2020: The best TV moments that helped us get through this year

The Expanse’s Christjen Avasarala

Seriously, I could listen to Shohreh Aghdashloo go off on a tirade about anything as the creative cursing UN master politician Christjen Avasarala. She’s turned cursing into an art form, but she also gets stuff done.

The fourth episode of the fifth season is a masterclass of thrilling action, but what I appreciated most about it was the deft way we got to see our queen confirmed as correct about her suspicions. It’s about damn time that Aghdashloo gets an Emmy nod for one of the most captivating characters on TV. S

She is yet again a marvel this season, and if there is anyone who deserves her own standalone show from The Expanse, it would be Avasarala, whose adventures I would want to follow anywhere.

Celebrating the immigrant experience in Never Have I Ever

Mindy Kaling is very funny, but leave it to the gifted writer to not only tap into the angst of the awkward teenage years in a refreshing way but also the added discomfiture of the immigrant experience while dealing with high school.

Casting newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan was a bold move that proved the perfect antidote for telling such a fish-out-of-water story that rang true and heartfelt. It’s no surprise that the series has been renewed for a second season, and rumor has it that Kaling herself may guest star.

David Morrisey’s powerful turn as Aulus Plautius on Britannia

The first season of Britannia started out strong but seemed to lose its way by the time we got to the unveiling of the prophecy of the girl who will save Great Britain from the invading Romans at the end of season 1.

But the sophomore season of the EPIX drama set a more cohesive tone, elevating an entrancing storyline that illustrated the history of the British Druids. Chief among their foes was the larger-than-life character of Aulus Plautius, intriguingly portrayed by David Morrisey, one of the best actors around.

His take on the famous Plautius—who marched alongside Emperor Claudius in triumph—was a scene-stealer and can be considered alongside his great character The Governor on The Walking Dead. The British actor will return to continue his penchant for chaos sewing among the Druids for a third season, for which I’m very grateful.