The Best Episodes Written By Ben Karlin

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   8.0/10(1 votes)

   #1 - Gallagher

   S4:E27/25/1997

   Space Ghost introduces 'Space Time Quiz Fun 9000' and his 'contestants'. What follows is a rapid-fire conversation in more ways than one, as Odenkirk's growing addiction to power-band blasts results in a steady volley from Space Ghost.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin
2. 

   7.8/10(22 votes)

   #2 - ClosetCon '13

   S5:E811/20/2013

   With some urging from Claire, Jay begrudgingly agrees to return to ClosetCon this year, and things get interesting when Jay is reunited with some old colleagues. Cam takes Mitch and Lily to the Tucker family farm for the first time and is excited to fold them into country life, that is until Grams pays an unexpected visit. And back at home, Phil, Gloria and the kids get into some mischief involving Jay's very delicate Apollo 13 spacecraft model

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin
3. 

   7.8/10(21 votes)

   #3 - The Wedding (1)

   S5:E235/14/2014

   Mitch and Cam's big day is finally here and nothing can ruin it, until nothing turns into a whole lot of somethings and puts wedding planner extraordinaire Pepper Saltzman to the test. Meanwhile, Jay and Gloria host the Tuckers, Phil squeezes in an eye procedure before the festivities and Claire embraces her role as “best woman".

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin
4. 

   7.8/10(20 votes)

   #4 - Games People Play

   S4:E235/15/2013

   Phil gets a new RV for a fun family road trip. Jay and Gloria search for Manny's backpack. Lily's gymnastics meet brings out Cam and Mitch's competitive spirit.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin
5. 

   7.7/10(24 votes)

   #5 - Me? Jealous?

   S3:E142/8/2012

   Phil's preoccupation with a business opportunity blinds him to his new partner's inappropriate behavior around Claire. Meanwhile, Jay and Gloria may regret letting Mitchell and Cameron be their temporary house guests when their home is being fumigated.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin
6. 

   7.7/10(24 votes)

   #6 - Spring-a-Ding-Fling

   S5:E163/5/2014

   Cameron is in charge of the school's big spring dance, but when a popular teacher returns from sabbatical, a bit of not-so-friendly competition blooms. And with Claire on chaperone duty at the dance, Phil gets Haley to accompany him to his annual realtor's banquet and is looking forward to impressing his little girl. Elsewhere, Mitch starts a new job and can't seem to get a good read on the new boss or the work environment. Jay and Gloria babysit Lily and an accident with Gloria's purse ignites a case of whodunit and it's Lily's word against baby Joe's.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin
7. 

   7.5/10(24 votes)

   #7 - Punkin Chunkin

   S3:E911/23/2011

   When an old neighborhood kid returns to town as a hugely successful internet billionaire, it gets Phil thinking of what could have been. Jay feels Manny could use a little dose of constructive criticism, and Cameron is offended when Mitchell questions the authenticity of his colorful childhood stories.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin
8. 

   7.5/10(20 votes)

   #8 - When a Tree Falls

   S4:E911/28/2012

   Mitch and Cam try to save an old tree in the park. Jay takes Manny to a kid's Olympics-themed birthday party. Gloria and Claire have an eventful shopping trip.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin
9. 

   7.5/10(22 votes)

   #9 - A Hard Jay's Night

   S5:E194/2/2014

   Mitch struggles to hide his true feelings about the unflattering wedding topper Cam's father whittled out of soap for them, Phil tries to help Gloria sell her pre-Jay apartment but they get sidetracked at the neighborhood salon, and Claire and the kids head over to Jay's early to help him prep for the special night with the family he's hosting but they end up just butting heads.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Ben Karlin
10. 

    7.4/10(23 votes)

    #10 - Election Day

    S3:E194/11/2012

    Claire's race for town council comes to a head on Election Day as the Dunphys make phone calls for votes and Mitchell and Cameron take to the streets to campaign, while the candidate endures technical problems during some last-minute interviews.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Ben Karlin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Ben Karlin
11. 

    7.1/10(24 votes)

    #11 - The Wow Factor

    S4:E183/27/2013

    Claire and Cam bring in a third party (Wendi McLendon-Covey) when they reach an impasse on a landscaping decision; Phil teaches basic fix-it skills to the kids; Mitch helps Lily with a bully.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Ben Karlin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Ben Karlin
12. 

    5.2/10(10 votes)

    #12 - Oh, you’re the sun now? Giver of life?

    S1:E84/7/2022

    Joyce enjoys the spotlight as a guest on an iconic TV talk show while fighting against memories of her time in New York. Doug makes moves for Minx. Back home, Bambi and Richie discover Tina’s secret.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Ben Karlin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Ben Karlin
13. 

    5.2/10(10 votes)

    #13 - An exciting new chapter in the annals of erotica

    S1:E43/24/2022

    While David and Tina deal with Bottom Dollar’s financial woes, Joyce helps a sexy coverboy prep for Minx’s first presser.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Ben Karlin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Ben Karlin
14. 

    3.7/10(6 votes)

    #14 - The perils of being a wealthy widow

    S2:E17/21/2023

    One year into launching Minx Magazine, Joyce struggles to pick a new publisher she can trust. Drowning in debt, Doug scrambles to keep his company afloat. Shelly goes back to the ’burbs to focus on her family.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Ben Karlin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Ben Karlin