I don't really want to plump for a "best show" (an assignation which is always purely subjective), but of all the series which aired my favourites were by far Jormungand, Kore Wa Zombie Desu Ka II and Saki Achiga Hen. Apologies to the T-man, I still haven't got around to trying Apollon, but it is a high priority on my backlog.
Jormungand was a show that managed to get a great many things right: it was a great action series with a very nicely paced plot and decent story. For those unfamiliar with the series, it follows the adventures of an arms dealer and her elite group of bodyguards; incredulous occurrences follow.
In some ways the series harked back to the good old action movies that were made in 60s-70s, when there was some semblance of credibility mixed in with an otherwise fanciful plot (eg Where Eagles Dare etc). The characters for the show also harked back to that era - there was a huge cast of main characters, rather than the usual "odd couple" which have been commonplace in almost every action movie / series since the 80s. Needless to say in such a large ensemble a viewer should find a character who appeals to them.
Rather than letting itself be too serious (considering the genre, many contemporary series do) Jormungand frequently made use of comic scenarios to lighten the mood. These actually felt appropriate in the context of their settings (comic moments never felt shoed in). It was great to see a show that didn't take things too seriously, but was also able to provide plenty of kick-ass moments.As an aside, this deserves special mention for being one of the stupidest things I've ever read:
"I was massively dissapointed with Jormungand it had no real substance and oh the Jonah most of the other characters were just really carried along or 1 dimensional"
DERR HURR. Extra points for appalling use of English. For any passing readers, I feel I should point out that characters had plenty of depth. I could go into why, but instead I would urge anyone who hasn't seen the show to check it out. Preferably now.
Kore Wa Zombie Desu Ka is a show I have waxed on about more than I'd care to do, but I absolutely love it... so I suppose that's a good enough reason to mention it in passing once more. The second series did a great job delivering plenty of hilarious episodes, with the nerdy (but awesome) main character falling victim to evermore ridiculous situations; meanwhile he acquires the greatest harem known to mankind* and occasionally fights monsters.
So yeah, check it out if you're looking for something outrageously funny to watch.* I'm absolutely serious, I can't think of a better harem. All the girls are god tier.
I have no knowledge of or interest in mahjong, but fortunately the show rattles along in such a way that prior understanding isn't really required to enjoy the show (TL notes explain any key points whenever they arise). The enjoyment of the show comes from the characters: their various modes of cunning employed to outdo one another (psychology ahoy!); or at other times being endearing to the point of heart damage (the inept Matsumi sisters especially so). So be prepared for moe-moe, but not of any intrusive sort - it's just there and part of the show.If you're looking for a great SOL show with a twist, then I really recommend this. There is implied yuri throughout the show, so just mind who you watch it with.
Honourable mentions also go to Tasogare Otome x Amnesia (Dusk Maiden of Amnesia) and Acchi Kocchi. Both of these are very good shows, but I wouldn't say they were essential viewing; Upotte!! was another show I enjoyed a great deal, but I concede is one which has little appeal to non-guntaku.
Anyway, that's all for now. Of next season shows I'm looking forward to Muv Luv Total Eclipse, Binbougami and Campione, but as always time will tell what's actually good (and there are usually some unexpected surprises).
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