The Countdown Begins

What a long, strange TV season it has been! And while we're all still whirling from the shortened season, the hastily wrapped up story arcs, and strokes of brilliance mixed in, we've been catching our collective breath and mourning the temporary loss of some of our favorite shows while they take a summer hiatus. But, this means that PTR's popular Best Episodes of the Season summer-long countdown is just beginning. This year, I've decided to let Senior Staff Writer LillyKat in on the fun and we've come up with another great list. Before we get to that, though, we have to go over the rules for the countdown. We ended up with 36 incredible episodes that demonstrate the diversity and quality of the current television state. This year, the shows and their episodes are from both NETWORK and CABLE television. All episodes aired between June 2007 and June 2008. Each episode that made the final list moved us in some way; either by making us laugh out loud, cry our eyes out or just left us with that "wow" feeling that stays with you for a few days. So basically, it's completely subjective! Since this is a summer-long countdown to the number 1 episode, we will reveal a few each week all summer. So, be sure to tune in every Thursday to find out which episodes are on the countdown! Today, we're going to take a look at numbers 36-34.

36: "Kiss and Don't Tell" - Men in Trees
A kiss is just a kiss, right? Marin wants to think so after a drugged up Cash (he was on pain killers post kidney transplant) planted one on her while she was taking care of him. Cash doesn't seem to remember it (or at least he's not mentioning it), so Marin decides not to tell Jack. And while she's grappling with that secret, Buzz is nurturing one of his own. He has been bitten by the gambling bug once again. But, it gets worse. He has gambled away Mai's savings along with his own. This sets up one of the season's funniest story lines -- Mai moves in with Celia. Talk about oil and water! And then there's Patrick's trip to NYC where he brings a little sunshine to Jane's stiflingly stuffy office. The combination of conflict, humor, and emotion showcased why this now-canceled show managed to charm so many in its short run. Written by Chris Dingess and directed by Sandy Smolan.

35: "Chuck vs. the Truth" - Chuck
This hilarious spy dramedy was a welcome addition to the schedule last fall and this mid-season outing captured everything that the show does right. There was action, intrigue, suspense, a dash of romance and a little incident involving truth serum. You really can't beat that! In between saving his sister from death by poisoning and the world from a litany of bad guys, Chuck managed to develop a little crush on sandwich girl Lou (guest star Rachel Bilson). This threw his cover relationship with Sarah in jeopardy and almost cost him a chance with Lou. As they say, the truth will set you free and learning that Sarah doesn't see a real future for her and Chuck (as she "admitted" under truth serum), allowed him to "break up with her" and pursue Lou. So why was Sarah looking so sad at the end? Written by Allison Adler and directed by Robert Duncan McNeill

34: "Ruby" - The Closer
I am the first to admit I love The Closer for its humor, quick wit and rapid-fire dialog. But the genius of the show is that it can flip the switch and go dark on us, too – giving us grizzly, sad and uncomfortable right after silly, happy and goofy. “Ruby” was one such powerful flip-switch episode. An 8-year-old girl missing (ending up dead) at the hands of a paroled sex offender; Sergeant Gabriel getting personal and professional dangerously mixed up once again; Brenda lowering herself down to the level of a child molester to get a confession. It’s no wonder TNT billed the fourth episode of The Closer's third season as one of the most shocking yet. It was difficult to watch. You were gripped and squirming at the same time. Humor was nowhere to be found nor would it have been appropriate. The dialog was so well written, so powerful, effective, creepy and goosepimply that it was uncomfortable to hear. Perhaps Brenda’s going to the ladies room after her final interview session with the convicted child molester, sick to her stomach, said it all: not a light episode by any means, but gripping nonetheless. Written by James Duff, Steven Kane and Mike Berchem. Directed by Michael M. Robin. -LillyKat, PTR Senior Staff Writer

So, there's a look at the first set of episodes on the countdown. What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Leave us a comment with your thoughts. And be sure to tune in next Thursday for #33-31 on the list.