“Background Check” Winston Bishop’s evolution from most pointless character on New Girl to one of the most essential characters on TV is completed in Season 4, and “Background Check” is the high point of this journey. Jess is worried that Winston’s police academy background check will be ruined by some meth she accidentally stumbled across, but really, she is worried because deep down, she just does not believe that he has what it takes. Ultimately, Winnie the Bish gets to show off how capable he really is while remaining adorably goofy, and in the meantime, the pressure-filled situation gets everyone else into some high-stakes, sweaty shenanigans.
“Eat, Spray, Linda” Linda spends her birthday going missing and being forced to wear a plastic bag, but because this is Bob’s Burgers, it ends up being one of the best birthdays ever. In a way, it is Bob who receives the best present, as his search for his wife results in discoveries about her life that make him a little confused about how much he has been in the dark, but also make him even more in love with her.
“Alive in Tucson” Actors often note the difficulty of acting opposite nothing, but in the pilot of The Last Man on Earth, Will Forte proves how powerful a lone wolf performance can be. True, there have been other great cases of solitary acting, but as Phil Miller, Forte’s performance is the sort that seems like it is meant for acting opposite others. This debut episode sticks completely to a premise that should not work according to how television is normally understood, but it proves to be a successful experiment.
“The Graduate” Sue finishes up high school, and everything goes wrong. Sure, “Sue does x, and everything goes wrong” describes 99% of Middle episodes, but this time is exponentially more painful. A happy ending seems impossible, even for preternaturally sunny Sue, but then the most amazing resolution happens. It helps to have been a fan of The Middle from the beginning for this moment to have maximum impact, but Eden Sher embodies all there is to love about Sue Heck so thoroughly, with every part of her journey that led here present in her smile.
“Finish Your Milk” You’re the Worst reveals its true self in its antepenultimate Season 1 episode. The fact that its cynicism was just a front for its sincerity is hinted at as early as the pilot, but in this edition, the emotions come pouring out unmistakably. Jimmy makes himself known to Gretchen’s parents against her wishes. He is not trying to prove a point – he legitimately wants to support her and stand up for her. But their romance is a struggle, so these overtures initially lead to strife (brilliantly represented with split-screen editing). Suffering happens when an effort is made, but You’re the Worst argues that that pain is ultimately worth it.
“Karaoke Bullies” This is the sort of episode that would not make any sense to a first-time viewer. But I would guess that it would still manage to be amusing, nonetheless. In its unrelenting specificity, it achieves comedy gold. Jenny Slate melts hearts as Niece Denise attempts to sing Bryan La Croix songs uninterrupted. Nash Rickey confuses “karaoke” with “karate.” Masterful impressions of basketball players and Kelsey Grammer intersect. And “Pawnsylvania” returns to deliver regionalisms and pun-based misunderstandings.
“Charlie Work” The health inspector is on her way, and with the help of a one-shot conceit, the Paddy’s crew passes with flying colors! Despite airing a few months after the release of Birdman, Sunny came to the no-cut gimmick independently. Sometimes, the same inspiration is percolating the creative atmosphere at large, and the result is multiple cases of exhilaration. Also, Charlie takes charge and manages a hard-fought, gratifying win.
“Josh Groban Wears a Suit and Striped Socks” Scott gets conked on the head and quantum leaps into the 60’s into the body of Sullivan Hunchy, CB!B!’s version of Ed Sullivan. While he works to give Jimick Wattersmith (Reggie’s dad) a shot at the big time, the show must go on! Josh Groban stops by and proves to have an affable presence perfectly suited for Bang-in’. Josh Fadem absolutely nails the role of plate-spinning hypnotist, and CB!B! producer Neil Campbell even gets some screen time as Charlie Mills (think about it).
“12 Angry Men Inside Amy Schumer” Perfectly cast and intricately directed, “12 Angry Men Inside Amy Schumer” reaches all-time highs in homage and long-form sketch comedy. It also features some of the most dignified dildo-based humor around.
“Knockoffs” In an inspired case of perfect casing, Ilana’s mother is played by the equally effusive. Susie Essman. In a counterintuitive, but just as perfect case, Bob Balaban plays her mellow father. And the entire Wexler is revealed as lovely, loving, and open-minded, as Ilana and mom head through New York-ish-ly surreal trip to find the perfect handbag. Meanwhile, Abbi finally gets it on with Jeremy, and although it is not everything she hoped it would be, she learns a lot about herself in the experience.
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