TV episodes endure. In an age where there are more series to choose from than ever before and scenes are dissected to create memes, GIFs and viral clips, the episode itself has still managed to make an indelible mark. When a classic series delivers a classic episode, it hits. It impacts. It will almost definitely live on various lists for years to come. This much is certain.
But what about the episodes that exist right next to these classics? As time passes, we reflect nostalgically on the season, followed by that season's highlights. But in many cases, there exist episodes that are just as good, but drew the short straw of existing next to the more fondly remembered moments, like that song on a classic album you were sure would be a single but then never blew up. Or the inverse, great episodes that persist amidst infamously terrible creative stretches. Welp, we're finally shining some long overdue light on those that deserve props. You might find yourself on a TV marathon shuffle when we dig up these gems that have been buried in the rough.