The Countdown Breaks the Top 10

We're dipping our big toe into the Top 10 episodes on our 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 closer look at numbers 12-10.

12: "Vick's Chip/What He Beheld" - Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
I don’t often stare at my television screen for a full 10 minutes after a show has aired its season finale. For that to happen, I have to be wowed - sucked into a show’s entire storyline, have it create some amazingly original dynamics and intricacies, and get me so attached to the characters that I stop anticipating left curves and twists. Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles did that during its first season, and specifically, with its first season finale. "Vick's Chip" and "What He Beheld" aired back-to-back and were inadvertently made into the "finale" given T:SCC got its production run cut short as a result of the writers strike. The amazing thing is: you would've never known it. To think these two eps would've been slated as mid-season eps, yet easily filled in as a finale is a testament to some seriously awesome storytelling. And for me, the show has become all about Summer Glau's brilliant portrayal of the protective terminator, Cameron. This was none more true - and none more on display - than in this finale. There is just something beautifully simple about her devotion to John Connor, and to the mission to save the world from Skynet on the whole, that it makes it strangely touching. "Vick's Chip" written by Daniel T. Thomsen and directed by J. Miller Tobin; "What He Beheld" written by Ian Goldberg and directed by Mike Rohl. - LillyKat, PTR Senior Staff Writer

11: "Til Death Do Us Part (Parts I & II)" - The Closer
If we needed any more proof (which we don’t) as to why The Closer is genius for its handling of all-things personal, it was delivered in the third season finale ("'Til Death Do Us Part - Parts I and II"). It reminds me so much of how well the NYPD Blue folks did in giving us Detective Andy Sipowicz outside the precinct . You were treated to a totally different side of Andy, one that allowed you to see him more balanced, more centered, trying to grow through struggles, yet without sacrificing any of his abilities to be a top cop or the overall case-driven plot lines of the show. The Closer consistently does the same thing. I am amazed at how normal and real of a life this show creates for Brenda outside the murder room, without sacrificing her in the murder room. The dynamic between Fritz and Brenda is so real, so tangible, so normal. And in what seemed to be a hugely dividing factor in this finale – with Brenda confronting Fritz about his DUIs and Fritz confessing to his alcoholic past – you just love their dynamic even more. Part 1 written by James Duff and Michael Alaimo, and directed by Roger Young; Part II written by Duppy Demetrius and James Duff, and directed by Michael M. Robin. - LillyKat, PTR Senior Staff Writer

10: "Undercover" - Law & Order: SVU
We all know that Mariska Hargitay can act. She has an Emmy, a Golden Globe and numerous nominations to prove it. But this outstanding hour from the best L&O franchise showed us just how fan-frickin'-tastic she truly is when she gets some material to sink her teeth into. The writers asked for a gritty, emotional, raw, disturbing and flawless performance and Mariska delivered. In addition to her Emmy-worthy turn, this episode stood out because it showed us just how vulnerable Benson can be when the tables turn against her. I don't think she had any idea what she was up against when she volunteered to go undercover at the women's prison. I don't think she realized just how powerful these guards were and how that power corrupted them to the point where they were regularly raping (and even murdering) women. And Det. Olivia Benson almost became another muted victim. Luckily, amid all of the traumatizing moments, she was able to keep her wits about her well enough to remember a key detail that put the man away who almost raped her. She was one of the few lucky ones who got away with her life. But, she was left severely shaken by the event. As was I. Written by Mark Goffman and directed by David Platt.

So, there's a look at the next 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 as we reveal #9-7 on the list.