Sweetest Storyline: Reign: The Renaissance drama continues to be the most improved show on this year’s schedule of freshman series. “Reign” provides a refreshingly romantic idealism that has been absent from other network efforts.

In the latest episode “Toy Soldiers”, Greer learned the value of looking beyond the cover of her suitor’s appearance to appreciate the beautiful soul, lying on the surface. It’s an important message and one not greatly seen in teen dramas. Greer’s storyline has been one of the series’ most impressive and like the series itself, it has pleasantly surprised.

Necessary Renewal: The Tomorrow People: The final moments of “A Sort of Homecoming” proved why this series has earned a second season. It’s a rare sci-fi show that is unpredictable, tightly written, and well-executed. Luke Mitchell’s standout performance in this week's installment is indicative that the series’ has a rising star on the roster. Not many series can boast that. As for the great dinner debate, the reactions were strange and Roger might’ve been able to curb the collective’s frustration by dining underground instead.

Best Speech: Game of Thrones: The philosophical musings made by Tywin Lannister to his latest grandson to ascend the Iron Throne, brought the majesty and illuminating introspection that has become synonymous with the character as played with significant gravitas by Charles Dance. Constantly thought-provoking, “Thrones” is often at its best when the quiet moments of mental combat takes center stage over swordplay.

Strangest Suspicion: Fargo: Why is Deputy Solverson so convinced something is up with Lester? The mechanism behind her overwhelming suspicion of the seemingly affable guy next door is either an indication that she is clairvoyant or being given insight beyond reason. Read more about "Fargo" here
 

Best Battle: The Blacklist: The anticipation for Liz and Tom’s explosive face-off was well worth the wait. The wordy confrontation and crushing confirmation of Tom’s activity would eventually lead to an all-out physical battle and it was intense. The level of fight choreography was reminiscent of the much hyped “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” battle between the film’s titular leads.

Another Unnecessary Death: The Vampire Diaries: Another fabulous actor and character were ushered off of the supernatural sudser. As with Janina Gavankar and Olga Fonda this season and Kayla Ewell, Sebastian Roche, and Taylor Kinney before them, the series continued in its frustrating habit of letting promising talent getaway and his latest kill was no exception.

On another sour note, Damon was again revealed to be the culprit of a horrific deed, as Stefan stood falsely accused. If the goal is to make Damon the most despicable and irredeemable character on the series, the mission is being accomplished. If the thought is that it makes Stefan more likable in the process, it is failing.

Best Character Interaction: Bates Motel: Norma and Norman Bates relationship has been one of the founding cornerstones of “Bates” mythology. Equally as valuable to the show has been the development of Norma’s relationship with her eldest son, Dylan. Her hands-off approach to his parenting; lies in stark contrast to her aggressive mothering of Norman.

In “Meltdown”, she was forced to interact with Dylan and she finally let a little affection and pride boil over, in the process. This quirky scene of familial mingling brought to the surface a sense that Dylan is natively, very similar to his mother. While, Norman is more of what Norma wishes she could be, an idealized vision she has for herself. She is, as this episode clearly demonstrates, a woman who fights an inner war within herself; a sort of love/hate relationship playing in the background of her psyche. 

The fascinating portrait of this complicated woman was once again brought into magnificent focus by Vera Farmiga. It was a quiet scene that she and Max Thieriot portrayed with effective restraint, saying so much without having to say much at all.

[Image by HISTORY]