040. Baelor (Game Of Thrones)

"I grew up with soldiers. I learned how to die a long time ago"

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 12th June 2011
EPISODE NUMBER: Season 1, Episode 9
WRITTEN BY: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss

The motto of Game Of Thrones is "you win, or you die". That's never been more evident than here. Ned Stark stands accused of treason, but has too much honour to deny the truth - that Joffrey is not the real heir - until his daughter's life is threatened. But then, in a twist, Joffrey demands Ned's head anyway. Another show would have a happy ending to this story, and somebody save him - but not this show. The final moments are nothing short of unbelievable.

It's a sickeningly cruel plot twist and a major shock to anyone who hasn't read the books. Sean Bean was marketed as the main lead. He is the only character on the season 1 DVD box. Ned should not die. It established Game Of Thrones as a ruthless world where anything goes. And George RR Martin is ruthless in killing off his characters...no-one is safe.

The war between the Starks and the Lannisters is also kicking up a gear. Tyrion has an amazing scene with Bronn and Shae the night before battle which really gets to the heart of revealing the essence of his character. We don't see much of the final battle, for reasons that will become apparent once you watch, but Tyrion getting KO'd was a hilarious moment. We also see Jon Snow's conflict in helping his family and keeping his oath.

With season 2 set to air next month, I'm very excited for the prospect of what's coming next, and this episode demonstrates just how great this show can be.

039. Company Man (Heroes)

"You didn't grow inside your mother. You grew inside our hearts"

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 25th February 2007
EPISODE NUMBER: Season 1, Episode 17
WRITTEN BY: Bryan Fuller

Heroes has always been slightly derivative of Lost, but this one borrows the flashback episode format completely. It works well though, because Mr Bennett (or, "Horn-Rimmed Glasses" as he's sometimes known) is one of the most mysterious characters on the show and seeing his past was the best way to gain an understanding of who he was, as well as answering a few mysteries.

Bennett has been seen doing countless bad things, and the company he works for is nothing short of evil. His professional appearance cuts an image of a cold, ruthless individual. But the one thing that humanizes him is his love for his family. This episode shows Bennett beginning to form that bond with his adopted daughter, and how it has defined and changed him.

We get a glimpse at some of the other characters in their younger forms, most notably the Haitian. Christopher Ecclestone makes his (sadly) final appearance as Claude the invisible man. He was one of the highlights of the show. Here he remains mysterious, enigmatic and morally ambiguous. When Mr Bennett tries to kill him, he reminds him that they are both guilty of the same crime.

Company Man also has plenty of action. One key scene involves the indestructible Claire (Hayden Panettiere) running into a burning building to stop Ted going nuclear. There are tense stand-offs, involving Bennett, Ted and Matt Parkman.

But the heart of the episode is its emotional power. Bennett being willing to take a bullet and a mind wipe in order to protect Claire turns a stone-cold killer into a sympathetic character.

038. You Only Move Twice (The Simpsons)

"On your way out, if you want to kill somebody, it would help me out a lot"

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 3rd November 1996
EPISODE NUMBER: Season 8, Episode 2
WRITTEN BY: John Swartzwelder

You Only Move Twice is a wacky, far-fetched but totally brilliant episode. The majority of it takes place outside of Springfield, but Cypress Creek manages to be a fresh new setting. Besides, the Simpsons are funny enough that it doesn't matter where you put them.

Hank Scorpio is an amazing character. His eccentricity evolves into insanity as the episode goes on. Albert Brooks aways delivers, but this is easily his best character. I loved the secret agent theme, especially all the Bond references.

We see a re-enactment of the classic Goldfinger laser cutter scene, a diplomat suggesting that maybe the bridge Scorpio blew up "collapsed on its own", and a frantic shootout at the end. But the best part is that Homer doesn't even seem to notice he's working for a supervillian, or is completely indifferent to it.

Bart's special class produces a lot of laughs. From a whole class on the letter A to a game of musical chairs everyone wins, it's a nightmare and insult to his intelligence. His fellow classmates all produce a laugh too. Meanwhile, Lisa discovers she has hayfever and is betrayed by a chipmunk.

Overall, You Only Move Twice manages to be outlandish but still grounded. And that makes it one of the best episodes of the series.