Fancast: Inside TV

With the strike affecting so many in the entertainment industry and the strike taking place over sites like Fancast, the "new media" that gives viewers untraditional platforms to watch their television, we figured we have our role to play.

So, from now until the end of the strike, in honor of the writers, we'll be featuring an episode a day, putting the writers very best work on display for all to see. And if these classic episodes aren't enough to convince you that the writers deserve a piece of the pie, nothing will.

So enjoy folks and don't forget that all great television is fueled by the writers room.

Wayne: Uh, I just wanted to say something. It hasn't been easy for us wildcats. You know. Some have cried, some have died, some fought the battle, some the spike, broken promises, ungrateful children, a bypass surgery, and a bad dose of clap."

» The Riches: Pilot - Watch it on Fancast

Season 1: Episode 1
Air Date: March 12th, 2007

Episode Written By: Dmitry Lipkin

'The Riches' is the story of the Malloy family, lead by Wayne (Eddie Izzard) and Dahlia (Minnie Driver). The husband and wife, along with their three children are 'Travelers,' an underground community of Irish con-artists.

As the series kicks off, Dahlia has just been paroled after a two-year stint in prison. During that time, Wayne and the kids have struggled to keep it together, traveling the country pulling off short cons, biding their time.

Without ruining the story, after complications (to put it lightly) arise among the clan of 'Travelers,' the family is forced to flee. After a freak car accident, the Malloys end up taking over the identity of the Riches, a wealthy family from Louisiana.

Watching the family attempt to assimilate into a normal life as 'buffers' (the 'Traveler' term for 9 to 5ers) is fascinating. The premise allows the writers the forum to provide a smart and layered examination of how much of our own identity we're willing to sacrifice in pursuit of the 'American Dream.'

While 'Requiem for a 'Dream,' it ain't, with the tightly woven plot and tight dialogue, the stunning performance by Minnie Driver and the ability to stay grounded in the dynamic of family while exploring other themes, 'The Riches' is a series even even the most conservative 'buffer' can enjoy.

Kyle: Ma’am, there are empty houses all over Jericho and we sleep in a shelter.

Gail: Those are our neighbors’ homes. They were gone when the bombs went off. They’re coming back!

Kyle: Well, wherever your neighbors are, I hope nobody’s kicking them out of town in the middle of winter.

» Jericho: One Man's Terrorist - Watch it on Fancast

Season 1: Episode 17
Air Date: April 4th, 2007

Episode Written By: Stephen Chbosky

'One Man's Terrorist' is a great example of the richly textured storytelling that makes 'Jericho' such a rewarding experience. Beyond the action and excitement of the apocalypse, the story provides a layered examination of a town's moral psyche in the face of extreme circumstances.

The question of whether or not Mayor Grey should kick out the refugees is compelling. Does the Jericho have an obligation to help others if it puts them at risk? Or does the mayor have a responsibility to his own people above all else?

Tobias: First of all, I love it. Quick question, though: am I panicked about the fire, or am I being brave for everyone else?

Roger Danish: The fire? It’s ... it’s a fire sale.

» Arrested Development: Top Banana - Watch it on Fancast

Season 1: Episode 2
Air Date: November 9th, 2003

Episode Written By: Mitch Hurwitz

In the debate over the best television comedy of all time, only two shows need be mentioned. 'Arrested Development' and 'Seinfeld.' And while 'Arrested' never managed to garner the widespread appeal of 'Seinfeld,' history will remember it no less fondly. In fact, with the advent of TV on DVD and the ability to watch television online, the legend of 'AD' will only grow with time.

And in an amazing season, 'Top Banana' stands (a pun for fellow AD fans) ahead of the pack. The episode is a classic example of how 'AD' utilized the single-camera formula better than anyone. Absent the constraint of a laughtrack the writers ability to pack so much into a single episode is unrivaled.

There are no A and B storylines in 'Arrested.' Just one side-splitting joke after another. In 'Top Banana' alone we had T-Bone the flamer ("He's an arsonist not an embezzler."), George Senior's love affair with Ice Cream sandwiches, "No touching!", GOB's frozen dove and maybe the best scene in the series, Tobias' audition for the 'Southwest Boutique Fire.... Sale.'

Honestly, if you haven't yet, do yourself a favor and watch the episode. And if you have, well, you probably started watching two paragraphs ago.

Frank: If I'm going to prove that Mac is guilty, I gotta apply a little pressure. I'm gonna get a chainsaw.

Charlie: A chainsaw? You can't just torture someone because you think they're guilty.

Frank: Oh, don't give me that liberal b***s***.

» Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Mac is a Serial Killer - Watch it on Fancast

Season 3: Episode 10
Air Date: October 18th, 2007

Episode Written By: David Hornsby

Probably the best episode of season three, 'Mac is a Serial Killer,' is giggle inducing from the very first line. The woefully inept Charlie playing the role of attorney is a priceless twist to Frank's attempt to prove Mac a serial killer.

The B Story is equally hilarious, with Dennis and Dee's narcissistic attempt to catch the serial killer pulled off as only the siblings can. Throw in Frank's chainsaw and his face in the closing shot of the ep and you've got a thing of beauty.

Seriously though, if you don't feel like watching the whole episode, just watch the last scene. DeVito's face is priceless.

Dwight: I keep various weapons strategically placed around the office. I saved Jim’s life with a can of pepper spray I had Velcroed under my desk. People say, 'Oh, it's dangerous to keep weapons in the home or office.' Well I say, it’s better to be hurt by someone you know accidentally, than by a stranger on purpose.

» The Office: Survivor Man - Watch it on Fancast

Season 4: Episode 13
Air Date: November 8th, 2007

Episode Written By: Mindy Kaling

It's really tough to try and pick an episode from this season and I'm sure when it's all said and done 'The Office' will provide the episode of the day more often than not. But for now, 'Survivor Man' wins out on account of Dwight.

Since the breakup with Angela, Dwight's arc for season four has seen him become a shell of his usual obnoxious, insane, Michael-loving self. Well he's back with his funniest performance of the season. Dwight is always at his best when him and Michael are playing off of each other and 'Survivor Man' shows off their chemistry in all its glory.

Honestly, the amount of classic lines that results from their time together in this ep is almost too much to physically endure. It's great if you haven't seen it yet, but it might be even better if you already have.