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.
AGENTS OF SHIELD, "Self Control", February 21, 2017, Actors: Elizabeth Henstridge, Iain De Caestecker, Chloe Bennet, Ming-Na Wen and more, The Scenes: The confrontation between Simmons and LMD Fitz & LMD May talks with LMD Coulson & Daisy fights LMDs & The Life in the Framework & Jemma and Daisy reunite
Justyna K: I'm so happy that I've caught up with the show just in time to see this episode. It was easily one of the best episodes in the series' run and there are so many great things I could say about it. Let me start by acknowledging the fantastic work done by both the cast and the crew who really brought their A-game and put their hearts into making of this incredible hour of television. A special shout-out to the four actors who gave one of the best performances on the show yet - Elizabeth Henstridge, Iain De Caestecker, Chloe Bennet and Ming-Na Wen. Kudos! The wonderful writing, acting, the music, the special effects and so many more - all these things together made it almost impossible for me to choose just one scene. The ones I most wanted to include in the article are luckily already in it, so let me focus on the one I'd like to cover more in details and that is the confrontation between Simmons and LMD Fitz. To be perfectly honest I almost chose the only hopeful part of the hour, the reunion between Jemma and Daisy but there's already so many great things written about it that I don't think I need to add anything else. And the wonderful relationship between Jemma and Leo has always been one of my favorite things about the show from its very beginning. When it becomes clear that one of the two is actually LMD, the scene becomes one of the most intense and powerful exchanges I've seen on AoS. Until the moment LMD Fitz reveals himself you can't be quite sure of the truth and the fact that they both seem to be scared and confused, and so much like themselves, makes it even worse. Honestly, the most haunting part for me has to be just how similar LMD Fitz was to Leo. The realization of what happened to the real Fitz and how alone she is without him truly breaks Jemma. So her struggle and finally the choice to stop this LMD, by repeatedly stabbing the copy of the love of her life, is one that makes her one of the strongest characters in the story. I can't even begin to imagine what it must have felt like and I applaud Elizabeth Henstridge for her acting in this scene. Jemma goes through so many emotions during this confrontation and they're all so clear for the viewers thanks to this wonderful performance. And let's not miss the effort done by the great Iain De Caestecker, who so often is the show's main scene stealer. The quick changes in Fitz' behavior, between being scared and scary, between the cold and the breakdown, the almost proposal and pleading for his life - all the transitions are simply flawless. After everything Fitz and Simmons have been through, I hope to see the happy ending for them in the future, like Daisy said, this is not how their story ends. Such a great scene, even better episode, kudos!
Nirat: LMD May talks with LMD Coulson before blowing up the base. I don’t quite know how to describe the sheer amount of depth and feeling that derived from this scene. Ming-Na Wen was phenomenal throughout. The score coupled with Ming-Na's performance created something truly breathtaking. The emotion conveyed in the way LMD May spoke was filled with such humanity and understand that Ming-Na let flow from her effortlessly. The way she talked about “that pain” which made her human was incredible, it reminded me of Westworld. The “are you afraid to die” line and every single line was impeccably delivered. A real selfless act. Not a lot of shows handle these artificial intelligence narratives well, they usually gloss over the meaningful aspects and make it so derivative but Agents of SHIELD never did. This entire episode was such a brilliant close to the LMD arc and I was so impressed with Jed Whedon’s direction and writing but this scene was something special.
Milo: This episode was simply exceptional and I loved this one. The scene where Daisy destroyed the LMDs of Coulson and Mack using her powers. It was an excellent use of visual effects and some of the best use of CGI in the whole show.
Klutzy girl: The reveal at the end of how different the Framework is from reality. I was definitely not expecting there to be a picture of Skyeward together nor for Brett Dalton to return so I was definitely thrown for a loop. Then there's the fact that Jemma's dead, Fitz is a millionaire, May's Hydra, and Coulson's a teacher! I really can't wait to see how this storyline unfolds because it's going to be wild.
Tyler: Ending montage - So many reveals happened. My jaw managed to drop further and further with each one. I was not expecting Ward to return. Simmons is dead in the framework? That's not OK! May is a Hydra agent? Even worse! I can't wait for Season 4C to see how this AU unfolds.
Saloni: Fitz and Simmons realize one of them is an LMD. I loved the moment where faux Fitz cuts his slit to prove he's real and Jemma runs over to help him and then he cooly just stabs her leg.
DJRiter: When Daisy and Jemma find one another while hiding from the LMD's that have infiltrated the base. Like in other episodes this season they unite, while battered and bruised both emotionally and physically, to fight against seemingly impossible odds, proving they may be SHIELD's most bad-ass agents. Though it's a simple, quiet moment that makes this scene most impressive, when Daisy hugs Jemma and gives her a gentle quake to prove she isn't an LMD! Jemma's palpable relief and Daisy's later declaration that through it all the one thing she knows is that Fitz and Simmons belong together were powerful and heart-rending. Chloe Bennett and Elizabeth Henstridge were both amazing in this scene and both shined in what was surely the show's finest hour.
Aimee: Daisy and Simmons reunite. This was one of the strongest episodes this show has done in a long time. Every single aspect of it was perfectly on point and the episode was expertly led by Chloe Bennet and Elizabeth Henstridge, who do not get to work side-by-side nearly enough. They were put through some extreme physical and emotional moments throughout this episode and consistently exceeded expectations. This scene, in particular, was a highlight. At least Simmons knew LMD’s were on the loose, but Daisy didn’t know that the facility was being overrun until she herself was in danger. She was caught completely off guard which made her initial reaction to Simmons quite understandable. Though, it was quite evident that they both wanted the other to be real, but were afraid to let emotions win out with such high stakes. They had to find a way to verify the truth, but to do so would put both at risk. The tears hovering in Daisy’s eyes and the tears streaking down Simmons’ face showed the inner turmoil both were experiencing. Neither enjoyed holding the other at the end of a weapon. In the end, Daisy knew that they were about to be discovered and had to make the difficult decision to drop her own weapon in order to grab Simmons out of the line of sight of the window. She could have easily shoved her against a wall and quaked her from a distance, but instead, she pulled her friend into a big bear hug. That hug was clearly out of her own need for contact because some part of her sensed that the Simmons before her was the real deal, but she needed this confirmation. Daisy is a hugger, she has been from the very start of the series, so this seemed very natural for the character. She was tense, untrusting, and unnerved, but she held Simmons close. She even buried her face in Simmons' shoulder as she quaked her almost seemingly afraid to know the results. Once she felt that Simmons was indeed real she relaxed and wrapped her arms tighter around her friend and clung to her. Both women had equal reactions of relief as they each embraced tighter. For this moment nothing else mattered, except each of these badass women having a moment to breathe and embrace before the fight for survival continued. These two characters are always amazing when they work together, but this episode was probably their best team-up to date and proved that the show needs to pair these two up more often. Chloe Bennet and Elizabeth Henstridge deserve all the praise that they can get for the exceptional work they did throughout this episode. Perfectly written, perfectly acted, and perfectly executed scene. This is likely the best scene of everything this entire week and perhaps this entire month.
Samantha: I'm not a regular viewer of the show, but that scene gutted me. There was so much tension, trying to work out who was telling the truth & the climax of Fitz so cooly stabbing Jemma's leg after she rushed to help him stunned me.
APB, "Hate of Comrades", February 20, 2017, Actors: Caitlin Stasey and more
The Scene: Ada provokes the abusive husband to punch her
Marko: I loved Caitlin ever since her Reign days and she always showed great potential but this week she surprised even me with her brilliant performance. I loved how they construct the story leading up to this scene. Caitlin showed a beautiful range of emotions in this one and I hope we'll get more of it.
BATES MOTEL, "Dark Paradise", February 20, 2017, Actors: Freddie Highmore, Vera Farmiga, The Scenes: The dinner scene & The Final Sequence
Nirat: I adored this scene. Mother cooked up a feast (but in reality, what’s really there) and in typical fashion, her son Norman shares what he did during the day. The way Mother talked about slaving away, devoting everything she has to Norman and not being able to leave and now he wants to spend time with some girl was amazing. “A mentally ill boy and a dead woman”, who would’ve thought this pairing would’ve made one of the best scenes on a TV show! I love how Vera Farmiga can take a scene that’s serious, be incredibly strict as well as be moving and hilarious, “and where am I going to go, in a closet?”. The scene was made even better by the fantastic door slam exit, only Vera can make such an impression. I’m so disappointed (and I want to yell at them in true Norma Bates fashion) that the award shows have still not recognized Vera and Freddie as well as the show for being so damn good, surely they are living in a false sense of reality at Pineview. Also picked by DarkUFO
Darth Locke: The Final Sequence - Norman and "Mother" are about to dump Jim Blackwell's body, when Jim's phone rings.
BIG LITTLE LIES, "Somebody's Dead", February 19, 2017, Actors: Reese Witherspoon and more
The Scene: Final Montage
Luana: This show is just breathtaking, I have a feeling it's a slow burn, but what I've seen has me hooked already. The final montage was haunting and an omen of things to come. And Jane sleeping with a gun makes it all that much more intriguing. Can't wait to see what's next.
CRIMINAL MINDS, "Collision Course", February 22, 2017, Actors: Matthew Gray Gubler, Paget Brewster and more, The Scene: Spencer’s bail is denied
Aimee: This was a particularly poignant scene because it was essentially the loss of a member of the team. In typical Spencer fashion, he held it together, but the same can’t be said for the rest of the team. Each of them had an intense reaction to the decision the Judge made. Spencer, who has a heart of gold, has no place in prison, but that’s where he’s heading. It was a powerful scene that showed just how much every member of this team means to each other. This is a major blow to the team and is certain to motivate them in the coming episodes to try and clear his name. It’s evident that the team will fight for him with all their resources. This was an intense scene, because anyone watching surely thought the judge was going to release him, but it is a testament to the writers that they took this scene, and this storyline, in a completely unexpected way.
HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, "He Made a Terrible Mistake", February 23, 2017, Actors: Jack Falahee, Viola Davis and more, The Scenes: Connor and Annalise talk about Wes' death & Connor tells everyone what happened that night
Laura Markus: Connor and Annalise share some words about Wes' death. An absolutely breathtaking sequence in one of HTGAWM's best hours. Connor's initial breakdown to everyone was nearly my pick, but it's the dynamic between Connor and Annalise that I have always loved immensely, and that's what put this scene over the top. We learned in Season 1 that these characters are very similar, so everything Annalise was saying to Connor and about him was true. They're both worriers, so scared and broken that they fear letting people in and cling to their earlier years where they could be freer. Connor has long often deflected his own blame on Annalise (and Wes) and while I'm not excusing him for it, it was always understandable why he did it. His fear of killing Wes was eating him alive, and Annalise just wants to help and protect him, like she always does. He's too blind by hatred to see this. But I think he might finally get it now. Effortless acting by Viola and Jack. Seriously, what a great scene.
Saloni: Connor tells everyone how he may have killed Wes and everything that happened that night. Jack Falahee was so damn good when he broke down. As was the rest of the cast as they tried to understand his story.
Francesco: Connor and Annalise discuss in her room. I really loved this confrontation. It was really intense.
IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, "The Gang Tends Bar", February 22, 2017, Actors: Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, The Scene: Mac buys Dennis a rocket launcher for Valentine's Day
Laura Markus: Some may consider this a bottle episode or just some filler, but I found a lot of surprising genuine emotion and character development to be had in this outing. Everyone's wondering why Dennis wants the gang to actually do their jobs for once, and it's Mac (firstly) who realizes he wants the gang to truly analyze and look at themselves. Though it's not for the reasons he thinks. Dennis, surprise, actually has feelings, big ones, and they just exploded on the screen here. The gang used to celebrate v-day but never with him. All he wanted was to feel like he's a part of the group and that never happened on this holiday. So when the mysterious crate that Mac "found" is revealed to be a gift for Dennis that he always wanted, it's safe to say he couldn't keep his big feelings bottled up anymore. I really like where this season is going with these two characters and I'm thrilled that we got to see more brilliant acting from Glenn.
LEGION, "Chapter 3", February 22, 2017, Actors: Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller and more, The Scenes: David tells Syd about his past & David and Syd teleport to find his sister & A book shuts on Melanie's hand
Nirat: It's so rare to find a show with the romance being so effortlessly natural and likable in three episodes. Dan Stevens' and Rachel Keller's chemistry on screen is wonderful in this scene, as always, but the intimacy without the need for sexual intimacy, the way the both look at one another and communicate is truly poignant. It's so rare to have a male character be vulnerable on TV too, letting David share why he was worried to let Syd see his mind was great, it's refreshing compared to the quiet, isolating and self-sabotaging characters on TV. What's even more wonderful is Syd's response in light of his junkie past, that she loves him no matter what. No second guessing, no drama, just believe and that's something. The direction, lighting and the way the actors were placed on either side of two walls coming together were beautiful, the shots that were captured showed such a simple yet powerful connection between the two. Thank you, Noah Hawley, for creating such a detailed and exceptional comic book show that isn't like everything else.
DarkUFO: David and Syd teleport to where his sister is being held captive.
Laura Markus: That whole sequence of David in the test room slowly floating away and Syd running to join him was absolutely breathtaking. And then having them watch his sister get interrogated and learning about his powers was wild. This show is so innovative and I cannot wait for more.
Darth Locke: The Angriest Boy in the World Book shuts on Melanie's hand.
MARY KILLS PEOPLE, "Morning Glory", February 22, 2017, Actors: Greg Bryk, Caroline Dhavernas, The Scene: Grady's death
Luana: This show caught me by surprise, it intrigued me from the beginning, but once Mary started showing her twisted side, everything just clicked for me. In this scene that side came to the surface as she stoped putting preasure on Grady's wound and just let him die with no remorse whatsoever, and the way she set him up was so clever. I would really like to see her fully embrace that darkness, and the prospect of her working with her sister makes me so excited! I really hope we get to see that.
NASHVILLE, "If Tomorrow Never Comes", February 23, 2017, Actors: Connie Britton, Charles Esten, The Scene: Rayna and Deacon say goodbye
Luana: This episode was just heartbreaking, I do have my reservations about what happened, I mean, what was the whole point of the stalker storyline if they were just going to kill her in a random car accident? But still, I think it was a beautiful goodbye to the main character, she got time with almost everyone she was important to, and we got to cry some more this week after that This Is Us episode (I have no more tears left by the way, though I'm pretty sure they'll regenerate soon enough). The scene where Deacon says goodbye and begs her not to die was just so heartbreaking. Chip Esten was brilliant, we saw in his face how his promise to be strong for the girls made it all sink in for him, that losing her was actually a possibility, he could barely speak, it broke my heart to see him like that, and thinking of what losing the love of his life, a love he had to fight so hard and so long for, could do to him, I really hope they do their love justice in his way of dealing with the pain too.
POWERLESS, "Emily Dates a Henchman", February 23, 2017, Actors: Danny Pudi, Ron Funches, Alan Tudyk, The Scene: Teddy, Van and Ron almost meet Batman
Milo: The scene where Teddy, Van and Ron are arguing whilst we see an off-screen Batman abduct a criminal. Their reaction to (almost) seeing Batman was priceless.
RIVERDALE, "Chapter Five: Heart of Darkness", February 23, 2017, Actors: Camila Mendes, Madelaine Petsch, The Scene: Cheryl and Veronica talk about Jason (picked by Francesco)
SPEECHLESS, "O-s-Oscar P-a-Party", February 22, 2017, Actors: Mason Cook and more
The Scene: Ray channels Maya to find her keys
Marko: Ray dresses up as Maya and channels her to find her keys. I freaking laughed so hard. Such a brilliant opening scene. Ray channeling "Mother" was just outstanding. Freaky Bates Motel vibes, just less murder.
SUPERGIRL, "Mr. & Mrs. Mxyzptlk", February 20, 2017, Actors: Chyler Leigh, Floriana Lima, The Scenes: Maggie gives Alex a late Valentine’s Day surprise & Alex stands up to Maggie
Aimee: Maggie gives Alex a late Valentine’s Day surprise. Maggie finally came clean to Alex earlier in the episode regarding her actual coming out story. It was intense and despite the fact that Maggie lied originally it showed just how much she has loved Alex from the start. She didn’t want to unnecessarily freak out Alex when she was struggling with coming out, so she lied about her own coming out. It was perhaps misguided, but given her intentions to protect Alex it was understandable and forgivable. Still, she did snap at Alex and acknowledged that she was wrong and needed to deal with her mistake. So, taking Kara’s advice, she gave Alex her perfect first Valentine’s Day, even though it was a day late. She loves Alex, that part can never be questioned, and she’s proven that she’s willing to do anything for her. Maggie overcame her own Valentine’s Day anxieties to stage this perfect date for the love of her life. When Maggie apologized her words were sincere and perfectly stated to convey what she was feeling. Their dance was adorable and the fact their foreheads were pressed together as they gazed into each other’s eyes showed an incredible connectivity between the characters. Floriana Lima is just now starting to get to delve into the deeper parts of Maggie’s story and if this episode is any indication there is some great stuff upcoming for the character. Chyler Leigh, as per usual, was spot on in her portrayal of Alex throughout this episode, but in this scene, in particular, she got to show off Alex’s softer side that enjoys these sentimental little things. This was a beautiful scene all around. Also picked by Samantha
DJRiter: When Maggie reacts badly to Alex's Valentine surprise she tries to leave and Alex tells her, "No, You don't get to walk out Maggie, this is a relationship! You've told me not to push my feelings down so now it's your turn." Bravo for Alex, this is the first time she's really taken the lead in the relationship and to me this shows it's one she's willing to fight for. Chyler Leigh, as always nailed it, then we get Maggie's heart-rending coming out story and some of Floriana Lima's best work to date. This scene is wonderful and another step in the Maggie/Alex story becoming one of the healthiest relationships on TV, gay or straight.
THE 100, "A Lie Guarded", February 22, 2017, Actors: Bob Morley, Henry Ian Cusick and more, The Scene: Echo and Roan tell Bellamy that Octavia's dead
Justyna K: So far, so good - that would be my general response to the season four at this point. I've found myself once again invested in the story and have decided to give the characters a chance to do better this year. There were a few standout moments in this hour, Octavia's fight being one of them, but it's the scene near the end, when Bellamy learns of his little sister's "death" that stole the episode for me. The relationship between these two siblings was one of my favorite things about the first two seasons and their rift is one of the reasons I couldn't quite watch the show last year. Octavia's safety was always Bellamy's main priority during their life at the Ark and later the reason why he shot Jaha and joined the hundred juvenile delinquents sent down to Earth back in the pilot. Even during the battle at the end of season one, or when it came to the choice at Mount Weather, his sister was on his mind. It was always clear she's the person he loves most in the world. As seen during this moment he's learned to have a lot of faith in her strength and skills and he spent all the time they were apart certain she can handle herself and will be fine without him to protect her. So to hear of her death... It broke him completely. The raw emotions and the pain of the loss were perfectly acted by the talented Bob Morley. He manages to steal the episode in a few short minutes when he's on the screen and that scream and breakdown will surely haunt me for a while. It was such a hard scene to watch, to be honest. Even Echo and Roan couldn't bring themselves to share the sad news. Regardless of where they stand in this fight, they seemed to respect both Octavia and Bellamy, and they realize the magnitude of the loss. And then there's Kane. The man who has gone through quite incredible character development during the show and has been trying his best to keep Bellamy hopeful when they were both locked in the cell together. He became quite a father figure to the Blake siblings so hearing that Octavia died, knowing they didn't part on the best terms, it really took away his strength in that moment and he covered his face in pain, not able to process or listen to Bellamy's scream. It was heartbreaking to watch. No matter what one might think about the characters, the scene was incredibly memorable, well written and directed, and wonderfully acted. Kudos to the cast & crew for their great work on the show!
Milo: Bellamy's reaction to learning of his sister's supposed death was one of the highlights of an episode that was otherwise fairly average. It felt real, authentic and really well done. I'm not the biggest Bellamy fan but Morley definitely was impressive here.
Tyler: Bob Morley's acting was incredible during that scene. I'd even go as far as saying that he deserves an Emmy. All I wanted to do was reach into my TV screen, hug him and tell him that it would be OK.
Meghan: Bellamy reacts to Octavia's supposed death.
THE EXPANSE, "Home", February 22, 2017, Actors: Thomas Jane, Florence Faivre, The Scene: Miller meets Julie
Kollin: After a season and a half of buildup, the ageing detective finally encounters the woman of his dreams, the woman that had him flying out from the comfort of his home to the farthest reaches of space. Everything about this moment was so beautiful in the most heartbreaking way. From the stunning visual of the blue Protomolecule dancing around them to the melancholic music rising and soaring with the rhythm of their intimate conversation. This scene shouldn't work because this is their first encounter ever and no chemistry had been built. Yet, knowing the depths that Miller went through to find her and protect her and then to see him tenderly consoling her, giving his life to be with her or at least what was left of her as the Protomolecule took over her body, made this scene so profoundly romantic. All this culminates with Eros crashing into Venus, as Miller embraces his love for the first and last time. This is one of those scenes that sticks with you emotionally well after the airing of the episode and it is proof of why many are calling The Expanse one of the best and most definitely transformative shows on television today.
THE GOLDBERGS, "So Swayze It’s Crazy", February 22, 2017, Actors: Hayley Orrantia, Sam Lerner
The Scene: Erica and Geoff kiss
Samantha: I didn't like the idea of them together at first, but this season I've really warmed up to them and it was a beautiful scene.
THE GOOD FIGHT, "First Week", February 19, 2017, Actors: Rose Leslie and more
The Scene: Maia finds her footing in front of Judge Abernathy (picked by Darth Locke)
THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, "It's Been a Hell of a Ride", February 24, 2017, Actors: Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley and more, The Scene: Damon gives up his soul to save Stefan and Elena
Justyna K: Most of the main characters on the show are/were vampires at some point of the story. They've done many truly horrible and quite clearly unforgiveable things. It makes one wonder, will they, or even should they, get a happy ending when the series finale comes. I've already seen different and passionate answers to this question but can't seem to find the right answer myself. Since it's a TV show that's been running for years now, we've come to know and understand the characters well and if you're invested in their story you often choose to just accept it and give people another chance to do better. And sometimes they do. The one thing that could be easily said about Damon (at any point of the series that I've seen) is that he's a selfish guy. From time to time he makes good choices when motivated by his short list of loved ones and friends. But this time it seemed different. He actually offered his soul in exchange for the safety of both Stefan and Elena. After all these years, he admitted they're both at the top of his list and their lives mean more to him than his own. Yes, he did save them both in the past. But this time he truly knew what it would mean to him, an eternity of suffering, and he still made that choice. I honestly didn't expect this, so for once I was actually proud of the character. Really loved what it meant for the brothers. I always thought this show would be so much better if their relationship was the main focus, not the love triangle. Great performances by both Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley. I am genuinely interested to see where the story ends. Kudos!
Marko: Damon decides to give up his soul and spare Stefan and Elena. Goosebumps! Simple as that. The moment Damon said "it's been a hell of a ride" my heart dropped and my eyes teared up. TVD is at its best when it is about Defan and finally the spark hit over, it was a long time coming this season.
THE WALKING DEAD, "New Best Friends", February 19, 2017, Actors: Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Andrew Lincoln, The Scenes: Carol and Daryl's reunion & Rick battles the spiked walker
Saloni: The reunion. It was so sweet and emotional. I'm happy he didn't tell her about Glenn and Abraham because she looked so broken just at the thought of anyone being harmed. On the other hand, I want her to find out asap and join the fight. They need her.
DarkUFO: Rick battles the spiked walker.
THIS IS US, "Memphis", February 21, 2017, Actors: Sterling K. Brown, Ron Cephas Jones, The Scene: William's death
Tyler: I still have no words. I was not expecting it to happen so soon. I didn't sign up to bawl my eyes out this week but it happened anyway. I honestly thought that they would wait until the Season Finale and show Jack's death in the same episode. However it goes to show that death can come when you least expect it. Big props to the phenomenal acting from Sterling K. Brown and Ron Cephas Jones. William will be missed.
Meghan: William's death, specifically, Randall holding his face and telling him to breathe, just like Jack used to do with him.
Justyna K: I'm so happy that I've caught up with the show just in time to see this episode. It was easily one of the best episodes in the series' run and there are so many great things I could say about it. Let me start by acknowledging the fantastic work done by both the cast and the crew who really brought their A-game and put their hearts into making of this incredible hour of television. A special shout-out to the four actors who gave one of the best performances on the show yet - Elizabeth Henstridge, Iain De Caestecker, Chloe Bennet and Ming-Na Wen. Kudos! The wonderful writing, acting, the music, the special effects and so many more - all these things together made it almost impossible for me to choose just one scene. The ones I most wanted to include in the article are luckily already in it, so let me focus on the one I'd like to cover more in details and that is the confrontation between Simmons and LMD Fitz. To be perfectly honest I almost chose the only hopeful part of the hour, the reunion between Jemma and Daisy but there's already so many great things written about it that I don't think I need to add anything else. And the wonderful relationship between Jemma and Leo has always been one of my favorite things about the show from its very beginning. When it becomes clear that one of the two is actually LMD, the scene becomes one of the most intense and powerful exchanges I've seen on AoS. Until the moment LMD Fitz reveals himself you can't be quite sure of the truth and the fact that they both seem to be scared and confused, and so much like themselves, makes it even worse. Honestly, the most haunting part for me has to be just how similar LMD Fitz was to Leo. The realization of what happened to the real Fitz and how alone she is without him truly breaks Jemma. So her struggle and finally the choice to stop this LMD, by repeatedly stabbing the copy of the love of her life, is one that makes her one of the strongest characters in the story. I can't even begin to imagine what it must have felt like and I applaud Elizabeth Henstridge for her acting in this scene. Jemma goes through so many emotions during this confrontation and they're all so clear for the viewers thanks to this wonderful performance. And let's not miss the effort done by the great Iain De Caestecker, who so often is the show's main scene stealer. The quick changes in Fitz' behavior, between being scared and scary, between the cold and the breakdown, the almost proposal and pleading for his life - all the transitions are simply flawless. After everything Fitz and Simmons have been through, I hope to see the happy ending for them in the future, like Daisy said, this is not how their story ends. Such a great scene, even better episode, kudos!
Nirat: LMD May talks with LMD Coulson before blowing up the base. I don’t quite know how to describe the sheer amount of depth and feeling that derived from this scene. Ming-Na Wen was phenomenal throughout. The score coupled with Ming-Na's performance created something truly breathtaking. The emotion conveyed in the way LMD May spoke was filled with such humanity and understand that Ming-Na let flow from her effortlessly. The way she talked about “that pain” which made her human was incredible, it reminded me of Westworld. The “are you afraid to die” line and every single line was impeccably delivered. A real selfless act. Not a lot of shows handle these artificial intelligence narratives well, they usually gloss over the meaningful aspects and make it so derivative but Agents of SHIELD never did. This entire episode was such a brilliant close to the LMD arc and I was so impressed with Jed Whedon’s direction and writing but this scene was something special.
Milo: This episode was simply exceptional and I loved this one. The scene where Daisy destroyed the LMDs of Coulson and Mack using her powers. It was an excellent use of visual effects and some of the best use of CGI in the whole show.
Klutzy girl: The reveal at the end of how different the Framework is from reality. I was definitely not expecting there to be a picture of Skyeward together nor for Brett Dalton to return so I was definitely thrown for a loop. Then there's the fact that Jemma's dead, Fitz is a millionaire, May's Hydra, and Coulson's a teacher! I really can't wait to see how this storyline unfolds because it's going to be wild.
Tyler: Ending montage - So many reveals happened. My jaw managed to drop further and further with each one. I was not expecting Ward to return. Simmons is dead in the framework? That's not OK! May is a Hydra agent? Even worse! I can't wait for Season 4C to see how this AU unfolds.
Saloni: Fitz and Simmons realize one of them is an LMD. I loved the moment where faux Fitz cuts his slit to prove he's real and Jemma runs over to help him and then he cooly just stabs her leg.
DJRiter: When Daisy and Jemma find one another while hiding from the LMD's that have infiltrated the base. Like in other episodes this season they unite, while battered and bruised both emotionally and physically, to fight against seemingly impossible odds, proving they may be SHIELD's most bad-ass agents. Though it's a simple, quiet moment that makes this scene most impressive, when Daisy hugs Jemma and gives her a gentle quake to prove she isn't an LMD! Jemma's palpable relief and Daisy's later declaration that through it all the one thing she knows is that Fitz and Simmons belong together were powerful and heart-rending. Chloe Bennett and Elizabeth Henstridge were both amazing in this scene and both shined in what was surely the show's finest hour.
Aimee: Daisy and Simmons reunite. This was one of the strongest episodes this show has done in a long time. Every single aspect of it was perfectly on point and the episode was expertly led by Chloe Bennet and Elizabeth Henstridge, who do not get to work side-by-side nearly enough. They were put through some extreme physical and emotional moments throughout this episode and consistently exceeded expectations. This scene, in particular, was a highlight. At least Simmons knew LMD’s were on the loose, but Daisy didn’t know that the facility was being overrun until she herself was in danger. She was caught completely off guard which made her initial reaction to Simmons quite understandable. Though, it was quite evident that they both wanted the other to be real, but were afraid to let emotions win out with such high stakes. They had to find a way to verify the truth, but to do so would put both at risk. The tears hovering in Daisy’s eyes and the tears streaking down Simmons’ face showed the inner turmoil both were experiencing. Neither enjoyed holding the other at the end of a weapon. In the end, Daisy knew that they were about to be discovered and had to make the difficult decision to drop her own weapon in order to grab Simmons out of the line of sight of the window. She could have easily shoved her against a wall and quaked her from a distance, but instead, she pulled her friend into a big bear hug. That hug was clearly out of her own need for contact because some part of her sensed that the Simmons before her was the real deal, but she needed this confirmation. Daisy is a hugger, she has been from the very start of the series, so this seemed very natural for the character. She was tense, untrusting, and unnerved, but she held Simmons close. She even buried her face in Simmons' shoulder as she quaked her almost seemingly afraid to know the results. Once she felt that Simmons was indeed real she relaxed and wrapped her arms tighter around her friend and clung to her. Both women had equal reactions of relief as they each embraced tighter. For this moment nothing else mattered, except each of these badass women having a moment to breathe and embrace before the fight for survival continued. These two characters are always amazing when they work together, but this episode was probably their best team-up to date and proved that the show needs to pair these two up more often. Chloe Bennet and Elizabeth Henstridge deserve all the praise that they can get for the exceptional work they did throughout this episode. Perfectly written, perfectly acted, and perfectly executed scene. This is likely the best scene of everything this entire week and perhaps this entire month.
Samantha: I'm not a regular viewer of the show, but that scene gutted me. There was so much tension, trying to work out who was telling the truth & the climax of Fitz so cooly stabbing Jemma's leg after she rushed to help him stunned me.
APB, "Hate of Comrades", February 20, 2017, Actors: Caitlin Stasey and more
The Scene: Ada provokes the abusive husband to punch her
Marko: I loved Caitlin ever since her Reign days and she always showed great potential but this week she surprised even me with her brilliant performance. I loved how they construct the story leading up to this scene. Caitlin showed a beautiful range of emotions in this one and I hope we'll get more of it.
Nirat: I adored this scene. Mother cooked up a feast (but in reality, what’s really there) and in typical fashion, her son Norman shares what he did during the day. The way Mother talked about slaving away, devoting everything she has to Norman and not being able to leave and now he wants to spend time with some girl was amazing. “A mentally ill boy and a dead woman”, who would’ve thought this pairing would’ve made one of the best scenes on a TV show! I love how Vera Farmiga can take a scene that’s serious, be incredibly strict as well as be moving and hilarious, “and where am I going to go, in a closet?”. The scene was made even better by the fantastic door slam exit, only Vera can make such an impression. I’m so disappointed (and I want to yell at them in true Norma Bates fashion) that the award shows have still not recognized Vera and Freddie as well as the show for being so damn good, surely they are living in a false sense of reality at Pineview. Also picked by DarkUFO
Darth Locke: The Final Sequence - Norman and "Mother" are about to dump Jim Blackwell's body, when Jim's phone rings.
BIG LITTLE LIES, "Somebody's Dead", February 19, 2017, Actors: Reese Witherspoon and more
The Scene: Final Montage
Luana: This show is just breathtaking, I have a feeling it's a slow burn, but what I've seen has me hooked already. The final montage was haunting and an omen of things to come. And Jane sleeping with a gun makes it all that much more intriguing. Can't wait to see what's next.
Aimee: This was a particularly poignant scene because it was essentially the loss of a member of the team. In typical Spencer fashion, he held it together, but the same can’t be said for the rest of the team. Each of them had an intense reaction to the decision the Judge made. Spencer, who has a heart of gold, has no place in prison, but that’s where he’s heading. It was a powerful scene that showed just how much every member of this team means to each other. This is a major blow to the team and is certain to motivate them in the coming episodes to try and clear his name. It’s evident that the team will fight for him with all their resources. This was an intense scene, because anyone watching surely thought the judge was going to release him, but it is a testament to the writers that they took this scene, and this storyline, in a completely unexpected way.
Laura Markus: Connor and Annalise share some words about Wes' death. An absolutely breathtaking sequence in one of HTGAWM's best hours. Connor's initial breakdown to everyone was nearly my pick, but it's the dynamic between Connor and Annalise that I have always loved immensely, and that's what put this scene over the top. We learned in Season 1 that these characters are very similar, so everything Annalise was saying to Connor and about him was true. They're both worriers, so scared and broken that they fear letting people in and cling to their earlier years where they could be freer. Connor has long often deflected his own blame on Annalise (and Wes) and while I'm not excusing him for it, it was always understandable why he did it. His fear of killing Wes was eating him alive, and Annalise just wants to help and protect him, like she always does. He's too blind by hatred to see this. But I think he might finally get it now. Effortless acting by Viola and Jack. Seriously, what a great scene.
Saloni: Connor tells everyone how he may have killed Wes and everything that happened that night. Jack Falahee was so damn good when he broke down. As was the rest of the cast as they tried to understand his story.
Francesco: Connor and Annalise discuss in her room. I really loved this confrontation. It was really intense.
Laura Markus: Some may consider this a bottle episode or just some filler, but I found a lot of surprising genuine emotion and character development to be had in this outing. Everyone's wondering why Dennis wants the gang to actually do their jobs for once, and it's Mac (firstly) who realizes he wants the gang to truly analyze and look at themselves. Though it's not for the reasons he thinks. Dennis, surprise, actually has feelings, big ones, and they just exploded on the screen here. The gang used to celebrate v-day but never with him. All he wanted was to feel like he's a part of the group and that never happened on this holiday. So when the mysterious crate that Mac "found" is revealed to be a gift for Dennis that he always wanted, it's safe to say he couldn't keep his big feelings bottled up anymore. I really like where this season is going with these two characters and I'm thrilled that we got to see more brilliant acting from Glenn.
Nirat: It's so rare to find a show with the romance being so effortlessly natural and likable in three episodes. Dan Stevens' and Rachel Keller's chemistry on screen is wonderful in this scene, as always, but the intimacy without the need for sexual intimacy, the way the both look at one another and communicate is truly poignant. It's so rare to have a male character be vulnerable on TV too, letting David share why he was worried to let Syd see his mind was great, it's refreshing compared to the quiet, isolating and self-sabotaging characters on TV. What's even more wonderful is Syd's response in light of his junkie past, that she loves him no matter what. No second guessing, no drama, just believe and that's something. The direction, lighting and the way the actors were placed on either side of two walls coming together were beautiful, the shots that were captured showed such a simple yet powerful connection between the two. Thank you, Noah Hawley, for creating such a detailed and exceptional comic book show that isn't like everything else.
DarkUFO: David and Syd teleport to where his sister is being held captive.
Laura Markus: That whole sequence of David in the test room slowly floating away and Syd running to join him was absolutely breathtaking. And then having them watch his sister get interrogated and learning about his powers was wild. This show is so innovative and I cannot wait for more.
Darth Locke: The Angriest Boy in the World Book shuts on Melanie's hand.
Luana: This show caught me by surprise, it intrigued me from the beginning, but once Mary started showing her twisted side, everything just clicked for me. In this scene that side came to the surface as she stoped putting preasure on Grady's wound and just let him die with no remorse whatsoever, and the way she set him up was so clever. I would really like to see her fully embrace that darkness, and the prospect of her working with her sister makes me so excited! I really hope we get to see that.
Luana: This episode was just heartbreaking, I do have my reservations about what happened, I mean, what was the whole point of the stalker storyline if they were just going to kill her in a random car accident? But still, I think it was a beautiful goodbye to the main character, she got time with almost everyone she was important to, and we got to cry some more this week after that This Is Us episode (I have no more tears left by the way, though I'm pretty sure they'll regenerate soon enough). The scene where Deacon says goodbye and begs her not to die was just so heartbreaking. Chip Esten was brilliant, we saw in his face how his promise to be strong for the girls made it all sink in for him, that losing her was actually a possibility, he could barely speak, it broke my heart to see him like that, and thinking of what losing the love of his life, a love he had to fight so hard and so long for, could do to him, I really hope they do their love justice in his way of dealing with the pain too.
POWERLESS, "Emily Dates a Henchman", February 23, 2017, Actors: Danny Pudi, Ron Funches, Alan Tudyk, The Scene: Teddy, Van and Ron almost meet Batman
Milo: The scene where Teddy, Van and Ron are arguing whilst we see an off-screen Batman abduct a criminal. Their reaction to (almost) seeing Batman was priceless.
RIVERDALE, "Chapter Five: Heart of Darkness", February 23, 2017, Actors: Camila Mendes, Madelaine Petsch, The Scene: Cheryl and Veronica talk about Jason (picked by Francesco)
SPEECHLESS, "O-s-Oscar P-a-Party", February 22, 2017, Actors: Mason Cook and more
The Scene: Ray channels Maya to find her keys
Marko: Ray dresses up as Maya and channels her to find her keys. I freaking laughed so hard. Such a brilliant opening scene. Ray channeling "Mother" was just outstanding. Freaky Bates Motel vibes, just less murder.
Aimee: Maggie gives Alex a late Valentine’s Day surprise. Maggie finally came clean to Alex earlier in the episode regarding her actual coming out story. It was intense and despite the fact that Maggie lied originally it showed just how much she has loved Alex from the start. She didn’t want to unnecessarily freak out Alex when she was struggling with coming out, so she lied about her own coming out. It was perhaps misguided, but given her intentions to protect Alex it was understandable and forgivable. Still, she did snap at Alex and acknowledged that she was wrong and needed to deal with her mistake. So, taking Kara’s advice, she gave Alex her perfect first Valentine’s Day, even though it was a day late. She loves Alex, that part can never be questioned, and she’s proven that she’s willing to do anything for her. Maggie overcame her own Valentine’s Day anxieties to stage this perfect date for the love of her life. When Maggie apologized her words were sincere and perfectly stated to convey what she was feeling. Their dance was adorable and the fact their foreheads were pressed together as they gazed into each other’s eyes showed an incredible connectivity between the characters. Floriana Lima is just now starting to get to delve into the deeper parts of Maggie’s story and if this episode is any indication there is some great stuff upcoming for the character. Chyler Leigh, as per usual, was spot on in her portrayal of Alex throughout this episode, but in this scene, in particular, she got to show off Alex’s softer side that enjoys these sentimental little things. This was a beautiful scene all around. Also picked by Samantha
DJRiter: When Maggie reacts badly to Alex's Valentine surprise she tries to leave and Alex tells her, "No, You don't get to walk out Maggie, this is a relationship! You've told me not to push my feelings down so now it's your turn." Bravo for Alex, this is the first time she's really taken the lead in the relationship and to me this shows it's one she's willing to fight for. Chyler Leigh, as always nailed it, then we get Maggie's heart-rending coming out story and some of Floriana Lima's best work to date. This scene is wonderful and another step in the Maggie/Alex story becoming one of the healthiest relationships on TV, gay or straight.
Justyna K: So far, so good - that would be my general response to the season four at this point. I've found myself once again invested in the story and have decided to give the characters a chance to do better this year. There were a few standout moments in this hour, Octavia's fight being one of them, but it's the scene near the end, when Bellamy learns of his little sister's "death" that stole the episode for me. The relationship between these two siblings was one of my favorite things about the first two seasons and their rift is one of the reasons I couldn't quite watch the show last year. Octavia's safety was always Bellamy's main priority during their life at the Ark and later the reason why he shot Jaha and joined the hundred juvenile delinquents sent down to Earth back in the pilot. Even during the battle at the end of season one, or when it came to the choice at Mount Weather, his sister was on his mind. It was always clear she's the person he loves most in the world. As seen during this moment he's learned to have a lot of faith in her strength and skills and he spent all the time they were apart certain she can handle herself and will be fine without him to protect her. So to hear of her death... It broke him completely. The raw emotions and the pain of the loss were perfectly acted by the talented Bob Morley. He manages to steal the episode in a few short minutes when he's on the screen and that scream and breakdown will surely haunt me for a while. It was such a hard scene to watch, to be honest. Even Echo and Roan couldn't bring themselves to share the sad news. Regardless of where they stand in this fight, they seemed to respect both Octavia and Bellamy, and they realize the magnitude of the loss. And then there's Kane. The man who has gone through quite incredible character development during the show and has been trying his best to keep Bellamy hopeful when they were both locked in the cell together. He became quite a father figure to the Blake siblings so hearing that Octavia died, knowing they didn't part on the best terms, it really took away his strength in that moment and he covered his face in pain, not able to process or listen to Bellamy's scream. It was heartbreaking to watch. No matter what one might think about the characters, the scene was incredibly memorable, well written and directed, and wonderfully acted. Kudos to the cast & crew for their great work on the show!
Milo: Bellamy's reaction to learning of his sister's supposed death was one of the highlights of an episode that was otherwise fairly average. It felt real, authentic and really well done. I'm not the biggest Bellamy fan but Morley definitely was impressive here.
Tyler: Bob Morley's acting was incredible during that scene. I'd even go as far as saying that he deserves an Emmy. All I wanted to do was reach into my TV screen, hug him and tell him that it would be OK.
Meghan: Bellamy reacts to Octavia's supposed death.
Kollin: After a season and a half of buildup, the ageing detective finally encounters the woman of his dreams, the woman that had him flying out from the comfort of his home to the farthest reaches of space. Everything about this moment was so beautiful in the most heartbreaking way. From the stunning visual of the blue Protomolecule dancing around them to the melancholic music rising and soaring with the rhythm of their intimate conversation. This scene shouldn't work because this is their first encounter ever and no chemistry had been built. Yet, knowing the depths that Miller went through to find her and protect her and then to see him tenderly consoling her, giving his life to be with her or at least what was left of her as the Protomolecule took over her body, made this scene so profoundly romantic. All this culminates with Eros crashing into Venus, as Miller embraces his love for the first and last time. This is one of those scenes that sticks with you emotionally well after the airing of the episode and it is proof of why many are calling The Expanse one of the best and most definitely transformative shows on television today.
THE GOLDBERGS, "So Swayze It’s Crazy", February 22, 2017, Actors: Hayley Orrantia, Sam Lerner
The Scene: Erica and Geoff kiss
Samantha: I didn't like the idea of them together at first, but this season I've really warmed up to them and it was a beautiful scene.
THE GOOD FIGHT, "First Week", February 19, 2017, Actors: Rose Leslie and more
The Scene: Maia finds her footing in front of Judge Abernathy (picked by Darth Locke)
Justyna K: Most of the main characters on the show are/were vampires at some point of the story. They've done many truly horrible and quite clearly unforgiveable things. It makes one wonder, will they, or even should they, get a happy ending when the series finale comes. I've already seen different and passionate answers to this question but can't seem to find the right answer myself. Since it's a TV show that's been running for years now, we've come to know and understand the characters well and if you're invested in their story you often choose to just accept it and give people another chance to do better. And sometimes they do. The one thing that could be easily said about Damon (at any point of the series that I've seen) is that he's a selfish guy. From time to time he makes good choices when motivated by his short list of loved ones and friends. But this time it seemed different. He actually offered his soul in exchange for the safety of both Stefan and Elena. After all these years, he admitted they're both at the top of his list and their lives mean more to him than his own. Yes, he did save them both in the past. But this time he truly knew what it would mean to him, an eternity of suffering, and he still made that choice. I honestly didn't expect this, so for once I was actually proud of the character. Really loved what it meant for the brothers. I always thought this show would be so much better if their relationship was the main focus, not the love triangle. Great performances by both Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley. I am genuinely interested to see where the story ends. Kudos!
Marko: Damon decides to give up his soul and spare Stefan and Elena. Goosebumps! Simple as that. The moment Damon said "it's been a hell of a ride" my heart dropped and my eyes teared up. TVD is at its best when it is about Defan and finally the spark hit over, it was a long time coming this season.
Saloni: The reunion. It was so sweet and emotional. I'm happy he didn't tell her about Glenn and Abraham because she looked so broken just at the thought of anyone being harmed. On the other hand, I want her to find out asap and join the fight. They need her.
DarkUFO: Rick battles the spiked walker.
Tyler: I still have no words. I was not expecting it to happen so soon. I didn't sign up to bawl my eyes out this week but it happened anyway. I honestly thought that they would wait until the Season Finale and show Jack's death in the same episode. However it goes to show that death can come when you least expect it. Big props to the phenomenal acting from Sterling K. Brown and Ron Cephas Jones. William will be missed.
Meghan: William's death, specifically, Randall holding his face and telling him to breathe, just like Jack used to do with him.
