We love a bit of politics on TV here at Tube Talk, and with Presidents' Day coming next week, our minds immediately went to the best Leaders of the Free World we've seen on the small screen.

We've picked out five of our favourites... but will you agree with our choices? Read on to find out which commanders-in-chief made the cut, and let us know your favourites below!

What is the ultimate Simpsons episode? We've been asking that question over the last couple of weeks and we've finally got Digital Spy readers' definitive verdict on the best 20-minute chunk of Springfield gold.

The wait is over, the votes have been counted and verified and your Top 5 Simpsons nuggets have been selected. Keep reading and watch some classic clips from the 5 greatest ever episodes from Homer, Bart, Maggie, Lisa and Marge.

> 'The Simpsons' Ultimate Episode countdown (20-16)
> 'The Simpsons' Ultimate Episode countdown (15-11)
> 'The Simpsons' Ultimate Episode countdown (10-6)

5. Flaming Moe's
The Simpsons would never have endured for 500 episodes without the strong supporting cast around the family unit. What pushes the show above and beyond its rival animated comedies is the extensive list of other legendary Springfield characters. Kent Brockman, Sideshow Bob, Comic Store Guy, Otto, Skinner, Smithers, Troy McLure, Fat Tony, Professor Frink, Cletus, Chief Wiggum, Lionel Hutz... the list could go on and on. One of Springfield's best-loved residents, downtrodden bartender Moe Szyslak, is the star of your No.5 pick in the Ultimate countdown, the legendary 'Flaming Moe's'.

Watch a clip of Flaming Moe's:



4. Marge vs the Monorail
"Monorail! Monorail! Monorail! Monorail!" This writer's personal favourite Simpsons episode is your number four pick. There are too many classic lines to list them all, but Homer's request for Batman to save the day ("Batman's a scientist!), the classic Lyle Lanley Monorail song ("Is there a chance the track could bend?") and Leonard Nimoy's awesome guest spot ("I really shouldn't have stopped to get that haircut") are just some of the genius moments of this golden-era episode.

Watch a clip of Marge vs the Monorail:



3. You Only Move Twice
"Nobody ever says Italy!" The legendary Hank Scorpio (voiced by Albert Brooks) steals the show in this James Bond-spoofing Simpsons episode, which involves Homer becoming an employee for the hilarious megalomaniac crimeboss. Of course, Homer doesn't have a clue about anything that's going on, despite the flame-throwing and threats of world destruction happening around him. Simpsons spoofs can sometimes be a bit heavy-handed, but this Bond send-up is so ludicrous you won't stop smiling for 23 minutes.

Watch a clip of You Only Move Twice:



2. Cape Feare
Any Sideshow Bob episode is a good episode (thanks in no small part to the comedy evil voicing of Kelsey Grammer), but Cape Feare is without question the hapless and unfortunate villain's finest hour. The Thompsons, the rakes, the HMS Pinafore performance, the Die Bart Die line... the rakes, what's not to love about this fifth season golden moment?

Watch a clip of 'Cape Feare':



1. Who Shot Mr Burns
Two of the biggest shows in US TV history combined in this first and last Simpsons whodunnit. Dallas and The Simpsons collided as the town of Springfield spoofed the drama of Who Shot JR? by having the show's ubervillain Mr Burns shot as a part-one cliffhanger. It's possibly a surprise choice for the top spot, but with Twin Peaks references, Mr Burns at his most hilariously awful and that final twist, maybe it shouldn't come as such a shock that so many of you love and voted for this two-parter as the Ultimate Simpsons episode.

Watch a clip from 'Who Shot Mr Burns?':

The Simpsons' landmark 500th episode airs on Fox on February 19. It will air in the UK on Sky1 later in the year

Homeland - the wildly successful US drama coming to the UK this Sunday courtesy of Channel 4 - is best described as a psychological thriller. First impressions can often be deceiving and there's more to every single character than you might initially expect...

To help you keep track of the show's twists and turns, here's a neat guide to the central characters in Homeland and the talented guys and gals who play them!

> Homeland tops Tube Talk's Top 25 Shows of 2011

If you're not tired of the endless Upstairs Downstairs-Downton Abbey comparisons by now, you're stronger people than we are here at Tube Talk. You'd think we could only have one show in each genre.

Yes, they're both programmes focusing on a family and its staff. But they're not even set in the same time period - as the fabulous Claire Foy says: "If someone was writing Corrie they would never say, 'Well, in EastEnders they did this, so do that'. It's not really how it works."

So can we please leave the Downton Abbey comparisons behind and focus on Upstairs Downstairs in its own right? Good. Because actually it's a beautifully layered, involving and visually stunning drama.

There's a huge cast, of course, but every character is fully drawn. One of my favourites has to be Foy's Lady Persie, simply because it's always fun to watch a naughty character. And Foy joked recently that Persie will get "as naughty as it's possible to get" in the new episodes (adding: "I love her very dearly. Apart from the fascism.")



But there's something to enjoy with every single person resident at 165 Eaton Place (and their wider circle.) We've been promised sibling rivalries (Foy says there's "so much jealousy" between Persie and Agnes, while Keeley Hawes jokes: "But Agnes still loves that little Nazi!")

We can also expect betrayals, romance, and humour, too - and that's without even mentioning the new characters. Alex Kingston's joining the cast and the actress promises that her character Blanche "shakes it up a bit" and "has her secrets".

We haven't even really touched upon the Downstairs staff, who provide both a lot of humour ("it seems to come through very naturally," says writer Heidi Thomas) and also just as much drama as the scandalous Upstairs set - right in the first episode, there's an awful lot of tension after Mr Pritchard's hidden past is revealed and splits the staff.



And Adrian Scarborough promises there's more to come, too, warning us that Pritchard "continually" gets him into arguments and adding: "Bless him, with the best of motives, he's a bit of a pompous arse." Thomas also reveals that there are some rows to come, saying: "I do think Upstairs Downstairs is probably the only series where you can have Anne Reid and Adrian Scarborough going at it hammer and tongs over some violet macaroons." Who could resist?

New cast member Laura Haddock is bound to introduce more drama to 165 Eaton Place, too - as the new nursery maid with a "big dream", it seems inevitable that she'll cause drama given the fact that she's "very outspoken". Plus, Haddock promises: "There is a romance."

Thomas has also chosen a thrilling time period for the new series of Upstairs Downstairs - we pick up in 1938, as everyone is preparing for the possibility of war. "We are more intimate and more epic than last time," Thomas says. "You'll see more politics and you'll see more of people's private lives."



And Thomas likes the romantic potential of the era, too: "Even a kiss can have consequences. The brush of two hands on the stairs can have consequences," she explains. "It's not like the modern world where you have to be jumping in and out of bed every five minutes to make any impact on anybody's lives."

That's one of the other good things about this new series of Upstairs Downstairs - with a full series, there's much more time to get to know the characters. "I really wanted to make it at once more intimate and more epic," Thomas explains.

On the basis of the first episode, she's succeeded - not only are there wonderful historical moments, which we're privy to thanks to Hallam (Ed Stoppard), but we also get some great personal storylines. Whether it's romance, betrayal, the revelation of secrets or something that will make animal lovers wince, there's an awful lot to enjoy about Upstairs Downstairs.



But let's finish how we started - with Downton Abbey. With that, Upstairs, and Thomas's recent hit Call The Midwife, is there any chance that viewers could get fed up with people in posh dresses or maid outfits? Could we get bored with period drama? Do we get too much?

Not according to Thomas. "I often find that the things that people really connect to in the period dramas are timeless things," she says. "In Upstairs Downstairs we've got the politics, we've got the exquisite costumes and sets, which take my breath away.



"But ultimately I think what's at the heart of it is human relationships - jealousy, having a crush on someone, falling out of love with someone that you thought was going to be at the centre of your world forever. And those things are timeless. So I don't think there's any danger that we're going to wear ourselves out!"

That's pretty hard to argue with, isn't it? Settle down on Sunday night (with a big slice of cake, of course) and allow Upstairs Downstairs to entertain you - it's an hour of witty, warm, scandal-filled, intelligent, romantic entertainment. You can't really go wrong, can you?

Upstairs Downstairs returns with its new series on Sunday at 9.30pm on BBC One.

Simpsons fans have a serious reason to party this weekend as the yellow family from Springfield will air their 500th episode on Fox on Sunday night.

But out of those 500, which is the greatest slice of Simpsons pie of all time? You've been voting in your thousands and we're now into the Top 10. Keep reading to find out if your favourite made the cut.

> 'The Simpsons' Ultimate Episode countdown (20-16)
> 'The Simpsons' Ultimate Episode countdown (15-11)

10. King-Size Homer
Do we all secretly want to be a bit more like Homer J Simpson? Our love for 'the one where Homer gets fat' would suggest that we all fancy spending our days eating potato chips on the sofa and pushing that 300lbs mark on the scales. Our personal highlight from the episode? Homer hitting the tab key on his keyboard hoping for a can of Tab Clear.

Watch a clip of 'King-Size Homer':



9. Bart vs Australia
"I can see you've played knifey spoony before!" If you're an Australian with a sense of humour bypass you may not be a fan of this memorable romp, but for everyone else there are endless great moments as the Simpson clan head down under. Bart's buttock-spreading performance of the 'Star-Spangled Banner' in the finale firmly established the spiky-haired kid as an American icon.

Watch a clip of 'Bart vs Australia':



8. Mr Plow
There's an Adam West cameo. And Homer does a rap. "Boom-chi-cha-boom-chi-cha-boom-chi-boom, I'm Mr. Plow, and I'm here to say, I'm the plowin'est guy in the USA. I got a big plow and I'll move a lot of things, Like your cow if you have one..." No other explanation for this episode required.

Watch a clip of 'Mr Plow':
:


7. Lisa's First Word
Proof that heartwarming Simpsons can be as funny as surreal and edgy Simpsons. 'Lisa's First Word' featured fuzzy lovely moments between Homer and the kids, Bart and Lisa and most importantly, that one single word from Maggie (voiced by the late, great Elizabeth Taylor), "Daddy!"

Watch the most famous clip from 'Lisa's First Word':



6. 22 Short Films About Springfield
An unusual choice at number six, but it's probably safe to say that 'Skinner & Superintendant' (if there ever is a Simpsons spinoff - it has to be this) is a key contributor to our readers' passion for this instalment of Springfield antics. The Skinner steamed hams/steamed clams sketch is two minutes of pure ridiculous joy that is adored by Simpsons diehards.

Watch a clip from '22 Short Films About Springfield':



The Simpsons' landmark 500th episode airs on Fox on February 19. It will air in the UK on Sky1 later in the year.

There's tough times ahead for our paranormal trio as Being Human continues - Regus (Mark Williams) pays Annie (Lenora Crichlow) a visit, with a terrible warning about baby Eve's fate, while Hal (Damien Molony) is faced with the less glamorous aspects of civilian life...

Forced to take up a position in the local cafe opposite Tom (Michael Socha), Hal finds himself severely tested. Can he resist his bloodlust? Will Annie take desperate measures to protect Eve? And which of our boys will succeed at chatting up a lady?

Being Human continues on Sunday at 9pm on BBC Three.

> Being Human: 'The Graveyard Shift' in pictures

1. We get a glimpse of Hal's past, as lord of the Old Ones...

2. "It's not stealing if it's a big shop."

3. Annie's clearly learnt from the whole 'Wolf Shaped Bullet' fiasco!

4. "You can try biting me but all you're going to get is an ice-cream headache."

5. Hal explores the thrilling world of lettuce chopping.

6. "I just need a minute - I feel a bit vulnerable."

7. George, Nina and Mitchell are all mentioned.

8. "Babbling's better than leaping."

9. There may be a new nemesis on the horizon...

10. "We found a dead dog… in the oven."

What do you make of our Being Human teasers? Let us know below!

Time for another Tube Talk question and answer session! This week, we bring you exciting scoop on the best in UK drama, plus the latest news on UK air dates for your favourite US shows! Read on...

When is Justified returning to British TV?


As we're sure you're aware, 5USA aired the first two seasons of this quality FX drama, with the second run concluding in July. Unfortunately, as far as we know, 5 hasn't picked up season 3 yet. We're told that the situation may change in future, but it currently doesn't hold the UK broadcast rights.

That's a shame, as early critical reaction suggests that the new season more than lives up to last year's episodes, boasting a terrific new villain in Neal McDonough. Margo Martindale's Mags Bennett was always going to be near-impossible to top, but McDonough's Quarles looks like a real contender!

I'm so pleased Upstairs Downstairs is back this weekend! What's going on in the new series?


Tube Talk has had a sneak peek at the first episode of Upstairs Downstairs and we can confirm that it's very entertaining stuff indeed. The country's preparing for World War II... which hasn't yet been declared.

We don't want to give too much away, but we can hint that a big secret about Mr Pritchard will be revealed that will divide the staff. Elsewhere, naughty Lady Persie is abroad (and does something that might just cause an upset), there's a new nursery maid... and if you're an animal lover, well, you might want to keep the tissues handy. We'll be quiet now!

Gutted that House has been cancelled - what's going to happen in the final episode?


Details are pretty scant about the House series finale, but here's what we know so far - the last ever episode will air on Fox in the US on May 21. We're about a month behind here in the UK, so we'll likely see Hugh Laurie's medical maverick take his final bow sometime in June or July.

The instalment will be directed and co-written by House creator David Shore and rumours abound that Olivia Wilde (Thirteen) could return. An encore for Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein) has also been mooted, but not confirmed...

I love Mini and Franky on Skins - will they make up soon?


Well, we've just watched the next episode of Skins and their friendship is still a bit frosty. But there does seem to be hope - something big is revealed near the beginning of the instalment which could bring the pair back together.

But Mini's not in a good place - expect her mum, Alo, Liv, Alex and the gang in general to be on the receiving end of her sharp tongue this week! The one person getting a relatively easy ride? Meet Mini's dad, Gregory...

I'm really missing The Vampire Diaries! When is it back in the UK?


You're in luck - we've got a date for you! And it's soon - Elena, the Salvatores and the rest of the Mystic Falls gang will be returning to ITV2 on February 28 at 9pm! That's not long to wait, right?

It's a fab episode to return with, too - Jeremy's going off the rails (leading to a drastic decision), Tyler's sire bond to Klaus really begins to show, and Elena makes a deal with Klaus. Oh, and the end of the episode? You will SQUEAL.

Massive Eastbound & Down fan - when will Kenny Powers be back on our screens?

Good news! The third season of Eastbound & Down premieres on February 19 on HBO in the US and FX will be airing the new episodes in the UK from March 15 at 10pm!

Will Ferrell and Matthew McConaughey will both return, and Horrible Bosses star Jason Sudeikis will also appear! The only downside? Series star and co-creator Danny McBride confirmed to Digital Spy way back in April 2011 that this will be the last season! *sob*

Is the last season of Dexter EVER going to reach the UK?


Patience! It's just been confirmed that season six of Showtime's serial killer thriller is also coming to the UK courtesy of FX - March 30 at 10pm is the date and time to mark down in your diary, Dexter fans!

Many viewers were divided over the recent season, which features guest turns from Colin Hanks, Mos Def and Edward James Olmos. There's more than one controversial twist in store, not to mention a shocking final episode!

Got any questions for the Tube Talk Q&A? Send them to us below!

This week's episode of Skins was intense, right? Well, prepare yourself for another great instalment on Monday - and this time, it's all about Mini!

Like a fair few of her friends, she's going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment... so for comfort, she turns to her glamorous dad. But will their reunion be a happy one?

There's so much going on in the episode that we don't want to give away, but we have come up with ten teasers for you to think about over the next couple of days...

1. Someone says those three little words. And might come to regret it.

2. If you were upset to see Franky and Mini fall out last week, well, something might help them come together this time around. (Mini's relationship with Liv, on the other hand...)

3. Mini packs a suitcase.

4. There's a sweet Mini-Alo moment that involves photo albums.

5. What to do if you haven't got any drugs? Um, steal some drugs, apparently.

6. "Everyone says you're going to **** ** ****."

7. Guess who's back, back again! (Clue: Their name begins with R, ends in H and has four letters.)

8. "If you're not here to **** **, go home."

9. Mini's keeping something very important indeed in a drawer. But what?

10. "I don't want *** ****. I never wanted *** at all."

Skins airs on Monday at 10pm on E4.

The Simpsons Ultimate Episode countdown continues today with five more classic slices of Springfield action.

If you're a fan of Homer as an astronaut ("Watch out, they're ruffled!"), Simpsons flashforwards and the infamous "dental plan" episode, you'll be happy with today's countdown.

> 'Simpsons' Ultimate Episode countdown (20-16)

15. Lisa the Vegetarian
"You don't win friends with salad! You don't win friends with salad! You don't win friends with salad!" Homer and Bart are usually the more popular members of the Simpsons, but Lisa's morals, intelligence and spikiness are equally as important to the show's dynamic as the male Simpsons' bone-headedness. The early seasons contained many great episodes where Lisa tested Homer's parenting skills to the max and Lisa the Vegetarian was probably the best of the lot.

Watch a clip of Lisa the Vegetarian:



14. Deep Space Homer
Homer being sent into space sounds like a ridiculous plot twist, but this was golden nugget era Simpsons and this episode contains some of the finest lines in the show's rich history. "De-fault. The two sweetest words in the English language!" and "The only danger is if they send us to that terrible Planet of the Apes. Wait a minute… Statue of Liberty… that was our planet! You maniacs! You blew it up! Damn you! Damn you all to hell!" stand out.

Watch a clip of Deep Space Homer:



13. Itchy and Scratchy Land
The Scratchtasia animation. The Bort plates. The battle with the robots. Just three very good reasons why you guys love this episode, which skewers perfectly family trips to Disney World.

Watch a clip of Itchy and Scratchy Land:



12. Lisa's Wedding
Another classic Lisa versus Homer episode. It's also a rare glimpse into a potential Simpsons future as Lisa gets a glimpse of a potential marriage with British hunk Hugh Parkfield. However, when it comes to choosing between Hugh and her family, there is only one winner. We'll let you figure out the result.

Watch a clip of Lisa's Wedding:



11. Last Exit To Springfield
"Dental plan! Lisa needs braces!" A regular on Best of Simpsons lists, Last Exit to Springfield is just outside the Top 10 with your rankings. What's not to love in this episode? Lisa's Yellow Submarine dreams, Mr Burns's "blurst of times" outrage at typewriting monkeys, the Mr Burns Grinch reference, Homer's "backdoor shenanigans" negotiations scene, Homer's Godfather parody... the list of classic moments in this episode could go on and on.

Watch a clip of Last Exit To Springfield:



The Simpsons' landmark 500th episode airs on Fox on February 19. It will air in the UK on Sky1 later in the year.