There are many building blocks of the internet, but the cornerstones are think pieces, offhand lists, and other hollow provocations meant to stir arguments and, therefore, briefly redirect web traffic. Engaging such material is utterly pointless. Then again, it’s not like I have anything better to do.

I’m not sure what prompted Vanity Fair to compile their new list of perfect TV episodes spanning the past quarter century. That twenty-five years designation provides the very odd starting point of 1998, which sort of seems like it was done just so they could get a favorite Friends episode into the mix. Whatever the reason, it’s a fine tally full of unassailable selections. Of course, that doesn’t mean we can’t cite a few more worthy entrants.

“Bart the Mother,” The Simpsons

Airdate: September 27, 1998

Written by David X. Cohen

I understand that The Simpsons was decisively past its astounding heyday by the list’s designated starting for eligibility, but the nearly unparalleled comic creation was still about to crack off truly great episodes around the time its season count moved into double digits. This episode, which shows off Bart’s sweeter side as he tends to a pair of orphaned eggs, is proof of the show’s enduring strength.

“Hush,” Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Airdate: December 14, 1999

Written by Joss Whedon

I assume the absence of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a cult classic and critical darling that used to always crop on these sorts of lists, is due to the layer of ick now on Joss Whedon, the series creator and main authorial voice on most of the standout episodes. I can’t argue with that, but I also can’t fathom leaving off this effective dialogue-free exercise that’s also the scariest episode in the whole run.

“Discos and Dragons,” Freaks and Geeks

Airdate: July 8, 2000

Written by Paul Feig

The fate of Freaks and Geeks wasn’t official when Paul Feig wrote and directed the last episode of its inaugural season, but the network had written SEE ME in intimidating red ink on this bittersweet essay on high school life circa 1980. The title cliques are scrambled in away that feels triumphant. I adore this episode.

“A Lie Agreed Upon (Part I),” Deadwood

Airdate: March 6, 2005

Written by David Milch

The grand, glorious mayhem of the over-the-fuckin’-balcony fight scene between the two series principals that culminates in Ian McShane’s Al Swearingen, caked in blood and mud, announcing “Welcome to fuckin’ Deadwood” with equal parts menace and hospitality is this masterful show epitomized.

“Cooperative Calligraphy,” Community

Written by Megan Ganz

Airdate: November 11, 2010

“Well, tell your disappointment to suck it. I’m doing a bottle episode.” Community took bigger swings than this episode that finds the study group spiraling into over a missing pen, but the meta snap of the series was rarely realized with more rock-solid storytelling skill.

“Flu Season,” Parks and Recreation

Airdate: January 27, 2011

Written by Norm Hiscock

This is the episode where Parks and Recreation finally got past all of its growing pains and bloomed into the series that it would be through its exceptional middle seasons. Like all of the show’s best outings, it finds an ideal balance between hysterical gags and real heart.

“St. Mark’s Place,” Broad City

Airdate: March 18, 2015

Written by Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer

The second season finale of Broad City follows the two leads through a birthday night spent on and around the title street in New York’s East Village. As usual, there are plenty of shenanigans at play. The real joy of the episode, though, is the way it effectively focuses on. the deep friendship between Abbi and Ilana.

“Dance Dance Resolution,” The Good Place

Airdate: September 28, 2017

Written by Megan Amram

After the amazing late-season twist that entirely upended everything that came before, it was hard to fathom where The Good Place could go moving forward. This episode, early in the second season, provided the answer: It would get more audacious, more inventive, and significantly richer.

“The Box,” Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Airdate: April 1, 2018

Written by Luke Del Tredici

A rare instance of Brooklyn Nine-Nine sticking with a single storyline, the episode knowingly riffs on star Andre Braugher’s famed interrogation scenes in Homicide: Life on the Street. Braugher is predictably great in the episode. Andy Samberg is right there with him, and casting Sterling K. Brown as the suspect was a coup.

“This Extraordinary Being,” Watchmen

Airdate: November 24, 2019

Written by Damon Lindelof and Cord Jefferson

Series creator Damon Lindelof started from the fact that there was one significant superhero character in the acclaimed comic book series he was adapting and worked with Cord Jefferson to write a riveting episode that powerfully encompasses the themes of persistent, systemic American racism that gave this whole project uncommon depth and heft.

“Long, Long Time,” The Last of Us

Airdate: January 29, 2023

Written by Craig Mazin

I mean, this year’s most perfect TV episode should be on the list, right?

I have chomped on digital bait before.