Below, find my top ten episodes for the 2004-2005 television season below, in no particular order. A few spoilers lie ahead, including for the third season of "The Wire" and the first season of "Lost."
Veronica Mars, "Pilot" - This has long been one of my go-to examples of a perfect TV pilot. Here's our heroine. Here's what ruined her life, and here are the three mysteries we'll be investigating this season. It's amazing how much information Rob Thomas was able to fit into just forty minutes. And kudos to Kristen Bell for immediately nailing the tone, the attitude, and the wonderful wry verve of her character and her universe.
Battlestar Galactica, "33" - I think that this episode has been a little overhyped. The premise is fantastic, the suspense is unrelenting, and I love it when the characters are in crisis mode like this. However, a lot of the early effectiveness of "Battlestar" is a matter of keeping the momentum going from the miniseries. Still, the fate of the Olympic Carrier is harrowing to watch unfold, and definitely set expectations for "Battlestar" going forward.
Doctor Who, "The End of the World" - While we're on the topic of revivals, the return of "Doctor Who" didn't really sink in for me until the second episode, where we learn more about this alien time-traveller and what he's capable of. The creators pulled out all the stops to make this one feel big and epic and really weird, and it works. However, the best thing onscreen is Christopher Eccleston, who is secretly still probably my favorite Doctor.
Arrested Development, "Motherboy XXX" - The obscure references! The product placement! The running jokes! The legal disclaimers! The Michael and Buster team up! And Carl Weathers and Amy Poehler return! Every single performer is firing on all cylinders, and the writers no longer have any interest in bringing newcomers up to speed. At this point you have embraced the madness of the Bluth family or you're very confused.
The Office, "Diversity Day" - The first season of "The Office" had some growing pains, but the writing was pretty sturdy right from the start. Michael doing something insensitive prompts Dunder Mifflin to hold a diversity training seminar. And Michael retaliates with his own diversity training seminar, complete with a video presentation and everyone being forced to wear index cards on their foreheads. I'm not big on cringe humor, but who could resist?
Samurai Champloo, "Baseball Blues" - The show's episodes are so different in tone and temperament that it's difficult to pick an exemplar. I initially considered much more dramatic alternatives before arriving at the funniest, silliest episode of "Samurai Champloo," where the fate of Japan will be decided with a baseball game. It definitely fulfills the show's promise of mixing cultural influences, but this one also enjoys some good old culture clash.
Carnivale, "New Canaan CA" - I've heard grumbles that the show ended too early, but I thought that it found a good stopping point, letting the carnies and Brother Justin have their big showdown in the finale. And what a showdown. I love that all the secrets are out at last and everyone is working together to defeat the forces of evil. There are consequences of course, which leaves the fates of several of our major characters forever a mystery.
The Wire, "Middle Ground" - There are many episodes I could have picked for the third season of "The Wire," but the big, climactic Stringer Bell showdown stood out for me. The shock of what happens is so great, because it's absolutely been telegraphed far in advance, but comes at a point where so much feels unfinished. I can't say enough about the performances here - Not just Idris Elba, but Michael Potts and Michael Kenneth and too many more to list.
Lost, "Exodus" - The big action finale of the first season of "Lost" is impressive for its scope, its ambition, and for paying off so many different storylines that had been accumulated over the course of the first season. And the first season of "Lost" was always the best one. The finale being pulled off with such aplomb was the cherry on the cake. It's no wonder that this one lingered in the pop culture consciousness for such a long time.
The Venture Bros., "Are You There God? It's Me Dean" - The Monarch finally captures the Ventures on his birthday, but there's a twist, literally. Dean has a case of testicular torsion, requiring some awkward medical intervention from Billy Quizboy and Pete White. As everyone's plans go further and further awry, the situation just keeps getting funnier. And like all responsible cartoons, it ends with a public service announcement.
Honorable Mention
House, "Three Stories" - I was determined to get this series on one of these lists, because it was such a big part of its era. I think there were better episodes in some of the later seasons, but this one undeniably helped set the bar.
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