The BEST episodes directed by Michael Lessac
#1 - Tony's Comeback
Taxi - Season 4 - Episode 19
Tony begins working out with a new cabbie, Lucius, who is a former football player. Tony is in great shape all of a sudden and Lucius inspires Tony to try to get his boxing license reinstated. Tony is not hopeful that the boxing commission will reinstate him, so he is surprised when he gets his license back. In addition, he getes a major fight scheduled with a promising young fighter. Meanwhile, Lucius goes away to Miami to try out for the Dolphins. Without Lucius around, Tony loses his motivation and his training suffers. At the fight, he is getting pummelled until Lucius, who has learned that he has made the Dolphins, arrives to inspire him. With Lucius' support, Tony turns the fight around and knocks out his opponent.
Watch Now:Amazon
#2 - Brother
Everybody Loves Raymond - Season 2 - Episode 3
At the urging of his parents and Debra, Raymond reluctantly takes Robert for a night out on the anniversary of his brother's divorce.
#3 - Father Knows Least
Everybody Loves Raymond - Season 2 - Episode 2
When Marie and Frank's stubbornness goes to far, Ray gets to use the "active technique" he and Debra learned in parenting class on his parents.
Watch Now:Apple TV
#4 - Louie Goes Too Far
Taxi - Season 4 - Episode 10
When Louie spies on Elaine changing in the garage bathroom, she enlists a NOW representative's help and gets Louie fired. Louie appeals to Elaine at her apartment one evening though and begs her forgiveness (and her help getting his job back). After Louie exhibits actual remorse and demonstrates through a touching story that he knows how it feels to be violated, Elaine accepts his apology (and presumably gets him rehired at the garage).
#5 - Ray's on TV
Everybody Loves Raymond - Season 2 - Episode 1
Ray is devastated when he discovers his family lied to him about his television debut on a sports talk show. When he gets a second chance to appear on the same show, his family decides it's time they gave him some pointers on how to correct his awkwardness with certain words.
#6 - Pilot
The Drew Carey Show - Season 1 - Episode 1
Drew's best friend Kate breaks up with her live-in boyfriend, who then fires her from her job as receptionist at his body shop. She pleads with Drew to hire her at Winfred-Louder, but he insists that he isn't supposed to give jobs to his friends. While conducting interviews for an opening in the cosmetics department, Drew meets Mimi Bobeck, a very hostile woman who wears a ton of make-up. Although Drew tries to be polite, Mimi realizes that he is not going to hire her. She throws a tantrum in the middle of the office and accuses Drew of discriminating against her because of her looks. She complains to his boss, Mr. Bell, and gets him into hot water. Drew runs into Mimi that night at his hangout, the Warsaw. When she confronts him, he says that her attitude is her biggest problem. He admits that her looks might prevent her from getting some jobs that rely on appearance, but suggests that she learn to deal with this--as he does. She does not take kindly to his advice. Kate applies for the job in cosmetics, but Drew worries that she will hate him when he inevitably has to fire her. The problem is taken out of his hands when Mr. Bell becomes smitten with Kate and orders Drew to hire her.
Watch Now:Apple TV#7 - Hi, Society
Newhart - Season 7 - Episode 11
Dick fills in for Michael and takes Stephanie to a high society charity ball. Dick is the life of the party after Stephanie tells everyone that Dick owns a large hotel chain.
#8 - Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Loudon
Newhart - Season 5 - Episode 19
Dick gains an unwanted reputation as an acerbic wit after verbally assaulting an inept guest.
#9 - Murder at the Stratley
Newhart - Season 7 - Episode 21
The townspeople accuse Dick or murdering Joanna after her "disappearance" strangely fits the scenario of his first murder-mystery novel, "Murder at the Stratley".
#10 - Poetry and Pastries
Newhart - Season 8 - Episode 3
Dick is chosen to judge the annual Poetry and Pastry contest. Miss Goddard, the reigning champion, uses her feminine wiles to try to influence the judging. Michael throws an all-male baby shower.
#11 - Jumpin' George
Newhart - Season 8 - Episode 11
George plans on never sleeping again when he's plagued by a recurring nightmare. Michael & Stephanie use 'wombphones' to educate their future child.
#12 - Homes and Jo-Jo
Newhart - Season 7 - Episode 19
Joanna gets her own realty television show providing a great lead-in for Vermont Today. Dick loves the big ratings but can't stand Joanna's amorous co-host. Meanwhile, one of the Darryls' receives a manservant as a present.
#13 - My Two and Only
Newhart - Season 5 - Episode 7
A new friend threatens Larry's position as family leader.
#14 - Cupcake on My Back
Newhart - Season 7 - Episode 12
Michael goes into debt after spending lavishly on Annual Cupcake Day.
#15 - Dick and Tim
Newhart - Season 8 - Episode 21
Dick finagles his way into a weekly poker game with Tim Conway. Unaware of Tim's cheap nature, Dick drives him away after raising a quarter.
#16 - Daddy's Little Girl
Newhart - Season 8 - Episode 18
After another shopping spree for baby Steph, Dick teaches Michael that materialism isn't the best way to raise a child. A skeptical Michael becomes convinced after a haunting dream depicts a possible future. Julia Duffy plays grown-up baby Steph.
#17 - Here's to You Mrs. Loudon
Newhart - Season 6 - Episode 1
Joanna has trouble dumping a 16-year-old boy with a crush on her. George searches for a nickname.
#18 - High Fidelity
Newhart - Season 5 - Episode 4
Dick endures the townspeople's pity when Joanna and new friend Hal are suspected by everyone of having an affair.
#19 - Attack of the Killer Aunt
Newhart - Season 8 - Episode 9
Joanna's Aunt Louise visits bearing gifts, despite her long-standing opinion that Joanna is much too good for Dick.
#20 - Lights! Camera! Contractions!
Newhart - Season 8 - Episode 12
It's baby time for the Harris' as Steph's baby is about to be born. Michael is determined to capture the birth on tape over Stephanie's objections.
#21 - It's My Party and I'll Die if I Want To
Newhart - Season 5 - Episode 15
Cousin Ned Vanderkellen's 100th birthday party goes smoothly... until Cousin Ned drops dead.
#22 - Laugh at My Wife Please
Newhart - Season 6 - Episode 11
Joanna delivers Dick's unfunny speech when she's picked to give historical presentations to tour groups. George babysits the Darryls while Larry vacations.
#23 - Norm Dates Danny's Dad
The Norm Show - Season 1 - Episode 3
Danny's dad comes to town and takes a liking to Norm. Norm fears he might be hitting on him. Danny feels neglected by his father.
#24 - Goonstruck
Newhart - Season 7 - Episode 5
Stephanie is attracted to the virile young stomemason working at the Inn.
#25 - Nature Abhors a Vacuum
The Drew Carey Show - Season 1 - Episode 4
Drew fires Suzie, an incompetent employee, only to learn that she had been involved with Mr. Bell. Drew worries about Mr. Bell's reaction. Kate goes to Bell with the proposal that the store start a day spa to increase sales in the cosmetics department. Bell is very impressed with the idea, and wants to meet with Drew and Kate at the Warsaw to further discuss the proposal. However, Drew learns that Bell is really trying to make Kate his latest conquest. She insists that she can take care of herself, but needs some help from Drew when Bell begins hitting on her. After she leaves, a drunken Bell makes Drew stay at the bar and sing with him all night. He tries to force Drew to help him get a date with Kate. Drew re-hires Suzie so that Bell will leave Kate alone. He is unaware that Kate has already confronted Bell, who agreed to stop hitting on her and asked her to run the new spa. After Suzie's re-hiring, he gives her the job instead. Kate realizes that Drew was just trying to h
#26 - Alex the Gofer
Taxi - Season 5 - Episode 7
Alex, who loves the theater, takes a part time job as a gofer for a young producer and director, but soon feels mistreated by his younger bosses. Louie, spying on Alex at his new job, spots Alex being humiliated and uncharacteristically does not make fun of him; rather, he tries to convince Alex to stand up for himself and tell the director off. Alex is considering this when the director suddenly has a change of heart and apologizes for mistreating Alex and ignoring one of his earlier suggestions. As a result, Alex regains his dignity.
#27 - A Picture's Worth ... $9.95
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 7
Grace and Russell make plans for a double blind date; Libby is harassing baby Patrick.
#28 - Grace Under Oath
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 8
Watching a talk show on tv, Grace sees her ex-husband brag about how his lawyer got him thousands for an injury and Grace decides to push for child support.
#29 - Grace in the Middle
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 9
Wade gets fed up with his job at the phone company and takes a new job as the 'in the air, on the air' reporter.
#30 - Say Goodnight, Gracie
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 10
Grace's status at the refinery becomes permanent and she gets a raise, but has to take the night shift and will miss the school play Libby is in playing a pork chop.
#31 - Keeping Faith
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 11
When Grace brings her depressed sister, Faith, home for the holidays, she learns that Faith has been having an affair with a married man.
#32 - With this Ring
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 12
When Great Grandma Kelly leaves her heirloom ring in the keeping of Grace, the Kelly clan blows a fuse.
#33 - Simply Grace
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 13
Grace turns down the advances of a guy, but welcomes a gal who is a 'battered wife' needing help.
#34 - The Agony, the Ecstasy, and Bill Mazeroski
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 14
Needing her own space, Grace turns to the basement to create a room for herself and get some privacy.
#35 - When You Wish Upon a Star
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 15
A romantic weekend in the Windy City is blown away when Ryan fails to show up at the airport on time.
#36 - Grace and Beauty
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 17
Libby is entered in a beauty pageant with a friend. The two mothers don't hit it off very well. Libby sings "Tomorrow".
#37 - Tears of Joy
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 18
Quentin is totally out of control and getting into fights at school, so Grace takes him to a child psychologist.
#38 - It Happened One Week
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 19
Grace and Ryan have time for themselves when Faith takes the kids to visit their grandparents and the refinery is closed.
#39 - Things Left Undone
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 20
It is Mother's Day and mother comes to visit. Faith gives them an earful.
#40 - A Car and a Kiss
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 22
Grace's car is on its last legs and she goes shopping for a replacement. A neighbor is irate when she catches Libby kissing her son.
#41 - Grace Under Water
Grace Under Fire - Season 2 - Episode 1
Grace and the kids are set to wait out the big storm and rising flood when her ex arrives.
#42 - Good Ol' Grace
Grace Under Fire - Season 2 - Episode 2
Grace tries to smooth things over when a new female employee charges Bill with sexual discrimination.
#43 - June 15, 1997
Grace Under Fire - Season 2 - Episode 3
Grace lets Quentin and Libby care for themselves while she goes to work. Her new boss makes it clear that he is only concerned with himself and his retirement.
#44 - Pitch and Woo
Grace Under Fire - Season 2 - Episode 4
Grace dates a minor-league ballplayer while Faith wants a major commitment from Russell who backs off.
#45 - Jimmy's Girl
Grace Under Fire - Season 2 - Episode 5
Jimmy's new girl friend comes to Grace for advice and Grace gives her the bitter truth. Otherwise, Grace has problems with her credit card.
#46 - Pilot
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 1
Grace has divorced her abusive husband and is faced with supporting their three children. In the premiere episode, she takes a job at an oil refinery and dates the local druggist. Quentin gets into fights at school.
#47 - Up on the Roof
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 2
Quentin's bad moods are puzzling to Grace. Perhaps he needs a male role model. Grace tells Russell that she is not ready to have a new relationship. These serious discussions take place up on the roof.
#48 - Grace Undergraduate
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 3
Grace and Nadine take a night out and flirt with some frat boys, while Russell and Wade try to steal Russell's dog which his ex-wife got as part of the property settlement.
#49 - The Good, the Bad and the Pharmacist
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 4
Grace is angry when her paycheck is attached to pay the back taxes of her ex-husband; Russell's ex-wife upsets a date with Grace when she decides to return to him.
#50 - Second Time Around
Grace Under Fire - Season 1 - Episode 5
The 'nice' guy Grace meets, at the behest of Nadine to attend a 'second time around' meeting, turns out to be Nadine's first husband (of three, she married the second twice. Wade is #4).