# Name the single best episode of a series **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 7, 2014, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171 "2014-01-07T21:51:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/61 "2014-01-08T02:41:50Z")
Lets go with some Old shows: I Love Lucy: “Lucy Meets Harpo” Leave it to Beaver: “In the Soup” Beaver gets stuck in a can of soup on a billboard. ---
**Author:** ![Don\_Draper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b2d939/32.png) [@Don\_Draper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Draper)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/62 "2014-01-08T02:54:14Z")
**Newsradio** - the one with Jon Lovitz as a jumper **Torchwood** - the episode of “Children of Earth” season in which the British cabinet cold-bloodily decides _which_ children will be sacrificed to the 456. **Absolutely Fabulous** - Eddy & Patsy go shopping for a door handle in NYC, completely missing Saffy’s big day. **The Twilgiht Zone** - two words: Agnes. Moorehead. **Bewitched** - Speaking of her, the time Endora split Darrin in two ‘selves’ - the serious Darrin, and the fun-loving Darrin. **Monty Python’s Flying Circus** - the sci-fi skit. **The Office** - The day out at the beach (where Michael tests the prospective new office managers.) ---
**Author:** ![Sateryn76](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Sateryn76](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sateryn76)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/63 "2014-01-08T03:08:59Z")
ER - the one where Doug Ross finds the boy in the drain pipe. Also “Love’s Labor Lost” Also, the one where Benton goes down south as a visiting doctor. It’s just a damn good show. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/64 "2014-01-08T03:11:53Z")
**Leverage** : The Rashomon Job. ---
**Author:** ![the\_diego](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/65 "2014-01-08T05:13:58Z")
Perfect Strangers - (that island for sale) Angie - (the family feud tv show with Richard Dawson) Cold Case - (disco episode with Donna Summer’s Last Dance at the end) The Simpsons - (Burns falls in love with Marge, with Tom Jones as special guest star) Rome - How Titus Pullo Brought Down the Republic Combat - (that angry German officer who was bent on sniping them one by one) The World at War - The Fall of France Joe McDoakes - (dancing lessons) The Commanders - Isoroku Yamamoto I Love Lucy - (working in a sporting goods store) My Favorite Martian - (that thing with silabolt, the hardest stuff on earth) The Double Life of Henry Phyfe - The Crusher ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/66 "2014-01-08T05:31:39Z")
> [@the\_diego](#): > > My Favorite Martian - (that thing with silabolt, the hardest stuff on earth) That’s a great one, but I think the one where Uncle Martin makes a suggestion which prevents him from stowing away on the rocket to Mars might be better. In it’s own way, that episode was incredibly prescient about developments in microelectronics… ---
**Author:** ![AppallingGael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b9bd4f/32.png) [@AppallingGael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AppallingGael)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/67 "2014-01-08T05:33:47Z")
Bob Newhart Show–“Death Be My Destiny”, though I actually barely remember it, aside from the fact that it was my favorite. Oddly, I can’t remember which Twilight Zone ep it evoked with the elevator scene (Mr. Death is in the elevator, and says either “room for one more”, or was it "I believe you’re going my way?). The most often cited episode, I would say, was the Thanksgiving one where everyone watches football at Bob’s and gets drunk. But to me, having everybody drunk makes it too easy. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/68 "2014-01-08T05:53:14Z")
Favorite X Files ep: Kill Switch – written by William Gibson, and it shows. Much better than most eps of the series, and it was a VERY good series. Had a peculiar melancholy feel to it despite the hi-tech theme. Plus the Lone Gunmen scenes were hilarious. (Invisigoth: “How about we take the handcuffs off now?” Mulder: (eyeing the google-eyed Lone Gunmen) “Better not put it to a vote …”) Favorite Star Trek TOS ep: Mudd’s Women (Harcourt! Harcourt Fenton Mudd!") ---
**Author:** ![the\_diego](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/69 "2014-01-08T07:28:19Z")
For Bob Newhart, it’s a toss-up between the ex-con (played by the Fonz) and Bob’s in-laws’ visit. Little House on the Prairie - (the fair with all sorts of games and the log chopping event) Machale’s Navy - (inspection day with Tim Conway showing off his butterfly collection) Benny Hill Show - (that part that had him training with soldiers in a camp) The Oscars - 1978 ---
**Author:** ![Hottius\_Maximus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3ab097/32.png) [@Hottius\_Maximus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hottius_Maximus)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/70 "2014-01-08T07:50:16Z")
The Simpsons: Bart becomes school monitor and Lisa becomes a rebel. The Honeymooners: The $99,000 Answer The Twilight Zone: Third Planet From The Sun (as suspenseful as any Hitchcock film) Alfred Hitchcock Presents: I Killed Mr. Casagrande Remakes of AH Presents: Toss-up between Man From The South (John Huston was SCARY!) or Bang, You’re Dead The Munsters: A House Divided Batman: Forget the title, but the Joker is printing counterfeit money and blackmails Bruce Wayne WKRP: Mama Carlson hires the efficiency agent that used to know Andy Travis The Flintstones: The Way-Outs The Sopranos: The Pine Barrens All In The Family: Everybody Tells The Truth Brady Bunch: Hawaii The Beverly Hillbillies: The Boston Strong Girl Green Acres: Sorry, I can’t pick one for this. Barney Miller: Quarantine Parts One and Two Happy Days: Officer Kirk South Park: Hardly Boys Try Solving Who Crapped In The Urinal The Odd Couple: Password Mad Men: Zu Bisou Bisou Carol Burnett Show: Eunice, Mama, Ed, and Mickey Hart play charades Gomer Pyle, USMC: Come Blow Your Top Andy Griffith Show: Barney buys a lemon car from Ellen Corby Deadwood: Wu kills San Francisco Cocksucker The Night Stalker: Zombie That’s all I can think of for now. ---
**Author:** ![Happyasaclam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/7c8e57/32.png) [@Happyasaclam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happyasaclam)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/71 "2014-01-08T08:14:38Z")
All in the family. When Edith passes away. When Edith is sexually assaulted. Good Times. When James passes away. Mad about you. Season finale Carol Burnett’s last show of the series. Little house on the prairie. Where the baby dies. ---
**Author:** ![JacksMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/839c29/32.png) [@JacksMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JacksMom)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 9:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/72 "2014-01-08T09:02:44Z")
> [@Hottius\_Maximus](#): > > South Park: Hardly Boys Try Solving Who Crapped In The Urinal > The Night Stalker: Zombie My husband and I reference that South Park episode quite frequently, but I’m not sure it’s our favorite. I think he used it tonight when we were watching Jeopardy and I made the mistake of saying ‘I don’t have a clue’. We watched that episode of Night Stalker tonight. No favorites to list. Just thought that was way cool. ---
**Author:** ![Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/face_intentionally_left_blank/32/288_2.png) [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 10:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/73 "2014-01-08T10:02:21Z")
> [@RobDog](#): > > Mystery Science Theatre 3000: Space Mutiny > > Thick McRunFast! > Buff Drinklots! > Gristle McThornbody! > Dirk Hardpec! > Punk Rockgroin! > Slab Bulkhead! > Big McLargeHuge! You picked a tough series. [Space Mutiny](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFHlJ2voJHY) is a great choice, but there are so many other worthy candidates. [Werewolf](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MLfMoW8kmo) was mentioned earlier, for example. For me, it’s gotta be **[Mitchell](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtCYxWqXW6k)**. The riffs were great, and they were just _merciless_ in ripping Joe Don Baker. Plus, that’s when Joel left and Mike came aboard the SOL. “It’s not often you see Johnny Mathis in the wild.” Edit: Honerable mention to [Laserblast](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HosJs9c6PFI). ---
**Author:** ![Dale\_Sams](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/779978/32.png) [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/74 "2014-01-08T10:14:47Z")
> [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](#): > > You picked a tough series. [Space Mutiny](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFHlJ2voJHY) is a great choice, but there are so many other worthy candidates. [Werewolf](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MLfMoW8kmo) was mentioned earlier, for example. > > For me, it’s gotta be **[Mitchell](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtCYxWqXW6k)**. The riffs were great, and they were just _merciless_ in ripping Joe Don Baker. Plus, that’s when Joel left and Mike came aboard the SOL. > > “It’s not often you see Johnny Mathis in the wild.” > > Edit: Honerable mention to [Laserblast](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HosJs9c6PFI). “I’ve seen more riveting chase sequences in ‘Driving Miss Daisy’” “Wasn’t John Saxon in this movie?” ---
**Author:** ![RobDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f07891/32.png) [@RobDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RobDog)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/75 "2014-01-08T10:40:09Z")
> [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](#): > > You picked a tough series. [Space Mutiny](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFHlJ2voJHY) is a great choice, but there are so many other worthy candidates. [Werewolf](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MLfMoW8kmo) was mentioned earlier, for example. > > For me, it’s gotta be **[Mitchell](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtCYxWqXW6k)**. The riffs were great, and they were just _merciless_ in ripping Joe Don Baker. Plus, that’s when Joel left and Mike came aboard the SOL. > > “It’s not often you see Johnny Mathis in the wild.” > > Edit: Honerable mention to [Laserblast](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HosJs9c6PFI). Mitchell is my really close second choice, but I don’t think it’s possible to beat a movie starring Sting, Debbie Reynolds and God. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/76 "2014-01-08T11:44:50Z")
> [@NoClueBoy](#): > > Nu-Who: 1st! - Blink > [@Infovore](#): > > Doctor Who: Blink > [@RealityChuck](#): > > Doctor Who (new): Blink Yup, **Blink** for me too: - excellent scary villain - well thought out time travel - plucky civilian heroine - two charming romances - completely tasteful death scene - mystery solved fairly ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/77 "2014-01-08T11:54:47Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > **BtVS** - _Hush_ – Creepy bad guys and almost zero dialogue, plus hilarious sight gags. > > **Angel** - _Smile Time_ – Atypical but fall-on-the-floor funny. > [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](#): > > Buffy - Hush Disagree on Buffy. I’d say\* Once more with feeling\*. ---
**Author:** ![tim-n-va](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim-n-va/32/3001_2.png) [@tim-n-va](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim-n-va)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/78 "2014-01-08T11:56:07Z")
I searched my TV listings for Carey Mulligan. As a result, “Blink” is the only Doctor Who episode I’ve seen. Good to know it was a good one. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/79 "2014-01-08T11:58:56Z")
The I.T. Crowd - “The works outing” (and just this very second I’ve realised the double-meaning in the title!) The Mighty Boosh - " the nightmare of milky joe" ---
**Author:** ![phungi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/phungi/32/395_2.png) [@phungi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phungi)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2014, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171/80 "2014-01-08T12:58:04Z")
Star Trek TNG: [The Inner Light](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Inner_Light_(Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation)) Even if you are not a fan, watch this episode [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-the-single-best-episode-of-a-series/678171.md?page=5)