Certain TV episodes get a reputation for being terrible, but often they’re not as bad as people say. Even the best shows have weaker episodes. When a show is truly great, those less successful installments really stand out. It’s normal for an average show to have an average episode, but when popular shows like Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad don’t deliver, viewers tend to remember it more.
As a film and TV obsessive, I’ve noticed how some episodes just become… infamous. Take Lost‘s “Stranger in a Strange Land” – everyone remembers it as ‘the tattoo episode,’ and it’s often brought up as the one truly weak link in an otherwise great show. It’s funny how these moments stick with a series, becoming either a running joke or a cautionary tale. And honestly, most shows have at least one of these episodes, though I don’t always think they deserve the negativity they get.
4) “The Bells” – Game of Thrones
As a huge fan of Game of Thrones, I have to admit the final season really frustrated a lot of us. While there were several things people didn’t like – like Bran becoming king and the surprisingly quick defeat of the Night King – nothing caused more debate than the episode “The Bells.” Seeing Daenerys burn King’s Landing felt like a huge turning point, and honestly, it led to a really unsatisfying end for Cersei and set up all the problems that followed. It just didn’t feel earned, and a lot of us were left disappointed.
The episode “The Bells” is often criticized, largely because of Daenerys’ sudden turn to villainy. Many viewers felt this plot point was unearned and rushed, along with other character inconsistencies – like Jon Snow having meaningful dialogue or Tyrion Lannister displaying his usual wit. However, the episode isn’t entirely flawed. It features stunning visuals – some of the best in modern fantasy television – and strong performances from the actors. Plus, it delivered on long-awaited moments like the Clegane brothers’ battle, which fans appreciated.
3) “The Lost Sister” – Stranger Things
I really enjoyed Season 2 of Stranger Things! It builds on everything that made the first season great, especially by delving into what happened after Will went missing and how Eleven was adjusting to life in Hawkins. There was one episode, though – Episode 7, “The Lost Sister” – that didn’t quite work for me. It took Eleven on a detour to Chicago to find another girl with powers, her sister Kali, and followed this group of vigilantes targeting people connected to Hawkins Lab. While interesting, it felt disconnected from the main story and, honestly, it’s the one part of the season I don’t love as much.
Kali encourages Eleven to live a life focused on revenge, but Eleven ultimately understands she needs to be back in Hawkins and doesn’t want to resort to violence. This storyline, revealed in flashbacks during Season 4, feels forced and isn’t fully explored later on, making it a controversial part of the show for many fans. However, I believe this arc is important for Eleven’s development and isn’t as weak as some people claim, even if it does feel a little out of place. The negative reaction is understandable, but perhaps a bit strong, and it’s possible that Season 5 will revisit this plot and give viewers a new perspective on it.
2) “The Great Divide” – Avatar: The Last Airbender
Many fans point to the episode “The Great Divide” as a weak spot in the otherwise excellent series Avatar: The Last Airbender. While it’s true the episode feels like a detour from the main story, it’s not a huge issue when you consider that early episodes of the show often stood alone. Plus, it was common for TV shows at the time to include these types of filler episodes, and each chapter is short – less than 30 minutes – so it doesn’t drag on too much.
“The Great Divide” has been criticized for being too preachy, and the episode’s ending, where Aang lies, adds to the problem. Some argue Aang doesn’t really learn a valuable lesson, and instead learns that lying can be a solution. However, the twist is funny and highlights the fact that doing the right thing doesn’t always lead to peace. While it’s not the strongest episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender, it’s also not as bad as some people say. It’s easy to forget about it when considering the show’s many successes.
1) “Fly” – Breaking Bad
Whether you love it or hate it, Breaking Bad Season 3, Episode 10, titled “Fly,” definitely sparks debate. Many viewers actually consider it a weak episode. It’s true that “Fly” is a ‘bottle episode’ – meaning it takes place almost entirely in one location and often feels like a pause in the main story – and those tend to be hit or miss. But Breaking Bad handles it exceptionally well, using the seemingly simple problem of a fly in the lab to represent Walter White’s (Bryan Cranston) growing feelings of guilt. It’s a testament to the writers’ skill that they can explore such complex internal struggles so effectively.
The conversations between Walt and Jesse (Aaron Paul) are consistently strong, even though the episode doesn’t have a lot of major plot developments. From Jesse’s funny story about Ebola to his capture of a raisin and comment about the fly being clever, their dialogue really highlights what made Breaking Bad so popular. Although “Fly” is a slower episode, the situation is actually very serious; Walt points out that they can’t afford to make any mistakes, as even a small contamination could be fatal.
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2025-12-02 04:12