T elevision shows are, inevitably, made up of parts. But, within that narrative, there are small parts: the series, and the episode. It is the smallest of these sub-divisions, the episode, that is most intriguing. A truly brilliant episode can bridge the gap between cinema and TV. It can refine the essence of the best shows into a single, self-contained moment.
At its most potent, a perfect episode is like mainlining all the myriad ingredients of prestige television in a single sitting. But great TV shows do not necessarily beget great episodes and, conversely, great episodes are not always the sign of a great show. Admittedly, this list of the greatest TV episodes of all time features lots of excellent shows and a few mediocre ones, but what matters here is how they tell a story over one single broadcast.
Proof, if ever it was needed, that two people simply talking in a room can be just as thrilling as any action scene. Jacob Stolworthy. Reality TV remains the bastard stepchild of scripted television, and often for good reason. But there are times in which cosmic coincidences collide in such farcical fashion that the result is funnier than anything pre-planned. Pollard, understandably but also not understandably at all, assumed she was talking about fellow contestant David Gest β who no one noticed was asleep nearby.
What followed was a tour de force in tears, crossed wires and collective acrimony, culminating in Pollard attempting to throttle Bowie. Gest, on the other hand, did actually die a few months later.
Adam White. After their stagnant long-term relationship ends in infidelity, Issa Issa Rae and Lawrence Jay Ellis decide to meet up, two years after the fact. The sparks between Issa and Lawrence are impossible to ignore and seeing them let their guards down and be truthful about their feelings culminates in a joyful, romantic reunion. Nicole Vassell. It takes place in the Galapagos islands, with a newborn iguana being relentlessly chased along a beach and a rock wall by dozens of racer snakes, who harpoon themselves out of the ground as if they all have tiny trampolines.
