Ep 13. The Best

The Best is the thirteenth and final episode of the third season of the popular television show Penn and Teller: Bullshit!. The episode focuses on the phenomenon of rankings and awards, and examines why so many people are obsessed with being considered "the best" at their respective fields.

Penn and Teller start off by discussing the origins of awards shows and rankings. They explain that these types of events were originally created to bring attention to otherwise overlooked artists and performers. However, over time, the focus shifted from recognizing talent to competing for the title of "the best."

The duo then takes a closer look at some of the most popular awards shows, such as the Grammys and the Oscars. They examine the nomination process and point out some of the flaws in how winners are chosen. For example, they note that record labels and studios often spend a lot of money trying to sway the voters, and that artists who don't fit the typical mold are often overlooked.

Penn and Teller also talk to several people who have won awards in the past, such as Best Actor or Best Director. They ask them about their experiences and what winning meant to them. Interestingly, many of the award winners admit that while they were grateful for the recognition, they didn't feel that winning necessarily made them the best at what they do.

The duo also takes a look at the world of competitive sports, focusing on events like the Olympics and the World Cup. They note that while these competitions are certainly exciting to watch, they often lead to negative consequences. For example, countries and athletes sometimes resort to cheating in order to win, and the event itself can put a tremendous strain on the host city's infrastructure.

Penn and Teller then shift their focus to more subjective fields, such as art and literature. They point out that while these areas are less about competition and more about personal expression, there are still those who seek recognition and awards. They talk to several artists and writers about their work and ask them about their opinions on awards and rankings.

Throughout the episode, Penn and Teller make several pointed criticisms about the obsession with being "the best." They argue that the idea of being the best is ultimately meaningless, as there will always be someone out there who is better. Additionally, they point out that chasing awards and recognition can sometimes lead to a skewed sense of priorities, where the pursuit of success overrides the pursuit of genuine creativity and expression.

In the end, Penn and Teller come to the conclusion that the idea of being "the best" is a myth, and that the drive to be recognized as such can sometimes be detrimental to one's work and personal life. They encourage viewers to focus on the quality of their own work rather than on external validation, and to appreciate the value of personal growth and self-expression over the pursuit of awards and accolades.

Overall, The Best is an insightful and thought-provoking episode that challenges viewers to rethink their notion of success and achievement. With their trademark wit and humor, Penn and Teller bring attention to a topic that is often taken for granted in our society, and offer a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to be successful.