The Top 40 Episodes of 2004, 20-11

#20. Chappelle’s Show “Episode 204” (Original Airdate: February 11, 2004) – This is the episode that skyrocketed Dave Chappelle from a mere cult comic hit into a breakout smash. Charlie Murphy, brother of Eddie, recalls stories of instances when he had to fight pop star Rick James. The 80s spoof created a catchphrase used in frat houses throughout the country.

#19. South Park “The Passion of the Jew” (Original Airdate: March 31, 2004) – Another dose of Matt Stone and Trey Parker’s merciless eye for hilarious satire, an insane Mel Gibson screaming “Qapla” and defecating on Cartman, who started his own Nazi society subtly disguised a fan club for The Passion.

#18. Rescue Me “Guts” (Original Airdate: July 21, 2004) – A show which helped FX become a triple threat with 3 critically acclaimed highly rated shows, the commercial free premiere helped set the stage for an interesting story of NYC fire fighters dealing with everyday life after the 9/11 sympathy died down, even if the memories are still there.

#17. Arrested Development “The One Where They Build a House” (Original Airdate: November 14, 2004) Simply brilliant, from the call backs to season 1, Tobias’ using his Blue Man Group make up to hide from Lindsey and the “Mission Accomplished” banner. It is episodes like this one that shows that this is the only sitcom that matters.

#16. The Sopranos “All Due Respect” (Original Airdate: June 6, 2004) – A fine way to wrap up the season, with an interesting twist involving Soprano’s rival Johnny Sack getting arrested in a surprise raid. Also, while Tony’s murder of his cousin is despicable, we can understand why, which is one of the reasons why the episode worked. And working in Van Morrison’s “Glad Tidings” 3 times is always a plus.

#15. Lost “Raised by Another” (Original Airdate: December 1, 2004) – As if this show didn’t pose enough questions, the shockers in this episode (the psychic knew about the crash. Claire’s baby is of significant importance. Ethan wasn’t on the plane!) were some of the best ones to stay awake speculating about. William Mapother (Tom Cruise’s cousin) as Ethan couldn’t be any creepier, especially with that evil blank stare.

#14. Desperate Housewives “Guilty” (Original Airdate: November 28, 2004) – Things came to a head and we got some juicy details regarding the mystery behind Mary Alice’s suicide. It wasn’t a big surprise to know that the neighborhood’s Gladys Kravitz Mrs. Huber was the one behind the vague note, but her attack (by the blender she stole from Mary Alice, ironically) and murder at the hands of Mary Alice’s widower, super creepy Paul, was a major turning point for the show.

#13. Chappelle’s Show “Episode 212” (Original Airdate: April 7, 2004) – Best sport of the year goes to Wayne Brady, who threw away his “Goody Two Shoes” persona for a drive by shooting, hooker threatening, cop killing psychopath, taking Dave along from the ride. “They canceled my show, and s--- goes crazy” and “Is Wayne Brady gonna have to chock a b----?” are two highlights.

#12. 24 “Day 3: 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM” (Original Airdate: March 30, 2004) – After a 5 week hiatus, 24 came back with guns blazing. Ready to atone for an uneven season, 4-5 AM provided a great vehicle for Reiko Aylesworth as Michelle Dessler, CTU agent trying to prevent a major panic in a hotel where a deadly virus has been unleashed as people are starting to wake up. This is 24 at its best. It’s amazing how we were riveted by one of our worst post-9/11 nightmares.

#11. Arrested Development “Pier Pressure” (Original Airdate: January 11, 2004) – This delightfully twisted spin on the “teach the son a lesson” formula had strippers, medicinal marijuana and a one armed man. Something for everyone.

Tomorrow: The top 10! 2 series finales, 1 series premiere, the virtues of voting via gangsta rap, the worst episode of the year and the number one episode of the year! Until then, the remote is yours.