The Countdown Turns to Crime

Last week, we took a look at the first episodes to make the summer-long countdown of The Best Episodes of the Season. Before we get to this week's entries, here's a look at the rules for this year's winners. LillyKat and I ended up with 36 incredible episodes that demonstrate the diversity and quality of the current television state. 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 33-31.

33: "The Dark Defender" - Dexter
Technically, we didn't officially cover the second season of Dexter here at PTR. But since we will be covering the third season from the get-go, and we reviewed the first season this past spring (thanks CBS), we figured it appropriate to include at least a few eps on our countdown from Dex's second go-around. "The Dark Defender" is one such ep for two key reasons: 1) Dex learns the man who killed his mother is still alive, and thus, is forced to face him down; 2) he's being perceived as somewhat of a hero by the greater citizens of Miami for disposing of the dregs of society. Hence the comic book-esque Dark Defender characterization. When an ep calls into question the two ongoing issues with which Dex consistently struggles - his acceptance in the world, and his days as a child - and thus has to do some serious soul searching, it's is a winner for me. Written by Tim Schlattmann and directed by Keith Gordon. - LillyKat, PTR Senior Staff Writer

32: "World's End" - Cold Case
Not every show hits the 100 episode milestone. When it does, a celebration ensues as does a commemorative episode. Cold Case hit 100 eps with "World's End" this past season, and it was a classic for all of the right reasons. A tale of love and jealousy set amongst the chaos that was the Orson Wells' "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast on October 30, 1938, this is what Cold Case does best: they take us to another time and place in history, teach us something about ourselves and the human condition through a detective's eyes, then leave us wanting more. In recent seasons, they've shifted their emphasis away from these fundamentals and, instead, overdosed on newer cases, turned Lilly into a zombie, and chose formula over fortitude. This show can be better. It has been better. Thus, when an ep like "World's End" comes around, it is a reminder of how good the show can be - especially when they make room to fit in personal detective anecdotes. And whenever they bring back memories of second season's “Factory Girls” and “Red Glare” (flawless production value), or first season's "Churchgoing People" (Lilly’s role play interrogation at the end with the older Felton), it's going to score high marks with me. Written by Gavin Harris and directed by Roxann Dawson - LillyKat, PTR Senior Staff Writer

31: "Let's Get it On" - Friday Night Lights
Let's face it -- the Dillon Panthers were not the same without Coach Taylor. So, it was nice to have him back in the blue polo. And yet, as happy as I was to have Coach Taylor back in Dillon, I still had that ugly conflicted/torn feeling in the pit of my stomach when Coach McGregor lost his job. Obviously, he needed to go, but he kinda/sorta/definitely got a raw deal. Coach Taylor is a good guy, and he may not have been directly responsible for McGregor's ouster, but he was responsible enough to feel guilty about the way it went down. And then there was the beautifully executed Jason in Mexico story line. He was so desperate to find a cure for his paralysis he was willing to try the experimental shark stem cells. Good thing Tim and Lyla were there to make sure he didn't go through with it. The beach scene they shared was nothing short of brilliant and a classic example of why this show is so good. Written by Patrick Massett and John Zinman and directed by David Boyd.

So, there's a look at the second 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 #30-28 on the list.

While we're on the topic of "Best Of," it's time to reveal your favorite Scrubs quote from this year's Best of the Scrubies Poll. And the winner is (with 33% of the vote).... drum roll please...

"Really??!! Did he also tell you to take your trunks off, Turk? Because the last thing a guy wants to see when he's in a splash pool is his best friend's junk heading towards him at 40 mph! Felt like I got pistol whipped." JD recounting a water slide encounter with Turk

A HUGE thanks to everyone who voted in this year's poll.