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.
BLACK-ISH, "Lemons", January 11, 2017, Actors: Anthony Anderson and more, The Scene: Dre's speech
Klutzy girl: After they spent the whole episode fighting over Trump's win, Dre finally snapped and starts talking about how he loves this country even though it doesn't love him back and how black people keep trying even though it doesn't work out in their favor, how he's offended that everyone is outraged when they weren't before. It's definitely something that needed to be said. Anthony Anderson absolutely nailed this scene and how most people are feeling - sad Hillary didn't win and terrified about what that man's going to do.
Kristie Bihn: This entire episode is a "Scene of the Week" for me, but if I have to pick a specific one, the closing scene was most powerful. Dre took all the anger, confusion and disgust that he was feeling about Trump winning and tried to turn it around for good. He explained that he may never understand why people voted for Trump.. and he doesn't have to.. but both sides need to come together to try to have a conversation about what's going on in the country. Otherwise, we may end up being more divided than ever. It then ended with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, which morphed into Dre's son, Junior, giving the same speech in school. Dre's feelings of confusion and anger throughout the episode are on par with what many people are still experiencing, months after the election. It was a little bit of hope in these crazy times. Also picked by Laura Markus
CODE BLACK, "Unfinished Business", January 11, 2017, Actors: William Allen Young and more, The Scene: The ending
Jimmy Ryan: The final act of this week’s episode was just superb. The episode based itself around a tragic apartment fire which had killed people, including an infant, but was actually a dream sequence experienced by Dr. Guthrie as he was undergoing surgery that could cure his Parkinsons. The way the showrunners wrapped the episode’s events into Dr. Guthrie’s past was brilliant. Coldplay’s “Fix You” was the perfect piece of music for this too. It was a moving and powerful act which concluded with Dr. Guthrie reuniting with his son and coming to terms with his actions from earlier in his life. Also picked by Marko Pekic
COLONY, "Eleven.Thirteen", January 12, 2017, Actors: Peter Jacobson and more, The Scene: Alan Snyder meets a Host
Darth Locke: Colony is back and delivered a much-needed flashback-heavy episode! Everything about it was a major improvement in comparison to most episodes last season! I picked this scene, because we begin to see that what lay before Snyder was not a choice he willingly made on his own and because it allows viewers to see he is one of the first characters from our first season story to make contact! If the episodes keep going with better acting, background stories, mythological treats/answers, and better execution, it will be a wonderful show to experience!
CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND, "Will Scarsdale Like Josh's Shayna Punim?", January 13, 2017, Actors: Patti LuPone, Tovah Feldshuh and more, The Scene: The "Remember That We Suffered" song (picked by Laura Markus)
GOOD BEHAVIOR, "All the Things", January 10, 2017, Actors: Juan Diego Botto, Michelle Dockery and more, The Scenes: Javier shows up
Luana Arturi: It was great to see Christian and Letty working together again but nothing beats the joy of seeing Javier in that doorway. The reaction on Letty's face was priceless, the whole goodbye scene was touching, and hilarious thanks to Rob. And the conversation between Javier and Jacob in the car was sweet and a perfect example of why the three of them are so perfect together. I'm hoping we get to see their adventures in another season, but if that doesn't happen, this was still a pleasure to watch and a nice way to end it. Also picked by Darth Locke
IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, The Gang Goes to a Water Park", January 11, 2017, Actors: Glenn Howerton and more, The Scene: Dennis mentors Abi (picked by Laura Markus)
SHERLOCK, "The Lying Detective", January 8, 2017, Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Sian Brooke, The Scenes: John's breakdown & The reveal at the end
Justyna K: In this brilliant episode there were many scenes and sequences I'd love to highlight in the article. The first three that come to mind would be the confrontation in the morgue, Mary's goodbye video playing while Sherlock faces Smith in the hospital and finally - John's breakdown. In the end, it's the last one of these that truly stole the hour for me. In that powerful speech, John admits to the hallucination of Mary that he texted with a different woman and thought of cheating on her. With Sherlock sitting next to him, Watson finally opens up like he couldn't before when talking to a therapist, letting his best friend know about the hallucination he's having and the guilt and pain he's felt since Mary's death. He feels broken and lost, and nothing is okay anymore. He realizes that he's far from perfect and far from the man Mary believed him to be, but it's exactly what he wants to become. Someone she already saw in him, someone who could truly take care of their daughter. I loved how supportive Sherlock is in this scene. He quietly sits and waits for Watson to speak his mind and then does something he's never done before, he simply hugs and comforts John, letting him know they're just humans who make mistakes, and that he's not alone. Such an emotional moment with a beautifully heartwarming ending. Incredible performance by Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch in the entire episode. Kudos to the entire cast & crew for such a brilliant work on the show!
Luana Arturi: I saw it coming that Elizabeth was playing both Faith and the therapist but I never imagined she was Sherlock and Mycroft's sister Eurus. It is an exciting new introduction to the show, and she seems so mischievous, I love it!
DarkUFO: John talking to "Mary" in front of Sherlock and revealing he had been texting another woman.
Saloni: John breaking down in front of Sherlock while hallucinating Mary, admitting about the affair. Sherlock actually and voluntarily hugging Watson. An incredible performance by both men in what is shaping up to be an intense and beautiful season. HM for a scene from the episode, though, is Mrs. Hudson stepping out of the car after being chased by the cops like a boss and revealing Holmes trapped in her trunk.
Kollin Lore: Watson comes to terms with himself and with Sherlock. This was a true actors showcase. The performance between Cumberbatch and Freeman was absolutely incredible to behold full of such raw emotion and driven by, as we've come to expect from this show, outstanding writing and dialogue. Just a beautiful TV moment altogether.
Prpleight: John confesses to Mary that he cheated on her and Sherlock comforts him as he cries. It took a long time for me to really believe these men as friends. The toast at John's wedding was awesome, but this scene (and the whole episode) brought it home. John revealed the things he couldn't confess to his therapist (that he was seeing Mary and that he'd cheated on her) and Sherlock offered John the comfort that he needed. I don't think we've ever seen Sherlock be that physical with John before.
SPEECHLESS, "H-e-r-Hero", January 11, 2017, Actors: Minnie Driver and more
The Scene: Maya takes a ride with Janet
Marko Pekic: Another hilarious scene stealer moment for Minnie Driver. She was simply amazing in her attempt to win over Janet, especially when she delivered her version of dressage and shook her breasts in front of the horse's face.
SWEET/VICIOUS, "Heartbreaker", January 10, 2017, Actors: Eliza Bennett, Taylor Dearden and more, The Scenes: Ophelia confronts Jules in the bathroom & The aftermath of the rape
Luana Arturi: This episode was as brilliant as it was hard to watch. I am amazed at how they balance the fun and the heartbreak at the same time, it was great to see Jules let go for once but, at the same time, it was heartbreaking to see how the assault has affected every minute of her life. Eliza Bennett keeps surprising me every time. I chose the aftermath because, no matter how much I love the fight in the bathroom and Ophelia taking care of her best friend, this scene made me cry. The act itself was despicable and hard to watch, but the aftermath, when she's trying to figure out what happened to her and what to do next, and the fact that she wanted to google how to know when you've been raped, it's too devastating to put it in words properly. I can't understand how this show hasn't been discovered by more people.
Aimee Hicks: This entire episode was the epitome of how to tell a sensitive and respectful story while still being true to the material. Eliza Bennett is doing some very powerful work in this series. She’s being asked to go to some very dark places to bring Jules’ struggle to life and she does so in such a way that it’s impossible to not feel the pain surging through Jules. Luckily, Ophelia was able to see that darkness and chased after her friend in the name of protecting her from herself. Jules is rapidly spiraling out of control and is quite obviously losing control of the darkness that is growing in her. For now, she has Ophelia watching her back, but until she deals with that darkness, things aren’t going to get any easier for her. Right now she’s in a constant battle with the dueling sides of her personality, the one that wants to just be a normal college girl and the side that wants vengeance on all evildoers like Nate, and that is taking a hefty toll on her. What I loved about this scene, is that this time it was Ophelia being the voice of reason. She knows she’s not perfect, but in this moment she knew she was the only thing standing between Jules and an act that would have destroyed her in every way possible. Ophelia wasn’t afraid to knock Jules around to prove her point but was cautious to not injure her inebriated friend. She actually got through to Jules, just in time for the alcohol to take action to further subdue her as she took off running for a toilet. Ophelia, proving that she really does consider Jules her best friend, didn’t hesitate to run after her and hold her hair back. She gently rubbed her back and stood as a firm beacon of support for Jules to reassure her friend that she’s not alone in this struggle. While Ophelia acknowledges that she can’t fully understand what Jules is going through, she nudges Jules in the direction of those that can relate to what she’s experiencing. Taylor and Eliza are brilliant scene partners who always connect on a powerful emotional level in these intense scenes. A powerful scene beautifully portrayed by both actresses.
TABOO, "Episode 1", January 10, 2017, Actors: Tom Hardy, Jonathan Pryce
The Scene: James Delaney and Sir Strange discuss matters
Kollin Lore: Tom Hardy's performance throughout the pilot of Taboo was so encapsulating, the guy just jumps off the screen with every grunt, line spoken and stare. This particular scene was humorous in James Delaney's resolve and it set up the conflict brilliantly between our main protagonist and Sir Strange.
TEEN WOLF, "Heartless", January 10, 2017, Actors: Holland Roden, Linden Ashby, The Scene: Lydia makes Sheriff realize the truth
Justyna K: Without Stiles, there's just so much sadness in this story, especially when it comes to Lydia and the Sheriff. Now it seems we finally found out why Claudia has suddenly appeared, back from the dead. The memory of her, her presence, it's the answer to the emptiness in Sheriff's life created by missing Stiles. As Lydia's mom points out earlier in the episode, you wouldn't want to be the person who has to make Sheriff realize the truth. Because it hurts and the discovery will break his heart. But Lydia knows how much he loved his son and despite the painful circumstances she tries her best to make him remember. It's a beautifully done scene, with the music playing in the background as Lydia looks around and sees what used to be in Stiles' room. It's a uniquely quiet and emotional moment. Ending with her being able to bring back Stiles' lacrosse jersey and show it to the Sheriff. It's no longer a theory, it's a proof. An actual evidence for him to hold on to, to investigate, to remember. A memorable scene wonderfully acted by the two actors. Kudos!
THE AFFAIR, "307", January 8, 2017, Actors: Dominic West, Maura Tierney, The Scene: Helen's and Noah's Sex Scene
Darth Locke: This scene in some ways is typical of the show's MO watching how all of these people keep sleeping together and ultimately working to destroy each other's lives, but what really kind of struck me was just how destructive and determined Helen really is, as she not only gives Noah drugs he seems to already being overdosing on, but because she wants to prove that she knows who Noah really is, in which Noah violently proclaims she does not. This scene highlights the season's themes of being the most disturbing or unsettling in the series history.
THE LIBRARIANS, "And the Eternal Question", January 8, 2017, Actors: Christian Kane and more, The Scene: Stone hates Vampires
Kollin Lore: As a hardcore Angel fan, I just had to put this scene here. Christian Kane, most known for playing Angel's arch enemy Lindsey, references his former character's hatred for the vampire with the soul by exclaiming "I don't like vampires" when it is revealed what he is dealing with. Kane also looks at his hand as he is saying this in reference to when Angel cut Lindsey's hand off. It was just a really funny moment and an endearing shoutout to fans who had followed him since the Angel days. Made my week.
THE ROYALS, "Born to Set it Right", January 8, 2017, Actors: William Moseley, Andrew Cooper, The Scene: Liam attacks Beck
Prpleight: Liam attacks Beck just before the family heads for the balcony to officially welcome back the prodigal son. Even though I saw the beginning of this moment in the previews I did not expect the when and the why Liam attacked the guy. But the fact that they immediately crashed through the door into a room filled with either reporters or dignitaries - and the King of England made me smile. The gleeful expression on the Kings face made me laugh out loud.
THIS IS US, "The Right Thing to Do", January 10, 2017, Actors: Sterling K. Brown, Denis O'Hare, The Scene: Randall meets Jessie
Kristie Bihn: It was kind of like a parent meeting their child's prom date. The conversation between Randall and Jessie was awkward at first. Neither quite knew what to say. When William was ready to leave with Jessie, there was a bit of role reversal from the typical parent/child relationship. Randall was a bit taken aback that William was staying at Jessie's, and then peppered him with questions like a concerned parent. "Wow. Staying over. OK. You got your chemo meds? Are you coming back tomorrow?" Being an adult, William kind of blew him off, leaving Randall in the living room. It was a sweet moment of concern and confusion from Randall, but also poignant because, as we'd later learn, he didn't necessarily want to share his father in his father's last days.
Klutzy girl: After they spent the whole episode fighting over Trump's win, Dre finally snapped and starts talking about how he loves this country even though it doesn't love him back and how black people keep trying even though it doesn't work out in their favor, how he's offended that everyone is outraged when they weren't before. It's definitely something that needed to be said. Anthony Anderson absolutely nailed this scene and how most people are feeling - sad Hillary didn't win and terrified about what that man's going to do.
Kristie Bihn: This entire episode is a "Scene of the Week" for me, but if I have to pick a specific one, the closing scene was most powerful. Dre took all the anger, confusion and disgust that he was feeling about Trump winning and tried to turn it around for good. He explained that he may never understand why people voted for Trump.. and he doesn't have to.. but both sides need to come together to try to have a conversation about what's going on in the country. Otherwise, we may end up being more divided than ever. It then ended with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, which morphed into Dre's son, Junior, giving the same speech in school. Dre's feelings of confusion and anger throughout the episode are on par with what many people are still experiencing, months after the election. It was a little bit of hope in these crazy times. Also picked by Laura Markus
Jimmy Ryan: The final act of this week’s episode was just superb. The episode based itself around a tragic apartment fire which had killed people, including an infant, but was actually a dream sequence experienced by Dr. Guthrie as he was undergoing surgery that could cure his Parkinsons. The way the showrunners wrapped the episode’s events into Dr. Guthrie’s past was brilliant. Coldplay’s “Fix You” was the perfect piece of music for this too. It was a moving and powerful act which concluded with Dr. Guthrie reuniting with his son and coming to terms with his actions from earlier in his life. Also picked by Marko Pekic
Darth Locke: Colony is back and delivered a much-needed flashback-heavy episode! Everything about it was a major improvement in comparison to most episodes last season! I picked this scene, because we begin to see that what lay before Snyder was not a choice he willingly made on his own and because it allows viewers to see he is one of the first characters from our first season story to make contact! If the episodes keep going with better acting, background stories, mythological treats/answers, and better execution, it will be a wonderful show to experience!
CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND, "Will Scarsdale Like Josh's Shayna Punim?", January 13, 2017, Actors: Patti LuPone, Tovah Feldshuh and more, The Scene: The "Remember That We Suffered" song (picked by Laura Markus)
Luana Arturi: It was great to see Christian and Letty working together again but nothing beats the joy of seeing Javier in that doorway. The reaction on Letty's face was priceless, the whole goodbye scene was touching, and hilarious thanks to Rob. And the conversation between Javier and Jacob in the car was sweet and a perfect example of why the three of them are so perfect together. I'm hoping we get to see their adventures in another season, but if that doesn't happen, this was still a pleasure to watch and a nice way to end it. Also picked by Darth Locke
IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, The Gang Goes to a Water Park", January 11, 2017, Actors: Glenn Howerton and more, The Scene: Dennis mentors Abi (picked by Laura Markus)
Justyna K: In this brilliant episode there were many scenes and sequences I'd love to highlight in the article. The first three that come to mind would be the confrontation in the morgue, Mary's goodbye video playing while Sherlock faces Smith in the hospital and finally - John's breakdown. In the end, it's the last one of these that truly stole the hour for me. In that powerful speech, John admits to the hallucination of Mary that he texted with a different woman and thought of cheating on her. With Sherlock sitting next to him, Watson finally opens up like he couldn't before when talking to a therapist, letting his best friend know about the hallucination he's having and the guilt and pain he's felt since Mary's death. He feels broken and lost, and nothing is okay anymore. He realizes that he's far from perfect and far from the man Mary believed him to be, but it's exactly what he wants to become. Someone she already saw in him, someone who could truly take care of their daughter. I loved how supportive Sherlock is in this scene. He quietly sits and waits for Watson to speak his mind and then does something he's never done before, he simply hugs and comforts John, letting him know they're just humans who make mistakes, and that he's not alone. Such an emotional moment with a beautifully heartwarming ending. Incredible performance by Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch in the entire episode. Kudos to the entire cast & crew for such a brilliant work on the show!
Luana Arturi: I saw it coming that Elizabeth was playing both Faith and the therapist but I never imagined she was Sherlock and Mycroft's sister Eurus. It is an exciting new introduction to the show, and she seems so mischievous, I love it!
DarkUFO: John talking to "Mary" in front of Sherlock and revealing he had been texting another woman.
Saloni: John breaking down in front of Sherlock while hallucinating Mary, admitting about the affair. Sherlock actually and voluntarily hugging Watson. An incredible performance by both men in what is shaping up to be an intense and beautiful season. HM for a scene from the episode, though, is Mrs. Hudson stepping out of the car after being chased by the cops like a boss and revealing Holmes trapped in her trunk.
Kollin Lore: Watson comes to terms with himself and with Sherlock. This was a true actors showcase. The performance between Cumberbatch and Freeman was absolutely incredible to behold full of such raw emotion and driven by, as we've come to expect from this show, outstanding writing and dialogue. Just a beautiful TV moment altogether.
Prpleight: John confesses to Mary that he cheated on her and Sherlock comforts him as he cries. It took a long time for me to really believe these men as friends. The toast at John's wedding was awesome, but this scene (and the whole episode) brought it home. John revealed the things he couldn't confess to his therapist (that he was seeing Mary and that he'd cheated on her) and Sherlock offered John the comfort that he needed. I don't think we've ever seen Sherlock be that physical with John before.
SPEECHLESS, "H-e-r-Hero", January 11, 2017, Actors: Minnie Driver and more
The Scene: Maya takes a ride with Janet
Marko Pekic: Another hilarious scene stealer moment for Minnie Driver. She was simply amazing in her attempt to win over Janet, especially when she delivered her version of dressage and shook her breasts in front of the horse's face.
Luana Arturi: This episode was as brilliant as it was hard to watch. I am amazed at how they balance the fun and the heartbreak at the same time, it was great to see Jules let go for once but, at the same time, it was heartbreaking to see how the assault has affected every minute of her life. Eliza Bennett keeps surprising me every time. I chose the aftermath because, no matter how much I love the fight in the bathroom and Ophelia taking care of her best friend, this scene made me cry. The act itself was despicable and hard to watch, but the aftermath, when she's trying to figure out what happened to her and what to do next, and the fact that she wanted to google how to know when you've been raped, it's too devastating to put it in words properly. I can't understand how this show hasn't been discovered by more people.
Aimee Hicks: This entire episode was the epitome of how to tell a sensitive and respectful story while still being true to the material. Eliza Bennett is doing some very powerful work in this series. She’s being asked to go to some very dark places to bring Jules’ struggle to life and she does so in such a way that it’s impossible to not feel the pain surging through Jules. Luckily, Ophelia was able to see that darkness and chased after her friend in the name of protecting her from herself. Jules is rapidly spiraling out of control and is quite obviously losing control of the darkness that is growing in her. For now, she has Ophelia watching her back, but until she deals with that darkness, things aren’t going to get any easier for her. Right now she’s in a constant battle with the dueling sides of her personality, the one that wants to just be a normal college girl and the side that wants vengeance on all evildoers like Nate, and that is taking a hefty toll on her. What I loved about this scene, is that this time it was Ophelia being the voice of reason. She knows she’s not perfect, but in this moment she knew she was the only thing standing between Jules and an act that would have destroyed her in every way possible. Ophelia wasn’t afraid to knock Jules around to prove her point but was cautious to not injure her inebriated friend. She actually got through to Jules, just in time for the alcohol to take action to further subdue her as she took off running for a toilet. Ophelia, proving that she really does consider Jules her best friend, didn’t hesitate to run after her and hold her hair back. She gently rubbed her back and stood as a firm beacon of support for Jules to reassure her friend that she’s not alone in this struggle. While Ophelia acknowledges that she can’t fully understand what Jules is going through, she nudges Jules in the direction of those that can relate to what she’s experiencing. Taylor and Eliza are brilliant scene partners who always connect on a powerful emotional level in these intense scenes. A powerful scene beautifully portrayed by both actresses.
TABOO, "Episode 1", January 10, 2017, Actors: Tom Hardy, Jonathan Pryce
The Scene: James Delaney and Sir Strange discuss matters
Kollin Lore: Tom Hardy's performance throughout the pilot of Taboo was so encapsulating, the guy just jumps off the screen with every grunt, line spoken and stare. This particular scene was humorous in James Delaney's resolve and it set up the conflict brilliantly between our main protagonist and Sir Strange.
Justyna K: Without Stiles, there's just so much sadness in this story, especially when it comes to Lydia and the Sheriff. Now it seems we finally found out why Claudia has suddenly appeared, back from the dead. The memory of her, her presence, it's the answer to the emptiness in Sheriff's life created by missing Stiles. As Lydia's mom points out earlier in the episode, you wouldn't want to be the person who has to make Sheriff realize the truth. Because it hurts and the discovery will break his heart. But Lydia knows how much he loved his son and despite the painful circumstances she tries her best to make him remember. It's a beautifully done scene, with the music playing in the background as Lydia looks around and sees what used to be in Stiles' room. It's a uniquely quiet and emotional moment. Ending with her being able to bring back Stiles' lacrosse jersey and show it to the Sheriff. It's no longer a theory, it's a proof. An actual evidence for him to hold on to, to investigate, to remember. A memorable scene wonderfully acted by the two actors. Kudos!
Darth Locke: This scene in some ways is typical of the show's MO watching how all of these people keep sleeping together and ultimately working to destroy each other's lives, but what really kind of struck me was just how destructive and determined Helen really is, as she not only gives Noah drugs he seems to already being overdosing on, but because she wants to prove that she knows who Noah really is, in which Noah violently proclaims she does not. This scene highlights the season's themes of being the most disturbing or unsettling in the series history.
Kollin Lore: As a hardcore Angel fan, I just had to put this scene here. Christian Kane, most known for playing Angel's arch enemy Lindsey, references his former character's hatred for the vampire with the soul by exclaiming "I don't like vampires" when it is revealed what he is dealing with. Kane also looks at his hand as he is saying this in reference to when Angel cut Lindsey's hand off. It was just a really funny moment and an endearing shoutout to fans who had followed him since the Angel days. Made my week.
Prpleight: Liam attacks Beck just before the family heads for the balcony to officially welcome back the prodigal son. Even though I saw the beginning of this moment in the previews I did not expect the when and the why Liam attacked the guy. But the fact that they immediately crashed through the door into a room filled with either reporters or dignitaries - and the King of England made me smile. The gleeful expression on the Kings face made me laugh out loud.
Kristie Bihn: It was kind of like a parent meeting their child's prom date. The conversation between Randall and Jessie was awkward at first. Neither quite knew what to say. When William was ready to leave with Jessie, there was a bit of role reversal from the typical parent/child relationship. Randall was a bit taken aback that William was staying at Jessie's, and then peppered him with questions like a concerned parent. "Wow. Staying over. OK. You got your chemo meds? Are you coming back tomorrow?" Being an adult, William kind of blew him off, leaving Randall in the living room. It was a sweet moment of concern and confusion from Randall, but also poignant because, as we'd later learn, he didn't necessarily want to share his father in his father's last days.
