1. Hannibal, "Aperitif" (Season 1, Episode 1)
A midseason replacement on NBC's slate, Hannibal is that rare series that can be a spinoff of not only a successful book series, but Silence of the Lambs and its companion films and still stand on its own as a great series. From the mind of Bryan Fuller, the writer behind Pushing Daisies, Wonderfalls, and Dead Like Me, it's no surprise that the series has its own very particular, very prominent visual aesthetic. Still, that's only the first of several elements that will pull new viewers right in. Hannibal is one of a very small number of series airing currently on a Big 3 network (a second season has been ordered by NBC) that can term itself both horror/thriller while also possessing a strong extended storyline. This isn't a show that you can tune into during a random episode and easily follow but there's some real value in the investment that is required by the series' very nature. Mads Mikkelsen gives a subversive performance as Hannibal Lecter, everyone's favorite cannibal psychiatrist. With High Dancy as Will Graham and Laurence Fishburne as Jack Crawford, the show is an underrated gem in the mainstream TV landscape, and one for which it is best to start with the first course.
What do you think? Did I miss any great introductory episodes? What other shows and episodes would you add to my list? Sound off in the comments section below!