Secret Ingredient

In cooking - there is a recipe for standard classic it's good, its consistent, and people like it. But then one day - think - why not throw in a pinch of this in, and something that happens - the results change - it makes it even better. It changes the whole thing, and all other components brighten and come out more. It is that secret ingredient.



It seems like that is what Austin is like for One Tree Hill. A consistent show with 5 seasons it has a passionate fan base, and but critics weren't really giving it much notice as other shows. Kind of like that restaurant in town - the joint that everyone in town loves, but no restaurant critic would put in the fine dining column. But that has changed its getting a mention not in the mainstream guides yet but the smaller ones are picking up on it, and soon the big boys will too.



It's the television year in review part two, where we present the 2008 TV Entertainers of the Year! Come see our picks for who had the greatest influence on the last 12 months of TV joy, and see who stopped by to accept their awards. Also, a list of what to look forward to in 2009, plus a guide to a shockingly busy week of television viewing, and the TV Pick of the Week...All in the first Two Tivos To Paradise of 2009!

10) One Tree Hill
This may be my most "controversial" choice but that's only because those that don't watch have always thought the show was something other, and lesser, than it really is. One person's coming-of-age drama may indeed be another's Teen Beat cover fodder, and while I am not ready to name it among the best shows on TV, I am more than ready to acknowledge that few series know their characters, and their audience, as well as One Tree Hill.

This fall saw a trio of incredibly well done trio of episodes dealing with violence and the way we as people - and as viewers - process it. Those three episodes alone qualified it for this list and that was before the stunning half-season finale, which revealed some stunning plot twists; stunning for the way the surprised the audience and stunning for the emotional shock waves they sent out. New cast members Austin Nichols and Ashley Rickards were easy stand outs, and Jackson Brundage continues to be the best 7 year old actor I have ever seen.

Is the show perfect? No, not by a long shot, but there is no doubt that the dedicated and rabid OTH fan base were more than likely the most satisfied TV fans in the universe this year, and rewarding and respecting your audience earns you a spot on my list. As does showing Dawson Leery doing cocaine. Stop being a hater and come see what you are missing; there's always room for more on Team Raven.

Can we dare say that Austin is becoming the nutmeg - the thing that makes you go "hmmmm what is that?"

411 Mania Two Tivo Awards 2008