Episode Ratings Grid

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Episode Power Rankings

The peaks and the valleys. Find the essential episodes — and the ones to skip.

#1
S1E7 8.5
The Power of Euphemism: How Torture Became a Matter of Debate in American Politics

Laurel comes under investigation about her potential involvement with the bug infestation. Also, Gustav and Rochelle discover a unique way to communicate with those infected by the bugs.

#2
S1E6 8.4
Notes Toward a Post-Reagan Theory of Party Alliance, Tribalist, and Loyalty: Past as Prologue

When Laurel is infected by the bugs, Gustav and Rochelle work quickly to figure out if there is any way to save her. When the Centers for Disease Control has its funding temporarily cut, Luke attempts to reach a compromise to have the money reinstated, but Red’s political machinations undermine him at every turn.

#3
S1E13 8.4
The End of All We Hold Dear: What Happens When Democracies Fail: A Brief Synopsis

Laurel discovers the secret to driving the bugs out of a person's brain and tests the tactic on her father. Armed with new knowledge, Laurel and Gareth attempt to expel the Queen bug out of Red's head once and for all. Laurel and Gareth progress in their romantic relationship.

#4 Six Points on the New Congressional Budget: The False Dichotomy of Austerity vs. Expansionary Policies S1E11 8.3
#5 Talking Points Toward a Wholistic View of Activism in Government: Can the Top Rebel? S1E12 8.3
#6 Wake Up Grassroots: The Nine Virtues of Participatory Democracy, and How We Can Keep America Great by Encouraging an Informed Electorate S1E4 8.0
#7 Back to Work: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Congress and How It Gets Things Done (and Often Doesn't) S1E5 8.0
#8 Goring Oxes: How You Can Survive the War on Government Through Five Easy Steps S1E3 7.9
#9 Taking on Water: How Leaks in D.C. Are Discovered and Patched S1E9 7.8
#10 The Path to War Part One: The Gathering Political Storm S1E8 7.7

Lowlights

#13 S1E1 The Insanity Principle: How Extremism in Politics Is Threatening Democracy in the 21st Century 7.5

When Laurel Healy returns home to Washington, D.C. to work for her brother, Senator Luke Healy, on Capitol Hill, she is caught in the midst of two huge problems: the government has stopped working due to budgetary disagreements, and mysterious bugs are eating the brains of a growing number of Congress members and Hill staffers.

#12 Playing Politics: Living Life in the Shadow of the Budget Showdown - A Critique S1E2 7.6
#11 The Path to War Part Two: The Impact of Propaganda on Congressional War Votes S1E10 7.7
#10 The Path to War Part One: The Gathering Political Storm S1E8 7.7
#9 Taking on Water: How Leaks in D.C. Are Discovered and Patched S1E9 7.8

The Quality Arc

Each point is an episode, plotted in order. Colored bands mark season boundaries. Look for the rise, the plateau, or the decline.

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Episode Engagement

High votes + high rating = beloved classic. High votes + low rating = notorious stinker. Low votes + high rating = hidden gem.

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