day 27 - best pilot episode

Life on Mars.
Do I really need to explain? Really? I’ve returned to this show quite a few times and every time I can never get over the fact of how gripping the opening episode is. It is an independent story, but really gets you invested in the characters and situation in a way that few other shows can. This isn’t a pilot in the stereotypical sense; in the industry calling the first episode a “pilot” is a way of making an excuse for lower-than-expected production values, shaky acting, and less-than-water-tight introductory narrative. But in this first episode, Life on Mars is already in full stride, and I think that’s why you can’t turn away after watching the first episode. You simply must watch the whole series.

Runner up:



Doctor Who, “The Eleventh Hour”.
While “The Eleventh Hour” isn’t a pilot in the dictionary sense, this is the first run of a new show runner, new Doctor, new companion, new title sequence, new director, new executive producers … Really, this is the pilot episode for Team Cardiff.2, spearheaded by Steven Moffat. And what an introduction. Matt Smith was brilliant. Karen Gillan was gorgeous and sassy. The story was clever and fun. Really, it was a fantastic starting point for a new crew and new direction for Doctor Who. And that’s what’s so brilliant about Doctor Who; it’s the same show, with the same main character, yet can completely reinvent itself while maintaining its sameness.