We here at Video Game Town are not in the business of bashing other outlets, journalists, writers, or anyone with a respectable take on pop culture. But in this case, we have to shout out to The Ringer for creating a great article in ranking their consensus best 100 TV episodes of the century.
And it’s a great list! But they forgot a few things. So Jared and Katy are here to help them out by listing all of the fantastic episodes from sensational shows that they declined to include. Are most of these serious submissions and snubs? No. But there are a few that legit should have made it onto the honorable mentions list, at the very least.
Maybe The Ringer staff just needs more evangelists for “GLOW” and “Halt and Catch Fire.”
Jared’s List
‘Who Needs a Guy’ – Halt and Catch Fire, Season 4 Episode 7
If there was one episode to encapsulate what makes “Halt and Catch Fire” special, it would be this one. Unfortunately, you can’t just show somebody this without context (let alone write about it) because something…bad…happens to one of the main characters. That’s all I’ll say.
I love the friendship and comradery between Scoot McNairy and Lee Pace, Mackenzie Davis working on her game, the always lovable Toby Huss basically reaching his arms out through the screen to hug the audience, and Kerry Bishe’s transformation in the later seasons. But this one is the saddest and most memorable of the entire series, one that was hoisted up as the successor to “Mad Men” from AMC but never quite got the recognition, despite how influential the subject matter is to our lives today.
‘The Good Twin’ – GLOW, Season 2 Episode 8
I’m a sucker for the most ridiculous, goofy, and outlandish episodes of shows. The ones where the writers toss out their wildest ideas, and have some fun with the characters. Giving them a break from the turmoil and their problems and all those pesky obstacles they constantly deal with.
Well we finally got to see what a real episode of “GLOW” looks like, and they did not disappoint. Those girls know how to put on some real goddamn proper entertainment, and it’s so exhilarating to see what they come up with when they try their earnest best. But also really sad to see the network bury them on purpose, and this would ultimately be their swan song.
“GLOW” kicked so much ass, and fuck Netflix for cancelling it WHILE they were shooting the fourth season. What more did they want? The girls sung, they danced, they wrestled, they acted, and they made jokes. They gave us everything, and Netflix just tossed it aside. Those dopes.
Also, don’t kidnap. Kidnapping is wrong to do.
‘Bird Up!’ – The Eric Andre Show, Season 3 Episode 10
I went with the most extreme, zany, over the top, and intense episode of a show that is already too extreme and zany for most human beings on the planet. I adore every “Bird Up!” segment in whatever episodes they’re in, but here it’s almost like the Bird Up! guy himself busts through the normal episode to vomit up his nonsense onto the viewer against their wills.
And then Chris Rock shows up.
I have no idea who the hell edited this, but that person is the next great avant-garde filmmaker. This is really something that has to be seen to be believed. It’s the most absurd and brilliant thing Adult Swim has given to the stoners out in the world maybe ever. And then we get Hannibal doing “Snail Down!”
‘On the Run’ – What We Do in the Shadows, Season 2 Episode 6
This is the Jackie Daytona episode of the show, and is widely known as being the best from the entire six season run. I don’t know why exactly this one works better than the rest, but there is something intoxicating about seeing Matt Berry disguise himself as a regular, normal human man and bartender. Only to later be foiled by Mark Hamill later when trying to fund raise for the girls volleyball team going to state.
I think it was his pronouncing of “Tuscon, Arizona” that sealed the deal. Just a truly hysterical farce, a real romp, and some of the finest comedic acting you can find. Laszlo Cravensworth, or Jackie Daytona, is a treasure and it’s a damn shame we only got a tiny cameo in the series finale. We needed more of his giving spirit and sense of community back in our lives.
‘Trilogy of Error’ – The Simpsons, Season 12 Episode 18
As far as post January 1st, 2000 “Simpsons” episodes, it is slim pickings my friends. That’s Season 11 and 12 primarily, and after that the show really goes downhill. So it was between this and “Behind the Laughter,” but I ultimately went with this episode for its three-pronged interlocking story and nod to such things as “Run Lola Run.”
IMDB has this as the highest rated episode in any season after Season 10, and for good reason. It’s a great episode that would fit in with the previous era of the show, aka the “good days.” Homer befriends a grammar robot after having his thumb cut off, Lisa falls in love after going to the wrong school, and Bart steals some fireworks from the mob. It’s delightful, it’s clever, and has some very good jokes. Plus, unlike some episodes, the entire plot is cohesive and the ending doesn’t just give up.
‘Climax’ – American Vandal, Season 1 Episode 7
It was HARD trying to pick a best episode from this two series wonder. I could have gone with the first, or last, of the Turd Burglar mystery. Or the conclusion to “who drew the dicks?” because that also is a banger finale. But the penultimate episode in the first season is what I went with here because of the shocking moments, twist reveals, and the spine chilling final line: “everyone.”
This was such a gift to receive in the early days of Netflix, before they decided every show just needed to be crap that repeats basic plot points out loud so people doing laundry can catch up. “American Vandal” was a satire for our digital, true crime loving age, and one that did it better than most true crime shows out there. In fact, this show is better than 99% of Netflix’s output.
‘Episode 7’ – The Mole, Season 1
I love “The Mole.” I have since the very first airing of the pilot, which I saw live. The perfect mix of reality show, game show, competition, espionage, post-The Matrix leather jackets, and Anderson Cooper. If you’ve never seen this, fix that mistake ASAP.
The episode I chose is the original final four, Charlie trying to herd sheep with a rather unique phrase, Jim and Kathryn trying to fool an art critic, and a deadly game of trust. In fact, it was so real that Kathryn collapsed out of fear, and was not a part of any mind games or sabotage. As memorable an episode filled with shocks as the show has ever delivered.
‘Desking’ – Abbott Elementary, Season 1 Episode 11
SWEET BABY JESUS AND THE GROWN ONE TOO.
‘We Is Us’ – Pluribus, Season 1 Episode 1
Nobody outside of Apple and the people who make “Pluribus” know how the show will end. So in lieu of being in the middle of a show already getting nominated for Golden Globes (and soon to be Emmys, and our hearts) I’ll just simply go with the very expensive and riveting pilot.
This is the most we will probably ever see the world before things change forever, so it’s nice to soak up Carol’s life with Helen before it all comes crumbling down. The oner in this episode made me awestruck, the opening scene (above) immediately sucks you into the mystery, and the ending with the government on the TV is why we love Vince Gilligan and television shows.
Katy’s List
‘Cooler’ – New Girl, Season 2 Episode 15
I don’t think I need to explain to any heterosexual millennial woman why this is on here. Nick and Jess’s first kiss is the greatest kiss in TV history, it’s not close, and I’m not saying anything that hasn’t been said by many before me.
I will say that the first video I tried embedding here didn’t load because it said it was age-restricted content. Maybe because the smooch is just that hot.
This is also just a great, funny episode from a great season of one of the best modern sitcoms. Do I quote “When I wear it, I feel hot to trot” all the time? Yes I do. But back to the kiss.
THAT EXTRA PECK AT THE END?!? Come on.
‘Sunflowers’ – Ted Lasso, Season 3 Episode 6
While Ted Lasso Season 3 is hit or miss, this is one of the best TV episodes I’ve seen in recent memory, full stop, and my whole family agrees. Except maybe Jared, who is a known hater.
The best way I can describe this episode is to say it’s life-affirming. As the team visits Amsterdam, it’s like we’re all along for a much needed, soul-healing vacation. Every storyline is poignant and joyful in its own way (Ted’s is actually the least interesting, despite it referencing the ’90s Bulls and being the most vital for the plot).
The best, of course, is foul-mouthed treasure Roy Kent learning to ride a bike from his frenemy, Jamie Tartt.
But we also get a jazz-loving Higgins, Rebecca meeting her soulmate, Trent Crimm and Colin having a heartfelt conversation about coming out, and the footballers having an epic pillow fight that proves to be better than any concert or sex show they could have gone to instead.
“Sunflowers” is so different from most of the series, but could easily serve as a thesis statement for the show: that it’s the little moments in life and the personal relationships we form that we’ll remember the most.
‘That’s Amore’ – The White Lotus, Season 2 Episode 5
Many of my picks here are personal favorites, but this is the episode I’m most shocked didn’t make The Ringer’s list. It is nothing short of iconic, and the best episode of the critically acclaimed show, hands down.
If you’re a loyal listener of the Video Game Town Hall podcast, you may know that I recently showed Jared The White Lotus. Upon rewatching, I was floored by how many of the season’s best moments were jam-packed into this one episode. “These are some high end gays.” Daphne’s kids who look suspiciously like her trainer. Drunk Harper. Mia flirting with Valentina. The aforementioned gays starting to seem hella sus.
It’s an episode so brimming with tension, you’re amazed you still have another to go before the finale. The shit is just beginning to graze the fan, and viewers are left thrilled, confused, and desperately desiring a metallic teal romper (maybe that last one was just me).
‘The Last Supper’ – Bates Motel, Season 3 Episode 7
If you know me, you know I ride hard for this deeply under-appreciated, campy masterpiece of a drama. If you’ve never seen the 5-season ‘Psycho’ prequel starring Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore, Max Thieriot, Nestor Carbonell, and Olivia Cooke acting their asses off, you really should.
‘The Last Supper’ is the ‘That’s Amore’ of Bates Motel, in that, upon rewatch, I was shook by how many of the series’s best lines and moments are jam-packed into one episode. Almost too many to list, but I will try.
The fallout from Norma’s flight from home. Norman’s madness and his sexual fascination with his own mother becoming increasingly obvious to his family. Romero’s backstory. The beginnings of Norma and Romero and Dylan and Emma’s romantic relationships that become the heart of Season 4. Oh, and Caleb is there, too.
This is the episode where we get the tagline quote “We all go a little mad sometimes,” plus fan favorites like “I’m gonna kick your ass someday, and I’m gonna enjoy it,” and “Okay mother, I’m following you. In a masculine and attractive way,” all of which live rent-free in my head.
‘Pilot’ – This Is Us, Season 1 Episode 1
One of, if not the, best pilots I have ever seen. The advertising for This Is Us before it premiered was compelling but mysterious, because it was crucial not to give too much away.
Writer Dan Fogelman is a master of the twist — from Crazy, Stupid, Love to Paradise, even Flynn cutting Rapunzel’s hair at the end of Tangled — but he’ll never top this.
This pilot is beautiful storytelling and has the audience fully invested in each of the characters in just 45 minutes, perfectly setting us up for seasons to come.
Also, Milo Ventimiglia shows his tush.
‘HalloVeen’ – Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Season 5 Episode 4
The Halloween Heist episodes are the heart of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and one of the main factors that take the sitcom from good to great. No question this is the best one, since it features Andre Braugher with corgis (“You’re not Cheddar! You’re just some common bitch!”) and…spoiler below….
…Jake’s surprise proposal to Amy at the end ☺️.
‘Living Doll’ – CSI, Season 7 Episode 24
If you’re only going to watch some of the long-running, groundbreaking procedural CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, I recommend making it the Season 7 arc about the Miniature Killer. Spoilers in the clip and text below.
CSI was an incredibly formative TV show for me, because it was the first adult drama that I binge watched (on DVD box sets, as we did in 2007). Thus, it was also one of my first exposures to the concept of a cliffhanger, and boy, is this one a doozy.
This episode is a fabulous mix of satisfying crime-solving (a female serial killer!), suspense, and character development (Grissom and Sara’s relationship becoming public). Even now, in an age of wild prestige streaming dramas like Severance, if I were making a list of the times I have been most shocked and thrilled by TV, this would still make the cut.
‘The Olive Branch’ – Schitt’s Creek, Season 4 Episode 9
Besides The White Lotus, Schitt’s Creek is the show I was most surprised to see missing from The Ringer’s list. It’s hard to pick just one episode, but it obviously had to be one heavy on David and Patrick. I also love the Johnny and Stevie B plot here and learning how hilariously and notoriously bad Johnny Rose is at gift-giving. But let’s be honest — all that really matters is that I can’t name an episode of television that ends with a more unabashedly joyful, get-up-off-your-couch-and-cheer moment than this:
‘The End’ – Grace & Frankie, Season 1 Episode 1
“What’s in there, ass?!”
Another near perfect pilot, this episode could honestly stand entirely on its own as a great little short film. From the clever twist in the opening scene that sets up the show’s premise to the well-paced fallout, the pilot lays all of the groundwork for Grace and Frankie’s relationship and tells us exactly who they are before the series even really gets started.
True, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin could do the Macarena on my screen for 35 minutes and I would still say, “what legends, nobody does it like them.” But the beach scene here is truly a masterclass in both acting and writing. The poignant conversation occasionally punctuated by reminders that the women are high as kites on peyote (“Stop dancing!” “I didn’t realize I was.”) is gold and encapsulates everything we love about this show.
To conclude, in the immortal words of Jane Fonda as Grace, “If anyone’s gonna sit on Ryan Gosling’s face, it’s gonna be me.”
Image Credit: Possessed Photography
Video Game Town 