Julianna Margulies has finally found a post-ER vehicle that suits her wounded-woman-warrior affect perfectly: As the wronged wife of a philandering husband (Chris Noth at his hangdog best) jailed for alleged political corruption, Margulies' Alicia Florrick conveys pain, anger, and chin-up perseverance without ever dipping into self-righteousness.

After you've seen Ken Tucker's top 10, click over to his Watching TV blog to see his expanded list: Best TV shows of '09: Nos. 11-20