Another Top 10 Out of Genre TV Episodes
#10: “Connection Lost” “Modern Family” (2009-)
Although it doesn’t completely abandon the show’s mockumentary format, this episode of “Modern Family” still sticks out like a sore thumb drive. Coming out around the same time as the 2014 computer screen film, “Unfriended,” the episode is entirely confined to Claire’s laptop. From FaceTime to Facebook, Claire uses every digital tool at her disposal to track down a missing Haley. Looking at a desktop for 22 minutes might not sound especially thrilling, but “Connection Lost” crafts a compelling mystery with a legitimate sense of dread. While the dialogue is every bit as witty as viewers have come to expect, this is probably the show’s most visually unique outing. The motion graphics producers and editors do an especially impressive job at keeping the action energized.
#9: “Duet” “The Flash” (2014-)
This might not have been the first superhero show to get the musical treatment, but “Duet” certainly took the Arrowverse to uncharted territory. In a crossover with “Supergirl,” Barry and Kara find themselves under the Music Meister’s spell. Darren Criss, who previously co-starred with Grant Gustin and Melissa Benoist on “Glee,” is perfectly cast the charismatic yet mischievous Meister. To escape his musical dream realm, our heroes must listen to the songs in their hearts. In addition to perennial tunes like “Moon River,” the episode features original songs from seasoned musical talents. Rachel Bloom of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” worked on the toe-tapping “Super Friend”, while “La La Land’s” Benj Pasek and Justin Paul wrote “Runnin’ Home to You,” which marks a pivotal moment for Barry and Iris’ relationship.
#8: “Free Churro” “BoJack Horseman” (2014-)
“BoJack Horseman” regularly mixes black comedy and heavy drama. This Emmy-nominated episode, however, took the comedy and drama to unprecedented places. The episode opens with a flashback to BoJack’s childhood where his father unleashes an emotionally-scarring rant. This monologue is just a warmup for the main plot, which revolves around BoJack’s eulogy at his mother’s funeral. Even when BoJack gets off-topic, he finds a way to tie his ramblings back into the trouble relationship he shared with his mother. “Free Churro” is like a standup routine meets a therapy session. It’s also essentially a one-man show with Will Arnett providing the voices of BoJack and his father. Arnett turns in an acting tour de force as the grieving BoJack, effortlessly transitioning between resentment and remorse.
#7: “Dreams” “M*A*S*H” (1972-83)
“M*A*S*H” never shied away from the grim effects of war and this episode is one of the most surreal examples. The viewer can tell upfront that this is going to be an unconventional half-hour based on the laugh track’s absence. Sleep deprived, the team tries to work in a few zzzs in between surgeries. Even in slumber, however, they can’t escape the constant death and pressure that surround them on a daily basis. While every dream is different, all of them provide insight into the team’s innermost desires and phobias. Each person is in for a rude awakening; as much as they’re overdue for a good night’s sleep, a doctor’s job is never done - especially in times of war.
#6: “Far Beyond the Stars” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1993-99)
Top 20 Best Star Trek The Original Series Episodes
The original “Star Trek” was notably among the earliest shows to tackle taboo subjects like race relationships through a sci-fi lens. And in this unique episode, “Deep Space Nine” continues that tradition. Passing out, Benjamin Sisko envisions himself and the rest of his crew as people in the 1950s. The episode mostly ditches the alien makeup and intergalactic setting to tell a down-to-earth story about ignorance. Sisko slips into the role of a black sci-fi writer whose work is undervalued due to his skin color. The episode shares a fair deal in common with Season 4’s “Our Man Bashir,” but “Far Beyond the Stars” carries a stronger social subtext that remains relevant today. You can silence someone’s work, but you can never silence their dreams.
#5: “eps2.4_m4ster-s1ave.aes” “Mr. Robot” (2015-)
Remember when TV shows weren’t afraid to be corny fun for the whole family? Well, this retro episode of “Mr. Robot” takes us back to a simpler time… and then takes a sharp left turn into madness! Although Elliot Alderson has always had trouble differentiating between reality and delusion, getting stuck in an ‘80s/’90s sitcom is next level. The tone is kept upbeat with a laugh track and corny theme song, but Elliot’s family aren’t exactly the Brady Bunch. Not even a guest appearance from ALF – yes, that ALF – can lighten the mood. While the episode’s second half reverts back to the show’s usual format, the first 17 minutes or so could pass for a TGIF comedy… well, a totally demented TGIF comedy.
#4: “The Nightman Cometh” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-)
Top 10 Best It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia Episodes
“It’s Always Sunny” is probably the last sitcom we ever expected to do a rock opera episode, which is exactly what makes “The Nightman Cometh” so incredible. The seeds of this idea were actually planted in a previous episode where Charlie sings a suggestive tune entitled “The Dayman.” That one song blossoms into a full-blown musical, complete with a coffee shop princess, a disgusting troll, and a tiny, little, baby boy. On one hand, it’s a fairly straight-forward story about day vs night. On the other hand, the play is a descent into incoherent absurdity that could only stem from the mind of Charlie Kelly. The episode proved so popular among fans that it inspired a stage musical, guaranteeing that the sun would rise again.
#3: “Once More, with Feeling” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)
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As far as musical episodes go, “Buffy” arguably set the gold standard in “Once More, with Feeling.” When a demon named Sweet rolls into Sunnydale in his zoot suit and tap shoes, the entire town can’t help but express themselves through song. Not since “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has the supernatural genre blended so well with show tunes. The episode covers a wide array of musical styles, referencing everything from “Rent,” to “West Side Story,” to Disney. What makes “Once More, with Feeling” so special is that it’s not merely a standalone episode. The plot ties into the show’s larger narrative with each song propelling the character development and relationships forward. This is one episode that definitely doesn’t just go through the motions.
#2: “X-Cops” “The X-Files” (1993-2002; 2016-18)
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“The X-Files” and “Cops” both helped put the Fox Network on the map, but you still wouldn’t expect these shows to go together, what with one being a sci-fi drama and the other a reality program. Then again, this special episode did come out only a few months after “The Blair Witch Project” hit theaters. So, maybe a crossover was inevitable! “X-Cops” takes on a mockumentary structure, following Mulder and Scully as they investigate a mysterious entity that can seemingly assume any form. Mulder is all for the free publicity while Scully is naturally more skeptical. As humorous as the episode can be, the story still feels grounded in the show’s supernatural lore. It’s out of genre, but not out of place. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: “The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show” “Parks and Recreation” (2009-15) “Scoobynatural” “Supernatural” (2005-) “Lysergic Acid Diethylamide” “Fringe” (2008-13) “Brian & Stewie” “Family Guy” (1999-2003; 2005-) “Space” “NewsRadio” (1995-99)
#1: “Teddy Perkins” “Atlanta” (2016-)
Putting a label on a show as ambitious as “Atlanta” is easier said than done, but this is the only episode we’d categorize under the horror genre. The fact that the plot shifts the focus to Darius is far from the most unusual thing about this episode. That distinction goes to the character of Teddy Perkins, a recluse who looks like a post-plastic surgery Michael Jackson. Once Teddy appears on screen, the episode slowly snowballs into a haunted house story. Much like “Get Out,” “Teddy Perkins” leaves its audience contemplating whether they should laugh or recoil in fear. Of course, the whole episode takes on the form of a practical joke when you consider who played Teddy Perkins. For the record, it was Donald Glover!
