Golden Lance Award for TV Series of the Year
It was a year of genre franchises in the television landscape. Franchises like Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and of course the ubiquitous Marvel shows all made their mark on television. While HBO has always stood for quality, and this year was no exception, I would like to note the exceptional slate of a relative newcomer to the streaming game. Apple TV+ has quietly become one of the highest quality production value and content producers on the market. At a basement tier price, shows such as Foundation, The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, and one of our runners up. The service is the anti-Netflix. Opting for a pure quality over quantity approach. Not feeling the need to constantly throw fifty new shows at the wall to see what sticks and instead banking on great writing, acting, and high budgets to make their shows feel special. With that soapbox moment done with, it is my pleasure to present our winners for Golden Lance Award for Best TV Series of the Year.
Winner: House of the Dragon
However beloved Game of Thrones was, it can’t be denied that the poor, almost nonsensical conclusion left a bitter taste in many fans’ mouths. House of the Dragon faced a difficult task then, in restoring public interest in George R. R. Martin’s epic world of Westeros by shining a spotlight on the Targaryen family. With a story taking place well over 100 years before events in Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon’s first season was all about sewing the seeds of distrust and betrayal and moving all of the necessary chess pieces into place ready for the coming seasons. In many ways mirroring Game of Thrones’ first season, the action is scarce, with character development and political intrigue taking center stage. The stellar acting on display helps to bring each character to life incredibly well, with Paddy Considine as King Viserys a particular highlight. Captivating fans and critics alike with an intriguing plot, and managing to recapture everything that made the early seasons of Game of Thrones so special, House of the Dragon has been a successful return to the world of Westeros, and the promise of more to come is an exciting one.
Runner Up: Rings of Power
I understand why Ring of Power wasn’t picked first. House of Dragon was something everyone was excited for and ready to watch. Rings of Power though is a bold new endeavor that takes the audience 1,000 years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. For me, this show was easier to enjoy given the many different avenues the various storylines can go into the future. The opportunities for countless spin-offs after this show ends is amazing. I can’t wait for the second season to finally come out. While I’m a fan of Game of Thrones, I think Rings of Power was an exceptional prequel series and is well deserving of its place on our list for Golden Lance for TV Series of the Year.
Runner Up: Severance
Severance is the smartest show of the year. It takes a simple premise “what if your work life and home life were truly separate”. It then takes it to its horrifying conclusion. Severance is the best of the Twilight Zone mixed with Black Mirror. It then turns that into a full season of absolutely riveting television. Viewers are treated to a psychologically twisting journey into the minds and lives of people willing to undergo the Severance procedure. It is a story of trauma and reconciliation. The finale episode is one of the most riveting pieces of heist television that I have ever seen. Few series have the capability of making the protagonist riveting. Adam Scott made his protagonist both in work and at home equally compelling. Severance is the latest in a long line of exceptional series made by Apple TV+. It is worth the subscription fee alone. It is well deserving of being runner up for Golden Lance for TV Series of the Year.
