The Slatest for Sept. 18: The Greatest Stand-Alone TV Episodes of All Time

All of these shows produced a truly great stand-alone episode—one that exemplifies the best of what television can be and makes total sense if you’ve never watched the rest of the series.

From classic bottle episodes to daring formal experiments, Slate staffers have rounded up the most memorable installments of television that can stand entirely on their own, and where to watch them. It’s a true gift in an era when it feels like there’s both endless TV and nothing to watch.

Plus: Jenny G. Zhang asked showrunners and TV writers to pick their favorites.

It’s a waste of time for Democrats to moan about replacing Biden and Harris, David Faris writes—the cake is baked for 2024, and now we all have to … er, eat it? He explains why trying to change the Democratic ticket would cause more problems than it would solve.

People stress about elderly parents watching Fox News or OAN. But there’s another channel that’s even worse—and Maud Newton’s mother is hooked on it.

Coming fresh off the Beetlejuice vaping (and … other things) scandal, Lauren Boebert will now help decide whether to shut down the government. Ben Mathis-Lilley reflects on the wonders of U.S. democracy.

And in related political news: Jim Newell explains why the Freedom Caucus is outraged at its own government funding bill.

Rebecca Onion has discovered the best form of cardio for people who otherwise can’t stand cardio. She explains why you’ll find her carrying around a weighted backpack.

It’s more likely than you might think! Legal experts explained to Shirin Ali why they’re not too worried about the ability of the courts to assemble unbiased juries for one of the most polarizing people in America.

… much like the struggles Michigan has faced in recent years: “Factory closures, population loss, Motown Records moving to Los Angeles, Ohio State beating Michigan like 20 times in a row,” Ben Mathis-Lilley writes. It’s been a tough time for the Great Lakes State—but the United Auto Workers strike is just the latest example of how things are turning around.

Thanks so much for reading! We’ll see you tomorrow.