The Countdown Continues

Another week, another set of stellar episodes! But before we get to them, we have to go over the rules for the countdown. LillyKat and I ended up with 33 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 2008 and June 2009. 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 Friday to find out which episodes are on the countdown! Today, we're going to take a look at numbers 24-22.

24: "Inside Probe" - My Name is Earl
The fictional TV show Inside Probe with real-life personality Geraldo Rivera finally airs its shocking tell-all episode on the disappearance of the original Crab Shack owner. In the process, secrets about the residents of Camden are revealed and everyone becomes a suspect. But the most promising suspects are Earl and Randy Hickey until Inside Probe clears them. This 2-part outing was as funny as season two's "Our 'Cops' is On" with a hilarious inside look at the lives of Camden's finest residents while also enjoying the town's reaction to seeing themselves and their crazy little town on tabloid TV. These sorts of episodes bring out the best and funniest of this now-canceled series. And this one makes me realize that I'm going to miss Earl, Randy, Joy and Darnell next season. Written by (creator) Greg Garcia (part 1) and Michael Pennie and Timothy Stack (part 2) and directed by Greg Garcia (parts 1 & 2).

23: "Mr. Ferguson is Ill Today" - Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Cromartie.Was.Terminated. Bottom line, this is why this ep is worthy of a place on our countdown. It was a pivotal moment for the T:SCC series - one in which I actually don't believe they were ever able to recover (though that discussion is for another day). Nonetheless, taking out the pivotal antagonistic character in an OMFG shootout-at-the-OK-Corral fashion was powerful and absolutely stunning. But aside from the Cromartie show down, the ep had a little bit of everything - action, suspense, emotional intensity, unpredictability, and the always good "WTF do we do now?" moments. Not to mention the way it was told was new. Each character got their own snippet, advancing along the same plot line until the end, which ultimately brought them all together. Garret Dillahunt was right: this was one awesome episode. Written by Daniel T. Thomsen and directed by Michael Nanklin. - LillyKat / Senior Staff Writer.

22: "New York, New York" - Friday Night Lights
I've always felt proud of Jason for what he has been able to overcome. His entire future changed in an instant, and yet, he rebounded. And in this excellent episode, he learned the hard way that NYC is a tough town. But with a little help from Riggins, he got back on that horse more determined and he came away with a job. He made his future a lot brighter, and he faced his feelings and fears. He proved himself to the mother of his child, and he's now on his way to starting a promising career in sports management and a fulfilling home life with the woman he loves and his young son. It's not going to be easy, but you get the sense that Jason knows that and he's up to the challenge. The best part of this outing, though, was a "passing of the guard" scene where Erin took over for Riggins. It was so emotional, and both Scott Porter and Taylor Kitsch really showed their acting chops in that scene. But, it was only one reason why this episode is one of this season's best. Written by Kerry Ehrin and directed by Jeffrey Reiner.

So, there's a look at numbers 24-22 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 Friday for #21-19 on the list.