What Are The Best Episodes Of 'Gotham' Ranked?

Picking the 'best' episode of 'Rick & Morty' feels like trying to choose a favorite child—impossible, but I'll bite! For me, 'The Rickshank Rickdemption' (S3E1) stands out as a masterpiece. It's got everything: Rick's chaotic escape from Galactic Federation prison, the hilarious 'Szechuan sauce' meme catalyst, and that jaw-dropping reveal about Birdperson's fate. The pacing is relentless, and the satire of intergalactic bureaucracy is razor-sharp. Then there's 'Total Rickall' (S2E4), the parasite episode. It’s a brilliant parody of sitcom tropes, with fake memories spawning absurd new characters like 'Sleepy Gary' and 'Photography Raptor.' The way it plays with trust and reality while cramming in nonstop gags is pure genius. Honorable mention to 'Pickle Rick' (S3E3) for turning a ridiculous premise into a therapy session disguised as an action flick.

The episode 'Heart of Ice' from the Batman Animated Series is hands down one of the most emotionally gripping stories I've ever seen in animation. It redefined Mr. Freeze from a cheesy villain into a tragic figure with depth, thanks to that heartbreaking backstory about his wife Nora. The icy visuals and haunting score amplify the melancholy, making it feel more like a noir drama than a kids' show. What really sticks with me is the moral ambiguity—Freeze isn't just evil; he's a shattered man seeking vengeance against the corporate greed that ruined his life. The writing is tight, the voice acting (especially from Michael Ansara) is phenomenal, and it even won an Emmy. It's the kind of episode that makes you pause and think long after the credits roll.

The way 'Batman: Arkham City' weaves its narratives feels like diving into a graphic novel where every frame crackles with tension. My personal favorite is the main storyline where Bruce uncovers Hugo Strange's Protocol 10—it's this slow-burn conspiracy that peels back layers of Gotham's corruption, with those eerie announcements over the PA system ratcheting up the dread. And the Joker's arc? Heart-wrenching. Mark Hamill's performance makes you almost sympathize with this dying, desperate clown, especially when he hijacks the ending with that twisted 'choice' in the steel mill. Then there's the side missions, like the serial killer tracing Zsasz's calls—pure detective-mode gold that makes you feel like the World's Greatest Detective. The Mr. Freeze subplot deserves its own spotlight. That moment when you find Nora Fries and realize his tragic obsession mirrors Batman's own single-mindedness? Chills. Even smaller threads, like the political prisoners' audio logs or Riddler's taunts, build this oppressive atmosphere where every alley feels alive with stories. Rocksteady didn't just make a game—they bottled Gotham's soul.

Invader Zim has this weirdly perfect blend of dark humor, absurdity, and sheer chaos that makes it one of those shows where picking 'best' episodes feels like choosing between equally cursed children. But if I had to rank them, 'Dark Harvest' would absolutely be near the top. The sheer horror-comedy of Zim harvesting organs to fit in with human kids is both hilarious and deeply unsettling—classic Zim energy. The way it escalates from 'weird school project' to 'Gir eating the evidence' is peak storytelling for this show. Another standout is 'Bad, Bad Rubber Piggy,' where Dib’s obsession with proving Zim’s an alien reaches ridiculous heights. The rubber piggy sequence is iconic, and the episode’s pacing feels like a rollercoaster of absurdity. It’s one of those episodes where you can’t look away because you genuinely have no idea what’s coming next. Plus, any episode that features Dib’s unhinged determination is automatically gold. Then there’s 'The Nightmare Begins,' the pilot episode that sets the tone for the entire series. It’s a masterclass in introducing a world where nothing makes sense and everything is slightly off. Zim’s 'interview' with the Almighty Tallest is still one of the funniest scenes in the show, and Gir’s introduction as a malfunctioning disaster robot is perfect. It’s not the most polished episode, but it’s got this raw energy that hooks you immediately. Honorable mention to 'Game Slave 2,' where Zim’s obsession with a video game leads to some of the show’s most quotable lines ('I’m gonna win!'). The way it parodies gaming culture while also being genuinely tense is brilliant. And, of course, Gir’s 'DOOM DOOM DOOM' chant lives in my head rent-free. Honestly, ranking these feels unfair because even the 'weaker' episodes have moments that are pure genius. The whole show is a chaotic masterpiece.

Ranking 'Black Mirror' episodes is like picking favorite children—it feels impossible, but I’ll try! For me, 'San Junipero' stands at the top. It’s a rare gem in the series that balances existential dread with genuine warmth. The nostalgia-soaked 80s setting, the queer love story, and that bittersweet ending left me in tears. It’s the only episode where I felt hope instead of sheer terror. Close second? 'White Christmas'. Jon Hamm’s performance is chilling, and the nested stories—cookie consciousness, blocked perspectives, that horrifying time dilation punishment—are peak 'Black Mirror'. It’s the episode I recommend to newcomers because it encapsulates everything the show does best: tech as a double-edged sword. 'Hated in the Nation' rounds out my top three for its detective thriller vibe and that swarm of robotic bees—both ludicrous and terrifying.

One moment that stands out for me is from the 'Batman: The Animated Series'. It captures the essence of the character and his relationship with Gotham so perfectly. Remember that episode where Batman faces off against the Joker in a high-stakes game of wits, where they both try to outsmart each other? The tension was palpable! The clever dialogue and the flashbacks to their past encounters really highlighted the tragic complexity of their relationship. This isn't just a simple hero-villain dynamic; there's a deep history that makes each conflict feel personal. Then there's that gripping scene in 'Batman: Hush' when Batman and Catwoman are working together. Their chemistry is electric! The hunt for Hush unfolds alongside their blossoming feelings, creating a riveting blend of action and romance. The art in that storyline is phenomenal too, showcasing some of the best artwork in comic history. For me, those moments beautifully convey the struggle of love and duty that so many of us can relate to.

Batman’s encounters within Arkham Asylum have produced some of the most psychologically intense stories in comics. Grant Morrison’s 'Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth' is a masterpiece—it’s less about traditional heroics and more about diving into the madness of both Batman and his rogues’ gallery. The surreal artwork by Dave McKean adds layers of unease, making every page feel like a descent into chaos. What sticks with me is how Morrison explores Batman’s own fragility, framing Arkham as a mirror to his psyche. Then there’s 'Batman: Arkham Asylum Living Hell' by Dan Slott, which shifts focus to the inmates’ POV. It’s gritty, darkly humorous, and introduces Warren White, a white-collar criminal who learns the hard way that faking insanity lands you in real hell. Both stories redefine the asylum as a character itself—a place where sanity goes to die. For something more action-driven, 'Batman: The Last Arkham' by Alan Grant pits Batman against Jeremiah Arkham’s twisted reforms. It’s where we first meet Victor Zsasz in all his chilling glory, and the storyline’s claustrophobic tension makes it unforgettable. These arcs aren’t just about fights; they’re about the horror of what Arkham represents—a revolving door of trauma. I keep revisiting them because each read reveals new nuances in the art and writing.

Black Mirror has so many mind-bending episodes that picking the 'best' feels impossible, but if I had to choose one that stuck with me long after the credits rolled, it'd be 'San Junipero.' At first glance, it seems like a nostalgic love story set in a retro beach town, but the layers it peels back about mortality, digital consciousness, and the ethics of eternal happiness are hauntingly beautiful. The chemistry between Yorkie and Kelly feels raw and real, and that final shot of the server farm blinking with their uploaded souls? Chills. It’s rare for the show to offer something this hopeful yet bittersweet, and that’s why it stands out. On the flip side, 'White Bear' is the episode I can’t shake for entirely different reasons. The twist about the protagonist’s punishment being a twisted public spectacle left me questioning justice, voyeurism, and how far society might go for 'entertainment.' The handheld camera work amps up the discomfort, making you feel complicit. It’s not as philosophically tidy as 'San Junipero,' but it’s the kind of story that claws under your skin and stays there, whispering doubts about human nature long after you’ve turned off the screen.

Magpie, the cunning thief with a bird-themed persona, pops up in 'Gotham' season 1, episode 17 titled 'Red Hood'. She’s this fascinating blend of elegance and menace, played by Sarah Schenkkan, and her heist scenes are pure cat-and-mouse tension. What I love about her appearance is how it contrasts with the usual brute-force villains—she’s all about finesse, leaving riddles like some artful criminal poet. The episode dives into her obsession with shiny objects, which feels like a dark twist on collector culture. It’s a shame she didn’t get more screen time; her dynamic with Gordon had this weirdly charming vibe, like a twisted rom-com if Gotham ever needed one. Rewatching that episode recently, I noticed how Magpie’s style mirrors Gotham’s early tone—gritty but still playful. Her costume’s metallic feathers and that mask? Chef’s kiss. It’s a standout in a season packed with mob drama, and it makes me wish DC explored more of her backstory. Maybe in a spin-off? (Hey, a fan can dream.)

Poison Ivy's episodes in 'Batman: The Animated Series' are some of the most memorable, blending her eco-terrorist ethos with a seductive, dangerous charm. 'Pretty Poison' is a standout—her debut episode where she tries to off Harvey Dent with a poisoned kiss. The gothic romance vibe, her twisted affection for plants, and that iconic voice by Diane Pershing make it unforgettable. Then there's 'Eternal Youth,' where she turns a spa into a deadly trap, turning guests into trees. It's a perfect mix of body horror and her warped environmentalism. Her team-up with Harley in 'Harley and Ivy' is pure chaos, showcasing their hilarious yet toxic dynamic. The way she manipulates people while remaining oddly principled about nature is fascinating. Another gem is 'House & Garden,' where she fakes rehabilitation but is secretly creating a monstrous plant hybrid family. The twist ending is chilling, and it highlights her inability to truly connect with humans—only her plants. What I love about Ivy in BTAS is how she’s not just a villain; she’s a tragic figure. Her episodes often critique corporate greed and environmental neglect, making her more than a one-note baddie. The animation style leans into her art deco glamour, and the writing gives her depth—like when she briefly allies with Batman in 'Chemistry,' showing a sliver of empathy. BTAS understood her better than most adaptations.