Conrad’s Top 15 Of Everything In 2015

OBVIOUSLY Star Wars: The Force Awakens was the return to original trilogy form that Star Wars fans (meaning almost everyone, period) had hoped for—that’s (mostly) not in dispute. But what I’ll miss the most from 2015 is the buildup to the movie, incessantly checking the fan sites every single day, taking in clues, hints, and spoilers (most minor, a few major) as they slowly emerged. So thanks for everything Star Wars News Net (formerly Star Wars 7 News), as well as your wondrous message board The Cantina (and shouts to Making Star Wars and Reddit’s Star Wars Leaks page, too).

I consider The Americans to be the best show on TV, streaming, or anywhere, and this past winter’s Season 3 was the FX series’ wildest yet, culminating in a finale that unfurled as Ronald Reagan delivered his (in-)famous ‘Evil Empire’ speech denouncing the Soviet Union. Given that the show’s stars, Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, are Soviet spies deeply embedded in the U.S. of A., that historical moment provides not only metaphorical heft, but crucial plot exposition. (And OMG the last few moments of the season finale…)

To celebrate their 50th anniversary, the remaining member of the Grateful Dead put on Fare Thee Well, five mammoth concerts over two weekends in the summer—two nights at Levi’s Stadium in the Bay Area, and three nights at Soldier Field in Chicago. Each night was made available to streamers in myriad forms and across several platforms—a comprehensive offering that fit right in with the Dead’s long-running maximalist spirit.

I went in to Mad Max: Fury Road with no great sense of anticipation, as I’ve never actually seen any of the previous Mad Max films (though I love this Tom Petty tribute). But I walked out wonderfully overwhelmed, in awe of of the visuals, the sleek and simple story arc (go far away, turn around, come back), and, especially, the force that is Furiosa, Charlize Theron’s kick-ass lead who set a new standard for intelligent action heroes. The socio-political metaphors throughout that rang disturbingly true (particularly Nux’s blind adoration of his leader) were the icing on the dust cake.

Though only on its third season, House Of Cards seems like an elder statesman of streaming original series. And why not? The scheme-filled corridors of Washington are as compelling as ever, and while the storylines are edging perilously close to outright absurdity, the malicious and deliciously fun performances maintain their allure.

The initially impossibly inexpensive (briefly $19.99, it’s now $39.99) Amazon Fire Stick arrived at my door just before Christmas 2014, and immediately it replaced my sad, old, sad and old Apple TV as my go-to streaming hardware. The ‘widescreen menu’ interface is completely intuitive, and a welcome change from the iOS-style app map of Apple TV.

As a parent of a toddler, I’ve become very familiar with the Island of Sodor, its steam and diesel powered inhabitants, and its many railways. PBS has been airing modern takes on the Thomas universe, and they’re done right: smart scripts, cute and snappy dialogue, and endearing original songs. My kid is a fan, and so am I.

In the streaming vacuum left by Rdio’s December demise I was forced to choose a new platform. Into the void came a little known company called Google, and its Google Play Music service. While not perfect (navigating pricing and profile logistics can prove clunky), Google Play Music delivers the goods (that is, the enormous library you’d expect from any streaming service) via a bright and cheerful interface supplemented with both original and timely playlist suggestions (‘Christmas,’ ‘Entering Beast Mode’). Also, it comes with a handy perk (see the next item on this list).

You mean I can watch videos on YouTube without sitting through 30 second ads or, even worse, five second-long ‘You can skip this ad in 5.. 4… 3… 2… 1…’ waiting periods during which I reflect on how I’ve never so intensely desired five seconds to pass before in my life? Wow—thanks, YouTube Red! And thanks Google Play Music for making YouTube Red available to all Google Play Music subscribers.

A pop culture-focused streaming service dedicated to delivering carefully curated cult classics from the worlds of comedy, film, live specials, and more? Sign me up (especially since it’s free).

Like many other fans of the late, great Breaking Bad, I was excited for the Saul Goodman-focused prequel Better Call Saul to begin. And what a beginning, a present-day peek into the post BB-finale Saul as he reflects on his perilous but thrilling, long gone life in between shifts at an Omaha Cinnabon. Props for the black and white presentation and also for the VHS tapes.

By general consensus The Leftovers had one of the best sophomore seasons of any series ever. The stark, there’s-more-here-than-meets-the-eye tone of Season 2 was established right off the bat, with a flashback to a prehistoric mother, her infant, and an unlucky run-in with a snake. The best caveman-era flashback since 2001: A Space Odyssey? Yes, we grunt.

Why did I so enjoy The Martian? Because of its unstoppable spirit (personified by Matt Damon’s stranded astronaut Mark Watley), because of its impressively brisk pacing, and because of its sheer sense of positivity. Is there an emoji for best popcorn flick? Give it to The Martian.

What I loved most about Bloodline, the Kyle Chandler and Ben Mendelsohn-starring Netflix Original Series, was how it brought dark and devious themes to paradise, in this case the Florida Keys. It provided further proof to my longtime theory that suspense and fright can be most effective not in the dark of a winter’s night, but instead where you’d least expect it—the bright sunshine of a tropical afternoon, for example.

Not only is Google Photos free, it’s wonderfully easy to use and offers cute-as-a-button custom offerings, taking your photos and creating gorgeous collages, animations, slideshow ‘stories’ and more, all of which you can save or forever dismiss at will. Google Photos was one of the most raved about apps of the year. The ravers were right.