Top 10 U.S. Drama opening credits
Submitted by Gliff on Sun, 11/18/2007 - 03:41
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- I continually subject my friends to an ever changing list of my favourite opening credits, so I thought that since one of them has kindly introuced me to Listology, i'd better cement my own top 10 US opening credits for Dramas. Most of these are US exports, which have been aired in the UK. Enjoy.
- 1. "Shark" CBS Legal Drama starring James Woods
- Strangely enough, I'm referring to the opening credits used in the UK. The US opening credits are considered by many, including myself, to be a little dull. The UK and European version is not only a catchy tune, but it better sums up the main character, Sebastian Stark. The lyrics describe Stark's character perfectly, "I got a real bad reputation, in any given situation, I got a grin that hides my pearly whites and a perfect alibi. I make no apologies, I take just what I need, when i'm out in the water, I'm the devil that you need, when i'm out in the water". Some people criticise the main production itself, but there's no better reason to watch Shark than to hear that fantastic opening track!
- 2. "Boston Legal" Fast paced Legal Drama starring a whole host of incredible actors. James Spader and William Shatner, to name but two.
- As soon as that opening theme begins to play, you know you're watching Boston Legal. It's a perfectly suited opening to a witty, gritty show. The unique, sharp and bright nature of the opening titles is reflective of the cast and plot of the show. Although I wasn't too keen on the first season's use of graphics, the second season's use of clips to introduce each cast member felt right, and to see Shatner as Denny Crane clicking his fingers at the end of the sequence is something I never seem to forget.
- 3. "Numb3rs" Mathematical Crime Drama, where a maths genius aids his elder brother in FBI Cases.
- The first season was rough around the edges when it came to the title sequence. The beat came from Talking Head's intro to "Once in a lifetime". I particularly prefer the second season introduction. The use of one main character, Charlie Epps giving a voice-over about the intricate uses of maths works really well with the fairly generic background beat. It just gives intensity to the show, and alot of flair. I like.
- 4. "House" Medical Drama starring Hugh Lawrie as the infamous Gregory House.
- The intro to House, with music performed by 'Massive Attack', is a really calm but intensive way of getting into the show, which shares smilar characteristics. I believe the US version is a little more fluent than the UK version, just because of timing. The images are quite shocking when you first watch them, but fits the character of the show really well.
- 5. "Diagnosis Murder" Light-heartened Sleuth drama, with Dick Van Dyke playing 'Mark Sloan', a charasmatic doctor with enough free time to solve an endless string of murders!
- I'm a big fan of the Diagnosis Murder series. The theme to each series was good as a base song, but in my opinion, it really took off in season 6, which is considered by many to be the darkest season. The tune is played by a saxophone which adds alot of tension as well as class to the show. It's a typical sleuth show in every way possible. The graphics are also superb, and one of those memorable images is seeing an eye chart spell out "Dick van Dyke" with a magnifying glass right at the end. Superb.
- 6. "X-Files" Drama about the wierd goings on in society, starring the famous names of Mulder and Scully.
- What I always liked most about the X-Files introduction was the simplicity. It's not the busiest of theme tunes, and the graphics for the opening title sequence isn't that complex. There is, however, something very cult about it, and the theme has become an international symbol for strange goings on. At the end of season 1 titles, it boldly says "The Truth is Out There". At first, I honestly thought this was the title of the episode! When it kept repeating itself, it was a nice conclusion.
- 7. "The Shield" I can't describe this as anything but a controversial, in your face police Drama.
- There isn't much of an introduction to "The Shield". What I do like about the little we get, is how simple and effective intertwining a black screen and cast names with the always shocking introduction clips. Flicking between the two adds tension, as most drama titles seem to do. The Broken 'Shield' bage at the climax is an effective description of what the show is about, and even though the theme isn't fantastic, it's memorable.
- 8. "3lbs" Short-lived Medical Drama about a Neuro Surgeon, starring Stanley Tucci
- I'm surprised it's this far down my list. It's largely because I only remembered it upon finishing this list, and I felt the top 7 nicely reflected my thoughts already. 3lbs was cancelled, and I still think it was the wrong thing to do. The show was really good. The titles were equally good, utilising the Train hit "Calling All Angels" and a tinted blue graphic sequence. It was all really good, and I suppose it only features lower down my list because CBS Cancelled it and I almost forgot about it!
- 9. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" OK, so it's not exactely a drama, but the theme was great!
- I only really started to like Buffy the Vampire Slayer when the final season was being aired. I hadn't attempted to watch it before then. Now i'm an addict. I don't have the posters, but I certainly watch episodes whenever they're on. The introduction is just ... so cool! I can't make a critical analysis of it, there's no reason for its' being in my list other than that it's a great theme song!
- 10. "NYPD Blue" New York Police Drama. Ever heard the name ... Sipowicz?
- The intro to NYPD Blue nicely portays the atmosphere within which New York Police Officers have to work everyday in. New York is a busy place. I never liked the intro, at one point I hated it. But as I watched more episodes, the season 1 intro theme sounded better and better, until it warrented place 10 in my top 10 intro sequences. It's definately not half bad!
Great list!
Thankyou Wezzo! Afterall, this list is to prevent you from having to hear my dreadfully changable list of top credits!