Don Giller

That's like asking who your favorite child is. There were distinct eras, all with their particular strengths and weaknesses. Articulating that is a job for actual writers, like @zinoman, @wjcarter, or @kentucker.

The correct answer is 1986 is the best year, then 83, then 90, then 85, then 88, then 93, then 92. This is objectively true and no one is allowed to disagree.

Thanks to Don, I watched show by show and took notes, year by year, and while each era does have its own strengths, 86 mixes clever high concepts with theater of his difficult personality the best.