A weekly feature in which we're trying to find the most compelling, best acted, written, directed and just generally great scenes that we've seen recently on TV.
DOCTOR WHO, "Time Heist", September 20, 2014, Actors: Jonathan Bailey, Jenna Coleman, Peter Capaldi, The Scenes: Psi sacrifices himself for Clara & The Doctor finds uninhabitable land for the two aliens to live
Justyna Kubica: A man willing to sacrifice his life for someone he only just met is certainly worth a mention here. It's a shame we didn't have a chance to explore more of Psi and Saibra's characters since they both seemed quite fascinating to begin with. But in a short time we spent with them they were brave, strong and adventurous, willing to risk everything for the things they cared about the most. Psi's backstory was such a sad one. It's impossible to imagine what it must feel like to watch your memories and life disappear. He must have really loved his family and friends to let them go like that. So his last words (or so it seemed at the moment) were even more emotional and sad knowing it. It was a great scene and I thought that Clara's reactions were beautifully acted here. Sometimes even the people we know briefly can change (even save) our lives. I'm so glad that both Psi and Saibra ended up alive later. And got their second chance. 'Til the next time, then.
Sandi: Psi sacrifices himself for Clara. I liked both Psi and Saibra, they both felt a lot more rounded and fleshed out than some past one episode characters we've had. But Psi was the more interesting of the two for me, the back story of his own deleted memories made how he challenged the Doctor for his clinical methods even more poignant. His last words, well what he thought were his last words, to Clara were quite sad to hear, although he clearly meant them to be a comfort to her. Although the death turned out not to be real later on in the episode, at the time it happened it was a very effective farewell for a character with so little screen time.
Nirat Anop: The Doctor and Clara returning the two alien species to a nice uninhabitable land to live in peace. The scene was shot overlooking the two aliens walk away into the sunset, so to speak which was a nice touch.
EXTANT, "Ascension", September 17, 2014, Actors: Halle Berry, Pierce Gagnon and more
The Scene: The Ethan tribute montage scene
Tonya Papanikolas: After Ethan had “died,” I thought this was a nice scene recognizing how far he had come since the show started and how much he had sacrificed. With Molly’s voiceover talking about how much their robot son had taught them about being human and what a gift it was to just live, the scene was a fitting ending. And then suddenly it wasn’t his ending. Ethan somehow restarts himself and reappears on all of the technology in the house. Even though he doesn’t have a body (which I’m sure could be easily rebuilt), it looks like Ethan is back. It was a nice surprise after they had just memorialized him seconds before. Also picked by Sharon Seymour
HAVEN, "Speak No Evil", September 18, 2014, Actors: Lucas Bryant, Eric Balfour, The Scene: Nathan tells Duke that Jennifer's dead
Justyna Kubica: The friendship between Nathan and Duke has been such a great surprise last season, now it's always great to see the moments when they're there for each other. No matter what. I knew it was coming but it still wasn't easy when we saw Jennifer's body. She was a fantastic addition to the show and is greatly missed by many. But no one more than Duke. These two were absolutely beautiful and worked so well together. The denial was so impossibly hard to let go. But in order to save Nathan, Duke had to accept that the woman he loves is gone. And it was such a heartbreaking view. Especially with all the flashbacks to the time they spent with each other. So important, yet sadly such a painful scene to watch. With a great performance by Eric Balfour. Hopefully, at least Nathan and Duke's friendship is gonna stay strong this season. Farewell Jennifer, hold on Duke.
Klutzy girl: After being knee-deep in denial for two episodes (like I have been since the episode aired), Duke finally learns that Jennifer is dead. Nathan breaking the news to him hurt so much, and I'm glad these two were there for each other. Their friendship is important to me, especially since we rarely have moments like this. Hopefully they'll continue to lean on each other for support this season.
FINDING CARTER, "One Hour Photo", September 16, 2014, Actors: Kathryn Prescott, Cynthia Watros, The Scene: Carter realizes that Lori was her kidnapper
Klutzy girl: Carter finally realizes that Lori was her kidnapper and acknowledges that Elizabeth is her mother. They've come a long way since the pilot, and I hope their relationship continues on this track next season.
GIRL MEETS WORLD, "Girl Meets 1961", September 19, 2014, Actors: Rowan Blanchard, Danielle Fishel, The Scene: Topanga reads the comment about her name
Klutzy girl: Topanga reads the comment about her name in the book Riley gives her - "Topanga. What a beautiful name for something you love." It was an unexpected emotional moment (something this show seems to be good for) and so sweet. I love the explanation so much.
OUTLANDER, "The Wedding", September 20, 2014, Actors: Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan
The Scene: Claire and Jamie discuss their wedding day
Nirat Anop: Claire and Jamie, discussing their wedding day. Jamie looks at Claire in her stunning wedding dress and the sun shines upon her before they go into the church and recite their vows. The score used for this scene is ethereal and magical, matching the scene perfectly. Later on they consummate the marriage once more to the another amazing score by Bear McCreary.
RED BAND SOCIETY, "Pilot", September 17, 2014, Actors: Charlie Rowe, Zoe Levin, Griffin Gluck and more, The Scenes: Leo gives everyone a red band & Kara tries to wake Charlie with the pizzas
Justyna Kubica: I didn't plan to watch the show at first but a great trailer and all the recommendations changed my mind. And I'm glad they did. It was one of my favorite pilots of the year. Of course I still haven't seen many others but I believe it's gonna stay as one of the best. In the middle of all the darkness that the illness brings to the people and their loved ones, somehow these kids didn't seem to give into it and ended up being not just the sick children locked in the hospital, but the kids, like all the other ones who also happen to be sick. Looking for a bright moments in a circle of dark life. And the scene on the roof, where they all become part of the group, the Red Band Society, has to be one of these moments. A beautiful start to a great story. Can't wait for more heartwarming scenes like that. Kudos! Also picked by Bradley Adams
Ben Norton: All the kids are on the rooftop, and Leo gives everyone a red band. Showed the potential of the show in a unique way, showed how lots of stories can come from this show.
Pablozky21: I'll be honest, I have mixed feelings about the pilot: I still don't know if I like or not, but this scene was very heartwarming. After dealing with Kara being a total bitch during most of the pilot it's nice to see that she tries to help someone for once. I thought of choosing the rooftop scene, but this one felt more important to me as it shows that there is more to the character than what it seems, and that it is key for the show success. As I said, I haven't decided if I like the show or not, but this scene at the end of the episode leads me into thinking I may end up loving the show as it goes on.
THE BRIDGE, "Beholder", September 17, 2014, Actors: Thomas M. Wright, Ramón Franco and more, The Scenes: Eva shaves Steven Linder & Fausto records a hostage video
Tonya Papanikolas: This scene was fascinating because we got opportunity to see Linder in a different light as his beard came off – almost like removing a mask. He looked like a totally different person without it – so young and so normal. It became easier to see him as Eva has grown to see him, which was a great parallel. The scene also had interesting dialogue as Eva tells him she wants a new life. She clearly has started thinking of building a future instead of looking to the past, which shows she has begun to heal. Her compassion to him shines through this entire scene. But by the time they are making love – and Eva has a hard time emotionally because of what happened to her – it is Steven’s turn to show her compassion. Realizing she isn’t ready and hasn't fully healed, he doesn’t wait for her to say anything before he stops, showing he cares only for her well-being. Amid all the violence and darkness in this show, their relationship and his devotion to her is a welcome and necessary beacon of light. Also picked by Sharon Seymour
DarkUFO: Fausto records a hostage video. Some hilarious moments in what was a menacing scene.
THE MINDY PROJECT, "We're a Couple Now, Haters!", September 16, 2014, Actors: Mindy Kaling, Chris Messina, The Scene: Danny's striptease
Sylvie C: Mindy putting on her glasses to see better was hilarious and Chris was pretty sexy in the scene.
THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA, "Pilot", September 17, 2014, Actors: Debra Messing and more
The Scene: Laura and her kids are at a meeting with a school's principal
Ben Norton: Hilarious scene! Also showed the relationships in the family.
Diana mack: Same. I like Debra Messing!
THE STRAIN, "Loved Ones", September 14, 2014, Actors: Natalie Brown and more
The Scene: Kelly turns and has her first kill (picked by Sharon Seymour)
UNDER THE DOME, "Turn", September 15, 2014, Actors: Sherry Stringfield, Dwight Yoakam
The Scene: Lyle stabs Pauline
Bradley Adams: This is the first time for a long time that Under the Dome has actually provided a scene that is slightly unpredictable.
UNFORGETTABLE, "DOA", September 14, 2014, Actors: Poppy Montgomery and more, The Scene: Man identifies himself as Carrie’s husband
Tonya Papanikolas: Wow – what a shocker! That was a twist I definitely didn’t see coming. Carrie has a husband?! The timing was perfectly placed in the episode. Just after Carrie and Al share a kiss and she calls him the person she loves, we learn there is a wrench to this happy development. Carrie apparently has more secrets than we know. I love that the twist was so unexpected. It came out of nowhere – but it left a lot of interesting stories to explore in a potential next season.
WITCHES OF EAST END, "Smells Like King Spirit", September 14, 2014, Actors: Jenna Dewan Tatum, Rachel Boston and more, The Scene: Ingrid and Freya are hanged in the garden
Francesco B: Such an unexpected and powerful plot twist. The scene is scaring.
Justyna Kubica: A man willing to sacrifice his life for someone he only just met is certainly worth a mention here. It's a shame we didn't have a chance to explore more of Psi and Saibra's characters since they both seemed quite fascinating to begin with. But in a short time we spent with them they were brave, strong and adventurous, willing to risk everything for the things they cared about the most. Psi's backstory was such a sad one. It's impossible to imagine what it must feel like to watch your memories and life disappear. He must have really loved his family and friends to let them go like that. So his last words (or so it seemed at the moment) were even more emotional and sad knowing it. It was a great scene and I thought that Clara's reactions were beautifully acted here. Sometimes even the people we know briefly can change (even save) our lives. I'm so glad that both Psi and Saibra ended up alive later. And got their second chance. 'Til the next time, then.
Sandi: Psi sacrifices himself for Clara. I liked both Psi and Saibra, they both felt a lot more rounded and fleshed out than some past one episode characters we've had. But Psi was the more interesting of the two for me, the back story of his own deleted memories made how he challenged the Doctor for his clinical methods even more poignant. His last words, well what he thought were his last words, to Clara were quite sad to hear, although he clearly meant them to be a comfort to her. Although the death turned out not to be real later on in the episode, at the time it happened it was a very effective farewell for a character with so little screen time.
Nirat Anop: The Doctor and Clara returning the two alien species to a nice uninhabitable land to live in peace. The scene was shot overlooking the two aliens walk away into the sunset, so to speak which was a nice touch.
The Scene: The Ethan tribute montage scene
Tonya Papanikolas: After Ethan had “died,” I thought this was a nice scene recognizing how far he had come since the show started and how much he had sacrificed. With Molly’s voiceover talking about how much their robot son had taught them about being human and what a gift it was to just live, the scene was a fitting ending. And then suddenly it wasn’t his ending. Ethan somehow restarts himself and reappears on all of the technology in the house. Even though he doesn’t have a body (which I’m sure could be easily rebuilt), it looks like Ethan is back. It was a nice surprise after they had just memorialized him seconds before. Also picked by Sharon Seymour
Justyna Kubica: The friendship between Nathan and Duke has been such a great surprise last season, now it's always great to see the moments when they're there for each other. No matter what. I knew it was coming but it still wasn't easy when we saw Jennifer's body. She was a fantastic addition to the show and is greatly missed by many. But no one more than Duke. These two were absolutely beautiful and worked so well together. The denial was so impossibly hard to let go. But in order to save Nathan, Duke had to accept that the woman he loves is gone. And it was such a heartbreaking view. Especially with all the flashbacks to the time they spent with each other. So important, yet sadly such a painful scene to watch. With a great performance by Eric Balfour. Hopefully, at least Nathan and Duke's friendship is gonna stay strong this season. Farewell Jennifer, hold on Duke.
Klutzy girl: After being knee-deep in denial for two episodes (like I have been since the episode aired), Duke finally learns that Jennifer is dead. Nathan breaking the news to him hurt so much, and I'm glad these two were there for each other. Their friendship is important to me, especially since we rarely have moments like this. Hopefully they'll continue to lean on each other for support this season.
FINDING CARTER, "One Hour Photo", September 16, 2014, Actors: Kathryn Prescott, Cynthia Watros, The Scene: Carter realizes that Lori was her kidnapper
Klutzy girl: Carter finally realizes that Lori was her kidnapper and acknowledges that Elizabeth is her mother. They've come a long way since the pilot, and I hope their relationship continues on this track next season.
GIRL MEETS WORLD, "Girl Meets 1961", September 19, 2014, Actors: Rowan Blanchard, Danielle Fishel, The Scene: Topanga reads the comment about her name
Klutzy girl: Topanga reads the comment about her name in the book Riley gives her - "Topanga. What a beautiful name for something you love." It was an unexpected emotional moment (something this show seems to be good for) and so sweet. I love the explanation so much.
The Scene: Claire and Jamie discuss their wedding day
Nirat Anop: Claire and Jamie, discussing their wedding day. Jamie looks at Claire in her stunning wedding dress and the sun shines upon her before they go into the church and recite their vows. The score used for this scene is ethereal and magical, matching the scene perfectly. Later on they consummate the marriage once more to the another amazing score by Bear McCreary.
Justyna Kubica: I didn't plan to watch the show at first but a great trailer and all the recommendations changed my mind. And I'm glad they did. It was one of my favorite pilots of the year. Of course I still haven't seen many others but I believe it's gonna stay as one of the best. In the middle of all the darkness that the illness brings to the people and their loved ones, somehow these kids didn't seem to give into it and ended up being not just the sick children locked in the hospital, but the kids, like all the other ones who also happen to be sick. Looking for a bright moments in a circle of dark life. And the scene on the roof, where they all become part of the group, the Red Band Society, has to be one of these moments. A beautiful start to a great story. Can't wait for more heartwarming scenes like that. Kudos! Also picked by Bradley Adams
Ben Norton: All the kids are on the rooftop, and Leo gives everyone a red band. Showed the potential of the show in a unique way, showed how lots of stories can come from this show.
Pablozky21: I'll be honest, I have mixed feelings about the pilot: I still don't know if I like or not, but this scene was very heartwarming. After dealing with Kara being a total bitch during most of the pilot it's nice to see that she tries to help someone for once. I thought of choosing the rooftop scene, but this one felt more important to me as it shows that there is more to the character than what it seems, and that it is key for the show success. As I said, I haven't decided if I like the show or not, but this scene at the end of the episode leads me into thinking I may end up loving the show as it goes on.
Tonya Papanikolas: This scene was fascinating because we got opportunity to see Linder in a different light as his beard came off – almost like removing a mask. He looked like a totally different person without it – so young and so normal. It became easier to see him as Eva has grown to see him, which was a great parallel. The scene also had interesting dialogue as Eva tells him she wants a new life. She clearly has started thinking of building a future instead of looking to the past, which shows she has begun to heal. Her compassion to him shines through this entire scene. But by the time they are making love – and Eva has a hard time emotionally because of what happened to her – it is Steven’s turn to show her compassion. Realizing she isn’t ready and hasn't fully healed, he doesn’t wait for her to say anything before he stops, showing he cares only for her well-being. Amid all the violence and darkness in this show, their relationship and his devotion to her is a welcome and necessary beacon of light. Also picked by Sharon Seymour
DarkUFO: Fausto records a hostage video. Some hilarious moments in what was a menacing scene.
THE MINDY PROJECT, "We're a Couple Now, Haters!", September 16, 2014, Actors: Mindy Kaling, Chris Messina, The Scene: Danny's striptease
Sylvie C: Mindy putting on her glasses to see better was hilarious and Chris was pretty sexy in the scene.
THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA, "Pilot", September 17, 2014, Actors: Debra Messing and more
The Scene: Laura and her kids are at a meeting with a school's principal
Ben Norton: Hilarious scene! Also showed the relationships in the family.
Diana mack: Same. I like Debra Messing!
THE STRAIN, "Loved Ones", September 14, 2014, Actors: Natalie Brown and more
The Scene: Kelly turns and has her first kill (picked by Sharon Seymour)
UNDER THE DOME, "Turn", September 15, 2014, Actors: Sherry Stringfield, Dwight Yoakam
The Scene: Lyle stabs Pauline
Bradley Adams: This is the first time for a long time that Under the Dome has actually provided a scene that is slightly unpredictable.
Tonya Papanikolas: Wow – what a shocker! That was a twist I definitely didn’t see coming. Carrie has a husband?! The timing was perfectly placed in the episode. Just after Carrie and Al share a kiss and she calls him the person she loves, we learn there is a wrench to this happy development. Carrie apparently has more secrets than we know. I love that the twist was so unexpected. It came out of nowhere – but it left a lot of interesting stories to explore in a potential next season.
WITCHES OF EAST END, "Smells Like King Spirit", September 14, 2014, Actors: Jenna Dewan Tatum, Rachel Boston and more, The Scene: Ingrid and Freya are hanged in the garden
Francesco B: Such an unexpected and powerful plot twist. The scene is scaring.
