4. Hush (4×11)
“Hush” is a very special episode of BtVS that came during a season that was getting a lukewarm response when compared to Seasons 2 and 3.  It was written by Joss Whedon to prove that the success of the show wasn’t solely based on the dialog alone.  This episode only has about 17 minutes of dialog out of 44.  The creatures in “Hush” are some of the scariest of the whole series.  It also introduces the character of Tara.
In addition to some really great creepy moments, “Hush” has one of the funniest moments in the show’s history when Giles uses a series of overhead transparencies to explain who the creatures are, how they kill, and how a scream will kill them.  Buffy makes a particular motion that gives some of the best reactions of the series.  One thing the show never really gets into much is Sunnydale’s reaction to some events. In this episode the townspeople thinks they have been inflicted with laryngitis, which I find amusing.  This is the only episode to be nominated for an Emmy and it’s easy to see why:  it’s humorous, dark, witty, and just an all around great thrill ride.
Most excellent list! Anyanka’s death in The Chosen always got to me too…
Personally, I always had a soft spot for The Zeppo.
Thanks!! I also love The Zeppo, Storyteller, and Superstar. This was a hard list to make for sure.
So glad that Hush is on here – it has always been my favorite – nothing like The Gentleman to make life a little creepier.