Drew Goddard's 7 Best TV Episodes You Should Watch Before Seeing 'Bad Times at the El Royale'

Oscar-nominated screenwriter Drew Goddard is the co-writer and director of the acclaimed film"Cabin in the Woods." He also scored that Oscar nom for adapting "The Martian." But before all his big-screen success, he had a fantastic track record on TV. The writer/producer/director has had a hand in many fan-favorite projects, from "Buffy" to "Lost" to "Alias." Before you check out his latest film, ""Bad Times at the El Royale," here are a few Drew Goddard TV episodes that are must-watches.

'Angel,' "Why We Fight" (Season 5, Episode 13)

You don't always think of vampires when you think about World War II, but this is "Angel" we're talking about... "Why We Fight" flashes back to 1943. when Angel was recruited to fight nazis by rescuing a German U-boat containing US soldiers. Yup -- Angel's pretty much done it all.

'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' "Conversations With Dead People" (Season 7, Episode 7)

This episode's title pretty much sums it up. None of the main characters are together in this riveting episode -- they each have their own unique (and terrifying) experiences facing the deceased.

'Alias,' "Tuesday" (Season 4, Episode 13)

Sydney's seen her fair share of dangerous situations, but "Tuesday" places her in a near-death scenario that would have any viewer's heart pounding. Goddard gives tech guru Marshall a welcomed chance to play field operative in this underrated installment of the series.

'Lost,' "The Man Behind the Curtain" (Season 3, Episode 20)

Also known as the one where eager fans finally get to know young Ben Linus, "The Man Behind the Curtain" actually answers a lot of questions. That's a plus for a show like "Lost," which leaves so many queries open-ended...

'Lost,' "The Shape of Things to Come" (Season 4, Episode 9)

Allow me to declare something with confidence: *That* moment between Ben and his daughter Alex is one of the most emotional and gut-wrenching "Lost" moments of all time.

'Daredevil,' "Cut Man" (Season 1, Season 2)

Goddard penned both the pilot and this stellar second episode (he's the series' creator), solidifying its place as a force to be reckoned with in the crowded comic book to TV adaptation space.

'The Good Place,' "Pilot" (Season 1, Episode 1)

Goddard is an executive producer on afterlife sitcom "The Good Place," one of the most consistently smart and entertainment comedies on network TV today. He also directed the series' pilot. If you're not already a fan of the show -- get forking familiar immediately.