Part 2 (6-4)
6) Soap (1977-81)
Quite possibly one of the most insane TV series to ever last more then a year on TV. Soap followed the stories of two sisters and their families and was a parody of soap operas. Based around one of the best comedy casts of all time featuring Katherine Helmond, Richard Mulligan, Billy Chrystal and Robert Guillame. There was never a serious episode or social commentary, and the show took pride in utterly ludicris story lines. It also ended brilliantly with announcer Rod Roddy asking life and death questions “Will Jessica discover Chesters affair? Will Benson discover Chester’s affair? Will Benson care? These questions and many others will be answered in the next episode of Soap?”
Best Episodes.
- S1.E13
- The best of Soap, who killed Peter (S2:E0)
- S2E14
- S2E19
- (Yes Soap used the season and episode number as their titles)
- S3E22
5) WKRP (1978–82)
One of the greatest television comedies ever made, and its hard to believe it only lasted 4 seasons. You would be hard pressed to remember a bad episode, because frankly I don’t think there were any. It was also a show that would outright surprise you, from absolutely zany episodes like the episode featuring the punk band Scum of the Earth, to heart felt episodes like the one that featured the Cincinnati Who concerts and the end of festival seating. Every character was brilliant, and the guest stars came in and chewed the scenery.
Best Episodes
- Turkeys Away (S1E7
- Baseball (S2E3)
- Carlson for President (S2E6)
- In Concert (S2E19)
- Dr Fever and Mr Tide (S313 and 14)
- The Consultant (S4E9)
- Up and Down the Dial (S4E22)
4) Buffy/Angel (1997-04)
My column, my rules and I want to combine the two series. I love Buffy and Angel, and combined these were both well rounded, well developed and snappy series. And as insane as it sounds a series that involved Vampires, and Werewolves and Gods, managed to stay grounded in modern day societal problems. While Buffy struggled in season 6 at the start with the storyline of Buffy returning to life and being absolutely miserable, the show bounced back in its final season. Angel improved on the formula with even more dire storylines. But what made these series great for me, is they always had great villains Angelus, The Mayor, Glory and on the Angel side an extradimensional lawfirm, that was shepherding the Apocalypse. While Buffy had a positive ending, Angel ended with the off screen and on screen death of every character.
Best Episodes Buffy
- S1E12 Prophecy Girl.
- Innocence (S2E14)
- Passion (S2E17)
- Becoming (S2E21-22)
- Doppelgangland (S3E16)
- Graduation Day (S3E22)
- Hush (S4E10)
- The Body (S5E16)
- The Gift (S5E22)
- Once More with Feelings (S6E7)
Best of Angel
- I will Remember You (S1E8)
- Sanctuary (S1E19)
- Reunion (S2E10)
- Sleep Tight (S3E16)
- Tomorrow (S3E22)
- Release (S4E14)
- You’re Welcome (S5E12)
- Smile Time (S5E14)