The Best Episodes of 2007
2007 is well and truly behind us, and with it a year of television that ranged from amazing to abysmal. As I was away from Orble at the end of the year, I now present to you a belated look at the stand-out episodes of the year that was. (As aired on Australian Television in 2007)
Lost – The Man Behind the Curtain
Lost took the television world by storm during its first season; an intriguing mix of drama, the supernatural, conspiracy and daddy issues. The show floundered somewhat during the second season, as viewers began to question whether the writers actually knew the answers to the myriad of questions raised as the plotlines progressed.
In spite of a somewhat shaky beginning to the third season, this latest installment of Lost managed to once again find the right balance that made the show so addictive in the first place. We were given some answers, and although more questions were raised, they weren't too numerous or overpowering. Even the filler episodes were revisited in pivotal moments, showing a commitment by the powers that be not to disregard plot points.
The final three episodes of the season were all exceedingly good, but for me the stand-out was The Man Behind the Curtain. Ben Linus, the leader of the Others, has fast become my favourite character since he first appeared posing as Henry Gale. Michael Emerson's portrayal is nothing short of brilliant, and he manages to convey a creepy intensity that ensures Ben is a formidable opponent and not just a caricature. The Man Behind the Curtain finally shows us just what happened to the Dharma Initiative, and gives us an insight into Ben's past. As you can imagine, it wasn't exactly an idyllic upbringing for little Ben. Both his past and present actions are quite chilling, and make this episode a must see.
Doctor Who – Blink
Doctor Who is an iconic show in of itself, and there are many older fans that reminisce about cowering behind the couch while watching as children. While the modern incarnation of the show is brilliant, it is difficult to make decades-old robots and rubber aliens scary, and the show tends to rely on a level of silliness.
However, the episode Blink really did manage to capture a level of creepiness that is seldom successfully executed anywhere. The stone angels are to be both feared and pitied – they are unable to look at one another, which is why they cover their eyes and appear to be weeping. The reason that they strike such fear is the fact that statues are so ubiquitous – but what happens when you look away? They are lonely assassins, and it is not safe, even to blink.
Even though the Doctor and Martha are absent for most of the episode, it works so well because of the engaging Sally Sparrow (Carey Mulligan), who creates a far more likeable and capable heroine than most of the blondes in thrillers.
Heroes – Company Man
It's not secret that I love Heroes, and I think that the first season was the best new show to premiere this past year. It was quite hard to pick just one episode over the others when so many were just absolutely stellar, but Company Man manages to stand out amongst the rest.
Company Man uses flashbacks to show how Mr Bennet (Jack Coleman) came to be part of the company, and to be the caretaker of Claire. At the outset, Bennet appeared to be a fairly cartoonish villain. However, over the course of the season, Bennet became a beautifully complex character with ambiguous intentions; torn between loyalty to his cause and love for his daughter. The episodes brings this conflict to the forefront, as we see Bennet's journey to this point and the steps he was and is willing to take. This is further exemplified by the hostage drama that unfolds, present day, between the Bennets and Matt and Ted. The acting is also first-rate, and the final scene has to be one of the most touching and heartbreaking ever broadcast. Company Man truly was, in my mind, the best episode to be aired on television in 2007.
These are only three episodes that stuck in my mind, but there are undoubtedly others. What episode do you consider to be the best of 2007?
*Images courtesy of wikipedia, and used under Fair Dealing for identification and critical commentary
Lost – The Man Behind the Curtain
Lost took the television world by storm during its first season; an intriguing mix of drama, the supernatural, conspiracy and daddy issues. The show floundered somewhat during the second season, as viewers began to question whether the writers actually knew the answers to the myriad of questions raised as the plotlines progressed.
In spite of a somewhat shaky beginning to the third season, this latest installment of Lost managed to once again find the right balance that made the show so addictive in the first place. We were given some answers, and although more questions were raised, they weren't too numerous or overpowering. Even the filler episodes were revisited in pivotal moments, showing a commitment by the powers that be not to disregard plot points.
Ben as a youngster*
The final three episodes of the season were all exceedingly good, but for me the stand-out was The Man Behind the Curtain. Ben Linus, the leader of the Others, has fast become my favourite character since he first appeared posing as Henry Gale. Michael Emerson's portrayal is nothing short of brilliant, and he manages to convey a creepy intensity that ensures Ben is a formidable opponent and not just a caricature. The Man Behind the Curtain finally shows us just what happened to the Dharma Initiative, and gives us an insight into Ben's past. As you can imagine, it wasn't exactly an idyllic upbringing for little Ben. Both his past and present actions are quite chilling, and make this episode a must see.
Doctor Who – Blink
Doctor Who is an iconic show in of itself, and there are many older fans that reminisce about cowering behind the couch while watching as children. While the modern incarnation of the show is brilliant, it is difficult to make decades-old robots and rubber aliens scary, and the show tends to rely on a level of silliness.
Sally had better not Blink*
However, the episode Blink really did manage to capture a level of creepiness that is seldom successfully executed anywhere. The stone angels are to be both feared and pitied – they are unable to look at one another, which is why they cover their eyes and appear to be weeping. The reason that they strike such fear is the fact that statues are so ubiquitous – but what happens when you look away? They are lonely assassins, and it is not safe, even to blink.
Even though the Doctor and Martha are absent for most of the episode, it works so well because of the engaging Sally Sparrow (Carey Mulligan), who creates a far more likeable and capable heroine than most of the blondes in thrillers.
Heroes – Company Man
It's not secret that I love Heroes, and I think that the first season was the best new show to premiere this past year. It was quite hard to pick just one episode over the others when so many were just absolutely stellar, but Company Man manages to stand out amongst the rest.
Bennet first meeting with Claude Rains*
Company Man uses flashbacks to show how Mr Bennet (Jack Coleman) came to be part of the company, and to be the caretaker of Claire. At the outset, Bennet appeared to be a fairly cartoonish villain. However, over the course of the season, Bennet became a beautifully complex character with ambiguous intentions; torn between loyalty to his cause and love for his daughter. The episodes brings this conflict to the forefront, as we see Bennet's journey to this point and the steps he was and is willing to take. This is further exemplified by the hostage drama that unfolds, present day, between the Bennets and Matt and Ted. The acting is also first-rate, and the final scene has to be one of the most touching and heartbreaking ever broadcast. Company Man truly was, in my mind, the best episode to be aired on television in 2007.
These are only three episodes that stuck in my mind, but there are undoubtedly others. What episode do you consider to be the best of 2007?
*Images courtesy of wikipedia, and used under Fair Dealing for identification and critical commentary
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Rugby World Cup 2007
I can't answer because my memory doesn't stretch that far...last year...
...plus that whole molasses feeling you know?
Lost just frustrated me...I stopped watching and we've vowed (vowed? wow...) to not watch it until we can do marathon DVD sessions!
I agree with you re Michael Emerson's portrayal of Ben?Henry...very bug-eyed creep.
The best episode of Heroes for me was when Peter Petrelli flexed his (acquired during the off season) muscles! Dayam.
Looking forward to your Heroes recaps this year hon.
Oooh...just remembered...will you watch the Australian 'So You think you Can Dance?'?? Am I dreaming or do I recall you saying you liked the show?
...the preview looks great!
Be well Ninabelle..
Dusk
There certainly was a lot of shirtless Peter in the new season of Heroes... which was a wonderful artistic choice, don't you think?
I will definitely give the Aussie 'So You Think You Can Dance' a go. I tuned into the American one not expecting to like it, and got thoroughly hooked, so I'm hoping that a local one reaches the same standard. However, I usually can't be bothered with the reality show parts of it, such as the excruciatingly long results show - I'm just in it for the dance.
Take care of yourself, Dusk.
Nina