Board 8 > Guffguy ranks his top 10 favorite tv episodes of all time (Rankings)

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I havent done a writing project in a long while and so I thought I would do a top 10 ranking of my favorite tv episodes, with write ups and maybe a video clip from the episode if I can find one. I think weve all had a moment when watching tv where we thought: That was a very good episode. that would definitely have a place in my top 10. But the idea of actually ranking them or creating a top 10 never really materializes. Well, I tried to do just that, and Ive narrowed it down to 10 episodes that are my personal favorites.

After narrowing it down to the chosen 10, I was having a hard time arranging them, so I decided that I will simply list them out chronologically, by release date. This works well because the oldest 3 episodes are more niche and nostalgia driven, while the latter 7 episodes are more mainstream favorites.

Not sure how much traffic this will get, but this project is more for my benefit than anything else. This is a personal top 10 list after all, not an objective one, though most of the shows, with the exception of one of them, are fairly mainstream. Youre welcome to come along for the ride and provide feedback and opinions on some of your favorites as I progress.

Tag

let's do this

10. Boy Meets World And Then There Was Shawn (Season 5, Episode 17) (1998)

My favorite show when I was younger was Boy Meets World, so for me personally, its a no brainer that an episode from this show would appear on this list. I was too young to follow its early seasons, but I became a fan in the latter half of the series as it played within the iconic TGIF lineup of shows on ABC. I became a superfan in the early 2000s thanks to the many reruns aired across various networks. I was even active on a Boy Meets World message board, back when message boards were all the rage in the early 2000s.

I could write a book about this show, but Ill keep it short. Boy Meets World was the quintessential coming of age sitcom, with a powerful mix of comedy and drama, and a compelling cast that grew up alongside the viewers who watched them. The story of Cory and Topanga is unique in every way imaginable. Just a timeless classic. Its a show that went out when it was at its peak, with its final seasons having some of its highest ratings. The way every show should go out. On top.

So many episodes from this series are important to me, but there is one episode that stands out above the rest: And Then There Was Shawn. Im not alone in that sentiment. Its the highest rated episode in the series according to imdb, and is often quoted as a fan favorite, or at least most memorable, amongst followers of the show.

The episode is a gag episode, played as a parody to the Scream movies. Its a murder mystery with a huge dose of comedy that has you laughing all throughout the episode as you wonder who the murderer is. Yet, as a young kid, I remember also being kind of scared during this episode, it was particularly spooky at times. The Halloween-style episode didnt even air around the Halloween season. It aired in February. But the horror aspects of the show has led fans to mistakenly link it to that Halloween special genre of tv episodes. It added a pinch of drama too, as Cory and Topanga were taking a rare break from their relationship, and Shawn was not taking it very well. Jennifer Love Hewitt guest starring in the episode doesnt hurt its appeal either. For me, this episode was a shining example of everything that made this series great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs_evIXbLpo

(Honorable mention: The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror V)

Omg what a good start! My sister and I were obsessedddddd with this episode when we were younger, Eric is so good in it too

That's all for today. I'll add a couple more tomorrow.

I don't think I've ever seen an episode of Touched By an Angel but I remember it always being a thing. I do love Celine Dion so that's cool to hear!

Two great epsidoes full kf nostalgia for me

I didn't watch a lot of BMW but that's definitely one of the small handful of episodes that remains engrained in my memory.

I can't edit the post now, but that was supposed to be Psalm 151....woops.

Spare Tire Dixon brought me here.

ok, I lied, I'll post 3 more today. And I'm going to delete and repost #9 to fix that typo since its bothering me. So 4 posts incoming....

9. Touched by an Angel Psalm 151 (Season 5, Episode 10) (1998) - 100th episode special

For many long running series, reaching the 100th episode is cause for celebration. Its a milestone that marks the longevity and success of the series. Historically, reaching 100 episodes was a crucial threshold for a show to enter syndicated reruns, allowing it to be broadcast repeatedly on various channels. Thus, television networks and production companies often celebrate the 100th episode with special features, such as extended episodes or episodes that recap the series history and highlight key moments.

Touched by an Angel was a television series about a group of angels who were tasked as case workers to assist people in various times of need. Very Hallmark-esque at times, it was known for tugging at the heartstrings of viewers, and having a consistently uplifting vibe. It was feel good tv at its finest. For their 100th episode, they pulled out all the stops, and created maybe its greatest tear-jerker of the series. In fact, this episode is the highest rated Touched by an Angel episode on imdb, with a respectable 9.5 rating, beating out the series finale. The episode was built up further thanks to the guest stars that made an appearance, specifically Celine Dion and Wynonna Judd.

Psalm 151 was about a young boy who was struggling with cystic fibrosis. He lived with his single mother (played by Wynonna Judd) who was a fledging songwriter who wrote mostly commercial jingles. As the boys health continued to deteriorate, he made a wish list of things he wanted to see accomplished before he died. The angels were tasked with helping him with that list, as well as bringing peace to the family. One of his wishes was that his mother could finish the song she started writing for him when he was born, but she had never finished it. In the final scene of the episode, she finally finishes writing him that song, and it definitely pulls at the heartstrings.

Many fans of this series still recall the first time watching this episode, as do I as a young boy. Our family didnt always watch the show, but we sat down to watch that particular episode and there wasnt a dry eye by the time the credits ran. Whenever I think about Touched by an Angel, that episode always comes to mind, along with various other aspects of the show. And if an episode makes that lasting of an impression, it belongs in the top 10.

Closing scene of the episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvzaIUpo2Rk

(Honorable Mention: Buffy the Vampire Slayer The Body)

8. So Weird Rebecca (Season 1, Episode 9) (1999)

This is the one niche episode on this list that I warned you guys about and the last of my nostalgia picks, so bear with me on this one if youve never heard of this show before.

So Weird was a sci-fi show that appeared on the Disney Channel during the turn of the century. Simply put, it was X-files for kids. The show centered around Fiona (Fi), a girl who travels around the country continually coming across supernatural occurrences. Her mother, Molly, is a semi-successful musician who is on tour playing at small venues throughout the country. Fi, her brother, and others travel along with her, and thus is the setting for this supernatural serial drama.

The show had average success during its run, but developed a small cult following after it aired due, in part, to the intricate backstory that flowed throughout each episodic journey, as well as the darker nature of the show in general. In fact, the show runners were constantly at odds with Disney throughout the run of the series, with Disney often asking them to tone down the darker elements to make the show more kid friendly and in line with the Disney brand.

Despite the show falling into relative obscurity with the general public, it was a huge favorite of mine personally. There is one episode that stands out to those who remember the show above all elsea ubiquitous favorite. That episode is Rebecca. And theres good reason why. It was a brilliantly written episode.

The supernatural theme in this episode is immortality. Fis mother, Molly, had a childhood friend named Rebecca who she was close with when they were kids. But one day Rebecca and her family just up and left, without telling anyone, and Molly never heard from her again. She was so impacted by that experience that she later wrote a song called Rebecca. When stopping in Milwaukee for a concert, the gang runs into a girl that Molly claims looks just like Rebecca. When cornered, the girl says Rebecca is her mother, and Molly is eager to meet her and catch up. The girl gets away though and Fi is on the case to track down this mystery girl. Long story short, Fi finds outs that the girl is not Rebeccas daughter, but she is Rebecca herself, and her family has some sort of genetic anomaly where they age very slowly. It takes about 100 years for them to age one year. They move every few years to avoid being detected.

Rebecca swears Fi to secrecy, and Fi is torn on whether to respect Rebeccas wishes or tell her mom, who desperately wants to reunite with her old friend (who she assumes is all grown up now). Fi finally gives in and tells her mother the location of Rebecca, but do they get there in time? Sadly, they do not. The final part of the episode is Molly and Fi coming back to the performing venue where during a sound check, Molly sorrowfully sings the song Rebecca.

The episode resonated with so many fans not just because of the emotional ending, but also because of the theme of old friends lost. We all have that old friend in our lives who we lost contact with. We all have our own Rebecca.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u22paD9SJ-M

(Honorable Mention: The X-Files Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose)

7. Scrubs My Screwup (Season 3, Episode 14) (2004)

I was a casual Scrubs fan at best. I still havent watched many of the episodes and probably never will. But this does not take away from the impact of what My Screwup had on me. And it goes without saying. This episode is often brought up when people discuss iconic episodes in tv history, and for good reason. It has a compelling twist, with a perfectly delivered ending, and a line that is one of the most memorable in tv history: Where do you think we are?

Scrubs was a medical sitcom about a group of interns at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital. It was known for its fast-paced slapstick and surreal vignettes presented mostly as the daydreams of the central character, John "J.D." Dorian, an intern who eventually becomes a physician. Dr. Cox is his mentor of sorts, though he routinely criticizes him and patronizes him. Scrubs was great because of its unique approach to comedy in a genre that is very oversaturated on television. Though the soft reboot near the end of its run was controversial amongst fans, its core early season are still praised and reflected on fondly.

The episode My Screwup is a universal favorite of the fanbase, ranking the highest among all episodes in the series on imbd. The guest star appearance by Brendan Fraser (who played Ben) adds a bit of additional star power to the show at a time that he was still riding high off the Mummy series. In the episode, Dr. Cox tells J.D. to leave a patient for half an hour and check up on Ben's leukemia, but when a patient dies, Dr. Cox blames J.D., and takes over his patients. The episode is a misdirect, as it makes you believe someone else had died, since Ben makes various appearances in front of Dr. Cox throughout the episode. Only at the end do you find that it was really Ben who had died earlier. This episode showed a softer side of Dr. Cox that you dont usually see in the show, and reminds us all the powerful impact loss has on us. As stated previously, the final scene was just flawless, and makes this episode a mandatory inclusion in any top 10 ranking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znd_5VO81hw

(Honorable Mention: The Office Stress Relief)

6. Avatar: The Last Airbender The Tales of Ba Sing Se (Season 2, Episode 15) (2006)

No list would be complete without including an episode from the greatest animated television show of all time. Okay.maybe that claim is a bit subjective, but few can deny how great the Avatar series was. The show centered around a boy called Aang, who was the long-lost Avatar tasked with saving the world from the threat of the fire nation. The character development throughout the series has received critical acclaim and the immersive world setting allows viewers to get wrapped up in the world and story of the Avatar. They made us care about these cartoon characters in ways that few animated shows are able to do. The show has won several awards, including a Primetime Emmy, and has overall been viewed as one of the best animated series of all time.

I did not watch the show during its original run. I only found it later after word of mouth led me to try out the series. I have since fully rewatched the series I believe 4 times now, which is rare for me, as I usually do not rewatch a show more than once. There is just something magical and timeless about the story, and while the sequel series and live action remakes come with mixed reviews, it does not take away from the near perfection of the original.

The Tales of Ba Sing Se is a series of short stories covering some of the time spent by Katara, Toph, Iroh, Sokka, Aang, Zuko and Momo as they live in Ba Sing Se. Viewed by some as a filler episode, it encapsulates within it everything great about the series by highlighting common themes of acceptance, humor, and loss. Amongst the short stories, Irohs is generally seen as the most impactful, as he goes around doing good deeds for townspeople. We later find his reason for this is because it is the anniversary of his sons death, and he wanted to honor him by helping others, something he feels he failed at doing for his own son. Its a stark contrast to the man Iroh once was all those years ago.

Below is Irohs portion of the episode, in its entirety:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRbwQ7NbTF0

(Honorable mention: Death Note Silence)

fantastic picks from BMW, scrubs, and avatar. i think And The There Was Shawn is in my top 3 but not at the top. the whole cory and topanga break arc is arguably the pinnacle of the show.

very cool thread!

Tagging, very cool write ups and frankly, great memory of shows from a while ago. Funny thing is I'm 0/5 so far but 5/5 on having seen the honourable mentions, lol.

Though I do remember watching early Boy Meets World but can't remember anything so doubt I got to that season or episode, most likely not... Scrubs been on my to watch list since like, 2007, damn. Heard about that episode too (and how that became a meme online). And I know I need to watch Avatar given its universal praise.

Oh geez, five episodes down already.

I remember listening to Pod Meets World for a while, and one of the things that latched on to me was how much fun the cast had with "And Then There Was Shawn" too because it was one of the few times (before college anyway) where everyone in the cast were doing scenes together. They were all on set at the same time, it wasn't just Eric, Jack, and Rachel doing their own thing elsewhere, Will Friedle was dating Jennifer Love Hewitt at the time and that added to the fun, it was just perfect. A huge, huge highlight and easily would ve in my top ten as well.

Now to go back to work and read the rest later. I am sooooo looking forward to Rebecca walks across the sands

MartinFF7 posted...

Funny thing is I'm 0/5 so far but 5/5 on having seen the honourable mentions, lol.

I was wondering if someone was going to say the honorable mentions were better than the selections, lol. It's certainly hard to narrow it down to just 10 episodes, which is why I wanted to show some love to another episode with a loosely similar theme that could be just as worthy of inclusion on the list.

Mega_Mana posted...

Will Friedle was dating Jennifer Love Hewitt at the time and that added to the fun

I did not know that!

I'm not overly familiar with any of these shows; I'm pretty notorious for barely watching series style content. That said, I have watched Death Note and The X-Files. Good picks for both of those.

Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose is a particularly good choice. As a huge fan of the show, it would be very difficult for me to narrow down what I feel is the best episode but it's certainly a strong contender. Peter Boyle is so great in this episode (obviously, as he did win an Emmy for this). There are a lot of great guest stars throughout the show's history but yeah this one definitely stands on the top of the mountain I think.

Rebecca was so impactful, and so weird. was such an incredible show. Rebecca was also Cassie on Animorphs (as terrible as the show was, I still hold massive nostalgia for it) so extra memorable.

My Screw-Up is so, so good. A lot of Scrubs could make my list of 100. My Lunch, My Hero, My Finale... maybe some others like the one with the air guitar band or the wedding in Hawai'i or the Wizard of Oz episode... Ted singing automatically boosts an episode's greatness.

cool thread, though the only one of these shows I care about is avatar

5. Doctor Who Blink (Season 3, Episode 10) (2007)

Were taking a trip across the pond for this next episode, from the iconic, long-running, and oft-rebooted British series Doctor Who. Doctor Who is about a time-traveling time lord that usually has a human companion with him/her while they explore the universe, past and present, solving various problems, ranging from mundane to apocalyptic. The doctor has often regenerated throughout the long-running series allowing for a different person to be the doctor. The series reached a height of popularity when it rebooted in the early 2000s, specially during the time that David Tennant and Matt Smith played as the Doctor. This was bolstered by the great writing by Steven Moffat, the brainchild behind some of the most exciting story arches that Doctor Who has ever seen.

One of the things that make this show great is the villains and antagonists that appear throughout the series. The Daleks, the Cybermen, and the Silence are just a few examples of the groups that Doctor Who has had to face off against. But there is one enemy that has captivated the fanbase, both due to their uniqueness and creepiness. Its the weeping angels: creatures that are quantum locked to turn into stone any time they are being observed. However, when no one is looking, they revert to their original form, and if they touch you, you will be sent back in time as they feast on your potential life energy. Confused? Watch the video below. Its a lot of "wibbly wobbly, timey wimey," a phrase that ended up becoming a popular quote from the series to explain away the more confusing elements of the doctors nature. The specifics of the episode Blink involve the doctor, who was sent back in time by the weeping angels, trying to direct a stranger (guest star Carey Mulligan) to his ship, through unconventional means, so that they can send it back to him, and more importantly, so the weeping angels dont get it. I used to work downtown, and every day I drove past a church with weeping angel statues. After watching this episode, I never looked at them the same again!

I blame my sister for getting me into Doctor Who, as she was a super fan of the show for a time. I had watched every episode of the reboot series for quite a while, but did eventually stop, as the show has gotten a little less popular, and the long breaks between episodes can be hard to stay motivated to continue following the series. Regardless, the Tennant and Smith years were some of the best Doctor Who had to offer, and this one will always stand out as a personal favorite of mine. And Im not alone in the sentiment, as its the highest rated episode in the series on imdb, with an impressive 9.8 rating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwdbLu_x0gY

(Honorable Mention: The Twilight Zone Twenty Two)
Room for one more, honey.

Mega_Mana posted...

Rebecca was so impactful, and so weird. was such an incredible show. Rebecca was also Cassie on Animorphs (as terrible as the show was, I still hold massive nostalgia for it) so extra memorable.

Rebecca was actually supposed to return as a guest star in season 3, but when Cara DeLizia (Fi) left the show after season 2, they scrapped that entire backstory plot and decided not to bring back Rebecca.

oh yeah, Blink is an obvious (and correct) choice. i don't even like doctor who but it's a great episode

Yeah, can't argue with that one.

Love Blink, kind of hate what they did with the weeping angels in later seasons

colliding posted...

kind of hate what they did with the weeping angels in later seasons

Same here. The Statue of Liberty being an angel is so stupid. You cannot convince me there was even a single millisecond that no one was looking at THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

hombad46 posted...

Same here. The Statue of Liberty being an angel is so stupid. You cannot convince me there was even a single millisecond that no one was looking at THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

100% agreement

Oh yeah. Blink and Tales of Ba Sing Se are both good possible contenders for my personal top ten

4. Breaking Bad Ozymandias (Season 5, Episode 14) (2013)

Almost no introduction is needed as to why this episode belongs on this list. Winner of an emmy award for outstanding writing, this episode has a perfect 10/10 rating on IMDB, and is argued by many to be the best television episode of all time. But what makes this episode so great? Lets explore.

Breaking Bad centers around a man named Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, who turns to cooking and selling methamphetamine to secure his familys financial future. He partners with his former student, Jesse Pinkman, and navigates the dangerous criminal underworld as he transforms from a mild-mannered teacher into a drug kingpin. Walter starts out as sort of a pushover, but slowly evolves into the badass Heisenberg, all while kind of losing his mind. Bryan Cranston won 4 emmys, 3 SAGs, and a golden globe for his performance as Walter White throughout the series, and deservedly so.

Ozymandias is the antepenultimate episode of the series. Full of death, revelations, and conflict, the episode paves the way for the final act of the series to play out. The opening credits were delayed until nearly 19 minutes into the episode because the producers wanted to preserve the dramatic impact of the episode's opening scene, specifically the death of Hank Schrader, by letting the scene play out without interruption from the title sequence; this required special permission from the Hollywood guilds to delay the credits so significantly. The rest of the episode did not let up from there, with one revelatory scene after another playing out as Walters world continues to unravel. There are a ton of Easter eggs in the episode pointing back to previous moments in the series, starting with the opening flashback.

I didnt watch this series until many years after it aired, which was awesome because this is such a bingeworthy show. I couldnt imagine having to wait a week between episodes. This final string of episodes was maybe the best leadup to a finale Ive ever seen. The series was just amazing from start to finish and they certainly ended it magnificently.

The only thing left to decide is which clip to share for this episode: The execution of Hank? Walt telling Jessie the truth about Jane? The climactic scene with Walt, Skyler, and Flynn at the house? (You understand now why this episode was so good). No, Ill post the phone call. Yes, that phone call. The call Walt makes to Skyler after kidnapping their baby, where he puts on the persona of Heisenberg, knowing the police are listening in, and pretends to be an abusive, controlling husband in an attempt to free Skyler from any legal ramifications. Give the man another emmy just for this scene alone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P7XzoTJRa8

(Honorable mention: The Walking Dead Too Far Gone)

3. The Haunting of Hill House The Bent Neck Lady (Season 1, Episode 5) (2018)

When one thinks of psychological horror in television, its forgivable to chalk it all up to jump scares and gross outs. Thats what the majority of it is these days. Director Mike Flanagan, however, was able to revitalize that genre with his series of horror anthologies, starting with the Haunting of Hill House. The show follows five adult siblings whose paranormal experiences at Hill House continue to haunt them in the present day. The show utilizes flashbacks throughout the series, going back and forth from past (when a pivotal night changed everything for the family) to present (where the children, now adults, all deal with their own personal demons). A tragedy in the present brings them all together, where they have to confront Hill House, and how it affected them all.

I myself am only a casual horror fan. Its not my favorite genre, but Im sometimes up for a scare. The problem is, I hadnt been truly scared or affected by a horror show in a long time. Just jump scares and gross outs. Nothing that stuck with me. That is, until I was introduced to the bent-neck lady. At first glance, shes just another jump scare. But this one has backstory and a complexity that when unwound at the end of the episode, left me horrified at what I just witnessed. The episode is centered around Nell, one of the five siblings that are center to the series. She is haunted, since childhood, specifically since living in Hill House, by a shadowy figure she names the bent-neck lady. We see it multiple times throughout the episode, showing up at impactful moments of Nells life, well into her adulthood. In the end, she is drawn back to Hill House, where we see the full illusionary power of the house, and Nell meets her untimely end, while the identity of the bent-neck lady is revealed. If that wasnt shocking enough, a second twist is revealed right after, that adds to the horror of the moment.

I remember the first time I saw this episode. That night, as I got in bed, surrounded by darkness, I felt a little different. A little unsettled. That episode got to me in a way horror tv had been unable to do since I was a child. And for that, it is well deserving of a spot in my top 10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHkX4gNuSOI

(Honorable Mention: Lost Pilot)

bent neck lady is so sad

ozymandias is so good, but i feel like i almost wish people gave more credit to other BB S5 episodes - it is the cap of so much incredible TV

I think Season 4 finale is still my favorite episode of Breaking Bad

Better Call Saul is overall better

2. The Good Place Whenever Youre Ready (Season 4, Episodes 13/14) (2020) Series Finale

There hasnt been a show quite like The Good Place, and in a time where sitcoms have become a dying breed, it shined above the rest thanks to its unique, ever-changing plot, with some shocking twists scattered throughout.

The Good Place follows Eleanor Shellstrop, a woman who has died and ended up in the good place, a heavenly neighborhood with Michael as the architect. However, Eleanor knows she did not live a good life and should not be there. Comedy ensues. And some major twists and plot shifts occur throughout the four season run.

One could argue that Michaels Gambit is the best episode of the series, as it contains the first and biggest twist of the series, but for me, its the series finale that had the biggest impact on me, and stuck with me long after I finished watching the series.

Whenever Youre Ready present a solution to the problem of the real good place by creating a door of sorts where people can leave and presumably just cease existing, once theyve had their fill in the good place. Getting to see the final relationship dynamics between the main characters play out as each chooses their time to walk through the door was incredibly satisfying. Even more so just the whole concept of it all. Wouldnt it be nice if that is how life after death is life? I know its somewhat nave to ponder such a thing, but the ending just provided so much peace, serenity, wonder, and closure, it couldnt help rub off on the viewer. The episode was nominated for a primetime emmy and received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. Several commentators noted that the finale offered a metaphor for both the show itself and television more generally. The door mirrors the decision for the show to end on its own terms, leaving an absence in its wake but still remaining meaningful.

I think Chidis moment through the door was most memorable. Its an observation thats been commentated on a million times now, but its still worth noting how the consistently indecisive Chidi was steadfast and resolute in his final moments. What a great sendoff to a refreshingly great series.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1IchzbtNj0

(Honorable Mention: Seinfeld The Soup Nazi)

1. The Last of Us Long Long Time (Season 1, Episode 3) (2023)

Well, here we are at the end of the list, and I couldnt think of a more poignant sendoff than the one-off episode masterpiece that was Long Long Time. To just zoom out for a second, I loved the tv adaptation of The Last of Us, one of my favorite video games as far as storyline goes. The show follows Joel and Ellie as they navigate through a zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic world devastated by a mutated Cordyceps virus. The show was a sometimes scene for scene adaptation of the video game, and thats not an insult. It was well executed in all phases. My one criticism is that the show felt rushed at times, trying to fit the entire game into nine episodes. I think if they wouldve stretched it out to twelve or so, it couldve been something even more special.

Case in point, episode 3, a rare divergence from the video game, and a rare moment where the show slows things down to take a look at the life of Bill and Frank and their story of survival and love in the post-apocalyptic world. I gotta admit this one hit me differently. As a straight male, I must confess that I sometimes have trouble connecting with LGBTQ relationships in television. But this episode was able to reach me in a way that hadnt really been done before. It helped bridge the gap of understanding by showing first and foremost the humanity of Bill and Frank. No gimmicks. No glamour. Just pure, unadulterated love between two people, who just happened to both be men. What a concept, right? But just so flawlessly executed. May we all be lucky enough to have one more good day with the person we love in the end, no matter who that may be.

The episode received critical acclaim, despite some conservative backlash. The song played in the show, called Long Long Time, skyrocketed on Spotify after the episode aired, and would chart on several Billboard charts in the preceding weeks. Nick Offerman was brilliant in the episode and won an emmy for his performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceno1EAlDYM

(Honorable Mention: Inside No. 9 The Twelve Days of Christine)

Well, that's a wrap. Thanks for reading along with my musings. It was a fun distraction writing these out.

It was hard, but rewarding going through this list. As a reminder, the episodes here are listed in chronological order because I could not for the life of me sort them into any true order. So while Long Long Time may not be my true number 1 episode of all time, it certainly ranks up there, as well as all the honorable mentions. I could have easily swapped a few of them out.

i really want to watch last of us! thanks for the thread!

Blink is excellent, but for some reason I have less reverence for it than lots of others. I think I'd seen Series 5 first so that might play a factor with the Jorah Mormont Angel episodes, or how I still don't really fully get into the concept. I honestly dont know, but it doesn't make my top 10 Doctor Who episodes despite recognizing its excellence objectively.

Ozymandias so good.

The Bent Neck Lady was terrifying. Amazing series I need to re-watch sometime. Loved Midnight Mass and Fall of the House of Usher, too.

I still neeeed to watch the final season of The Good Place.

Heard a lot about this episode of The Last of Us. I look forward to watching someday.

Great list!

Thanks for writing this, really enjoyed reading the list.

Cool list!

Of the shows here Ive seen Boy Meets World, Avatar, Breaking Bad and Haunting of Hill House. I should check out some of these other shows

Hell yeah The Good Place finale.

Man what a great show that was, and it managed to pull of a fantastic finale. Something most shows don't manage imo.

Getting spoiled on Michaels Gambit is actually what made me want to watch the show. I wasn't that interested in it before despite liking Kristen Bell. That info made me want to watch. Honestly I'm glad I was spoiled because I feel like I enjoyed the season more knowing than I would have going in blind.

If you went in blind and haven't rewatched season 1 I fully recommend it.

SeabassDebeste posted...

i really want to watch last of us! thanks for the thread!

It was so good. Definitely recommend. Second season is coming out in April.

Mega_Mana posted...

Blink is excellent, but for some reason I have less reverence for it than lots of others. I think I'd seen Series 5 first so that might play a factor with the Jorah Mormont Angel episodes, or how I still don't really fully get into the concept. I honestly dont know, but it doesn't make my top 10 Doctor Who episodes despite recognizing its excellence objectively.

That's fair. Matt Smith years were really good, too. The fan base is divided on the River Song story arc, but I loved it. So many good episodes to chose from that show and no wrong answers.

Maniac64 posted...

Getting spoiled on Michaels Gambit is actually what made me want to watch the show. I wasn't that interested in it before despite liking Kristen Bell. That info made me want to watch. Honestly I'm glad I was spoiled because I feel like I enjoyed the season more knowing than I would have going in blind.

Yo, that's exactly what happened to me! I didn't watch the series until it was already over, so I got to binge it all. The ONE thing I knew was the big spoiler from that episode, and it did nothing to stop my enjoyment of the first season.

Yeah I started watching between seasons 1 and 2 and watched the rest live. It was a great time.

One of those shows I was sad to see end but also felt that it told the story it wanted to and left feeling satisfied.

i didn't follow week to week, but i definitely was surprised by the twist at the end of S1. that said it got so high concept afterwards i don't know if it worked on every level... great shot though, appreciated the ambition

I haven't watched a lot of these shows, but you did a great job at pitching these episodes. Even the "nostalgia" picks.

solid 1

I watched a really boring day of football and had a few beers, and after went "Hey, I'll watch the new last of us, it should be uploaded to HBO Go"

proceeded to ugly cry on the couch alone