Best Episodes of the 2012-2013 TV Season. A Bastard's view.
Aug 16, 2013 10:13:18 GMT -6
affrosponge88, Stephen77, and 3 more like this
Post by naturalbornbastard on Aug 16, 2013 10:13:18 GMT -6
I decided to rank the best episodes of the season (June 2012-May 2013) just for fun. Some episodes actually aired after May, but they still count as part of the previous season for the purposes of this list (because I say so, dammit!). I wrote some short notes about every episode (nothing special, just dumb observations); and I think I was able to leave out spoilers, so no don’t worry about that.
It was really hard deciding the order of the episodes, because some of these shows are very different from each other, but it never hurts to try. The order does not reflect my preference of one show over the other; sometimes a not-so-brilliant show can create a particularly outstanding episode. I tried to be as objective as possible. After much thinking, I ended up with 38 episodes for my list.
Ok, let’s go……
38) “The Insanity Offense” - Web Therapy
Fiona Wallice is one of the most vile characters I've ever seen, and how she deals with the people who get in her way is one of Web Therapy's greatest strengths. Lily Tomlin, Conan O'Brien and David Schwimmer take part in this tremendously funny episode.
37) "Cooler" - New Girl
OMG! It happened! No way, no way, no way! This will make you want to play True American.
36) “Victory” – Spartacus
Unbelievably epic finale with some awe-inspiring fighting sequences that will make you have an adrenaline rush and will keep your cock raging on.
35) "Uprising" Switched At Birth
The first episode in broadcasting history made entirely in sign language. This groundbreaking experience puts you in the shoes of deaf people and even the background noise is muted.
I think what makes this episode great is that it doesn't show members of the Deaf Community as just innocent victims of inequality; they are also capable of having prejudices against hearing people and even other deaf persons. I freaking love that!
34) "Clear" - The Walking Dead
TWD is a very stagnant show with some severely misguided plotting. But in "Clear", all the main storylines are put on hold and just 3 of the main characters are front and center in an emotional and very personal episode that proves The Walking Dead is capable of being great television (sometimes, at least).
33) “It’s A Shame About Ray” – Girls
Two different dinners taking place on the same night bring out the worst of every character, and the passive-aggressive behavior (and active-aggressive) is just both delightful and awkward to watch.
32) "The Inconveniencing" - Gravity Falls
Gravity Falls has been a pleasant surprise this year. And Kristen Schaal has been a very busy woman lately.
"The Inconveniencing" works as a parody of several pop-culture tropes: a really hilarious parody. With fantastic one-liners and great gags that will get you hook. You shouldn't miss this one.
31) "Running" - Veep
A really bizarre accident forces Selina to shut herself off from the public for a day, but it doesn't prevent her from running in a charity race while completely drugged-out.
JLD is just a brilliant comedic actress and in "Running" she gets to show off all of her strengths, with Selina making a career-changing decision at the end.
30)"Unconscious Selection" - Orphan Black
Orphan Black has very good pacing and confidence in its characters; that is precisely the reason the show is able to throw all this crazy twists and ideas and make them believable. "Unconscious Selection" is the episode with the most refined execution of this admirable first season.
29) "Sea Tunt Part 2" - Archer
Jon Hamm guest-stars in a two-parter that shows how low the characters of Archer can go for their own selfish reasons. It's fascinating how ISIS is very close to turning into a terrorist organization at this point.
28) "The Christmas Special" - Regular Show
One word to define Regular Show: Fun. That's what it's all about, and it's the reason the Christmas special is such a success. An exciting non-stop epic adventure: Ed Asner plays a very cool Santa, and our heroes have to face some really interesting trials to save Christmas ("Wrestle a bear. Don't lose"). I will be adding this one to my annual holiday viewing schedule. (“Dear Santa, Dude, give me an invisibility cloak. Santa, Dude, don’t be a jerk, just give me an invisibility cloak”)
27) "I Am Anne Frank, Part 2" - American Horror Story
AHS is the most freakishly entertaining thing on TV. Ryan Murphy's shows usually walk a very thin line between greatness and mediocrity; but this show thrives because of its riveting execution and outstanding directing. This particular episode has so many insane revelations that it makes me wonder: how are the writers capable of inserting so many random crazy ideas into a story that actually feels engaging and grounded? It's like they are both maniacs and geniuses!
26) "Halloween Surprise" - Parks & Recreation
A highly anticipated event arrives in a truly hilarious episode; with all of the characters at their best and simply being funny.
25) "Drip, Drip" - Rectify
Daniel's emotional issues are much deeper that just "the fresh out of prison inmate", and in this episode they rise to the surface to give us a glimpse of what it's happening inside his head. Rectify is a very spiritual show, with a little touch of magical realism, that's very unusual on TV. There's always the feeling that you have been shown some important piece of truth, but you can't quite put your finger on it.
24) "Late Show: Part 3" - Louie
The trilogy of episodes ends in extraordinary fashion. The show shines by getting comedy out of painful situations without sacrificing honesty.
23) "Season 4" - Arrested Development
The new season of AD is just one giant episode of the show we know and love. All the storylines are intertwined, so it is a little pointless to single out episodes.
Hurwitz created the most intricate and complex episode of comedy ever made; and it only promises to get even more complicated. I guess you could pick "Señoritis" as the best part, but I still refuse to consider this season as a normal TV season with individual episodes.
22) “Series Four, Episode Seven” The Thick Of It
This hysterical comedy series ends its four season in a fantastically dark note. Let's hope it's not the end of the show.
21) “One More Weekend With You” - Parenthood
This episode has a remarkable use of the different storylines and characters, and does a really good job at showing how they intersect together to create a larger and more meaningful whole.
20) “Episode 1” - Top of the Lake
This fantastic miniseries has a roaring start with an Emmy-worthy performance by Elisabeth Moss, and immersive directing by Jane Campion. Top of the Lake is a show that aims not only to entertain, but to create awareness about real problems in the world.
19) "The Unnatural" - Bob's Burgers
Bob's Burgers saved the best for last with a gut-busting baseball episode and a hilarious guest performance by Rob Huebel as an idiot con man. This episode has many golden one-liners ("You are an acquired taste......that I just acquired")
18) “A Goon's Deed In A Weary World” – 30 Rock
The fate of NBC is decided, and Liz has to make professional and personal compromises in her efforts to save TGS. I particularly loved Tracy's back-up plan ("I got some stuff on the back burner. Left unattended long enough, the house burns down...Insurance money".
17) "The Rains of Castemere" - Game Of Thrones
The episode that shocked the whole world; George RR Martin is not kidding when he says he doesn't like being predictable, and Rains of Castemere plays like a beautiful tragedy that will take your breath away.
16) "Say My Name" - Breaking Bad
Walter White's journey into darkness breaks new ground and we learn that what motivated him was much more than just greed and pride; it is an insatiable need to be recognized and feared. One character's arc comes to a close in a heart-breaking way, and the feeling of imminent doom increases.
15) “Off Duty” - Southland
Zack Whedon pens this astounding episode. An incredibly precise display of directing and editing add up to create a real marvel.
14) "The Colonel" - The Americans
An incredibly consistent first season culminates with its best episode. The plotting is brilliant, with Phillip and Elizabeth taking huge risks. All the storylines of the season collide with a fascinating resolution.
13) "Red Team, Blue Team" - The Good Wife
The Good Wife is the best acted network show, and this episode is a showcase for almost the entire main cast. It’s amazing that with the impressive amount of guest stars and subplots, “Red Team, Blue Team” shines by focusing only in the main characters and their interactions with each other and bringing to light several previously unspoken conflicts, resulting in a riveting experience.
12) "Savoreux" - Hannibal
Bryan Fuller continues to prove he is one of the greatest creative minds in television of the last decade. Every show he makes is better than the last, how does he do it?!
Hannibal has all the Fuller features and then some: the visuals, the score, the atmosphere. And the season finale brings everything together to a beautifully horrifying conclusion.
11) "Decoy" - Justified
This episode not only has the terrific dialogue Justified is known for, but it also breaks new ground for the show, creating an absolutely pulsating atmosphere with an engaging cat and mouse game. It is the most fun you can have watching TV.
I almost chose the finale because it is also one heck of an episode, but this one stands out for being so different.
10) "The Quality Of Mercy" - Mad Men
The Jacquemettons only write one episode of TV a year, so they have to make it count; and they sure did this year. The secret of Bob Benson is finally revealed and Pete makes a shocking decision. Don continues to struggle with his conflicting emotions, and his isolation only gets bigger.
9) "Relevance" - Person Of Interest
Holy crap! Jonathan Nolan's directorial debut completely surpassed my huge expectations. This episode is a 42-minute action movie. You can watch it without being a regular viewer and you will still understand everything. It introduces the gorgeous Sarah Shahi. I want more like this, Nolan, MORE!!!
8) "Q&A" - Homeland
The most personal and heartfelt interrogation ever made is the centerpiece of this impeccably written episode. The late Henry Bromell demonstrates all of his powers on this mind-blowing and tense experience. Danes and Lewis give tour-de-force performances and the season reaches its apex. Sadly, moving the plot forward so quickly is a double-edged sword.
7) "Gliding Over All" - Breaking Bad
The episode that makes the most changes in Breaking Bad history. Incredible direction by McLaren, which elevates the whole episode; and, one of the most heart-stopping cliffhangers since the penultimate episode of Death Note.I got chills!
6) "Two Impostors" - Boardwalk Empire
Boardwalk Empire's third season showed some clear signs of flagging, but all that changed in "Two Impostors". One of the most exhilarating episodes of television ever made: a heart-pounding, mind-bending thrill ride that shakes up the show's status quo and will make your jaw drop to the floor.
5) "Simon and Marcy" - Adventure Time
A brilliant and extraordinary episode that shows the origin of Simon and his slow transformation into the Ice King; with the best use of the Cheers theme since Cheers, and a profoundly emotional story. It is impossible to watch this without crying, I've tried several times.
4) "Last Lunch" - 30 Rock
One of the most influential comedies of the 00's ends its run in the best way possible. It was the final touch in a stellar final season. These characters will live on in the pop culture memory forever. Good god, 30 Rock!
3) "Agent of Change" - Enlightened
Mike White brings his beautiful masterwork to a close with an emotional finale that shows everything that makes Enlightened great: honesty and poignancy. It's truly aw-inspiring.
2) "In Care Of" - Mad Men
Mad Men is a show about execution. If you explain the plot to someone it doesn't really sound like anything special; and that is because we usually expect TV shows to be good based on the plot alone. That doesn't apply to Mad Men; and this may have been the show's weakest season, but you when you have an episode like this one: with breath-taking subtlety and razor-sharp character work, there is simply no argument. Matthew Wiener is a fantastic director, and what I love about his writing style is that pretty much every plot development is implied or foreshadowed in a small sentence or in a simple look or gesture; the show has a lot of trust in its viewers.
"In Care Of" moves the story forward in expected and unexpected ways, and the final season looks like it's gonna be one of the landmark seasons in television history.
1) "All I Ever Wanted" - Enlightened
Television has the advantage of building up the story and developing the characters slowly and gradually. And when that is done right, it can sometimes amount to such a tremendously rewarding experience, that the only proper term to describe it is "life-changing". And that is precisely what Enlightened is: a magnum opus of creative work. "All I Ever Wanted" is the best the show has to offer because of several elements that come together: pitch-perfect acting, extremely emotionally complex themes, one of the best music scores ever made for television, and out-of-this-world directing by the great Todd Haynes.
HBO had years without a truly great show and this one changed that, at least for a while. All I can say is: thank you, Mike White.
Final Note:
I want to give a special mention to Damages, Fringe and The Office. Those shows have been a big part of my life for years and they ended their run this season. Unfortunately, they didn't have any episode strong enough to be on this list, but I still think of them as great shows.
It was really hard deciding the order of the episodes, because some of these shows are very different from each other, but it never hurts to try. The order does not reflect my preference of one show over the other; sometimes a not-so-brilliant show can create a particularly outstanding episode. I tried to be as objective as possible. After much thinking, I ended up with 38 episodes for my list.
Ok, let’s go……
38) “The Insanity Offense” - Web Therapy
Fiona Wallice is one of the most vile characters I've ever seen, and how she deals with the people who get in her way is one of Web Therapy's greatest strengths. Lily Tomlin, Conan O'Brien and David Schwimmer take part in this tremendously funny episode.
37) "Cooler" - New Girl
OMG! It happened! No way, no way, no way! This will make you want to play True American.
36) “Victory” – Spartacus
Unbelievably epic finale with some awe-inspiring fighting sequences that will make you have an adrenaline rush and will keep your cock raging on.
35) "Uprising" Switched At Birth
The first episode in broadcasting history made entirely in sign language. This groundbreaking experience puts you in the shoes of deaf people and even the background noise is muted.
I think what makes this episode great is that it doesn't show members of the Deaf Community as just innocent victims of inequality; they are also capable of having prejudices against hearing people and even other deaf persons. I freaking love that!
34) "Clear" - The Walking Dead
TWD is a very stagnant show with some severely misguided plotting. But in "Clear", all the main storylines are put on hold and just 3 of the main characters are front and center in an emotional and very personal episode that proves The Walking Dead is capable of being great television (sometimes, at least).
33) “It’s A Shame About Ray” – Girls
Two different dinners taking place on the same night bring out the worst of every character, and the passive-aggressive behavior (and active-aggressive) is just both delightful and awkward to watch.
32) "The Inconveniencing" - Gravity Falls
Gravity Falls has been a pleasant surprise this year. And Kristen Schaal has been a very busy woman lately.
"The Inconveniencing" works as a parody of several pop-culture tropes: a really hilarious parody. With fantastic one-liners and great gags that will get you hook. You shouldn't miss this one.
31) "Running" - Veep
A really bizarre accident forces Selina to shut herself off from the public for a day, but it doesn't prevent her from running in a charity race while completely drugged-out.
JLD is just a brilliant comedic actress and in "Running" she gets to show off all of her strengths, with Selina making a career-changing decision at the end.
30)"Unconscious Selection" - Orphan Black
Orphan Black has very good pacing and confidence in its characters; that is precisely the reason the show is able to throw all this crazy twists and ideas and make them believable. "Unconscious Selection" is the episode with the most refined execution of this admirable first season.
29) "Sea Tunt Part 2" - Archer
Jon Hamm guest-stars in a two-parter that shows how low the characters of Archer can go for their own selfish reasons. It's fascinating how ISIS is very close to turning into a terrorist organization at this point.
28) "The Christmas Special" - Regular Show
One word to define Regular Show: Fun. That's what it's all about, and it's the reason the Christmas special is such a success. An exciting non-stop epic adventure: Ed Asner plays a very cool Santa, and our heroes have to face some really interesting trials to save Christmas ("Wrestle a bear. Don't lose"). I will be adding this one to my annual holiday viewing schedule. (“Dear Santa, Dude, give me an invisibility cloak. Santa, Dude, don’t be a jerk, just give me an invisibility cloak”)
27) "I Am Anne Frank, Part 2" - American Horror Story
AHS is the most freakishly entertaining thing on TV. Ryan Murphy's shows usually walk a very thin line between greatness and mediocrity; but this show thrives because of its riveting execution and outstanding directing. This particular episode has so many insane revelations that it makes me wonder: how are the writers capable of inserting so many random crazy ideas into a story that actually feels engaging and grounded? It's like they are both maniacs and geniuses!
26) "Halloween Surprise" - Parks & Recreation
A highly anticipated event arrives in a truly hilarious episode; with all of the characters at their best and simply being funny.
25) "Drip, Drip" - Rectify
Daniel's emotional issues are much deeper that just "the fresh out of prison inmate", and in this episode they rise to the surface to give us a glimpse of what it's happening inside his head. Rectify is a very spiritual show, with a little touch of magical realism, that's very unusual on TV. There's always the feeling that you have been shown some important piece of truth, but you can't quite put your finger on it.
24) "Late Show: Part 3" - Louie
The trilogy of episodes ends in extraordinary fashion. The show shines by getting comedy out of painful situations without sacrificing honesty.
23) "Season 4" - Arrested Development
The new season of AD is just one giant episode of the show we know and love. All the storylines are intertwined, so it is a little pointless to single out episodes.
Hurwitz created the most intricate and complex episode of comedy ever made; and it only promises to get even more complicated. I guess you could pick "Señoritis" as the best part, but I still refuse to consider this season as a normal TV season with individual episodes.
22) “Series Four, Episode Seven” The Thick Of It
This hysterical comedy series ends its four season in a fantastically dark note. Let's hope it's not the end of the show.
21) “One More Weekend With You” - Parenthood
This episode has a remarkable use of the different storylines and characters, and does a really good job at showing how they intersect together to create a larger and more meaningful whole.
20) “Episode 1” - Top of the Lake
This fantastic miniseries has a roaring start with an Emmy-worthy performance by Elisabeth Moss, and immersive directing by Jane Campion. Top of the Lake is a show that aims not only to entertain, but to create awareness about real problems in the world.
19) "The Unnatural" - Bob's Burgers
Bob's Burgers saved the best for last with a gut-busting baseball episode and a hilarious guest performance by Rob Huebel as an idiot con man. This episode has many golden one-liners ("You are an acquired taste......that I just acquired")
18) “A Goon's Deed In A Weary World” – 30 Rock
The fate of NBC is decided, and Liz has to make professional and personal compromises in her efforts to save TGS. I particularly loved Tracy's back-up plan ("I got some stuff on the back burner. Left unattended long enough, the house burns down...Insurance money".
17) "The Rains of Castemere" - Game Of Thrones
The episode that shocked the whole world; George RR Martin is not kidding when he says he doesn't like being predictable, and Rains of Castemere plays like a beautiful tragedy that will take your breath away.
16) "Say My Name" - Breaking Bad
Walter White's journey into darkness breaks new ground and we learn that what motivated him was much more than just greed and pride; it is an insatiable need to be recognized and feared. One character's arc comes to a close in a heart-breaking way, and the feeling of imminent doom increases.
15) “Off Duty” - Southland
Zack Whedon pens this astounding episode. An incredibly precise display of directing and editing add up to create a real marvel.
14) "The Colonel" - The Americans
An incredibly consistent first season culminates with its best episode. The plotting is brilliant, with Phillip and Elizabeth taking huge risks. All the storylines of the season collide with a fascinating resolution.
13) "Red Team, Blue Team" - The Good Wife
The Good Wife is the best acted network show, and this episode is a showcase for almost the entire main cast. It’s amazing that with the impressive amount of guest stars and subplots, “Red Team, Blue Team” shines by focusing only in the main characters and their interactions with each other and bringing to light several previously unspoken conflicts, resulting in a riveting experience.
12) "Savoreux" - Hannibal
Bryan Fuller continues to prove he is one of the greatest creative minds in television of the last decade. Every show he makes is better than the last, how does he do it?!
Hannibal has all the Fuller features and then some: the visuals, the score, the atmosphere. And the season finale brings everything together to a beautifully horrifying conclusion.
11) "Decoy" - Justified
This episode not only has the terrific dialogue Justified is known for, but it also breaks new ground for the show, creating an absolutely pulsating atmosphere with an engaging cat and mouse game. It is the most fun you can have watching TV.
I almost chose the finale because it is also one heck of an episode, but this one stands out for being so different.
10) "The Quality Of Mercy" - Mad Men
The Jacquemettons only write one episode of TV a year, so they have to make it count; and they sure did this year. The secret of Bob Benson is finally revealed and Pete makes a shocking decision. Don continues to struggle with his conflicting emotions, and his isolation only gets bigger.
9) "Relevance" - Person Of Interest
Holy crap! Jonathan Nolan's directorial debut completely surpassed my huge expectations. This episode is a 42-minute action movie. You can watch it without being a regular viewer and you will still understand everything. It introduces the gorgeous Sarah Shahi. I want more like this, Nolan, MORE!!!
8) "Q&A" - Homeland
The most personal and heartfelt interrogation ever made is the centerpiece of this impeccably written episode. The late Henry Bromell demonstrates all of his powers on this mind-blowing and tense experience. Danes and Lewis give tour-de-force performances and the season reaches its apex. Sadly, moving the plot forward so quickly is a double-edged sword.
7) "Gliding Over All" - Breaking Bad
The episode that makes the most changes in Breaking Bad history. Incredible direction by McLaren, which elevates the whole episode; and, one of the most heart-stopping cliffhangers since the penultimate episode of Death Note.I got chills!
6) "Two Impostors" - Boardwalk Empire
Boardwalk Empire's third season showed some clear signs of flagging, but all that changed in "Two Impostors". One of the most exhilarating episodes of television ever made: a heart-pounding, mind-bending thrill ride that shakes up the show's status quo and will make your jaw drop to the floor.
5) "Simon and Marcy" - Adventure Time
A brilliant and extraordinary episode that shows the origin of Simon and his slow transformation into the Ice King; with the best use of the Cheers theme since Cheers, and a profoundly emotional story. It is impossible to watch this without crying, I've tried several times.
4) "Last Lunch" - 30 Rock
One of the most influential comedies of the 00's ends its run in the best way possible. It was the final touch in a stellar final season. These characters will live on in the pop culture memory forever. Good god, 30 Rock!
3) "Agent of Change" - Enlightened
Mike White brings his beautiful masterwork to a close with an emotional finale that shows everything that makes Enlightened great: honesty and poignancy. It's truly aw-inspiring.
2) "In Care Of" - Mad Men
Mad Men is a show about execution. If you explain the plot to someone it doesn't really sound like anything special; and that is because we usually expect TV shows to be good based on the plot alone. That doesn't apply to Mad Men; and this may have been the show's weakest season, but you when you have an episode like this one: with breath-taking subtlety and razor-sharp character work, there is simply no argument. Matthew Wiener is a fantastic director, and what I love about his writing style is that pretty much every plot development is implied or foreshadowed in a small sentence or in a simple look or gesture; the show has a lot of trust in its viewers.
"In Care Of" moves the story forward in expected and unexpected ways, and the final season looks like it's gonna be one of the landmark seasons in television history.
1) "All I Ever Wanted" - Enlightened
Television has the advantage of building up the story and developing the characters slowly and gradually. And when that is done right, it can sometimes amount to such a tremendously rewarding experience, that the only proper term to describe it is "life-changing". And that is precisely what Enlightened is: a magnum opus of creative work. "All I Ever Wanted" is the best the show has to offer because of several elements that come together: pitch-perfect acting, extremely emotionally complex themes, one of the best music scores ever made for television, and out-of-this-world directing by the great Todd Haynes.
HBO had years without a truly great show and this one changed that, at least for a while. All I can say is: thank you, Mike White.
Final Note:
I want to give a special mention to Damages, Fringe and The Office. Those shows have been a big part of my life for years and they ended their run this season. Unfortunately, they didn't have any episode strong enough to be on this list, but I still think of them as great shows.