There are many TV episodes that the general population hate, but upon closer analysis, some of these stories are actually pure genius. Many great TV shows are almost ruined by one episode, and this often results in said episode tarring the overall viewing experience. However, it’s easy to follow the herd, but not every hated TV episode is actually that bad.
For example, episodes that deviate from the show’s main genre can throw audiences off, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a terrible installment. Whether it’s due to unfamiliar territory, pacing issues, or simply because they’re confusing, these TV show episodes are actually quite clever, and really don’t need to be as hated as they currently are.
6
“Beard After Hours”
‘Ted Lasso’ Season 2, Episode 9
While Ted Lasso focuses on an array of characters, “Beard After Hours” follows only Coach Beard, who embarks on a wacky and wild night out by himself. “Beard After Hours” is a breath of fresh air, and it’s baffling that so many people struggle to get on with this episode. Beard is a fascinating character, and we hear all kinds of astounding stories about him throughout the show, so it’s fun to actually join him for one of these chaotic adventures.
Although it’s a shame the other Ted Lasso main characters are absent in this episode, Beard isn’t completely on his own, and it’s also an interesting change to see more of AFC Richmond supporters Baz, Jeremy, and Paul somewhere other than Mae’s pub. “Beard After Hours” is hilarious but also deep, and despite the incredible jokes and physical humor, Ted Lasso doesn’t downplay Beard’s mental state during these events. Perhaps Ted Lasso Season 4 will attempt another episode just like this, but instead solely focus on another character, like Roy or Keeley, for example.
5
“The Farm”
‘The Office’ Season 9, Episode 17
The Office typically remains within Dunder Mifflin Scranton’s building, although it does occasionally venture elsewhere, just like in the Season 9 episode “The Farm.” “The Farm” is generally hated because it focuses on Dwight’s personal life and not so much the day-to-day of the other employees, and the episode also serves as the backdoor pilot of an abandoned The Office spinoff that never made it to fruition. It’s intriguing to see more of Dwight’s farm life in the right context, as well as to meet some of the members of his family, too.
Although “The Farm” doesn’t add much to The Office‘s Season 9 overall arc, it plays a big part in Dwight’s story. The introduction of Esther, who Dwight eventually leaves when he realizes he has always loved Angela, for example, is a crucial moment. While “The Farm” is a bit out of place with the rest of The Office Season 9, it doesn’t make it a bad episode, and it actually provides some brilliant character development that audiences fail to appreciate.
4
“Fly”
‘Breaking Bad’ Season 3, Episode 10
While TV bottle episodes aren’t to everyone’s taste, the Breaking Bad Season 3 story “Fly” is an example of one done well. Breaking Bad‘s “Fly” receives a lot of hate because of its slow pacing and the fact that it sticks to only one setting, Walt and Jesse’s lab. The pair spends the entire episode chasing a fly around their lab out of fear of contamination, which sounds boring, but “Fly” is so much more than that. “Fly” delves further into Walt and Jesse’s characterizations brilliantly.
For example, Walt’s ever-growing frustration as the episode progresses demonstrates just how much his dangerous lifestyle has infected him, and Jesse’s ridiculous behavior also highlights the roles both of them play in their relationship. Ultimately, “Fly” serves as a metaphor for Walt’s guilt, and the way it’s executed throughout the story is subtle, yet powerful, and, overall, incredibly clever.
3
“The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show”
‘Parks and Recreation’ Season 7, Episode 10
“The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show” is a very different episode compared to a typical installment of Parks and Recreation. This episode comes during the final season of the show and takes place in the last episode of Andy’s kids’ TV show, featuring his iconic musical character Johnny Karate. However, Andy isn’t the main focus of this episode, not really. “The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show” prepares audiences for Parks and Recreation‘s finale, but it also allows them to see just how much everyone has grown over the years.
Leslie is now married to Ben, as is April to Andy, and Ron is also a committed father of three, too. The man with a broken leg and no real future from Season 1 is no longer recognizable, and “The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show” proves just how much of a success Andy has really become (despite the studio manager previously trying to underpay him). “The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show” might not be everyone’s favorite, but it doesn’t deserve the hate.
2
“Green Queen”
‘The Curse’ Season 1, Episode 10
In the context of any other show, “Green Queen” would be a total flop, but considering The Curse is a project by Nathan Fielder, it actually makes a lot of sense. The main frustration viewers have with The Curse‘s ending is that it loses all sense of realism and fails to wrap up some major plot points in regard to character development, but it also fits within the show’s overall tone and atmosphere. Over everything else, The Curse‘s number one quality is being absurd.
“Green Queen” jumps ahead in time and reunites audiences with Whitney, who is now pregnant, and Asher. With most of their major stresses appearing to be put behind them, The Curse returns its focus to the magical realism side of things. Fielder’s dramatic performance as Asher, who suddenly loses all ability to stay grounded as he floats up to the ceiling, is astounding. The lengthy sequence that sees Whitney try to help him may be a bit too much, but it’s also a fascinating yet bizarre metaphor for their marriage.
1
“Charlie’s Home Alone”
‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ Season 13, Episode 8
“Charlie’s Home Alone” is another TV bottle episode that audiences typically hate. With the rest of the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia characters already on the way to the Eagles game, Charlie is left at the bar by himself, which results in a wacky Home Alone parody. Charlie is definitely one of the most interesting characters in the show, and it’s always a delight when viewers get to delve further into his unhinged mind, regardless of the context.
Actor Charlie Day’s physical comedy is unmatched in “Charlie’s Home Alone,” and he proves he can carry an episode all by himself, without needing his costars to bounce off. Even though there isn’t much of a story to motivate in the first place, Charlie manages to take the simple concept of completing his football rituals and turn it into a non-stop, crazed adventure. “Charlie’s Home Alone” is one of the most underrated episodes of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and while it may not be the very best, it definitely isn’t the worst, either.