Top Ten Episodes of the Decade ~ Drama

Continuing with our tops from the oughts, here are our picks for top drama episodes from 2000 – 2009. As we did with the comedies, we’ve only picked one episode per show, which was incredibly difficult! Notice a few series that seem to be missing? Well, keep in mind that we still have one more super secret list on the way! So, without further ado, we present . . .

The Shapusens’ Top Ten Episodes of the Decade: Dramas

(episode descriptions once again stolen from imdb.com)


Alias, “Phase One” (season 2)

In this episode, the entire world of 'ALIAS' is turned upside down, beginning with the mysterious disappearance of Sloane that brings Anthony Geiger, the new head of SD-6 into Jack and Sydney's life. As the Bristows struggle to stay one step ahead of having their secret blown wide open by Geiger, Will and Francie make a startling discovery of their own as she prepares to open her new restaurant. After an airborne mission to recover something called a Server 47 dive, Sydney uncovers a crucial weakness, one that could bring down the entire Alliance. But to put her plan into action, she must tell Dixon the truth about everything when Jack is captured, and Dixon has to make the decision to reveal the security code... enabling the CIA to launch a world-wide offensive against all SD cells to bring down the Alliance for good.

Why it makes the cut: SD-6 is shut down, no more super secret double agent action for Sydney, the kiss, and the Francinator. All of this in the MIDDLE of the SECOND season? Very bold, Alias. Game changer.

Lost, “Pilot part 1 and 2” (season 1)

Forty-eight survivors of an airline flight originating from Australia, bound for the U.S., which crash-lands onto an unknown island 1000 miles off course, struggle to figure out a way to survive, why trying to find a way to be rescued.

Why it makes the cut: There were a lot of episodes in contention for this spot (Walkabout, Through the Looking Glass, Dead is Dead), but when it when all is said and done, we had to go back to the source. There’s no topping the episode that began this crazy journey.

Mad Men, “Shut the Door. Have a Seat” (season 3)

With another sale on the horizon, Sterling, Cooper, and Draper convince Lane Pryce to fire them and then join them as they start up a new advertising firm. At home, Betty follows through with her plans to divorce Don.

Why it makes the cut: Mad Men has a tendency to sometimes feel like you are waiting for something to happen, and waiting . . . and waiting . . . and then it smacks you in the face and says, “Oh, I’m sorry, were you looking for something? How about a completely new beginning?” It seems like the entire series so far has been leading us here. Plus Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce managed to get everyone we love into one hotel room of pure awesomeness.

House, “Three Stories” (season 2)

House's ex Stacy Warner asks him to treat her husband. House takes over a diagnostics class for a day and presents the class with three case studies of leg pain. As House tells his story and the class gradually fills up with listeners, the class learns a lot about how to be better doctors, and Chase, Foreman and Cameron learn some important details of House's past.

Why it makes the cut: Story telling at its very best. Cleverly written, brilliantly delivered, and bonus Carmen Electra. What more could you ask for?

Bones, “Aliens in the Spaceship” (season 2)

When Hodgins and Brennan are buried alive, it's a race against time and a kidnapper who doesn't negotiate.

Why it makes the cut: When Bones and Hodgins find themselves in mortal danger, emotions run high with everyone involved. This brought us somelovely Booth and Bones moments (that iconic image of him running across the sand to find her), Hodgins’ love for Angela was out on full display, and Zack got to be king of the lab and save the day (kind of). Episodes like this make us wish someone was moments from dying every week . . . but that would just be impractical, right?

Grey’s Anatomy, “Freedom” (season 4)

A surgical team battles the clock as they try to save a boy encased in cement, Karev's situation with an ever-disintegrating Ava brings back painful memories that interfere with his judgment, Derek and Meredith have one last chance at their clinical trial.

Why it makes the cut: House of candles (damn you for making us like Meredith!), Callie getting her kiss on with Hahn, and Bailey letting her geek flag fly with her calming Star Wars speech.

Fringe, “August” (season 2)

When a peculiar abduction occurs in Boston, the Fringe team uncovers details of the mysterious man known as The Observer. While the bizarre case takes center stage, Walter, Peter and Astrid hit the lab to analyze unusual evidence and deal with Walter’s insatiable appetite for a milkshake.

Why it makes the cut: This episode granted us our first intimate look into the most mysterious aspects of Fringe - the Observers. Didn't August just break your heart? Plus more Michael Ceveris is always a good thing.

Castle, “Vampire Weekend” (season 2)

As Halloween approaches, Castle and Beckett are called to a graveyard where the body of a young man sporting vampire fangs has been discovered with a wooden stake driven through his heart. Their investigation takes them deep into the heart of New York's underground vampire fetish community, where they learn that the motive for the victim's murder may be hiding within the pages of the graphic novel he was writing before his death.

Why it makes the cut: Richard Castle dressed up in a "space cowboy" (Malcom Reynolds) costume and being told by his daughter that it is so five years ago.

True Blood, “I Will Rise Up” (season 2)

Vampires and humans clean up in the aftermath of the explosion. Eric tricks Sookie into drinking some of his blood, much to Bill's dismay. As a result of the lapse in security, Godric's leadership falls under review but his response surprises everyone, especially Eric, who begs him not to go through with his plan. In Bon Temps, Maryann is out to find Sam Merlotte and complete the ritual sacrifice. She casts a spell on everyone in Sam's bar to get them to look for him. Lafayette and Tara's mother forcibly remove her from Sookie's house. Hoyt and Jessica get used to their situation and Hoyt decides it's time to introduce his true love to his vampire-hating mother.

Why it makes the cut: Whether you're a fan of Sookie/Bill or Sookie/Eric, there is no denying that the real romance of the series was between Godric and Eric. It's the roof top goodbye that lands this episode the top honor for the series, with some bonus Jessica/Hoyt/Hoyt's Mom action.

Veronica Mars, “Leave it to Beaver” (season 1)

In the shocking, action-packed first season finale, a determined Veronica must betray someone she cares deeply about in order to solve the mystery of who murdered her best friend Lilly, but what she discovers puts her life in serious danger. Meanwhile, Jake Kane asks Duncan if he really wants to know what happened on the night Lilly died, and Keith awaits the results of a paternity test.

Why it makes the cut: And that is how you close a season mystery, ladies and gentlemen. We're still reeling over Harry Hamlin being revealed as Lilly Kane's killer. Veronica locked in the refrigerator? Keith running through fire to rescue her? Perfection.