1) Buffy tvs. a unique and brilliant combination of characters, plot, dialogue. must be seen (in sequence) to be appreciated. one particular feature; the growth/change of the characters as they grow. frequently hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking. much deeper than the title would indicate. ditto to the spinoff Angel.
2) Kolchak the Night Stalker. a world-weary reporter takes up his cross and fights the Evils that no one else believes. fantastic combo of character and actor (Darren McGavin). spec effects are dated but still reasonably effective (many filmed in poor light etc to add to the suspense). and some excellent comic bits (at one point he puts a hapless and unwanted assistant in a local chicago taxi and tells the driver 'take her to Brooklyn').
3) Lost a group of disparate (some desperate) folks stranded on a bizarre island. Terry O'Quinn's Locke is absolutely iconic, and some of the other charax (Hurley, Miles, Ben) almost equally memorable. difficult to follow, often confusing...awesome.
4) Johnny Quest. old-school adventuring when villains could still be crafty Asians, cringing flunkies and smirking euros (instead of the boring middle-aged-businessmen that today's media constantly gives us). sea monsters, thugs in lizard suits, yeti, pteradactyl, robot spider, mummy...I love it. "Race, look out!" "Ugh!" "You win this time, Dr. Quest, but we shall meet again! Ha ha ha!"
5) Smallville (first five seasons, I haven't seen the others). fascinating reworking of the Superman mythos as a teenage Clark Kent finds he has much to learn about the world, evil, and his own powers. put aside every preconceived notion and watch with an open mind; I think you'll be impressed. kudos to the beautiful Kristin Kreuks's sweet/crafty Lana and Michael Rosembaum's often sympathetic (but formidable) Lex Luthor. "I AM the villain of the piece!"
