Last week we took a look at the bottom ten in my top 20 episodes of the 2013-2014 TV season (which you can check out here). So without further ado, here’s a look at my top 10 episodes (and honorable mentions), compiled with the help of my fellow Common Roomies: BEWARE OF SPOILERS BELOW
#10: Parks and Recreation – “Moving Up” –
Parks and Recreation has always been an underappreciated show. The first season literally revolved around a hole. On paper just about anything might sound better than a large hole in the ground as the central storyline of a show’s plot. In the second season, the story moved beyond the hole, and by the end of season 2, Rob Lowe and Adam Scott had joined the show. I, literally, could not imagine better additions. The show was instantly funnier. We saw Leslie’s love of Pawnee grow and watched her relationship with Ben develop, despite their best efforts to stop it. Better yet, we got to see Leslie take all her enthusiasm and passion and channel it into running for government office. Despite all odds, she was elected City Councilwoman, only to quickly lose the position in a recall election. It was heartbreaking, and for a time it was hard for Leslie to move on. Then she was offered a much bigger job that might take her away from Pawnee. On the one hand, Leslie can’t leave Pawnee! On the other hand, Pawnee’s citizens totally abandoned her despite all she’s done for them! So, being Leslie, she comes up with an amazing solution. Meanwhile, on the home front, Ben and Leslie’s family more than doubles in size and we get a taste of the future with a three year time jump. What’s not to love in this season finale?
[Honorable Mention: “Wall”]
#9: Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. – “Turn, Turn, Turn” –
The first half of the series felt a little slow, a little lacking, but then Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier was released in theaters and everything we knew about the world of S.H.I.E.L.D. was turned upside down. That feeling of slowness was really waiting for what would be an explosive moment. All the groundwork that had been laid in the first sixteen episodes paid off in a big way as it was revealed that HYDRA has infiltrated the spy agency, which had been dubbed terrorists and was essentially dismantled. And that payoff has been continuing to play every since. The characters break down as they realize that not only has the organization they devoted their lives to (and, as Skye describes it, “the only home she has ever known”) was run by an organization founded by Nazis, but one of their own had betrayed them. (Technically, two of their own, but given what we know about May, how can you blame her?) And since “Turn, Turn, Turn” the storytelling and acting has really taken off. I love this episode not only for itself, but for how it changed the show overall.
[Honorable Mention: Season 1 finale “The Beginning of the End”]
#8: Parenthood – “The Pontiac”
Not all series finales are the top episodes of a season—even if that is what everyone expects—but Parenthood has certainly set an example of the standard that series should aim for. The house was sold (such a sad moment), Haddie returned home a little less predictable (and a little more gay) than when we left her, Joel and Julia have a great day as a family that leaves their future looking a little more positive than before (though his absence at the family dinner was certainly noticeable), Amber may or may not be pregnant with Ryan’s baby (the least exciting storyline for me, though the hospital seen was great), Drew chases after Natalie (can he be a more secure boyfriend this go-round?), Sarah is ready to give Hank another shout… What wasn’t covered in this episode? There were so many good moments to hold onto and I can’t wait to see where the final season takes it.
[Honorable Mentions: “You’ve Got Mold”]
#7: The Vampire Diaries – “Promised Land” –
Stefan’s heart was ripped out of his chest. Enough said.
Well, maybe not quite enough. Bonnie had just revealed that she had no plan to bring Enzo or anyone else back from the Other Side, making Stefan’s death more shocking than it might have been otherwise (not that we expect this death to stick more than most others). Caroline’s reaction was absolutely heart-wrenching. Generally any emotion she shows is a hundred times more realistic than anyone else’s on the show, plus she and Stefan were on their way to being a thing. Did they just ruin any chance of that? This is The Vampire Diaries so take this with a healthy side of skepticism.
[Honorable Mentions: “500 Years of Solitude” and “Home”]
#6: Doctor Who – “The Day of the Doctor”
There haven’t exactly been a ton of episodes of Doctor Who this year to choose from (there have only been two), but both of them were excellent. As nit-picking fan-fanatics, people complained about small details and unmet expectations, but for me, the story was exciting and fun and pulled together the various bits and pieces scattered throughout the series and the last season or so. I am still waiting for the reappearance of The Doctor’s daughter, but until then…I can entertain myself imagining what it would be like if The Doctor took New Girl’s Jessica Day on a trip to Hogwarts and met Draco Malfoy’s son Scorpious.
[Honorable Mention: “The Time of the Doctor”]
NEXT: Top 5 episodes of the year.
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