Here's a list of the best episodes, IMO: (no particular order)

S4Ep9 Margaret Learns To Drive - this is a departure from the normal serenity between Jim and Margaret. We learn Jim is not the one to impart his driving knowledge to Margaret.

S3Ep21 Short Wave - this is the episode virtually all sitcom fans have seen. The script is one-of-a-kind, or at least groundbreaking. Using Bud's short wave radio set, the Andersons witness a gripping sea drama unfolding a thousand miles away.

S2Ep22 The Bus to Nowhere - Betty is dissatisfied with her life, and is influenced by an essay written by a friend of Bud's, involving a bus trip. She is motivated to travel by bus--anywhere--but her angst is resolved by an event at the bus station.

S4Ep23 Poor Old Dad - sitcoms should be funny and this episode lives up to that rule. Bud is convinced Margaret rules the roost and events unfold to prove him correct--until Jim quickly improvises a plan to show he's wrong.

S1Ep12 The Christmas Story - this is another episode virtually everyone has seen. Jim wants a traditional Christmas, complete with a chopped-down tree. The Andersons head for the woods, but a snowstorm totally alters their plan. With guest Wallace Ford.

S5Ep30 - Formula for Happiness - an episode many would pick for this list. A dream which seems to play out in real life prompts Jim to pay attention when Kathy is talking.

S6Ep24 The $500 Letter - another memorable episode. The arrival of a $500 check prompts each Anderson to try to remember a good deed which motivated the sender of the gift. In the end we learn who the improbable do-gooder is.

S5Ep38 The Gold Turnip - Bud is disappointed by the high school graduation gift he anticipates from Jim--an heirloom watch. In the end Jim's stirring speech and an additional surprise gift change his mind.

S6Ep15 Bud Hides Behind a Skirt - Reminder--comedy--Bud in drag! Bud goes to this length to atone for his misdeed's effect on Betty.

S3Ep15 The Angel's Sweater - another episode virtually everyone has seen. Kathy dislikes Jim's visiting sister, and a repairman, called out on Christmas Eve, tries a story from the "old country" to try to change her mind.

Any others?

The one where they boat out to an island that is for sale and get stuck because Betty is too prissy to jump in the water and save the boat.

The one where they boat out to an island that is for sale and get stuck because Betty is too prissy to jump in the water and save the boat.

That's a good one. Too bad that falling door of the cabin didn't bonk her one for that.

How about Mr. Beal Meets His Match from season 4? I've always thought this is a unique and unusual episode.

Yes, that's another one for sure. Jim almost completes a pact with the devil (Mr. Beal), as told by Betty, reading her essay aloud to the family.

The one where Princess drops out of the engineering program at school.

Today Antenna TV showed The Bus to Nowhere. Normally Antenna shows the same old edited syndication episodes that have been on TV going back to the 1970s or further (upgraded quality around the 1990s, same edits). But today's episode appeared to be UNEDITED. Shorter commercial breaks, clean dissolves, no obvious edits.

This bears further checking!

The bus to nowhere is a good one.

I guess they got an unedited episode by mistake, because no other episodes have changed.

Yes, Bus to Nowhere is really good. The end where Betty helps that poor old confused man is great. He was perfect for the part.

I thought I'd bump this discussion of best episodes back up, since there was a recent post about The Bus to Nowhere.

I agree with many of the episodes already named, and I would also name "Shoot for the Moon." It was one of the most profound, thoughtful, and philosophical episodes. The old woodman seemed like a mythical figure or prophet who in addition to doing yardwork helped the Andersons resolve their problems and achieve long-desired goals.

I like Boys Week from Season 1. Bud playing the judge and fining both parents for showing contempt in court.

I like Boys Week from Season 1. Bud playing the judge and fining both parents for showing contempt in court.

Kathy had some funny lines on the witness stand:

Baliff: Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?

Kathy: I'll be in trouble if I do.

Season 2, ep 26 "The Persistent Guest" (3/56) - Bud's friend turns out to be a homeless boy. I found that to be a memorable episode. Unless I'm mistaken, Barry Truex played the boy and will turn 90 this summer...!!