18 Best TV Episodes Of 2017 (So Far)

18. Hooli-Con - Silicon Valley

From a narrative point-of-view, Silicon Valley's fourth season wasn't quite as strong as previous ones, with too much repetition of the 'one step forward, two steps back' device. It's a good job, then, that it did at least remain one of the funniest shows on TV, and while the season wasn't as tight as normal, it all came together in the penultimate episode, Hooli-Con.

Taking its name from the convention it's set at, it also serves as a reference to the plot, as Richard plans to piggyback on the Hooli app. One of the reasons this episode is so great is the turning point it marks for Richard and the show: he's no longer the unlucky good guy, but instead begins a dark descent - breaking bad, if you will.

That downfall drives the episode's plot and gives it a sense of excitement, but it's mined superbly for laughs too. Dinesh and Gilfoyle are their excellent sniping selves - and the way the camera focuses on Dinesh when he visits Mia, and learns how dangerous she is, is some great direction - but the real MVP, as he was all season, is Jared.

Zach Woods has long been superb, but this instalment is the best showcase of his comic talents, in particular once he starts to break down at the end. His well natured empathy and attempt to maintain a sense of control lead to some priceless reactions, all culminating in him blowing up in a fit of rage, before the surprising turn of events at the end, with things blowing up again in a rather different sense.