AFT Awards: Best Drama Series

This is the twenty-first category of the 1st Annual AFT Television Awards to be announced. Episodes listed in parantheses for actors and shows indicate a great sample of their work, however I look at the entire season when choosing my nominees and winners. Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. For the record, I felt obliged to have only five nominees, but "Rescue Me" ranks a very close 6th on this list.

Best Drama Series

BROTHERHOOD (Ecclesiastes 7:2)
This new mob drama takes the dramatic impact of "The Sopranos" and mixes it up with some even more intense family issues and a stellar cast. "Ecclesiastes 7:2" is a standout episode that shows how good this show can really be.

THE CLOSER (To Protect and Serve)
This is a truly worthwhile procedural with an outstanding cast and some really hilarious episodes which are nonetheless dramatically effective. Kyra Sedgwick is more than an able lead, and her performanc is always great.

DEXTER (Shrink Wrap)
This quirky drama about a forensic expert who moonlights as a serial killer is so good. Michael C. Hall is stunning as the title character, and he receives able support from the entire cast. "Shrink Wrap" is the best episode, but they are all pretty great.

JERICHO (Why We Fight)
I have written a lot about this show. It is so original and wonderfully fatalistic. Its pilot and its finale perfectly bracket an amazing and exciting season.

THE SHIELD (Chasing Ghosts)
This is another cop show really worth checking out. Not losing any steam after five seasons, "The Shield" continues to have compelling character and plot arcs, and I am honestly not sure if I have seen a better show.

And the winner is...
DEXTER