As a longtime fan of television, I found myself utterly captivated by the outstanding episodes that graced our screens this year. Each one showcased the incredible depth and versatility of storytelling, proving once again why we simply cannot live without our beloved small screen.
Listings of top episodes frequently favor the attention-grabbing, rule-bending one-off episodes that many renowned prestige shows introduce occasionally throughout a season.
The list we’ve compiled certainly features a few of those elements. It includes flashbacks, shifts in mood, full-length episodes that offer fresh perspectives on the season or the shows themselves. Yet, it also encompasses several premieres, finales, and some exceptional regular episodes showcasing the best each show has to offer, rather than experimenting with new ideas. We’ve got animation, documentaries, international television, as well as comedies, dramas, and whatever can be categorized as “The Bear”.
It’s important to clarify that this list is not a collection of the “best” episodes, but rather a selection of standout and memorable episodes from various shows. We excluded any episodes that made it onto our Top 10 lists or our “best performance” list because there’s simply too much excellent television to choose from. For instance, we didn’t include the series finales of shows like My Brilliant Friend, Evil, or the Thanksgiving episode of Somebody Somewhere, as well as our favorite episodes of Fantasmas, from our selection here.
These are, then, SOME of our FAVORITE television episodes of 2024.
“Napkins,” The Bear (FX/Hulu)
Despite being divisive, The Bear’s third season had its fair share of heartwarming moments, and “Napkins,” directed by Ayo Edebiri, is a prime example. This episode delves into Tina’s backstory and gives Liza Colón-Zayas an opportunity to shine, showcasing the depth of her character that has always been impressive in a supporting role.
“Episode 1,” Chicken Nugget (Netflix)
What sets Lee Byeong-heon’s peculiar Netflix comedy-mystery “Chicken Nugget” apart isn’t just the unique premise of a woman turning into a chicken nugget, but rather its surprising sweetness, intricate depth, and satisfaction that surpass expectations. Like the titular snack, the series offers an unexpectedly delightful experience. The opening episode, penned and directed by Lee, introduces the lovable character Baek-joong (played by Ahn Jae-Hong), the elusive Min-ah (Kim Yoo-jung) and her father Seon-man (Ryu Seung-ryong). The story skillfully roots the absurd scenario in relatable feelings before delving into the “girl enters machine, chicken nugget exits machine” twist. This premise could have been intriguing enough on its own, but the series manages to be more than just good.
“Central,” Expats (Amazon)
Occasionally within Amazon’s ‘Expats’, there’s a doorway adorned with two mops crossed over it that catches the eye. This seemingly insignificant detail hints at the thoughts and feelings of an unseen individual. In the astonishing fifth episode, titled “Central”, we are granted a look into the Hong Kong that the privileged American characters have overlooked. For 97 luxurious minutes, creator and director Lulu Wang turns her attention to the people and communities that our leads have typically portrayed as secondary characters: the protestors fighting for a better Hong Kong, the affluent Chinese community residing elsewhere, and particularly the vibrant population of Filipina domestic workers (Essie and Puri, brilliantly played by Ruby Ruiz and Amelyn Pardenilla). This shift in focus not only provides a more comprehensive understanding of the city but also expands, complicates, and ultimately strengthens the series’ message of empathy amidst an unstable and unjust world. – A.H.
“Bisquik,” Fargo (FX)
In the unique world of Fargo, known for its extraterrestrial visitors and afterlife scenes set in bowling alleys, the climax of its fifth season, where a sin-eater consumes his homemade biscuit, might not have seemed too unusual. However, thanks to exceptional performances by Juno Temple and Sam Spruell, it turned out to be surprisingly heartwarming despite its strangeness. The daring finale is the brainchild of writer Noah Hawley and director Thomas Bezucha, who had the courage to let the final scene unfold at a leisurely pace for nearly 20 minutes, building suspense, humor, and philosophical mystery. This extended yet captivating conclusion serves as an open-ended finale for an episode that was otherwise dominated by death, imprisonment, and resolution. The quality of the finale, along with the penultimate and antepenultimate episodes of this season, was so high that it almost convinced me to rank this season in my Top 10, despite most of it airing in 2023. – D.F.
“Hometown Prison,” God Bless Texas (HBO)
As a gaming enthusiast diving into the world of television, I find myself utterly baffled by HBO’s mishandling of the release of “God Bless Texas.” This insightful and empathetic three-part series offers a genuine peek at the true heart of Texas, transcending the simplistic red-blue divisions and clickbait headlines. The installments by Alex Stapleton and Iliana Sosa, focusing on the erasure of Black lives from Texas’s history and border life in El Paso, are commendable, but it’s Richard Linklater’s feature-length documentary that truly shines.
“White Mischief,” Industry (HBO)
In its third season, HBO’s financial drama series showcasing business antics reached both thrilling new peaks of biting humor and startling new troughs of depravity and sorrow. While many episodes could have made this list, I believe it’s the holiday-themed episode “White Mischief” that most clearly illustrates its growing self-assurance. The series’ recurring themes of money, identity, and class are explored through an unconventional perspective, that of supporting character Rishi (played by Sagar Radia), a compulsive gambler trader who is so repugnant he could challenge Roman Roy for the title of most despicable character – yet manages to evoke pity rather than admiration or empathy. This emotional journey takes place within the tense framework of a “Uncut Gems”-like narrative that left me constantly oscillating between recognizing this character deserves every terrible fate and somehow finding myself sympathizing with him despite it all. — A.H.
“Double Date,” Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Amazon)
In ‘Double Date’, Wagner Moura and Parker Posey step into the roles of a more worldly Mr. and Mrs. Smith, offering a fresh twist on the original film created by Francesca Sloane and Donald Glover. Rather than diving straight into action-packed espionage adventures as one might expect, this episode focuses on a dinner party where high-stakes intrigue takes a backseat to witty banter, tall tales, and the exploration of relationship insecurities. Each episode in the series delves into universal themes, and this one is no exception – it’s about maintaining what makes your relationship unique when faced with a seemingly perfect couple who appears smarter, sexier, more in love, and simply better. Despite the escalating mind-games and action, the core message remains relatable.
“Do No Harm,” Say Nothing (FX/Hulu)
In simpler terms, the broad objectives of FX’s intense drama about the Irish Troubles were mirrored in its narrative style that often felt disjointed as it moved between different periods and characters. However, one of its strongest episodes stood out due to its focus. Titled “Do No Harm,” this episode primarily concentrates on the hardships experienced by characters Dolours (Lola Petticrew) and Marian (Hazel Doupe) while imprisoned in a British men’s prison. They embark on a 208-day hunger strike to demand an Irish women’s wing, which forms the central theme of the episode.
“Bart’s Birthday,” The Simpsons (Fox)
The timelessly entertaining animated series “The Simpsons” began its 36th season with an intriguing finale episode, using Bart’s upcoming birthday as a foundation to delve into traditional finale themes and tropes. This episode also addressed the show’s complexities in handling serialized storylines, pondered on topics like fate, free will, and the commonalities tying together nearly 770 episodes. The episode is filled with celebrity appearances, led by former “Simpsons” writer Conan O’Brien, humor, and a touch of controversy. Titled “Bart’s Birthday,” this episode serves as evidence that “The Simpsons” continues to generate fresh ideas at an age when most successful shows would be undergoing their third or fourth unfulfilling reboot. However, it also raises the unsettling question: when this show eventually ends, there won’t be a better conclusion imagined. – D.F.
“The Finale,” What We Do in the Shadows (FX)
In another vein, how do you conclude a series that initially lacked a serialized narrative and featured characters who are resistant to conventional emotional development? If you’re the beloved FX vampire comedy, then the finale should be cleverly self-aware about these aspects while still allowing for a touch of bittersweet farewell. The final half-hour was reminiscent of top-notch “What We Do in the Shadows,” skillfully blending nostalgic references with fresh humor (such as the innovative “hypnosis” sequences!) and juxtaposing sincere emotion with dry wit. Nadia (Natasia Demetriou) dismissively states early on to a tearful Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), “This isn’t an end, it’s just these cameras and microphones won’t be recording it anymore.” Despite the fiction’s supernatural elements, her words ring true and oddly comforting. — A.H.
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2024-12-19 17:55