A weekly feature in which we're trying to find the most compelling, best acted, written, directed and just generally great, memorable scenes that we've seen in past seven days on TV.
11.22.63, "The Truth", March 14, 2016, Actors: James Franco, Sarah Gadon and more
The Scene: Jake and Sadie kill Sadie's husband
DarkUFO: Jake and Sadie kill Sadie's husband after he kidnaps Sadie and slashes her face.
BATES MOTEL, "Goodnight, Mother", March 14, 2016, Actors: Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore
The Scenes: Norman signs the release form & Norma looks for Audrey's body
Darth Locke: Norma frantically looks for Audrey's body in the pit/swimming Pool Hole.
DarkUFO: Norma gets Norman to sign his release form to enter the mental home.
BETTER CALL SAUL, "Rebecca", March 14, 2016, Actors: Rhea Seehorn, Michael McKean
The Scenes: Kim Wexter calls potential clients & Chuck talks to Kim about Jimmy and their father
Shirleena Cunningham: The montage of Kim Wexter calling potential clients in hope of getting a large account, to save career at H.H.M.
Darth Locke: Chuck has a late night/early morning conversation with Kim about Jimmy and their father.
DAREDEVIL, "Penny and Dime" & "Dogs to a Gunfight", March 18, 2016, Actors: Charlie Cox, Jon Bernthal, Elden Henson, The Scenes: Matt and Frank at the graveyard & Foggy looks for Matt on the roof
Justyna K: In the first part of season two (which we cover this week on SOTW), there were so many scenes I would love to include in the article, there's the moment when Matt can't hear anything (Charlie Cox does an exceptional work there!), Foggy's desperate search for his best friend, the stunning fight between Daredevil and Dogs of Hell, Daredevil, the Punisher and Grotto on that roof or the sermon at the funeral, and that's just to name a few. But in the end, I couldn't help but choose the scene when Frank tells Matt the story of his family, while he bleeds out, exhausted and ready to die at the graveyard. It's the moment when we get to see the character from such a different perspective and understand the reason behind his actions. It doesn't justify the decisions he made and doesn't change the fact he killed people in cold blood, but it shows the true complexity of Frank Castle and the heart of his story. Jon Bernthal gives his most memorable performance in that scene and is one of the reasons the season two is such an impressive one. Everything Frank says, about the return from the war, his reunion with his daughter, the bedtime story he didn't get to read her that one night... The deep love he has for his family, his voice breaking at times, reliving the tragedy all over again - all these things make this moment especially heartbreaking and wonderfully done. You can't quite turn away from the screen and this man we know to be a ruthless killer suddenly makes you cry. There's no fight in this scene, no stunning long shots that take your breath away, just two actors and dialogue. And it's the moment so emotional, powerful, honest and incredibly acted I could watch it again and again with the same appreciation and interest each time. Kudos to the cast & crew for a marvelous return in season two and all the scenes as great as this one!
Nirat Anop: Jon Bernthal was utterly incredible as Frank Castle, someone give him an Emmy. One of favorite moments, which there are a plenty of, was during the graveyard scene, during Episode 4, “Penny and Dime”. Frank tells Daredevil what the meaning of “One batch, two batch, penny and dime” is. I found this moment to be a very beautiful scene, Jon shined like a bright light in the dark, the sheer emotion and believability he had as he spoke his dialogue was brilliant. He recounts the moments he had when he returned home after serving Afghanistan, the way he talks about his daughter and how, “my girl, she’s not crying, she’s holding me up, she’s keeping me on my feet”. The love he has for his family was immense, and the regret he felt when he couldn’t read his daughter a bedtime story because he was so tired, was heartbreaking, I was in tears. I felt his regret like a punch in the heart. His daughter wanted the simplest form of love from her father, “she outgrew it, she knew it” but he couldn’t do it, this one time, and little did he know, that’d be the last time he would get to read to her. Jon Bernthal is the embodiment of the Punisher, he had the brutality and willingness needed to be the killer, to be the people’s Punisher but the deep love, a father and husband has for his children and wife, to be the man, most suitable to carry this character’s name. I have plenty of other favorite scenes from Daredevil, but this moment, a moment filled with only dialogue, really left it’s mark on me.
Laura Markus: Foggy looks for Matt at the beginning of episode 2. By far the best scene of the entire show. Foggy schmoozing his way into the apartment buildings was immensely satisfying to watch, while at the same time you were emotional because he was looking for a near-unconscious Matt. When he does find him, it's horribly sad as he's begging him to stay awake. These two will be the death of me, I swear.
HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, "Anna Mae", March 17, 2016, Actors: Viola Davis, Charlie Weber, Cicely Tyson, Tom Verica, The Scenes: Anna Mae buries a note with her son’s name & Frank tells Sam the truth about Annalise's car accident
Nirat Anop: Anna Mae digs out a hole in her mother's backyard and buries a note of her son’s name on it. A beautifully simple way of letting go, to get closure, such a beautiful moment Ophelia and Anna Mae shared, it broke my heart. Sometimes only a mother knows what her child needs and Ophelia knew just that. The way Anna Mae cried, “his name was Sam” and then grabbed at her mother in such a childlike manner, on her knees, really spoke volumes. Annalise needed closure, she needed her mother and when she cried, those cries had such pain in them, you could feel it. It wasn’t an ordinary cry, it had depth, from the soul. Viola and Cicely were incredible in this moment. I throughly enjoyed all of the scenes featuring Anna Mae’s family.
Laura Markus: Frank tells Sam that he was partially responsible for Annalise's car accident. I enjoyed this scene more than I probably should have. But it did shed a light on the question I was most wondering about last year's finale - why did Frank owe Sam? Well we find out why, and it makes sense. Great acting from these men too.
LIMITLESS, "Bezgranichnyy", March 15, 2016, Actors: Ron Rifkin, Jake McDorman, Georgina Haig and more, The Scenes: Brian's father confronts Rebecca & Brian impersonates his friends and family & Piper comes back for Brian
Justyna K: Limitless is such a wonderful show. I didn't even expect to watch it but thanks to the wonderful recommendation in the comments I decided to catch up with it one day and it continues to impress and amaze me each week. It's often impossible to choose just one specific scene from the episode and add it to the article but this time I couldn't help but include the most unexpected and powerful moment of the hour for me - the confrontation between Brian's father and Rebecca. Last week, I was surprised to see Dennis just quietly sitting down when his wife staged an intervention for their son. It all changes after Brian's disappearance when Rebecca visits his family to search for any clues on his whereabouts. That's when Dennis breaks and speaks openly about his thoughts regarding everything that's happened to Brian. And the anger, the guilt, the pain and regret he feels become so clear it makes it hard not to feel bad for him (and Rebecca). Ron Rifkin did an incredible work in that moment and I hope to see more of him in the future episodes. Wonderfully acted and written scene, and one to remember. Kudos! Already can't wait to see what's next and especially what will become of Brian's relationship with his family and the FBI.
Laura Markus: Brian impersonates his friends and family. Apparently this scene was straight out of a Drunk History episode. Regardless, I enjoyed this thoroughly. Some of the best opening minutes of an episode of television. Brian's impressions of Mike, Ike, and Sands were my favourites.
Darth Locke: Piper comes back for Brian.
LUCIFER, "Et Tu, Doctor?", March 14, 2016, Actors: Tom Ellis, Lesley-Ann Brandt, The Scene: Lucifer realizes Maze’s deception and ends their partnership
Aimee Hicks: A lot happened in this episode but this was a big moment of growth for Lucifer. He has built a life for himself within the human world yet he has kept Maze around because of her loyalty to him. Up until now he trusted her more than anyone else and to find out she betrayed him to Amenadiel was the ultimate stab in the back. Lucifer was angry and pissed off and no matter what Maze has done for him in the past he has to part paths with her. What she does now is anyone’s guess but whatever it is promises to be fun to watch. Tom and Lesley-Ann are phenomenal scene partners and each brilliantly showed how hurt their character was. Both characters felt betrayed in their own way because each felt they were in the right. Lucifer felt he was right for being done with Maze because she betrayed him and on a moral standpoint he can’t keep her around while Maze thought she was in the right because she was trying to protect her boss and she felt betrayed by him pushing her away. This scene dramatically altered this relationship and was perfectly acted.
RIZZOLI AND ISLES, "A Shot in the Dark", March 15, 2016, Actors: Angie Harmon, Bruce McGill
The Scene: Vince and Jane at the wedding
Donna Chidley: Lovely scene at his wedding between Vince and Jane. Jane really has been retattled this season and in the finale this week she stood as Vince's best man at his wedding. Vince is her rock, her voice of reason though the ending left me nervous as to his fate.
SCORPION, "Ticker", March 14, 2016, Actors: Elyes Gabel and more, The Scene: Walter throws the blood bags to safety
Aimee Hicks: Walter may not be the best at dealing with emotions or expressing them but he has a big heart and will go above and beyond to help people. This episode showcased that beautifully as he fought to save the young girl, Olivia, whom he had only just met. Walter isn’t the most athletic of the team but when it counts he always comes through. I loved that when he threw the last bag it missed the intended targets of Happy and Toby but still landed safely in Sylvester’s lap. Every member of the cast was great portraying the danger and urgency of the situation but Elyes was absolutely brilliant in this scene.
SUPERGIRL, "Falling", March 14, 2016, Actors: Melissa Benoist, Chyler Leigh, Calista Flockhart, The Scenes: Kara breaks down after she wakes at the DEO & Cat and Supergirl on the balcony at the end
Justyna K: This week Kara becomes an entirely different version of herself, but it's the moment when she finally returns and is at her most vulnerable that stands out the most in the episode. It only takes seconds for the reality of what happened (and how far she went) to hit her. Kara breaks down in tears, realizing she has lost everything she worked so hard to get, just as she earned the people's trust and became the hero in their time of need, it all comes crumbling down... Such a powerful scene and it speaks volumes about the character. Being Supergirl, the one to save, support and inspire people, truly means the world to Kara and as it turns out in that moment, she was still aware of her actions, every dark thought she ever had turned into action right in front of her eyes and she couldn't stop it, feeling locked in her own mind. Her heartbreaking confession and apology to her sister were so emotional and beautifully done in that moment. It was great to see the bond in their family only grow stronger with Alex being there for Kara, not blaming her for what happened but helping her heal the broken heart and spirit. The show continues to get better and this scene is one of its most powerful yet. Also, a special shout-out to the writers & the wonderful Melissa Benoist who really stole the hour with her incredible performance and keeps proving why she's one of the best things about the show. Kudos!
Aimee Hicks: This entire episode was a tour de force for Melissa and to say she was phenomenal and outstanding and extraordinary would be gross understatements. Even in an episode where the performances were this off the charts this scene stood out in particular for its raw emotion. Last episode Chyler Leigh delivered an outstanding emotional scene and I didn’t think that could be topped until this scene came along. Much like Melissa supported Chyler last week it was evident that Chyler was standing strong for Melissa much as Alex was for Kara. When Kara started to break down and the tears started to flow Alex had to fight to keep her own emotions in check. It is scenes like these that prove Melissa and Chyler were perfectly cast to play sisters because when the emotions turn on they make these scenes so real and raw that it makes the viewers feel like we are intruding on a deeply personal moment. I was impressed by how hurt Alex was but how much love she still gave to her sister. She wiped away Kara’s tear and did her best to let her little sister know they will always be sisters and she’ll always love her as such. This scene also managed to show that their relationship did not escape unscathed and they do have some issues to work through to get back to where they were before recent incidents. This was the best scene I saw all week.
Donna Chidley: I will add the scene between Cat and Supergirl on the balcony at the end. It's not just about apologising for throwing her off the balcony but asking the woman she sees as a mentor for help.
THE AMERICANS, "Glanders", March 16, 2016, Actors: Matthew Rhys, Noah Emmerich, Alison Wright
The Scenes: Stan confronts Philip & Phillip tells Martha about what happened to Gene
DarkUFO: Stan confronts Philip over his relationship with Sandra.
Bradley Adams: Phillip tells Martha about what happened to Gene.
11.22.63, "The Truth", March 14, 2016, Actors: James Franco, Sarah Gadon and more
The Scene: Jake and Sadie kill Sadie's husband
DarkUFO: Jake and Sadie kill Sadie's husband after he kidnaps Sadie and slashes her face.
BATES MOTEL, "Goodnight, Mother", March 14, 2016, Actors: Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore
The Scenes: Norman signs the release form & Norma looks for Audrey's body
Darth Locke: Norma frantically looks for Audrey's body in the pit/swimming Pool Hole.
DarkUFO: Norma gets Norman to sign his release form to enter the mental home.
BETTER CALL SAUL, "Rebecca", March 14, 2016, Actors: Rhea Seehorn, Michael McKean
The Scenes: Kim Wexter calls potential clients & Chuck talks to Kim about Jimmy and their father
Shirleena Cunningham: The montage of Kim Wexter calling potential clients in hope of getting a large account, to save career at H.H.M.
Darth Locke: Chuck has a late night/early morning conversation with Kim about Jimmy and their father.
Justyna K: In the first part of season two (which we cover this week on SOTW), there were so many scenes I would love to include in the article, there's the moment when Matt can't hear anything (Charlie Cox does an exceptional work there!), Foggy's desperate search for his best friend, the stunning fight between Daredevil and Dogs of Hell, Daredevil, the Punisher and Grotto on that roof or the sermon at the funeral, and that's just to name a few. But in the end, I couldn't help but choose the scene when Frank tells Matt the story of his family, while he bleeds out, exhausted and ready to die at the graveyard. It's the moment when we get to see the character from such a different perspective and understand the reason behind his actions. It doesn't justify the decisions he made and doesn't change the fact he killed people in cold blood, but it shows the true complexity of Frank Castle and the heart of his story. Jon Bernthal gives his most memorable performance in that scene and is one of the reasons the season two is such an impressive one. Everything Frank says, about the return from the war, his reunion with his daughter, the bedtime story he didn't get to read her that one night... The deep love he has for his family, his voice breaking at times, reliving the tragedy all over again - all these things make this moment especially heartbreaking and wonderfully done. You can't quite turn away from the screen and this man we know to be a ruthless killer suddenly makes you cry. There's no fight in this scene, no stunning long shots that take your breath away, just two actors and dialogue. And it's the moment so emotional, powerful, honest and incredibly acted I could watch it again and again with the same appreciation and interest each time. Kudos to the cast & crew for a marvelous return in season two and all the scenes as great as this one!
Nirat Anop: Jon Bernthal was utterly incredible as Frank Castle, someone give him an Emmy. One of favorite moments, which there are a plenty of, was during the graveyard scene, during Episode 4, “Penny and Dime”. Frank tells Daredevil what the meaning of “One batch, two batch, penny and dime” is. I found this moment to be a very beautiful scene, Jon shined like a bright light in the dark, the sheer emotion and believability he had as he spoke his dialogue was brilliant. He recounts the moments he had when he returned home after serving Afghanistan, the way he talks about his daughter and how, “my girl, she’s not crying, she’s holding me up, she’s keeping me on my feet”. The love he has for his family was immense, and the regret he felt when he couldn’t read his daughter a bedtime story because he was so tired, was heartbreaking, I was in tears. I felt his regret like a punch in the heart. His daughter wanted the simplest form of love from her father, “she outgrew it, she knew it” but he couldn’t do it, this one time, and little did he know, that’d be the last time he would get to read to her. Jon Bernthal is the embodiment of the Punisher, he had the brutality and willingness needed to be the killer, to be the people’s Punisher but the deep love, a father and husband has for his children and wife, to be the man, most suitable to carry this character’s name. I have plenty of other favorite scenes from Daredevil, but this moment, a moment filled with only dialogue, really left it’s mark on me.
Laura Markus: Foggy looks for Matt at the beginning of episode 2. By far the best scene of the entire show. Foggy schmoozing his way into the apartment buildings was immensely satisfying to watch, while at the same time you were emotional because he was looking for a near-unconscious Matt. When he does find him, it's horribly sad as he's begging him to stay awake. These two will be the death of me, I swear.
Nirat Anop: Anna Mae digs out a hole in her mother's backyard and buries a note of her son’s name on it. A beautifully simple way of letting go, to get closure, such a beautiful moment Ophelia and Anna Mae shared, it broke my heart. Sometimes only a mother knows what her child needs and Ophelia knew just that. The way Anna Mae cried, “his name was Sam” and then grabbed at her mother in such a childlike manner, on her knees, really spoke volumes. Annalise needed closure, she needed her mother and when she cried, those cries had such pain in them, you could feel it. It wasn’t an ordinary cry, it had depth, from the soul. Viola and Cicely were incredible in this moment. I throughly enjoyed all of the scenes featuring Anna Mae’s family.
Laura Markus: Frank tells Sam that he was partially responsible for Annalise's car accident. I enjoyed this scene more than I probably should have. But it did shed a light on the question I was most wondering about last year's finale - why did Frank owe Sam? Well we find out why, and it makes sense. Great acting from these men too.
Justyna K: Limitless is such a wonderful show. I didn't even expect to watch it but thanks to the wonderful recommendation in the comments I decided to catch up with it one day and it continues to impress and amaze me each week. It's often impossible to choose just one specific scene from the episode and add it to the article but this time I couldn't help but include the most unexpected and powerful moment of the hour for me - the confrontation between Brian's father and Rebecca. Last week, I was surprised to see Dennis just quietly sitting down when his wife staged an intervention for their son. It all changes after Brian's disappearance when Rebecca visits his family to search for any clues on his whereabouts. That's when Dennis breaks and speaks openly about his thoughts regarding everything that's happened to Brian. And the anger, the guilt, the pain and regret he feels become so clear it makes it hard not to feel bad for him (and Rebecca). Ron Rifkin did an incredible work in that moment and I hope to see more of him in the future episodes. Wonderfully acted and written scene, and one to remember. Kudos! Already can't wait to see what's next and especially what will become of Brian's relationship with his family and the FBI.
Laura Markus: Brian impersonates his friends and family. Apparently this scene was straight out of a Drunk History episode. Regardless, I enjoyed this thoroughly. Some of the best opening minutes of an episode of television. Brian's impressions of Mike, Ike, and Sands were my favourites.
Darth Locke: Piper comes back for Brian.
Aimee Hicks: A lot happened in this episode but this was a big moment of growth for Lucifer. He has built a life for himself within the human world yet he has kept Maze around because of her loyalty to him. Up until now he trusted her more than anyone else and to find out she betrayed him to Amenadiel was the ultimate stab in the back. Lucifer was angry and pissed off and no matter what Maze has done for him in the past he has to part paths with her. What she does now is anyone’s guess but whatever it is promises to be fun to watch. Tom and Lesley-Ann are phenomenal scene partners and each brilliantly showed how hurt their character was. Both characters felt betrayed in their own way because each felt they were in the right. Lucifer felt he was right for being done with Maze because she betrayed him and on a moral standpoint he can’t keep her around while Maze thought she was in the right because she was trying to protect her boss and she felt betrayed by him pushing her away. This scene dramatically altered this relationship and was perfectly acted.
RIZZOLI AND ISLES, "A Shot in the Dark", March 15, 2016, Actors: Angie Harmon, Bruce McGill
The Scene: Vince and Jane at the wedding
Donna Chidley: Lovely scene at his wedding between Vince and Jane. Jane really has been retattled this season and in the finale this week she stood as Vince's best man at his wedding. Vince is her rock, her voice of reason though the ending left me nervous as to his fate.
Aimee Hicks: Walter may not be the best at dealing with emotions or expressing them but he has a big heart and will go above and beyond to help people. This episode showcased that beautifully as he fought to save the young girl, Olivia, whom he had only just met. Walter isn’t the most athletic of the team but when it counts he always comes through. I loved that when he threw the last bag it missed the intended targets of Happy and Toby but still landed safely in Sylvester’s lap. Every member of the cast was great portraying the danger and urgency of the situation but Elyes was absolutely brilliant in this scene.
Justyna K: This week Kara becomes an entirely different version of herself, but it's the moment when she finally returns and is at her most vulnerable that stands out the most in the episode. It only takes seconds for the reality of what happened (and how far she went) to hit her. Kara breaks down in tears, realizing she has lost everything she worked so hard to get, just as she earned the people's trust and became the hero in their time of need, it all comes crumbling down... Such a powerful scene and it speaks volumes about the character. Being Supergirl, the one to save, support and inspire people, truly means the world to Kara and as it turns out in that moment, she was still aware of her actions, every dark thought she ever had turned into action right in front of her eyes and she couldn't stop it, feeling locked in her own mind. Her heartbreaking confession and apology to her sister were so emotional and beautifully done in that moment. It was great to see the bond in their family only grow stronger with Alex being there for Kara, not blaming her for what happened but helping her heal the broken heart and spirit. The show continues to get better and this scene is one of its most powerful yet. Also, a special shout-out to the writers & the wonderful Melissa Benoist who really stole the hour with her incredible performance and keeps proving why she's one of the best things about the show. Kudos!
Aimee Hicks: This entire episode was a tour de force for Melissa and to say she was phenomenal and outstanding and extraordinary would be gross understatements. Even in an episode where the performances were this off the charts this scene stood out in particular for its raw emotion. Last episode Chyler Leigh delivered an outstanding emotional scene and I didn’t think that could be topped until this scene came along. Much like Melissa supported Chyler last week it was evident that Chyler was standing strong for Melissa much as Alex was for Kara. When Kara started to break down and the tears started to flow Alex had to fight to keep her own emotions in check. It is scenes like these that prove Melissa and Chyler were perfectly cast to play sisters because when the emotions turn on they make these scenes so real and raw that it makes the viewers feel like we are intruding on a deeply personal moment. I was impressed by how hurt Alex was but how much love she still gave to her sister. She wiped away Kara’s tear and did her best to let her little sister know they will always be sisters and she’ll always love her as such. This scene also managed to show that their relationship did not escape unscathed and they do have some issues to work through to get back to where they were before recent incidents. This was the best scene I saw all week.
Donna Chidley: I will add the scene between Cat and Supergirl on the balcony at the end. It's not just about apologising for throwing her off the balcony but asking the woman she sees as a mentor for help.
THE AMERICANS, "Glanders", March 16, 2016, Actors: Matthew Rhys, Noah Emmerich, Alison Wright
The Scenes: Stan confronts Philip & Phillip tells Martha about what happened to Gene
DarkUFO: Stan confronts Philip over his relationship with Sandra.
Bradley Adams: Phillip tells Martha about what happened to Gene.
