I have this problem where I always get into shows at the tail end of the season. I caught up on Mad Men over a 3 month span and watched the whole LOST canon in 4 months only to catch the final three episodes in real time. And in true Brianna fashion I just started watching Nurse Jackie this season, leaving me with the familiar question of why the hell I waited so long.

Nurse Jackie is boss. And I mean that in the nineties nothing is better use of the word. Granted I’ve only seen 3/4 of this most recent season, but believe me when I say that immediately after finishing this post, I’m going to figure out how to watch the rest. Last night’s finale was one of the finest half hours of television I’ve seen in a long time and capped off a series of incredible episodes. Spoilers are not welcome here, so excuse the generalness with which I’m gushing.

This might be a controversial statement, but for me good writing can compensate for a lot. I’m not as concerned about the visuals or the acting, cause a solid script is what gets my fist pump going. Nurse Jackie is one of the rare cases where I don’t have to compromise. It is the product of a magical triumvirate where the writers, the actors, and the people in charge of the show’s look are all at the top of their game.

A direct product of the writing is the amazing cast of  characters. Jackie, Zoe, Coop, Karen, Eleanor, Cruz and co. are all so unique and distinct and because of this have full capability to be complete caricatures instead of real (albeit fictional) people. However, since they’re written and performed so well, they gracefully tread that fine line and always manage to suck you in. You care deeply about them. You laugh with them, you get upset with them, and you slow clap with them when they’re showing solidarity for Nurse Jackie. Or is that just me?

I’m more than happy to add a scripted series into my reality-heavy rotation, and cannot wait until Nurse Jackie returns in the fall. It might have been Billie Joe Armstrong’s cameo in the premiere that drew me into this show, but that olive branch kicked off a personal addiction that former addict Jackie could maybe get behind. Not to painkillers, but to some bad ass, quality television.