The title pretty much says it. If you were being exiled to a desert island, or similar out of contact place, and could take just one episode, of one television show with you, what would it be?
Not a whole season or series, just one episode.
My favorite television show was Babylon 5. I would take an episode from the third season, “Passing Through Gethsemane.” Humor, tragedy, with a twist at the end that sure surprised me. I see something different each time I watch it, it depends on my mood.
“So-Called Angels” from My So-Called Life. Just plain beautiful (though I suppose it’s subject would be pretty depressing if you’re stuck all alone).
Baker pretty much called my choice.
Barring “Passing Through Gethsemane,” I think I would choose either “Hush” or “Pangs” from Buffy, or “Not Fade Away” from Angel.
“Once More with Feeling”, from Buffy.
*One *episode? From a *TV *show?
I’d shoot myself. None of them are worth it. But I suppose if I really had to, I’d pick some show like Conquest or MailCall or something and pick an episode that teaches me something.
I’d be happy with the pilot episode of Deadwood.
TV writers could use it as a primer on how to introduce characters. Seth, Sol, Jane, Wild Bill, E. B., Ellsworth, Trixie, Dan, Johnny, Alma, Brom, Rev. Smith, and Charlie. With just a few lines and a bit of screen time, each of them were given a distinct personality that foreshadowed the rest of the season. Just awesome.
“Clash” of Justice League Unlimited. That’s the one in which Superman fights Captain Marvel. Easily one of the best animated action sequences of the last forever.
“Three Stories” from House. Just brilliant.
“Two Cathedrals” from The West Wing.
“Out of Gas”, from Firefly.
“Once More With Feeling” from Buffy.
You’re the second person to mention that episode and you know, I’ve never seen a single episode. Maybe some time I should try catching it if it comes into syndication.
It’d be a toss up between the Farscape eps of Revenging Angel or Won’t Get Fooled Again
I’ll third it, (although I had to think really hard about whether I’d want OMWF, Not Fade Away, or Out of Gas) and you definitely should!
“Cause and Effect” from ST:TNG.
Adam
It’s a musical episode in the middle of the sixth season (that reveals a lot of key plot points, building on everything that came before), so it might not be the best jumping-on point for a new viewer. But then again, if you like musicals at all, it might quickly endear you to the characters and the writing.
Buffy for me, of course, but I’d choose I Only Have Eyes For You from Season 2.
Love, betrayal, heartbreak, forgiveness, Meredith Salenger… good stuff.
“Pine Barrens” from the Sopranos.
The episode of Saturday Night Live featuring Patrick Stewart. It’s important to laugh on a desert island.
Futurama - “Jurassic Bark.” If you know the show, you know this episode.
