029. Noel (The West Wing)

"...The friend says, "Yeah, but I've been down here before, and I know the way out." 

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 20th December 2000
EPISODE NUMBER: Season 2, Episode 10
WRITTEN BY: Aaron Sorkin & Peter Parnell

Noel is a quiet, unassuming episode of The West Wing. It doesn't have any exciting crises or major events. But there is a certain intimacy about it. It's definitely one of the best character studies of the show, and a showcase for great acting.

As hard as it is to pick favorites in the West Wing cast, I've always been a big fan of Bradley Whitford. This was the season he won the Emmy, and it's not really a surprise. He's really the central role here, as we see him in therapy coming to terms with the aftermath of the shooting. Any detractors that storyline had for being too unrealistic should be satisfied with how real and humane Josh's trauma is.

It is rather unusual for the show to focus on one character, but in this case it's worth it. The show tries other things it doesn't normally do, such as play with time, and even showing us altered memories (it takes a while for us to find out the real reason Josh hurt his hand).

At first, Josh does not want to admit he needs help. And the intrigue in deciphering the reasons for Josh's breakdowns keep the episode interesting throughout. Throw in one of the greatest monologues in the show's entire run, courtesy of Leo, and you have an outstanding episode. I didn't even need to mention that Yo-Yo Ma was in it. Has a show ever had such a random, cultured guest star?

028. Ice (The X Files)

"I just want to make sure we are who we say we are"

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 5th November 1995
EPISODE NUMBER: Season 1, Episode 8
WRITTEN BY: Glen Morgan & James Wong

The story may be familiar to anyone who has seen The Thing. Mulder, Scully, a group of scientists and their pilot go up to an Arctic base and get isolated in close quarters with a deadly parasite. Paranoia and suspicion sets in as the group know that any one of the could really be infected.

Ice is perfect in its simplicity. It tells a focused story and creates a tone that sets the intensity for the episode. The monster of the week is not the worm, but the people - how they turn on eachother and the lengths they go to to stay alive when put in extreme circumstances.

Mulder and Scully's final stand-off where Mulder has to talk Scully out of shooting him is the best scene. Of course, the audience knows deep down that Mulder was never really a suspect, but that's not the point. This is the episode where Scully learned to trust Mulder implicitly.

027. Afternoon Delight (Arrested Development)

"Yeah, like the guy wearing the $4,000 suit is going to hold the elevator for the guy that doesn't make that in a month. Come on!"

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 19th December 2004
EPISODE NUMBER: Season 2, Episode 6
WRITTEN BY: Abraham Higginbotham & Chuck Martin

I'm sure you've heard the wonderful news by now - Arrested Development is coming back! To celebrate the occasion, I'm choosing to induct one of my favorite Bluth adventures onto the list, and it also happens to be vaguely Christmas-themed.

This is an episode where GOB really shines. Most of the episode revolves around GOB alienating the Bluth company employees and being completely oblivious to how much they dislike him. The suits montage is one of the show's most famous moments, and where his catchphrase "come on!" was born. He gets his comeuppance where he tries to hold the traditional office roast at the Christmas party, not realizing people wouldn't be saying flattering things, but instead making fun of him.

GOB is far from the only Arrested Development character with poor self-awareness. The episode's title comes partially from Michael's duet with his niece, where he realises only too late how inappropriate the song choice is. The scene has a perfect Curb-style awkwardness, even for a show that's not afraid to shy away from talking about incest.

 The writers are particularly cruel to Tobias this episode, first making him lose his hearing (causing him to spout off more hilariopus Tobias-isms about how he "got blown"), having the characters show little regard for his safety, and then have Lucille run him over with her car whilst on drugs. Jessica Walters' performance in particular needs to be praised.

GOB in the banana costume is a great visual gag, and Buster dropping him in the water with the crane was another hilarious visual moment. Whether GOB likes it or not, there's a lot of laughs to be had at his expense.