My Top 20 Episodes of TV

My Top 20 episodes of TV

I believe in the power of a single T.V. episode, a series has the ability to blow me away in such a short amount of time. As a very avid T.V watcher, I wanted to write about my favourite 20 episodes of T.V of all time, in no particular order. I’ve limited it to one episode per show, except for any two-part episodes. As per, this is my completely subjective opinion with spoilers for each episode but enjoy!

Leslie and Ron - Parks and Recreation

After 6 seasons, 'Parks and Rec' seemed to be running out of steam but in an ingenious move by the showrunners, the final season takes place in the year 2017 as all of the characters have separated ways, we start a new story bringing the group together. From the opening episode of season 7, it is established that the core friendship of Leslie and Ron, had fallen apart. This storyline concludes in the fantastic bottle episode, 'Leslie and Ron' where the two are forced to talk and get over their conflict. The showrunners have always managed to embed a perfect amount of heart and comedy into the show, and I think this is the perfectly balanced episode. With the two characters being established so strongly, their personalities clash with a hilarious amount of variety, before they both reveal an aspect of human vulnerability in the end. Poehler and Offerman are incredible, they are limited to just the iconic government office and treat the location as a playground. It is paced wonderfully, with a fluid fun structure that keeps it entertaining yet maintains character and realism to a fantastic extent. This is definitely the quintessential 'Parks and Recreation' episode and the show's best achievement.

2.27 - Uncle

You will notice a pattern in my favourite episodes of TV, and that is the fact I enjoy the blend of comedy and drama and I think that requires a lot of skill. Uncle is a show I never thought I’d enjoy as much as I do, Written and starring Nick Helm as the titular Uncle, the narrative revolves around the antithesis between him and his nephew and is equal parts entertaining as it is sad to its core. '2.27' is the shows first (and last) attempt at playing with structure; the episode jumps around the place in order to tell its dark and incredible story. Waiting for his mother whilst she undergoes surgery, Errol rapidly matures to see his Uncle's pessimistic view of the world. In a hilarious sequence, he gets a tattoo in honour of his mum, but this is treated so well that it never feels hammy or soppy but scarily human. Once again, this episode is in the shows final season and the episode uses this to show the effect the protagonists have had on each other, they become mirrors of each other and they are forced to confront how far they have come. Filled with heart, emotion, experimental structuring and some of best character work the show has done '2.27' is a treat.

Charlie Work - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

How do you comb through thirteen seasons of one of the most consistently hilarious shows of all time and pick the best episode? Well, you find the episode that sums up everything that makes Sunny great and that is, without doubt, 'Charlie Work'. In typical fashion of the show, the episode experiments with form and portrays the episode in one continuous fluid shot, without ever feeling gimmicky. The framing device is used purely to get the most out of the situation, which is an admirable quality to the whole show as Charlie's stress and problem-solving is so exhausting to watch but hilarious due to the gang’s complete lack of help. It features some of the best-paced jokes, with everything coming around and memorable lines consistently. After a hilarious, fast-paced episode the writers once again do an excellent job at showing the audience just how despicable the gang is in a closing punchline that finishes the episode off fantastically.

Beach Games - The Office

I remember watching 'The Office' for the first time and never really clicking with Pam, after seeing each character’s hilarious personality, Pam definitely seemed like the weakest link. But when an episode can make your least favourite character into one of your favourite characters, that deserves a lot of praise. The episode has a lot to it, Pam really isn’t the focus for the most of it, instead, we have peak Michael Scott and peak ensemble writing. It’s a toned-down ridiculous setting, as the employees are forced to take place in a series of challenges to see who deserves Michael’s job. But throughout these hilarious challenges, Pam’s character finally steps out and delivers one of my favourite speeches in the show. It's clever, hilarious and is a real standout in the series.

Human Nature/Family of Blood - Doctor Who

Now, this was a tough pick as Doctor Who holds a very important place in my heart, I grew up with the reboot and I still revisit it every now and then. My favourite Doctor was Christopher Eccleston and he had the best series, but for an individual story, 'Human Nature/ Family of Blood' is glorious. I guess it’s quite controversial to say this is my favourite story, as it really isn’t a typical Doctor Who, The Doctor isn’t even in it for half of it. But that’s what makes it incredible, it sums up the RTD era that explored the human side of this show, tethering it to companions and Earth. Perfectly balancing a genuinely original and creepy alien threat, with a seriously clever and emotional conflict through The Doctor's transformation into a human. It finally gives Martha some excellent agency and she is truly compelling, but Tennant gives his best performance yet as John Smith and later The Doctor. Genuinely terrifying, full of emotion with layers and the best story Doctor Who has told.

White Christmas - Black Mirror

'Black Mirror' is a fantastic show, Charlie Brooker’s dark exploration of technology is revolutionary Television and has offered some of the most interesting ideas ever put on screen. But no episode has fascinated me quite like 'White Christmas'. The episode is set in an unknown location as two people tell each other stories of their life. Each story is thematically and narratively linked to perfection, delivering one of the best gut punches of a plot twist and ending. An absolute shining example of fantastic writing, with just enough hints that never detract from the individual stories that feel fleshed out and satisfying. John Hamm and Rafe Spall deliver two incredible performances as the focus of the episode, really showcasing their versatility and the twisted individuals they are. Its one of the toughest and darkest TV episodes I’ve seen but is an incredible achievement.

The Old Sugarman Place - Bojack Horseman

Limiting myself to one 'Bojack Horseman' episode was difficult, but as I went through all 5 seasons whilst doing my reviews,'The Old Sugarman Place' stood out massively. I’ve written about this episode a lot, it has an unexpected unique narrative which takes the spectator by surprise. Wonderfully melancholy and poetically tragic; the flashback tale of Honey Sugarman is downright gorgeous. It’s helped enormously by the incredible guest star of Jane Krakowski whose performance is distressingly beautiful. This is interwoven by a symbolic narrative as Bojack rebuilds his family home as he hits a vulnerable rock bottom, only for him to tear it back down as his own perception of growth. Thematically perfect for the season’s ideas, as well as a perfect narrative in itself.

Making A Stand - Arrested Development

There was no way I couldn’t include an Arrested Development episode in this list, but as I searched through the episodes, I realised it's so consistent no episode really stands out. That is until I rewatched 'Making A Stand' which is a perfect combination of all things great about Arrested Development. Michael and Gob go head to head in the Banana Stand business, only to realise their dad has been manipulating them all along. It’s quickfire ridiculous comedy embedded in the brilliant performances and the hilarious character writing.  I see it as the definition of a perfect 'Arrested Development' episode.

Pillows and Blankets – Community

I really love Community and its really troubled production cements it as one of the most interesting TV shows ever made. The shows prime was without debate Troy and Abed's friendship and season 3, which is incidentally the best season, begins to explore the two characters more. Their arc throughout the series is a really strong point and the climax is an experimental Mockumentary style episode where the two conduct a college wide pillow fight after an argument between them. Community's commitment to genre is highly admirable as they use every cliché of War Documentaries to tell their story in a tongue in cheek hilarious way. Each event is exaggerated and framed in a ridiculous heightened way, utilising the ensemble cast in individually fun ways. But the episode shines in a finale sequence which explores their relationship in a surprisingly emotional turn. Its satisfying, unique and full of what made 'Community' revolutionary.

Battle of the Bastards – Game of Thrones

'Game of Thrones' is possibly the biggest TV show ever created and has become insanely popular, but it deserves every praise it receives. Cinematic, emotional and breath-taking, the show has kept viewers on the edge of their seats weekly and talking about it for hours. But my favourite of the series has to be the penultimate episode of the sixth season, ‘Battle of the Bastards’ which is the incredible conclusion to the Snow/Bolton arc of the series in a chilling and brutal battle scene. The Battle is paced to perfection, maintaining an intense atmosphere and chilling moments as you stay on edge for every character’s fate.  Kit Harrington exhibits his performance skills as he claws on through to survival in an extraordinary breakdown and exhaustion leading up to the final satisfying moments. The action is shot fascinatingly inventive with reliance on realistic sound design and tight framing to illustrate the chaos and unpredictability of war. Full of genuine tension, fantastic character arcs and fulfilment with one of the most epic and explosive moments ever put on T.V.

Total Rickall – Rick and Morty  

It is so hard to honestly enjoy Rick and Morty these days, it is nowhere near the quality of the giant of pop culture it has become, but it is still a very entertaining and clever show. The nightmare of a fandom that is built on toxicity has made me sour on the show itself, which is a real shame because revisiting episodes such as ‘Total Rickall' are a real treat. Conceptually hilarious, the episode revolves around the Smith family being infected by a parasite that can disguise as characters and embed themselves in your memories. It's delightfully complex and ridiculous to the point that it becomes harrowing, seeing each character being suspicious and seeing them forced to lose sacred memories are played for comedy but is really quite dark. The number of asides and flashbacks are all unexpected and hilarious, each just quickfire one shot jokes that really consistently work. The animators got to have a ball with this episode, designing what must be 30 individual characters and then having the opportunity to brutally murder each one gives a sense of fun and energy to the visual aspects of the episode. Truly amazing and often forgotten about as a highly intuitive and fundamentally fun episode. 

Part 8 – Twin Peaks: The Return  

I don’t think I’ll ever recover from The Return of 'Twin Peaks', Lynch's return to his iconic TV show is a season of television I will never forget, nor understand. The most debated, controversial and what believe will become one of the most important TV episodes ever is Part 8. Taking a step away from the running narrative of the season, we get the closest thing to exposition Lynch is ever going to give us. The majority being shot in beautiful monochrome we follow the dark and confusing beginnings to the world of Twin Peaks. The whole episode is full of gorgeous imagery that fans have been debating since, with moments of genuine horror, surreal flashing images and set pieces containing amazing design It's a thrill to watch Lynch flourish his skill in hinting at plot points, it forms the core of a lot of the series’ ideas and themes in an impressively ambiguous way. Of course, with all of Lynch’s work it’s not the most accessible and a lot of audiences will not enjoy it quite as much as I do, I think it is a superb achievement in visual imagery.

The Rise of The Nutters/Spinners and Losers - The Thick of It 

Armando Ianucci is one of my favourite people working in comedy. He is somebody embodied with this talent for wit that is perfectly utilised in ‘The Thick of It’, especially in the two-part special after the show's hiatus. At the height of a political meltdown, each character faces the chaos in hilarious individual degrees of insanity. It is Ianucci’s sharp writing that keeps everything purely genuinely funny, it is one of the most consistently funny and quickfire episodes of British comedy.  The biting political satire is free of bias or controversy and instead maintain a biting criticism of the political structures and only ever poking fun at characters he's created. And these characters are so much fun, Peter Capaldi’s Malcolm Tucker is in my opinion, the funniest individual character ever created, but the ensemble cast is fulfilled and entertainingly horrible to each other. Comedy hasn’t quite reached the pure non-stop aggressive comedy like this two parter.

Michael’s Gambit - The Good Place 

I wrote about the ingenious episode that is 'Michael’s Gambit' in my 'The Good Place' review, but I will take any opportunity to gush about it. After a season of excellent comedy and a complex constant changing narrative, the climactic reveal in the finale proves that the show deserves to be gaining the amount of popularity it has. The twist is so clever and so fun, it puts everything about the season in perspective as the hints are well paced but not obvious and it opens the viewer to a whole new narrative. But there is more than just the twist, the narrative is still engaging and entertaining to that point. Danson’s performance starts to show cracks as the twist builds and the way all the performances begin to catch onto the façade that this world is. A narrative that is ridiculously entertaining and a twist that will have surprised everyone.

Not What He Seems/A Tale of Two Stans – Gravity Falls 

'Gravity Falls' was one of those brief series that were so inventive and unique that it will be mortalised in its community. What episode could I have talked about that isn't the perfection that is this two-parter? The climax of the whole series’ arc which cultivates in one of the most exciting and thrilling things to come from Disney Channel of all places. The first part is a non-stop bewildering ride in suspicion and tension as Grunkle Stan is arrested and the twins struggle to comprehend his lies. This all builds to a finale sequence that builds on each character whilst being genuinely emotional. It utilises perfect intense pacing to overwhelm both the characters and the audiences which really influences the moment with Mable that really sticks with the audience. The second part is a quieter backstory to the climactic reveal which fits perfectly and is full of heart, emotion yet still opens the door to enough questions in the series mysterious fashion. The cementing story of Gravity Falls, this two parter is thrilling and intriguing yet so damn satisfying. 

Mugged – Flight of the Concords 

This show is the definition of niche comedy, with I still find ingenuisly hilarious. I believe Mugged to be the episode that incorporates all the amazing aspects of their writing in the best way in the series. A ridiculously over the top yet also so monotone plot where the band get mugged which forces a divide between the two. Clement and McKenzie are comedic geniuses in their performances, with their monotone and deadpan delivery working fantastically in the situation they lay out for the audience. In typical FOTC fashion, the musical numbers are perfectly worked in on a character and plot level and bring in a sudden burst of energy.  There isn't much too say about this episode other than it being undeniably hilarious and full of the wit that keeps me a fan of the Concords to this day, their recent tour being still as strong as the show was originally. Full of amazing comedy and fantastic performances this episode still manages to make the show feel unique and entertaining. 

The 12 Days of Christine- Inside No.9 

Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton are veterans of British writing and their anthology show Inside No.9 has revolutionised what a writer can do in half an hour. Each episode is an individual genre, format and full of twists and turns that use their skills in comedy and horror writing. But the show blew a nations mind with this outstanding episode. I can't even describe the fascinating skill that has gone into this episode, a unique and experimental look into someone's life with a twist that truly shook me. You constantly wait for the inevitable dark and twisted twist throughout ‘The 12 Days of Christine’ and the build to the moment is expertly on brand, the tension and the confusion keeps the audience on their toes. With every slightly supernatural and unexplained event that occurs you wait sadistically for how dark this is going to end up, but instead you are surprised by a sudden unconventional emotional twist that only works because of the incredible work of Sheridan Smith. It's an experimental exploration of the “life flashing before your eyes” idea that I implore you to watch without crying. 

The Box – Brooklyn Nine-Nine 

You have probably by now noticed a pattern in episodes that are my favourite, it usually is something that is experimental and attempts something new and unique. Which is why the really quite recent episode of the crazy popular show ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine', ‘The Box’ is my favourite of the show. A bottle episode that utilises the power of Andre Braugher and Andy Samberg as well as a fantastic performance by Sterling K. Brown in an episode long interrogation scene. The structuring keeps the episode paced really well, whilst still having ups and downs during the plot yet somehow managing to have some strong on brand humour. The performances are what keeps the episode strong and unique, showcasing the desperation that Jake and Holt go to with strong conflict with the villainous charming as Phillip. Its unique, full of great jokes and structured to perfection.

Chapter 7- Legion 

Another perfect penultimate episode added to the list but this time in what I consider to be the most original superhero properties from recent memory.  By far the most satisfying episode of the show we experience a dark twisted plot that is full of experimental visuals and formatting. After the previous episode upped the stakes to a new absurd level, this episode features the dramatic climax to the arc of season one for each character. The villain is revealed with just the right amount of explanation, the action and plot remain inventive yet coherent and most performances are truly incredible. Like ‘Part 8’ the episode is so packed full of substance and events that dedicate great amount of time resulting in pacing that is surreal but still engaging. I must mention Aubrey Plaza’s truly revolutionary performance as this terrifyingly menacing villain that is so fun to watch yet frightening. I adore the shows visual style, with its use of colour and set being unlike anything produced. Its equal parts expressionistic and surreal as it is ingeniously realised, especially the silent film style sequence. Unlike anything you will have ever seen. 

My Screwup- Scrubs 

And last but not least we come to Scrubs. I will always hold it close to my heart, it delves into what it's like to be a doctor with a funny, restrained and inventive use of the sitcom form. I left this episode to last because I think it utilises everything I love in T.V. Somehow in half an hour it utilises fun goofiness, surreal comedy, realistic character beats and relationships, inventive unconventional presentation, admirable performances and a twist that will leave you in tears no matter what. It plays as a typical episode of Scrubs with an A and a B plot structured typically and a sequence of events that you truly settle into before it twists it on its head.  Balance is a thing I value a lot in T.V, managing to avoid restricting yourself to one genre can significantly damage the potential of an episode, but this is something that incorporates so much comedy and variety which makes the twist stronger on an emotional way. I obviously have no connection to the world of medicine, but this episode goes into an admirable amount of detail into the struggle of being a doctor as well as looking at how we handle grief. 

And that’s my 20 top favourite episodes of some of my favourite shows. This has been a surprisingly emotional experience for me as I revisit some of the TV episodes that have really shaped me as a writer, and I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did. Thanks for reading.