering they met and shared a connection long before they ever knew. It takes a remarkable couple to be able to create a magical sapling- they are said to be very rare and created from the first spark of true love. After saving her life and Snow reciprocate David’s kindness telling him she no longer feels alone, it was so beautiful to see the brief touch of hands create that spark. Their love is ever so sweet, and clearly as true as it gets.
Daily Dose of Heart: Home & Family
Every day Mark, Debbie and the rest of the family at the Hallmark Channel delights us with interviews, games, DYI projects, cooking and more, and all with incredible amount of heart. Watching this show is the perfect way to fill the beginning of our day with fun and smiles, and also moments of unexpected depth. While most talks shows dwell on the negative and have humor which can be crass, Home and Family is wholesome (and for me relatable) and gives me hope that kindness and good people exist in the world.
Smile Inducing Moment:
Kimmy and Fernando sing the I Love Lucy Theme Song (Fuller House)
Being a lifelong fan of I Love Lucy was enough to make me smile as Kimmy and Fernando dressed up as the iconic couple for Halloween. But the new take on the theme song, which funnily enough had lyrics that are perfect for this couple as well, had me grinning ear to hear. How could not smile at this moment?
The Agent Carter Squad walk into battle (Agent Carter)
They may not be the Avengers, but you will be hard pressed to find a group with more courage and tenacity than Peggy’s rag tag squad. There are not many moments that I would called golden, but this group walking down the street with confidence to Bing Crosby’s “Pistol Packin’ Mama” is indeed smile inducing gold.
‘Finally’ Moment:
Lorelai and Luke get married (Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life)
After denied this moment in the original series, the one thing I wanted to see in the revival was for Lorelai and Luke to get their wedding- their happily ever after. And it was even more enchanting than I ever could of hoped for. With whimsy set up by Kirk (he finally did something right) and a montage set to the first song the couple danced to, this moment was joyful and lovely and exactly the kind of magic they deserve. They finally had their moment!!
Edith gets married (Downton Abbey)
After so many times where her happy ending seemed in sight only for it to be snatched from her, I was beyond happy to see the middle Crawley daughter finally find someone who truly loves her and the two joined together in marriage. She has become the perfect blend of a modern career woman who still wanted to share her life with an equal partner. It was incredibly lovely to see both dreams come true for her.
Best Teamwork:
Killian, Emma and Arthur (Once Upon a Time)
Killian teaming up with King Arthur was one of those moments I never knew I wanted but when it happened, I absolutely loved it. On a shallow level, as Cruella says, they make quite the “stubble sandwich,” but there was much more to this team up then a handsome duo. It demonstrated great forgiveness on Killian’s part to work with the man responsible for his death, and gave Arthur a new purpose and chance at redemption, wondering if the Underworld was always the kingdom he was meant to restore. This episode also featured another sense of teamwork between Killian and Emma as the two could literally sense each other across realms. As Killian places the missing pages into the storybook in the Underworld and they magically appeared in the book – to Emma – she just smiled with a knowing look that this was from him. That’s next level true love goals if there ever was any.
The Time Team ((Timeless)
The combination of Lucy, Wyatt and Rufus may be unorthodox but that is what perhaps makes it work. Three good people who care about each mission and care about history, and importantly care about each other. There need not be any single moment to pinpoint as far as how they work as a team because even when problems arise in the end they prevail and do so together.
Heartbreaking Moment:
Emma and Killian say goodbye in the Underworld (Once Upon a Time)
Even though Emma and Killian have gone through other truly heartbreaking moments, and even though Killian was able to miraculously come back to Emma, the moment these two say goodbye to each other in the underworld with heartfelt and selfless promises to each other was the kind of heart shattering moment that’s difficult to recover from. And that was because it felt so real and so final. No magical swords, simply two people, unable to hold back their tears, not wanting to let go but doing so anyway with a final kiss, holding hands until the last possible moment. Look up the term ugly crying and no doubt you’ll find the scene.
Saddest Sacrifice:
Robin Hood (Once Upon a Time)
Robin may have shown just how much he loves Regina and demonstrated an act of truelove showing what an amazing man he is, but that doesn’t make his sacrifice any less sad. Seeing his soul disappear before Regina was certainly a cause for many tears, and was one of the show’s saddest scenes ever. But the loving outlaw still lives in our hearts and who knows what the future holds for him.
Eleven (Stranger Things)
If someone was to watch the scene where Eleven sacrifices herself for her friends, or as she turns around she simply says “Goodbye Mike,” and they don’t shed a single tear or at least have a lump in their throat, then they might be made of stone. Even though it’s clear that she still live in the show’s final moments, seeing a child who had been so tormented feeling like the only thing to do is give up her own life is as sad a truth as anything.
Tearful Moment:
Lorelai’s Phone Call to her Mother (Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life)
A few moments from the Gilmore Girls revival brought me to tears, but none more so that Lorelai’s conversation to her mother about her favorite memory of her father. A proper memory instead of the one she shared on the day of his funeral, it’s the kind of long speech that Graham always excels at and it was brimming with raw emotion. How could you not be brought to tears?
The ‘Big Three’ Reveal (This is Us)
This is Us has so far been a show where just about every week there is at least one scene (maybe more) that can bring us to tears. But there was something so special about the moment you realized exactly who the Big Three were that was inordinately touching and the kind of beautiful twist that makes you smile through your tears.
Emma Comforts Henry about her fate as Savior (Once Upon a Time)
The Emma/Henry relationship has always held a special place in many of our hearts, and one could not empathize with Henry worrying about his mother’s fate and his guilt about bring her to Storybrooke in the first place. But like any good parent, instead of dwelling on an uncertain future she focuses on the good things being the Savior has brought her: love, a family, and him. And saying that the actual magic in her life is him was so incredibly moving.
Nostalgic Moment:
Steve gives DJ a pillow person (Fuller House)
As an avid fan of Full House, having watching the episodes many times, I just knew what Steve’s birthday present to DJ was going to be the moment he described it. I remember how much she loved that silly thing, so it was beyond sweet of him and for the show to bring this back with DJ’s traditional “Thank you, thank, thank you.” And for this moment and many others I am team “DJ & Steve For-evah.”
Guest Star:
Sean Maguire (Timeless)
After losing him on OUAT, I was beyond thrilled to see Maguire back on my screen, especially playing such an iconic role. The creator of James Bond, Ian Fleming, as played by Maguire is charming, debonair, and brave and worked perfectly with the Time Team. I only wish they could see him again at another time. If it they can’t visit that time again, there’s always another. Never say never.
Loveliest Moment:
Emma asks Killian to move in with her (Once Upon a Time)
If there was one word to describe this heartfelt moment it would be lovely- because everything about it was such: the serene setting at the sun kissed twilight of the day, the soft musical score, the gentle way Emma was caressing Killian’s hair, their sweet smiles, the tender kiss and nose brushes, and the adorable way Emma’s asks Killian to share a home with her from realizing that nothing in life is certain to teasing about how she has some space for black leather to go right alongside her red leather. It was indeed so lovely and a perfect combination of what makes them a wonderful- a couple of both fairy tale beauty and modern sensibilities.
Smile and Cry Moment:
Snow and Charming Sleeping Curse Montage (Once Upon a Time)
One could not help but smile at the sweet montage of Snow living their daily lives with a shared sleeping curse- taking care of their baby boy, leaving each other notes- and while it was sweet, there was also a tinge of heartbreak at what they are forced to endure until the curse of broken, not know if it ever will. You can smile and cry at this witness of true love and devotion during a very difficult time.
Plot Twist:
Chloe’s existence was divinely created (Lucifer)
There always seemed to be a hint of destiny between Lucifer and Chloe, especially since she is the only person unaffected by his ability to read people’s desire, but that fact that her entire existence was because her parents were blessed was a twist I did not see coming. Of course from Lucifer’s perspective it makes him feel betrayed by his father and as if nothing can be trusted as real, but from my perspective, it simply gives their relationship an even deeper and more divine meaning and connection.
Pleasant Surprise: Speechless
This show could have gone two ways. It could have been cringe worthy at its insensitivity and depiction of a family dealing with a child with special needs. Luckily it went the other route and Speechless is a sensitive and realistic, funny and touching look at what a family like this goes through on a daily basis, and with Minnie Driver that is just an added bonus. When I was a writing tutor in college, in one of my classes was a young man, who like Micah had cerebral palsy- and Micah reminds me so much of him- funny, smart as a whip, kind, but still capable of less than perfect behavior. It’s refreshing to see this sort of show on Network television.
Quotes
-Emma Swan (Once Upon a Time)
-Dustin Henderson (Stranger Things)
-Lucy Preston (Timeless)
-Peggy Carter (Agent Carter)
-Emma Swan (Once Upon a Time)
-Killian Jones (Once Upon a Time)
-Michael (The Good Place)
-Snow White (Once Upon a Time)
-Killian Jones (Once Upon a Time)
-Jack Pearson (This Is Us)
-Emma Swan (Once Upon a Time)
-Luke Danes & Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life)
-Killian Jones (Once Upon a Time)
-Mike Wheeler (Stranger Things)
-Cinderella & Snow (Once Upon a Time)
-Lucy Preston (Timeless)
-Howard Stark (Agent Carter)
-Danny Tanner (Fuller House)
The Girly Nerd 
I loved this! Every part. Love Agent Carter and Once!
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