The Week's Best, for the week of 5-17-10 to 5-23-10

Yes, I know the finale of Lost is later tonight. No, I'm not waiting until 11:30 tonight to write this column (mostly because, at that time, I'll be writing tomorrow's column for Heckling from the Balcony). Plus, Lost already had an episode on Tuesday that went into consideration for this, and I'll also probably be writing a special blog for Lost later this week, so it'll be covered. Get off my case, you obsessed Losties...

The Week's Best TV Show Runner-Up - Castle Ep 2x24, "A Deadly Game"

So many shows disappointed me this week (I'm looking at you, Fringe and Glee), and I was really afraid, as the end of the episode neared, this one would as well. Don't get me wrong, it was a fantastic episode, and, as usual, the background and twists in the murder case of the week were new and interesting. Going into the final scene, though, it looked like Castle and Beckett were finally going to get together... which, if Moonlighting as taught us anything, would have been the biggest mistake this show ever could have made. However, it resisted that urge and threw another monkey-wrench into their relationship: not only did they not get together, they also won't see each other for the next three months, as Castle will be spending the summer in the Hamptons with his publisher/ex-wife. Sexual tension ratcheted up in season three? Check.

The Week's Best TV Show Winner - House Ep 6x21, "Help Me"

I honestly think this was probably the best episode of television I watched all season. The tension was so high throughout, from the claustrophobic feeling to the fight with Cuddy that was six years in the making to the amputation... which quite literally had me cringing while I watched... it was pretty perfect all the way around. And the heartbreak that House suffered was perfect because, despite his attitude, what we all know is that he does care, especially this season. The most perfect part of the episode was the ending, something else six years in the making, which can be best summed up by the final lines of the episode: "How do I know I'm not hallucinating again?" "Did you take the pills?" "No." The only downside to the whole thing is that it probably means the end is drawing near.

The Week's Best Comic Book Runner-Up - Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box #2

I've been a fan of the Top Cow/Witchblade universe since Ron Marz took over some five or six years ago. This mini-series, written by Rob Levin and illustrated by Bryan Edward Hill, spins out of the Broken Trinity Witchblade events. It features Finn and Glori, bearers of the Glacier Stone and Ember Stone, respectively, two characters who are destined to be mortal enemies because of those artifacts. However, a common enemy has forced the two of them together. Not an original idea by any stretch, but the characterization really makes this issue sing. Finn is reluctant, to say the least, while Glori is driven and manipulative. There's an intense action sequence thrown in, but it's Finn and Glori that really drive the whole affair, and it's a damn compelling ride.

The Week's Best Comic Book Winner - War of the Supermen #3

I'm actually about to praise a Superman book. Yes, I'm just as surprised as you. The reason is that this is a rare case where Superman is fighting people just as powerful as him, his fellow Kryptonians. This four-part event is the culmination of the last few year's worth of Superman stories, which has seen the return of the Kryptonians from the bottled city of Kandor, including General Zod, and the war with Earth that has slowly been building. Everyone has been involved, from Brainiac to Lex Luthor to Supergirl and Superboy, Steel, and Krypto. Thousands of the few remaining Kryptonians have died, including both of Supergirl's parents and her best friend Thara, also known as Flamebird. As the rampaging Kryptonians basically lay waste to Earth and it's heroes in this issue, the stage is set for the final battle in next week's conclusion: Superman vs. Zod. We know who will win, but it's been a great ride so far.