Ten Most Memorable TV Episodes of 2008

As with the Golden (Couch) Potato Awards, this is not a “Best TV Episodes” list…rather what episodes have been the most memorable for me in the 2008 calendar year. In alphabetical order of episode title, kudos to the following shows:

“Allison from Palmdale” (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) Season 2 Episode 4

Written by Toni Graphia

Directed by Charles Beeson

As Cameron, John Connor’s Terminator-protector, Summer Glau has that great robotic-style of acting that suggests that there’s an underlying humanity to Cameron, whilst never letting the audience forget what she (or more correctly, it) truly is. However, in this episode, she lets fly and shows her versatility acting-wise, as Cameron’s malfunction causes the Terminator to have flashes of what seems to be her human origins from the future, from where she was sent (the eponymous Allison). The twist at the end that reveals the true nature of the flash-forwards is both chilling and heart-breaking at the same time.

“Chair Model” (The Office) Season 4 Episode 10

Written by BJ Novak

Directed by Jeffrey Blitz

Michael has to order a new chair, so Pam can get his old one, and Creed can get Pam’s old chair. However, he has trouble deciding, and expectedly gets sidetracked when he falls for the model in the advert for the new chair. Typically innocuous-seeming scenario set in office minutiae has hilarious consequences, as Michael decides he’s too good a catch to be the one who got away, and commands the rest of the office to get him hitched, and Dwight proceeds to find the chair model for Michael. There’s a sweet Jim/Pam moment for the ‘shippers, while “American Pie” has never been sung with as much gusto (and so off-tune) as when Dwight and Michael belted it out in the tag. Comedy gold.

“Chuck vs. Santa Claus” (Chuck) Season 2, Episode 11

Written by Scott Rosenbaum

Directed by Robert Duncan McNeill

Christmas at the Buy More is interrupted by a gunman who crashes into the store after a high-speed car chase with the police. The hostage scenario that ensues seems to take the deliriously comedic lilt that the show is so good at, replete with the goofy hostage-taker who has no idea what he's doing and only wants to return home for the holidays, and a cameo by Die Hard’s Sergeant Al Powell! However, the plot twist mid-episode that it was all a nefarious Fulcrum ruse raises the personal stakes considerably for Chuck, leading to the fateful, dark turn of events at episode’s end. Set amidst the eerie ambiance of a deserted Christmas tree lot, Chuck looks on in horror as Sarah kills the unarmed, already-surrendered Fulcrum agent, seemingly in cold blood. "Chuck" is so amiable so much of the time that this really hits home, especially given the sharp tonal shift from the start of the episode. What will this mean for Chuck and Sarah’s relationship? “Silent Night” has never sounded as haunting as it is used here.

“The Constant” (Lost) Season 4 Episode 5

Written by Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof

Directed by Jack Bender

Time-traveling chaos as Desmond experiences blackouts during his chopper trip from the island to the freighter, and flashes back to his time in the Scottish Army. Things get worse as the past self seems to juxtapose himself in the present, and he can’t recall anything that happened in the interim. Daniel the physicist tries the salvage the situation by telling Desmond to look him up in Oxford the next time he jumps back in time, where Desmond learns from past-Daniel that this constant time-flipping is very bad for the brain, and he’d better have a “constant”, something or someone to anchor his mind in reality or he risks losing it totally. Desmond naturally chooses Penny as his constant, and with Sayid’s help, calls her right as time’s running out for him. Oh, and the phone call between Desmond and Penny…totally tear-inducing, as the long-separated love-birds finally re-unite (in a manner of speaking). Last scene with Daniel flipping through the pages of his journal, and finding a page saying “If anything goes wrong, Desmond Hume will be my constant” closes this tightly-coiled and eminently satisfying episode on a perfectly enigmatic note.

“Family Meeting” (The Shield) Season 7 Episode 13

Written by Shawn Ryan

Directed by Clark Johnson

Series finale to “The Shield” sees the members of the corrupt police squad led by Vic Mackey get their comeuppance. Almost Shakespearean in its tragedy, as Mackey dodges the bullet by making a deal, but finds he’s been chained to a desk job for the next three years, and long-time associate Ronnie discovers Vic’s deal consigns him to jail. The real stomach-churner, though, is the fate that Vic’s one-time sidekick Shane chose for himself and his family. Is what happened to Vic worse than death? You decide, but this bleak, uncompromising final episode definitely pulls no punches.

“House’s Head / Wilson’s Heart” (House, MD) Season 4 Episode 15 – 16

Episode 15 written by Russel Friend, Garrett Lerner, Doris Egan, David Foster, and Peter Blake

Directed by Greg Yaitanes

Episode 16 written by Peter Blake, David Foster, Garrett Lerner and Russel Friend

Directed by Katie Jacobs

Even without this crackling two-parter, “House, MD” has already done much in its fourth year to wipe out what had been a disappointing third season, but “House’s Head / Wilson’s Heart” just puts the icing on top of the cake. The first part is a searing mind-boggler (hence the title) of an episode as House tries to piece together what happened to him in the wake of his short-term memory loss from an accident…the second is an absolute heart-breaker (again, ergo the title), as the folks of Princeton Plainsborough Hospital try to come to grips with the aftermath of the events stemming from House’s revelations, as he finally remembered he was with Amber during the accident. If you’re not a fan of “House, MD” before this, you will be now.

“Oversight” (Jericho) Season 2 Episode 4

Written by Robert Levine

Directed by Steve Gomer

Tension between the townsfolk and the overbearing control of the Ravenwood mercenaries hired by Jennings and Rall reaches a head, as Mimi discovers incriminating evidence of embezzlement by Goetz, the leader of Ravenwood. As Goetz tries to recover the documents, tragedy ensues as the consequent shootout results in Bonnie’s death. No, that kick in the gut you’re feeling is not imagined…I’m feeling it too. Powerful end to the installment, set to Damien Rice’s “9 Crimes”, sets up the all-out confrontation in the next episode.

“Prey” (Smallville) Season 8 Episode 6

Written by Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson

Directed by Mike Rohl

Atmospheric episode with an almost overbearing sense of foreboding centers on paramedic Davis, who somehow turns up first at a number of crime scenes. Clark believes he’s responsible for the killings, which generates tension between him and long-time friend Chloe, who stands by Davis’ innocence. Clark’s “Spider-man 2” complex of needing to save everyone in the city is, for me, a tiresome rethread of what has been done better elsewhere, but the central plot is so good, it doesn’t matter. Sam Witwer’s conflicted and menacing performance as Davis drives the episode from the start all through to the twist at the end, when he’s revealed as Superman’s nemesis Doomsday. I can’t wait for this battle.

“Ten Sessions” (How I Met Your Mother) Season 3 Episode 13

Written by Chris Harris, Carter Bays and Craig Thomas

Directed by Pamela Fryman

Probably best-known for Britney Spears’ appearance, in which she’s surprisingly good as the receptionist at the clinic where Ted goes to get his tattoo removed. However, the true guest-starring turn of the episode is Sarah Chalke’s Stella, the doctor of the clinic with whom Ted has the titular ten sessions of tattoo removal (folks…think twice before getting a tattoo). The instant rapport and on-screen chemistry between Stella and Ted during these ten sessions are irresistible (a real surprise given how irritating I find Chalke’s character Elliot on “Scrubs”), and she presents a real case that Stella could be The One for Ted (though it turns out she isn’t). The two-minute date that Ted set up for Stella to accommodate her busy schedule, set to Big Star’s “Thirteen”, is probably the most romantic TV moment of the year.

“The Ties that Bind” (Battlestar Galactica) Season 4 Episode 3

Written by Michael Taylor

Directed by Michael Nankin

Brother Cavil, resurrected after being killed by fellow Cylon Natalie in the last episode, turns the conflict into a full-blown civil war by luring the rival faction’s Base-star to a resurrection ship-less part of the galaxy, before opening fire on them. That’s right, the Cylons are killing each other, and there’s no do-over for those killed in this battle. Mutinous feelings stir up in the Demetrius as Starbuck distances herself increasingly from her crew (and let’s face it, Starbuck doesn’t exactly make for an awe-inspiring captain), while back at the Colonial Fleet, Lee exposes President Roslyn’s shady Big Brother plans for the government. And saving the best for last, Callie unwittingly uncovers that Tori, Anders, Tigh and her hubby Tyrol are four of the final five Cylons. The very foundations of her existence rocked, she attempts suicide by trying to blast both her and her baby Nicky out of Galactica’s airlock, only for Tori to talk her down. End of story? Not quite, as Tori, after getting Nicky from Callie, shuts the airlock down on Callie and blows her out into space. Secret is safe. Shocking, disturbing, gutwrenching….I’m running out of adjectives here to describe this turn of events, which still gives me the shivers even as I'm writing them now. Poor, poor Callie. Even for "Battlestar Galactica", I never thought they could go to such a deep, dark place.

Honorable mentions: Double Booked (Burn Notice, Season 2 Episode 8); Heal Thyself (ER, Season 15, Episode 7); The Prodigal (Stargate Atlantis, Season 5 Episode 14)

Golden (Couch) Potato Awards 2008

It's time for year-end awards! I've been really remiss in updating the blog over the past year, but I would just like to acknowledge the shows that have made my TV viewing all that much enjoyable during 2008. It's not exactly a "Best..." awards list, more "Most memorable...", i.e. what has been the most memorable in each category, for me personally, over the past year (from December 2007 through December 2008). So here's throwing some golden potatoes in the direction of the following shows! (again, categories sorted roughly in increasing order of importance)

===================================================================

Commercial:

“But he has Bud Light” – Bud Light

Beer really is everything to a guy, isn’t it?

Special Effects:

Battlestar Galactica (SciFi)

Having a big budget to work with is one thing, but when you’re working for a basic cable channel like SciFi, the money’s a lot less. Yet the effects whizzes at BSG keep churning out the impossible with staggering, sweeping visual vistas week after week, their work sometimes even putting big summer action blockbusters to shame. The astounding, elegiac shot of the Cylon resurrection hub, right before its destruction by the Colonial Fleet, is just the crown jewel of an amazing season, FX-wise.

The following YouTube video isn't exactly related to the special effects on "Battlestar Galactica"; rather, it's on the cast's appearance on Letterman earlier this year to do his Top 10 List on "Reasons to Watch the New Season of Battlestar Galactica". It's pretty awesome :)

Tagline:

“A forensic fairytale” – Pushing Daisies (ABC)

Succinctly sums up the premise of what is probably the most innovative show of the past year, a cross between “Tru Calling”, “CSI” and “Wonderfalls”. Unfortunately, innovation counts for naught in a network TV landscape where ratings only matter, and ABC has since announced the cancellation of the show.

Opening Title Sequence:

Stargate: Atlantis (SciFi)

I just love the rousing Joel Goldsmith theme paired with the turquoise-tinted visuals. And that shot of the sunrise over Atlantis? Beautiful.

Song in a TV Series:

“Silent Night”– Chuck (NBC)

The traditional Christmas hymn has never sounded as haunting as it was used in the “Chuck” midseason Christmas finale, as Agent Walker and the Fulcrum agent Mauser hunted each other down in the final act of the episode. It made the sequence of events that transpired next even more chilling and tragic than they already were. Oh "Chuck", you sure know how to stick a knife in your audience's hearts.

Sidenote: Your Vegas’ “Christmas and Me Are Through” that played over the final scene of the episode (a crane shot of the Buy-More in the aftermath) is another perfect song selection in a season where the show’s music choices have been unfailingly excellent.

Comedic Performance:

Stephen Colbert – The Colbert Report (Comedy Central)

And the pupil becomes the master. For the past year at least, spin-off “The Colbert Report” has been consistently funnier than the mothership “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”. Stephen Colbert’s no-holds barred, fully-committed embodiment of a conservative-leaning host drives this sharp parody of personality-driven news programs. In this case, fake news is definitely good news.

Sidekick:

Sam Axe – Burn Notice (USA Network)

“Burn Notice”, the old-school spy drama that’s so rollicking good fun to watch, has the one great element that makes it all the more enjoyable: the awesome side-kick. Sam Axe provides the background information that Michael needs to do his job, cracks all the jokes, is willing to put his own nose on the line for his buddy, and most importantly of all, looks like he’s having the time of his life all the time. Now that’s a wingman.

Team:

Green, Lupo, Van Buren, Cutter, Rubirosa and McCoy – Law & Order (NBC)

The addition of gritty cop Lupo to “Law” and resolute ADA Cutter to “Order” added much needed edge to the frontline and a new dynamic to the back of the court, and means that L&O has its best ensemble since Jerry Orbach left. The team is living up to the monologue that opens each episode: “…the police who investigate crime, and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders…” like a well-oiled machine.

Couple:

Jim and Pam – The Office (NBC)

Surely no other couple currently on TV resonates so deeply and truly with audiences? Jim and Pam are the modern-day fairy tale told in eminently empathetic terms – everyone knows, or wants to be, a Jim or a Pam. They’re undeniable soulmates to each other, their banter is irresistible, they’re nice to others, and they’re attractive in an everyman kind of way…they’re the couple that everyone wants to root for, because in a way, it’s like we might someday find our happy ending too.

The Office U.S. - DVD Screensaver - Every10Mins.com

Villain:

Cromartie – Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox)

Played by Garret Dillahunt in that stylish way that's both threatening and creepily funny, Cromartie carries the flag proudly for all unrelenting, unstoppable Terminators as exemplified in the movies, as he single-mindedly tracks down John Connor (or tries to, anyway), culminating in that awesome showdown in “Mr. Ferguson is Ill Today”, when he’s finally eliminated. And in true Terminator-style, just when you thought he’s gone, he’s back! (Must...resist...quoting....Arnie's "I'll be back"...line).

Actress:

Mary McDonnell “Laura Roslyn” – Battlestar Galactica (SciFi)

Woefully overlooked by the Emmys, Mary McDonnell’s imposing performance as the President of the Colonial Fleet lends ambiguity, cruelty, courage and, with Roslyn’s illness relapse over the past season, a touch of vulnerability, to the embattled leader.

Actor:

Michael Emerson “Benjamin Linus” – Lost (ABC)

Emerson has, almost unnoticeably, graduated from bit player to what is arguably the central character, even in an ensemble as big and as diverse as “Lost”. It’s unthinkable to fathom the show without its chief antagonist. His trademark piercing eyes only adds to the magnetic appeal of his character…he’s the bad guy you want to root for.

Ensemble Cast:

How I Met Your Mother (CBS)

Adorable couple Lily and Marshall; love-lorn Ted; cynical Robin; and swaggering Barney. They’re the cool new yuppies who’re so fun to hang out with. Its incomparable cast, including “Buffy” alum Alyson Hannigan, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”’s Jason Segal, and former “Doogie Howser” star Neil Patrick Harris, have such perfect onscreen chemistry, and fit their roles so well, you forget they’re just acting.

Farewell:

“Patriots and Tyrants” – Jericho (CBS)

Joining “Cagney & Lacey” and “Roswell” as the only handful of shows that’s been brought back from cancellation by a fan-led campaign, “Jericho” raced out of the blocks with its season 2 narrative with a breakneck pace that puts even “24” to shame, and never paused to take a breath. While year 1 was more languid in its telling of how a small Midwest town dealt with the after effects of nuclear detonation on US soil, the sophomore year packed enough material for an entire season into its schedule of only 6 (!) episodes. Unfortunately, the ratings remained middling, and there would be no rescuing “Jericho” from cancellation this time. Though the season finale wasn’t the best episode by a stretch (that would be the gutwrencher where Bonnie was killed by the mercenaries who had taken over the town), “Patriots and Tyrants” tied up all the loose ends of the series as well as it could, most notably the uncovering of the nefarious Cheyenne government as the true masterminds behind the nuclear conspiracy. The producers of “Jericho” actually filmed two endings; a more “open-ended” one in case the show was renewed, and the one we saw on TV, if the show was cancelled (which it was). Leaving fans with an unresolved cliffhanger when you’ve been cancelled is inexcusable; “Jericho” admirably took all possible steps to avoid that pitfall.

New Show (tie):

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox)

Journeyman (NBC)

Just look at NBC’s “Bionic Woman” and the awful “Knight Rider” pilot to see how recent remakes can go wrong. But “Terminator” admirably manages the juggling act of paying homage to the series (most notably the T1 and T2 movies), expanding upon the Terminator premise and continuing the story of John and Sarah Connor on a consistent weekly narrative. The addition of “90210” alum Brian Austin Green as John’s lieutenant from the future solidified the cast and added a much-needed link to the post-Judgment Day apocalypse. Season 2 has built upon the foundations laid by Season 1, and has put several interesting plot points into play (notably the Weaver and Jesse arcs). One quibble though, is that the show has posed more questions that it has answered so far, and with cancellation always a threat given the low viewing numbers, hopefully at least some of these open threads will be resolved in the back end of this season.

Okay, so NBC hasn’t had the best of the freshman picks (see “Bionic Woman” and “Knight Rider” above), but it did have “Chuck”, “Life” and little-seen “Journeyman”. This touted “Quantum Leap” remake didn’t have the best of starts, but most assuredly found its footing as the series went on. With elements of mystery (how did Dan get his sudden ability to time travel?) and adventure (the person-of-the-week who Dan has to save) mixed in with the toll all this is taking on his personal life (Dan’s strained relationship with his family together with his encounters with former lover Libby as he finds she’s a fellow time-traveler too), “Journeyman” makes for compelling viewing week-in, week-out, for all of its 13 episodes (yup, it’s been cancelled).

Television Series:

Chuck (NBC)

“Chuck” hit the ground running with a good, if a little uneven, first season, where they explored so many plot points (within only 13 episodes) that were possible within the show’s universe that one couldn’t help but fear that the show has written itself out of storylines. However, all fears of a dreaded sophomore slump were quickly dispelled with a terrific opening episode (“Chuck vs. the First Date”), and the show hasn’t looked back since. Season 2 did a better job of integrating Chuck’s Buy-More world with his spy world, expanded upon each of the major characters’ backstories, upped the eye-popping stuntwork and fight scenes, and as an added bonus, fills each episode to the brim with delightfully geeky 80’s and 90’s pop-cultural references. “Chuck” has been consistently hilarious and exciting this season (see “Chuck vs. Tom Sawyer” as a great example), and its signature mix of comedy and action has been anchored most assuredly by the deepening relationship between Chuck and his handler Agent Walker (“Chuck vs. the Breakup”, the great three-episode Jill arc, and “Chuck vs. the Delorean”), a relationship which has been downright heart-rending this season (move aside, Jim and Pam). The excellent midseason Christmas finale raised the stakes between Chuck and Sarah considerably, and has real potential not just for the duo, but for taking the show in a new direction as well. “Chuck” is infectiously self-deprecating and thankfully never takes itself seriously, but its dramatic elements hit all the right notes, and it knows how to give its viewers a great time. About as perfect a half-season of any show I’ve ever seen (with perhaps "Chuck vs. the Sensei" being the only slightly subpar episode, but that's quibbling), season 2 of “Chuck” will break your heart, make you laugh, and you’ll always have fun watching it.