In a way, the Sundance Channel has become what AMC was a few years back: a fledgling network trying to break into original programming, and willing to take some chances as a result. The chance they took on Rectify, the story of a death row inmate released on a technicality after nearly 20 years, looks like it's going to pay off. Undeniably the best new show of 2013, the pilot episode "Always There" was among the best of 2013 as well. It introduces Daniel Holden to the viewer, as well as his sister Amantha and the rest of his tangled family tree. It shows that he's not necessarily a sympathetic figure, but also makes you feel like you can't help but sympathize with him. Most importantly, it leaves the viewer with the undying, underlying question: is this man guilty? And it never gives you a direct answer. By the time the season is over you don't feel any closer to knowing, and you want to know more than anything in the world. The ultimate in slow burning drama, the show is incredible and the pilot was too. Why It's On The List: Because of Aden Young's bizarrely charismatic turn as Daniel, a man who could very easily be guilty of rape or could very easily be a socially awkward man who's been unjustly in jail half his life. Also because the show never takes the easy route, establishing in the pilot that there will be plenty of work in the color grey and very little in either black or white.
Freelance writer situated on the east coast of Canada. Ten years writing pop culture, sports, news, and anything else that people will read. Follow me on Twitter @matthewjryder!
