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The Top 10 Television Shows Of 2015: No. 5. 'Manhattan'

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No. 5: Manhattan: Brainiacs With a Moral Compass

In recent seasons, television has bombarded us with series about “geniuses” of various stripes. And invariably the dramatic tension –or the comic relief--stems from the fact that these very bright individuals are socially awkward and/or morally challenged.

What’s refreshing about WGN America’s Manhattan, is that this group of eggheads more or less take their big brains for granted, and focus instead on their moral centers: Of course, we can build the Bomb, but should we?  The making of the Bomb, you can argue, changed America, and the world, more than any single project. The fact that we know how it ends doesn't rob this story of its power. And while Manhattan is a period piece, the issues on the table--trying to balance national security, personal liberty, and the greater good--have never felt more contemporary.

Putting these big ideas in the hands of a stellar ensemble cast, Show runner Sam Shaw takes a page from early Aaron Sorkin. (Let it be noted that West Wing director Tommy Schlamme is an executive  producer on Manhattan)  The result is the sort of rock solid piece of work that in the days before Peak Television could have easily been the best show on TV.

Next: 4. Life in Pieces: Call It a Sit-Dram

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