Some of the show's highest-rated TV episodes chronicle stories that de-center the main character. Sometimes, the stories are Flash episodes, but they don't necessarily have to fall into that format for them to focus on secondary characters. Some Flash episodes of the TV show are pointless, and detract from the overall quality of the series. However, spending time away from the protagonists and Getting to know other characters can help the world building of the show and make the audience more invested In the main room. Additionally, these episodes can save money and time for showrunners and producers.
There are creative ways to work around the main character's arc, and the storylines prove how creative the writers of a TV series are.
Leaving the protagonist for several episodes does not indicate that a TV show is disrespectful to its main characters, because their return after a break in the action makes the viewer appreciate them more. There are creative ways to work around the main character's arc, and the storylines prove how creative the writers of a TV series are. This is why they are often so well received by critics. Every genre of television incorporates these episodes into their plot, and In recent years, streaming shows have been even more innovative in approaching these subjects.
10
Doctor Who (1963 - Present) - "Blink"
Season 3, Episode 10
"Blink" premiered during the first era of David Tennant Doctor Who Like the Tenth Doctor. Steven Moffat, who became the showrunner for many seasons, wrote one of the most iconic episodes in the history of the series. "Blink" saw the Doctor and their companion Martha (Prima Agieman) trapped in the past Thanks to the weeping angels. This was the first episode to introduce the Weeping Angels, one of the most terrifying antagonists in Doctor Who.
Mulligan is a great actress, and the episode is so good that viewers hardly miss the Doctor.
Since the Doctor and Martha are stuck in the past, The audience follows the story of Sally Sparrow, played by a young Carey Mulligan, How she encounters the angels and becomes the lifeline for the Doctor and Martha to return to the present. The audience only sees the Doctor in person a few times throughout the episode, with their longest scene being a recorded videotape message giving Sally instructions to find the TARDIS and stop the angels. Mulligan is a great actress, and the episode is so good that viewers hardly miss the Doctor.
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9
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1996-2003) - "The Wish"
Season 3, Episode 9
After getting her heart broken by Xander in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 3, Cordelia makes a wish without thinking that has dire consequences for the entire world. "The Wish" is the first appearance of Anya, who is still a revenge demon, When she arrives in town after sensing Cordelia's deep sense of betrayal. After some goading, Cordelia wishes Buffy had never come to Sunnydale, and Anya grants her request. From the beginning, it's Cordelia's episode, and Buffy is absent or in the background.
Cordelia wakes up to find Sunnydale ravaged by vampires, because Buffy isn't there to stop the Lord. of rising. Willow and Xander have turned into vampires, and Giles is fighting against the forces of evil with a ragtag group of students. At the end of the episode, Buffy reappears, but she is not the Buffy that the audience knows and loves. She is independent, stubborn and not interested in working with others, and in this alternate reality, the Lord kills her.
8
Atlanta - "BAN"
Season 1, Episode 7
Donald Glover's character, Earn, is only spoken offscreen in the Atlanta Season 1 Episode "BAN," As the majority of the story revolves around Paper Boi's experience on a talk show on the Black American Network. Brian Tyree Henry is at his best in "BAN," touching on relevant social issues like the intersection of gender and race in his conversation with an activist who is invited to speak alongside him. The episode is intercut with surrealist commercials and features different characters that have never been seen before.
Glover has proven himself to be a visionary in film, television, music and many other facets of the creative industries.
Glover has proven himself to be a visionary in film, television, music and many other facets of the creative industries. Donald Glover's best movies and TV shows are included Atlanta At the top of the list, how his contributions as a writer, actor and director made the show the incredible work of television that it is. "BAN" was written and directed by Glover, And his absence from the episode allows Henry to shine and for the audience to learn more about Paper Boy and the show's political climate without backing down the overarching story.
7
Smallville (2001–2017) - "Gemini"
Season 7, Season 9
Lois Lane takes center stage in the Smallville Episode "Gemini," As Clark is missing from Smallville. However, he reappears and works with Lana to save Chloe from a bomb planted by Adrian. Adrian reveals to Lois that he is a clone Lex Luthor created, and at the end of the story, Grant realizes that he is also one of Lex's clones. "Gemini" is full of shocking betrayals and revelations between the secondary characters in Smallville.
Tom Welling is still present in the episode but as Bizzaro instead of Superman. Bizzaro is massive as Clark throughout the episode, so it seems like he is present When he is frozen in the fortress of solitude. Although the actor who plays Clark is in the episode, the actual character never makes an appearance. It's a clever way to emphasize the audience's expectations and set up the terrifying arc with Bizarro that unfolds in the later episodes.
6
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994) - "Lower Decks"
Season 7, Episode 15
The "redshirt" stereotype for disposable characters originated from the Star Trek Franchise, but the Star Trek: The Next Generation Episode "Lower Decks" subverts this trope. In the season 7 episode, A group of junior officers go through the trials and tribulations of moving up in the ranks of Starfleet And how every day can become a dangerous mission aboard the ship. While the show usually chronicles the stories of the senior officers on the bridge, "Lower Decks" reminded the audience that there are teams of important people working beneath their feet.
"Lower Decks" has been singled out as one of the best episodes of the series many times and is a highlight of the seventh season.
"Lower Decks" shows why Patti Yasutake's Nurse Ogawa was so important Star Trek: TNGAs Yasutake's performance is the emotional core of the story. The story of the episode becomes surprisingly poignant and emotional, vi The death included in the narrative is a devastating moment of loss For the characters that are not often centered by the series. "Lower Decks" has been singled out as one of the best episodes of the series many times and is a highlight of the seventh season.
5
The Sopranos (1999-2007) - "Pain Barrens"
Season 3, Episode 11
Although James Gandolfini usually led every episode of The SopranosHe is almost completely absent in "Pain Barrens," which centers on Christopher and Paulie. While Christopher's backstory and side stories were developed up to this point, Paulie remained more of a mystery despite his growing tension with Tony. While The Sopranos consistently paints his characters as deeply flawed and imperfect, Paulie and Chris are at their worst in "Pine Barrens," making it a scrutinizing character study.
The episode sees Christopher and Paulie lost and trapped in the New Jersey Pine Barrens In the middle of winter to dump the body of a rival mafia member. “Pine Barrens' develops into a narrative reminiscent of Lord of the Flies How Chris and Paulie have to survive in the wilderness in ways they never have before. Additionally, they are forced to regret the violence of their actions and the fact that Tony cares little about their safety and lives.
4
The Last of Us (2023 - Present) - "Long, Long Time"
Season 1, Episode 3
The last of us is one of the most faithful video game adaptations on television, but episode 3 of the series, "Long, Long Time," reimagined an aspect of the game in a beautiful way. Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett play Bill and Frank, lovers who meet and build a life together during the apocalypse. Joel and Eli hit the road heading to their home for help, and the story splits off, explaining the backstory of the two men and their relationship.
Although they fall for each other in the midst of violence, the story that unfolds in the story is human and relatable.
Although they fall for each other in the midst of violence, the story that unfolds in the story is human and relatable. Joel and Eli are in the story at the beginning and end of the episode, but the love story and experience of growing old together in the middle of violence is what sustains the project. The last of us is a generally violent and unforgiving show, demonstrating some of the worst of humanity, and "Long, Long Time" is an empathetic look at the experiences of people and a welcome to the cruelty.
3
The Bear (2022 - Present) - "Honeydew" and "Forks"
Season 2, Episode 4 and 7
The bear Season 2 has some of the series' strongest episodes, and there are two incredible standalone stories in the arc. "Honeydew" sees Marcus travel to Copenhagen to work in a different kitchen And expand his horizons to develop new desserts for the restaurant. Marcus is one of the characters that the series didn't focus on that much, and "HoneyDev" opened the eyes of the viewers to his relationship with food, his career and himself. His conversations with guest star Will Poulter reveal a lot about him and leave Carmi in the background.
On the contrary, "Forks" has several scenes between Richie and Carmi, but the episode mainly deals with Richie's time in another Chicago kitchen, which changes him forever. One of the highest rated episodes of the season, "Forks," explains to the audience what makes the fine dining industry so special And humanizes Richie in an unexpected way. He learns a lot and decides that working in the restaurant and giving people amazing experiences with food is what he wants.
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2
BoJack Horseman (2014–2020) - "See Mr. Peanutbutter Run"
Season 4, Episode 1
In the season premiere of Bojack Horseman Season 4, the somewhat nebulous character of Mr. Peanutbutter is explored in "See Mr. Peanutbutter Run." After the explosive events of the season 3 finale, BoJack has been missing from the series, Leaving the audience on the edge of their seats wondering what happened to him. However, Mr. Peanutbutter's bid for governor of California is more than enough to grab viewers' attention in this episode.
Diane begins to realize that she is not happy with Mr. Peanutbutter and tries to get in touch with Bojack, but he remains out of the picture.
Much of the episode is a poignant commentary on the nature of politics and campaigns in the US Bojack Horseman was always a series that was in conversation with relevant cultural and social issues. however, The story is directly about Mr. Peanutbutter's rise to fame and the events that made him the man he is, As well as his relationship with Diane. Diane begins to realize that she is not happy with Mr. Peanutbutter and tries to get in touch with Bojack, but he remains out of the picture.
1
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008) - "Zuko Alone"
Season 2, Episode 7
Zuko's character entered Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the best redemption stories ever seen on television, in animation or live-action. Although Zuko is a vital character in the series, he serves as an antagonist until the final season, and Aang is inarguably the protagonist of the show. Aang is nowhere to be seen in "Zuko Alone," vii The episode picks up with Zuko exiled to the Earth Kingdom after parting ways with his Uncle Iroh.
Zuko spent his life believing the rhetoric of the Fire Nation and his tyrant father, even after he was outlawed. However, his time with an Earth Kingdom family whose son is fighting in the war and the people who prey on them changes him. "Zuko Alone" is a turning point for Zuko And is one of his first steps to become a hero and join forces with Aang. This episode demonstrates why Zuko is one of the best and most complex characters on the show.