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In This Week's 10 Best TV Episodes Bobbum Man and Black Hitler Fight to THE PAIN

By Dustin Rowles | Posted Under TV Reviews | Comments (44)

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Shows Watched: 33

The Honorable Mentions: 33. “Man Up” 32. “Bored to Death” 31. “Chuck,” 30. “Saturday Night Live,” 29. “Enlightened,” 28. “Once Upon a Time,” 27. “The Middle,” 26. “Modern Family,” 25. “Raising Hope,” 24. “New Girl,” 23. “Suburgatory,” 22. “Dexter,” 21. “Sons of Anarchy,” 20. “Up All Night,” 19. “The Walking Dead,” 18. “Hell on Wheels,” 17. “How I Met Your Mother,” 16. “The Office,” 15. “Revenge,” 14. “Psych,” 13. “The Good Wife,” 12. “Beavis and Butthead,” 11. “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

Sunday nights are officially killing me. I make it a point to have the Power Rankings up on Monday afternoons, but to do so, I have to watch six hour-long dramas on Sunday nights, which keeps me up well into the morning. It’s typically worth it, but “The Walking Dead,” “Dexter,” and “Hell on Wheels” made for a slow Sunday night this week. This is why I don’t watch “Boardwalk Empire” right now (I’ll catch up during rerun season) or “How to Make It In America.” I wish a few of those Sunday shows could switch to Monday or Tuesday, where there aren’t as many decent offerings (the reason I currently make room for “Man Up.”)

Also, I enjoyed the Halloween episode of “Psych” so much last week that I decided to put it back in the rotation, and with 30-plus shows a week already, I had to drop something. I’m sorry Maria Bello and “Prime Suspect.” I think your show is totally decent, but — now with the addition of “Beavis and Butthead” —Thursday nights are crowded enough. The exchange was totally worth it, as “Psych” genre-spoofed comic-book superheroes this week and featured an appearance from Joe from New Kids on the Block. The blooper segment at the end featured Shawn, Gus, and Joe singing “Hangin’ Tough.” It was fantastic.

Meanwhile, “Bored to Death” is a good way to describe this season of that show; “Chuck’s” second episode back has already hit the doldrums; “Dexter” had a down week (and damnit, Mos!), and last week’s number one show, “Sons of Anarchy” fell all the way down to number 21, but that was because it was a set-up episode for what looks like a killer episode this week, which might (fingers crossed) mean the end of Tara.

10. American Horror Story: Spoilers: Part two of “AHS” was creepy as hell, with Kate Mara climbing out of her grave to terrorize Vivien and Ben. Y’all should check out Joanna’s new recaps of both this show and “Revenge.” Here’s what I don’t get, however: If Ben is the guy who f*cked up, why does he get to leave the house? If I were Vivien, I would’ve kicked myself out and made Ben stay as his punishment.

9. Top Chef: “Top Chef” is back. In my opinion, it’s the best reality show on television. I was a little skeptical of this audition round, thinking they were just adding it on so they could squeeze a few more episodes out of this cycle. And while that may very well be true, it made for plenty of drama. It also allows us to get to know the players better before they begin with the final 16.

8. Survivor: Normally, “Survivor” hovers around the bottom of the rankings each week, but this week was one of those classic “Survivor” eps. I thought it was incredibly ballsy of Ozzie to put himself on Redemption Island for the overall good of his team (and probably his ego). It looked like Ozzie’s plan was going to come together perfectly, too, that is until Cochran — who was instrumental in the initial plan — switched sides. And you know what? I don’t blame the guy. His tribe was sh*tty to him. I hate the Hantz kid, but he did have the line of the night, after Cochran voted off one of his old tribe members (after a tie breaker) and the medical marijuana guy called Cochran a coward. Hantz said something to the effect of, “And this is why he turned on your tribe. Because you treat him like this.” Amen. Cochran is the only guy on either team I really care for this season; I just wish he weren’t so weak-willed and apologetic. I’m afraid that his old tribe mates might resort to violence in this week’s episode.

7. Parenthood: Can we talk about “Parenthood” for a minute? It’s obvious where this Sarah/Seth thing is going, and it kills me that it will probably mean Jason Ritter gets dumped (or he heads it off at the pass and dumps Sarah first). I’d like to believe Seth is capable of redemption, but sometimes, you just have to give up, right? Also, Dr. Joe? That’s exactly what this show doesn’t need: Another amazingly good person. There’s no one to root against because every character is so kind and likable. And he has the least amount of screen time, but I think Joel is fast becoming my favorite character. He is such an amazingly good guy.

6. Boss: There was a scene in this week’s episode where Kelsey Grammer’s character dressed down the Governor of Illinois that made me think that there might actually be worse things than hell. Being the object of Kelsey Grammer’s rage is top of that list. Christ, that man is a force.

5. Happy Endings: There’s one thing for certain about this week’s episode, besides the fact that Fred Savage seems to involve himself as director on some of the best shows on TV, and that is that we all want a Steak Me Home Tonight food truck in our neighborhood.

4. Homeland: (Spoilers) For a show about the CIA and terrorism, “Homeland” features a lot of soap-opera elements. Even though you could see Carrie and Brody hooking up a mile away, it was still surprising to witness it, and then see the infidelity play out so dramatically in the lie detector test. Also, Carrie: I wouldn’t have gotten into that car if I were you, you crazy, crazy lady.

3. Community: Black hitler! A wacky effing episode, and thoroughly enjoyable. See the recap.

2. Parks and Recreation: The six timelines episode of “Community” from two weeks ago is still the best episode of a sitcom this season, but this week’s episode of “Parks and Rec” wins hand down for the sweetest. Read the recap.

1. The League: I realize that most of you probably don’t watch this show, and as such, could probably never believe that an episode of a show that revolves around fantasy football could be better than this week’s “Parks and Recreation.” But it was. Oh, but it was. Bobbum Man was insane. “”Fee, fie, foe, fum the End are Near at thou Bobbum Time me open Bobbum Van trunk for ruin Bobbum wif Equipmunk.” He was equal parts creepy and funny, and I have not laughed out loud at anything this season as much as I laughed out loud at this week’s “The League.” Any other week and Taco’s Offline Facebook would’ve been the highlight, but nothing may ever compete with Bobbum Man on “The League” again (although, I’d like to see more of Kevin’s Mundane Ejaculation Man).

Finally, out of curiosity — because the feedback I typically get on the 10 Best Eps of the Week comes only from those who vehemently disagree with my rankings — I’ve added a poll here. If you’d do me the kindness of picking your three (3) favorite episodes of the week, I’d love to see how your rankings stack up with mine. I already suspect, in part because of its relatively small audience, that “The League” won’t even break the top 10.

poll by twiigs.com








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Comments

I only actually watch four shows so that makes voting easy. Just like your mom!

Posted by: admin at November 7, 2011 2:07 PM

A buncha great episodes this week, but I had to give it to "Community" for having Shangela from "RuPaul's Drag Race" on. Halleloo!

Posted by: SugarKane at November 7, 2011 2:14 PM

What, I can't choose Vampire Diaries as best show of the week? It had - SPOILERS - vikings, people. VIKINGS. And writing on ancient caves. I'm not even joking.

Posted by: Holly at November 7, 2011 2:15 PM

Dustin's mom also only watches four shows?

Canadian insults are like flat, warm soda.

Posted by: superasente at November 7, 2011 2:15 PM

Was Gillian Jacob's Britta always that stupid? I seemed to recall that she was the smartest of the group.

Or are they transforming her into a goofy character the way they did David Scwimmer's Ross on Friends?

Posted by: John W at November 7, 2011 2:16 PM

Dustin, you watch more television than should be allowed for humanity. Thank you for doing it for all of us.

Embarrassingly (?), I can't in good conscience contribute to the poll, as I only watched two of the above in their entirety. I did fall asleep about twenty minutes into the third one, but I wouldn't dare rate that as one of the three best episodes of the week. There just aren't enough hours. You have piqued my interest in The League at least a little bit, though.

Posted by: DarthCorleone at November 7, 2011 2:19 PM

I need to buy an ivory wig. And you're practically a laplander!!

Posted by: Mrcreosote at November 7, 2011 2:21 PM

Loved The League this week. It's a genuinely great show and I think the premise turns a lot of people off but it's rarely ever about football. The fantasy football thing is basically just an excuse to keep all these guys hanging out together.

On Sons of Anarchy news, apparently FX added an extra episode to the end of this season. https://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/sons-of-anarchy/fx-adds-14th-episode-of-sons-of-anarchy-to-close-out-current-season/10150371187817054

Posted by: Paultera at November 7, 2011 2:26 PM

PAH! After this week's Community, I thought to myself - Dustin is totally going to put this episode in the top 10. PAH! I thought it was one of the weaker episodes of the season and not nearly as awesome as the Halloween episode, but I figured the Pierce's dad thing would make it worthy of a Pajiba top 10.

We watch Community for different reasons, it seems.

I propose that the Halloween episode had as much "lets understand the deeper emotions of the study group" as Advanced Gay did, but it was subtle. Instead of Troy's obvious struggle between a secret cult of greatness or a couch and Abed, we got to see his fantasy - being sewn to his best friend for all eternity. It tells us the same thing, but is understated. Pierce's dad was not understated.

Also - fuck! Why am I writing an essay about Community?? It's just a little show that's supposed to be funny.

Posted by: Sbrown at November 7, 2011 2:33 PM

I think that ep of The League was my least favorite of this season, although Raffi is always welcome. His place was awesome, too. Somehow, I never thought of him actually living anywhere, just riding the El whenever he wanted to sleep. I liked "The Sukkot" the best so far.

Posted by: Three-nineteen at November 7, 2011 2:33 PM

My one friend, who can't stand football, still thinks The League is a great show. Actually, the only thing that bugs me sometimes with that show is when they DO bring up something football related because it's usually, though understandably, out of date, like in last week's episode when Kevin made a comment about Carson Palmer's possible retirement the week after he joined the Raiders.

But football barely comes up. Even when they talk about their league, it's often to either shit talk each other or screw with each other. Give the show a chance people. I promise you'll appreciate it even if you don't watch ESPN News all day.

Posted by: Socrates_Johnson at November 7, 2011 2:36 PM

AND

because the feedback I typically get on the 10 Best Eps of the Week comes only from those who vehemently disagree with my rankings

That's what you get for building a city on mock and droll.

PAH!!!!

Posted by: Sbrown at November 7, 2011 2:36 PM

How did people not like this weeks Dexter? I mean Mos Def served his purpose, and really people were loving him because of who he is and not who he was playing. Dexter is finally moving forward though. I mean it won't last(I won't mention just in case someone didn't see it, that wants to see it.). However people seem to have a problem with Dexter not being the same person he was during season one, though we do constantly see him change. Grow. More or less a child when it comes to anything outside of his day and night job. I mean I am loving Homeland and loved last night, but Dexter was phenomenal. Then again, maybe I'm just a sucker for certain things.

Posted by: googergieger at November 7, 2011 2:40 PM

"Pierce's dad was not understated."

Yes. I suppose you have a point with that. I mean clearly he shouldn't be.

Posted by: googergieger at November 7, 2011 2:42 PM

Britta didn't seem stupid for about half of the first season but as they started to reveal more and more about her it became clear that she reads a small amount of info and develops a large amount of opinion on any given subject.

She was never intended to be the smartest, a role filled by Annie followed by Abed and Jeff. She's simply an underachieving type who prefers to view herself as smart (Example: Last week in her Halloween story she imagined herself in the library reading "Warren Piece".)

Posted by: becks at November 7, 2011 2:52 PM

ohgod, someone stop me from watching "American Horror Story." Watching it makes me hate myself. It's the TV equivalent of eating an entire box of ice cream sandwiches. But with gimp suits.

Also, socrates johnson only has one friend? I... I'm so sorry, man. I'll be your friend.

Now put on this gimp suit.

Posted by: Ghisent at November 7, 2011 3:08 PM

Actually that was a typo. I meant to say Friend One, because I can't remember any of their names, so that's how a designate them. And fyi, it's really hard to come up with excuses to not use people's names.

Friend Two also likes the League. There is no Friend Three. *tear*

Posted by: Socrates_Johnson at November 7, 2011 3:14 PM

Every time Kevin said "Equipmunk" the boy and I would roll off the couch. Such a funny episode. And Raffi is the most delightfully disgusting character outside of It's Always Sunny.

Posted by: Julie at November 7, 2011 3:14 PM

Sons of Anarchy was the best show this week. I have no idea how you could put it so far down on the list. Between Jax saving the Niners' lives, the cartel attacking with grenade launchers, Jax threatening Clay, and Juice having a total freakout when they showed him the war room at the police station, I thought it was an outstanding episode.

Posted by: TylerDFC at November 7, 2011 3:30 PM

I'm really starting to hate "The League." The characters are absolutely horrible to each other, and there's not even an underlying since of love or cameraderie that even the Paddy's crew on "It's Always Sunny" have for each other in moments. I mean, I get why Mac, Charlie, Dennis, Dee, and Frank all hang around together. They may get in arguments about absurd and pointless things, but they all genuinely like each other's company more than anybody else in their orbit. But with "The League" I don't even know why Andre would put up with these asshats, much less why they would put up with him. I used to like these guys, but only Katie Aselton and Taco remain appealing. Just pair them off and start over.

/rant

Posted by: RobP at November 7, 2011 3:37 PM

I watched about half the shows on that behemoth of a list, and have to say I agree with The League at the top spot. I watched season 1 and then got all of my buddies into it, we are all football fans, sports fans and some are in fantasy leagues so when they get to details about league stuff, it makes us feel special.
BUT, I also got my girlfriend into it, and she loves it, for realsies. I may have to explain who some players are or whatever, but everything else she is LOLing right along with me.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia still remains the one show I can't get any other human being into. It took Chardee MacDennis for them to have legit laughs at the show.

Posted by: Ron at November 7, 2011 3:39 PM

Dustin, what order did you list those shows in?

Completely random doesn't count as an answer.

Please help me find my favourite show [try alphabetical].

Posted by: OldSchool60 at November 7, 2011 4:01 PM

Community deserved the top spot for the interplay between Troy and Abed. The secret handshake, the scene where they channel each other, and the little vignette at the end? Gold.

Boss should be #2. Terrifying and powerful trumps sweet and humorously dumb every time, and Kelsey Grammer is mesmerizing.

Posted by: upstate at November 7, 2011 4:10 PM

I'm about two weeks behind (at least) on every show I watch, but I think you and I disagree wildly on Bored to Death.

Posted by: ChristianH at November 7, 2011 4:10 PM

It made no sense to the hubby and I either why Ben got to leave the murder house. I thought no one could leave, particularly a murdering adulterer. Still was my favorite show of the week though.

Posted by: Lillie at November 7, 2011 4:18 PM

POLLS! I love polls. Is there an option to vote for MOAR POLLS?

/nonsense

Posted by: Amanda6 at November 7, 2011 4:21 PM

I am certainly not The League's target audience. I'm female. I don't know a single thing about football beyond what I managed to absorb playing in the marching band in high school. I don't know about any sports, actually.

And I love The League. The way the guys interact is so ridiculous and reminds me of my friends. It's probably my favorite sitcom on TV right now.

Posted by: dearscarlet at November 7, 2011 4:26 PM

I didn't even realize how fantastic last Thursday's television was until right now. The League and Community had some of the best comedy I've EVER seen. And on the same night!
Andre's crawfish man slayed me. But I still worry about my babum and equipmunk.

Posted by: Optimus Rhyme at November 7, 2011 4:34 PM

Why was Boardwalk Empire not an option?

Posted by: Austin at November 7, 2011 4:36 PM

Fringe.

Posted by: Adam C at November 7, 2011 6:22 PM

I'd have to ponder on it for awhile before being able to give a well thought out reason why, but comedy just isn't my thing. That isn't to say I don't like funny, I love funny. I just need to have something to balance it out (I love dramedy). Because of this I have never regularly watched comedies. I can't get in to Parks and Rec, Community, Happy Endings, The Office, etc.

My favorite episodes this week were Revenge, Psych, and Top Chef.
I'm absolutely loving Revenge. It is delicious. This was a high Nolan/Hot 80s James Spader episode, and the more Nolan the better.

Posted by: DominaNefret at November 7, 2011 7:05 PM

I'd agree with The League being in the top spot. I only just caught up with the show in time for this season. I think I'm starting to enjoy it more than It's Always Sunny. Thank you, Dustin, for bringing it to my attention. Although, I am kind of curious now as to why non-NBC Thursday night comedies aren't really written about.

As for Dexter, I almost stopped watching it last week. I think the writing is even worse this season than it was last, but apparently I'm in a minority there. I think Homeland is by far Showtime's more interesting Sunday night show.

Posted by: Uda at November 7, 2011 7:13 PM

No votes for Whitney?

Posted by: Robert at November 7, 2011 7:44 PM

New Girl was legit funny this week and I love community and Parks and Rec

Posted by: Ashley at November 7, 2011 8:18 PM

I've watched that ep of Parks and Rec 4 times already. Every time I noticed a small little detail I love. And it just makes me both happy and sad at the same time.

Posted by: figgy at November 7, 2011 8:40 PM

figgy,
ive watched it literally 8 times! including the producer's cut on hulu just amazing i could watch parks and rec on a reel all day everyday and be great.

anyway 41% to 40% p&r v. community: a battle for the ages

Posted by: anna at November 7, 2011 9:51 PM

As a fervent fan of the sweetness of seasons 1 & 2 of Parks, I loved last week's episode. My only bitch is the same as everyone else's: for the love of crap, please do something with Anne Perkins.

Posted by: budiwag at November 7, 2011 10:25 PM

I love top chef but hated that they didn't decide on the final 16 in the first episode. Also Psych this season so far is the bomb. Last season was very ho-hum but this season is very good so far.

Posted by: Roland at November 7, 2011 11:51 PM

I'm a female with no interest or knowledge of football as well and I love The League!
I savor every moment of it every week.

I'm loving Survivor this season. Coach and Handz and their Jesus crew are interesting. It's also interesting that traitors from tribes are usually not trusted, but because Cochran comes off as a victim more than a sleazy backstabber, he will most likely be welcomed and protected. Ozzy's ego is funny as well. He's become highly unlikable and yet he's so adept at everything I can't help routing for him.

Thanks to Dustin and the people who comment on these threads for turning me onto shows that I'd discounted or not known about and that I now love. Firefly, The League, Happy Endings, The Inbetweeners, and most of all Buffy!
I just finished watching the whole series and it may have been the best show I've seen..
There are many more but those are the few that come to mind.


Posted by: K at November 8, 2011 12:20 AM

I watch the League, and this week's was by far the worst of the season - I didn't laugh once.

What was so funny about the whole Bobbum thing? I didn't get why it was funny or why Kevin would be scared of a stupid voice.

Posted by: b at November 8, 2011 1:39 AM

I love Bored to Death. Great writing and it's refreshingly low-key and different.

Posted by: Renton at November 8, 2011 5:32 AM

It's amazing that a crapfest like Parenthood is on the list every week and Boardwalk Empire doesn't exist in this universe.

Posted by: bob at November 8, 2011 10:31 AM

Hung... South Park... How to make it in America... Boardwalk Empire... C'mon guy, you watch a lot of crap to not be watching these shows. Even Workaholics and Blue Mountain State are great!

Posted by: Masterpiece at November 9, 2011 1:33 AM

I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this website. Thank you, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your site?

Posted by: rihanna talk that talk lyrics at November 24, 2011 3:47 AM