So this is the Second of my Predictions threads for the main competition we are running on SpoilerTV, and for anyone who hasn't read the other articles, or has but hasn't entered the competition yet, these are the links:
So now onto the second part of the first round, which to me personally is the round which for a few of the bigger shows, has the easiest route to the final. Totally avoiding LOST until the final, and steering clear of a potential tie against 'The Wire' or '24' until the semi finals. That being said though, this region still has 'The Sopranos', 'Dexter' and 'Friends', three critically and universally praised shows of recent times, as well as current fan favourites 'Breaking Bad', 'Smallville' and 'True Blood' and some Goldie Oldies such as 'The Twilight Zone'. So when I say this regions the easiest, its still nigh-on impossible to call who will make it to the semi finals. But for now, lets look at the First round.
The Big Battle
The hardest battle out there in round one must be 'The Sopranos' vs. 'Smallville'. The Sopranos is often seen in many people's top 5 shows of all time, but does it have the support here to take on a big cult following show such as 'Smallville'. With 9 series since 2001, 'Smallville' has built up a very loyal following, and could also draw on the comic book geek in people who are less familiar with the two shows in general. 'The Sopranos' however, is compelling viewing, and anyone who has watched the show is likely to vote for it on the principle that it is quality, award winning drama, and so it will be very tough to decide which type of fan is going to turn up on the day and win the battle. Logically, I think that 'The Sopranos' should win, but that doesn't mean it will by any means. It's too close to call.The Other Tough Ones
'Dexter' vs. 'Bones' could be a tough one to call in round one, as both has a loyal following, and both are looked on favourably by most people who don't watch the show, however personally I still fee Dexter will win because it will find more on-the-fence voters going for it, due to it's critical success and large haul of awards. It's perhaps more unique and cutting edge, which could stand it in good stead. Also, I have heard that the 'Bones' season finale this year was a major disappointment, and so could play against it with fans of both. For me, a tough one also is 'Babylon 5' vs. 'The Twilight Zone' as both shows finished a long time ago, and the older shows are something of a total shot in the dark as to which has a bigger following, and so will make it tough to decide if they will over or under exceed our expectations. Don't be too suprised for a shock result involving an older show at some point. The other tough one is 'The Simpsons' vs. 'The Vampire Diaries' as 'The Simpsons' has a huge casual following, and it is unlikely to find many TV fans who haven't enjoyed the odd episode of Homer and his family, and so will draw in a huge number of votes from the more casual voters. However, 'Vampire Diaries' has a large cult following, and lots of people on the 'Twilight' bandwagon will be drawn to the Vampire, Romance. Could easily swing either way, and shows like 'Vampire Diaries' I may have overlooked somewhat in my own bracket. Finally, I have to put 'Charmed' vs. 'Gilmore Girls' here, as I know nothing about either, and I know nothing about how popular each is. So I personally took a punt at 'Charmed'. Feel free to let me know whether I took a good approach! If not, All will be revealed :P
The Easy Ones
The final two match-ups in Region Two, I strongly expect 'True Blood' and 'Friends' to stroll into the final round. 'Friends' is a dead certainty, against a show I'm surprised made the final 64. Cancelled after one season to mixed at best reviews, 'Flashforward' was the flop of the 2009-2010 season, yet clearly must have a loyal fanbase somewhere, as it powered its way to votes 300 votes in 'The Final Selection' poll we ran a few days ago to find the remaining 10 shows that were entering the competition. However, against one of my overall competition favourites and universally loved 'Friends' it should get steamrollered.
And as much of a 'Studio 60' fan as I am (One of my all time favourite shows) it has a too small crowd to beat the tidal wave of Vampire fans as well as 'Twilight' bandwagon fans that follow 'True Blood', HBO's take on the whole saga with plenty of blood and gore and romance. Something so critically acclaimed and relevant at the current time gives it a good shot at being a dark horse for the whole competition. Shame though, as I feel Aaron Sorkin's two shows in the competition have been dealt bum-deals in round one. And I assure you, Studio 60 is brilliant. But sadly, no chance I don't think
And as much of a 'Studio 60' fan as I am (One of my all time favourite shows) it has a too small crowd to beat the tidal wave of Vampire fans as well as 'Twilight' bandwagon fans that follow 'True Blood', HBO's take on the whole saga with plenty of blood and gore and romance. Something so critically acclaimed and relevant at the current time gives it a good shot at being a dark horse for the whole competition. Shame though, as I feel Aaron Sorkin's two shows in the competition have been dealt bum-deals in round one. And I assure you, Studio 60 is brilliant. But sadly, no chance I don't thinkBut I've been wrong before!
Hope you enjoyed the Second article on the main competition, and don't forget to join the main competition and potentially win a prize. Also, anyone wanting to write a mini review on any of the shows mentioned today, can send them to me at harris_4_president@yahoo.co.uk
Comment away on who you think will win out of these match-ups, and see you in a couple of days for the next analysis.
Till then, Adios.
Adam
