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.
12 MONKEYS, "Nurture", May 20, 2017, Actors: Amanda Schull, Kristin Booth, The Scene: Cassie visits her mother
Nirat: Nurture is one of the most impeccable episodes of 12 Monkeys to date. Be it in its discussion of what makes a monster or its ability to give you hope, 3.07 was one of my favorite episodes so far. Amanda Schull’s performance was beautiful and Kristin Booth as her mother was inspired. I wish we had more time with them. Cassie’s mom gave her hope that her son was all that she hoped he was, underneath the dark future he was promised for and the startling scene she glimpsed of him as a young boy. I think there's something really quite powerful delivered in these episodes, that idea that a child isn’t born into a monster, it’s something that you become, inhabit. A child, something of innocence, without any notion of right and wrong, is just that, a simple child, he's forged into something based on experiences, surroundings etc. My heart was filled with so much joy when Cassie told her mom to push her daughter into going to the museum. That subsequent alteration of the past, the way it was filmed, no dialogue needed, just these loving exchanges of a mother and her child in such a state of happiness was just so lovely. The words, “I know you, I can’t place you…”, the hug and that soft score were honestly something truly poetic, it tugs at your very soul. I’m so thankful that we as fans have gotten to see these scenes from these characters we love, past's, be it young Cole and Ramse to young Jennifer! There are so many scenes I could’ve chose from. Every episode has been beautifully produced, flawlessly acted coupled with amazing dialogue. If you’re not watching 12 Monkeys, you are seriously missing out on Syfy’s absolute best series. If only the Emmy’s would wake up and take into account the phenomenal acting here, Kirk Acevedo’s performance in 3.02 alone is award worthy. No parent should ever have to do that and Kirk made it feel so unbearably real. I wish I could ‘initiate splinter sequence’ and watch these episodes again with new eyes. It went by so fast and I wish I could hang out with these friends for just a while longer.
Darth Locke: Cassie goes to her mother for analysis for her son. Out of these first 7 episodes it was so hard to choose, because really so far the whole third season is seamless and a near perfect, well-crafted story! I chose this scene not just because Cassie was able to get some positive feedback about her son, but also because the scene gave her an opportunity to borrow some time with her mother and for viewers to remember that this is also a multi-generational family story. Amanda Schull gave a memorable heartfelt performance!
AGENTS OF SHIELD, "World's End", May 16, 2017, Actors: Henry Simmons, Natalia Cordova-Buckley, John Hannah, Jordan Rivera, The Scene: Hope disappears in Mack's arms
Justyna: After so many brilliant episodes we ended on another good finale with quite a few moments for fans to re-watch and analyze during the summer. There's the final twist in space, Coulson's brilliant change into Ghost Rider to end Aida once and for all, Robbie and Daisy fighting together, Aida's last confrontation with Fitz and "Simmons", Daisy's speech and more. But for me it's the heartbreaking story in the Framework that had the most memorable and powerful scene of them all. Elena is able to find Mack but as we know there's no magic trigger to make him remember her. Instead she's just trying her best to support him as he works to save his daughter in the collapsing world of the Framework. When it's all almost completely gone Radcliffe attempts to help the two get out safely but Mack cannot leave without Hope and Elena chooses to stay by his side till the end. "It's okay. The only person I care about is you, too." Yo-Yo's decision is heartwrenching to watch but it's the moment when Hope finally disappears, right after Mack embraces his beloved daughter, that hit me the most. "My baby..." Mack's breakdown at this second, his voice, his look, this strong man falling apart like that, with Elena holding his hand and crying there with him, that's the most emotional part of the finale for me. Henry Simmons and Natalia Cordova-Buckley did such a spectacular work there! And a shout-out to John Hannah who did an amazing job during the season and will surely be missed. Kudos to cast & crew for another brilliant season! So glad we're getting another one. Till the next time.
AMERICAN GODS, "Head Full of Snow", May 14, 2017, Actors: Omid Abtahi and more
The Scene: The gay sex scene
Laura: For its sheer beauty and length, and Bryan Fuller being unafraid to really go there.
ARROW, "Missing", May 17, 2017, Actors: Stephen Amell, Manu Bennett, The Scene: The Ending
Milo: Oliver goes to recruit Slade Wilson at the episode's end. This was such a chilling scene and shows how much Bennett has been missed on this show, his very presence was intimidating and super awesome. The show is coming back full circle to its earlier seasons, and I can't wait to see how it resolves itself in the finale.
BETTER CALL SAUL, "Off Brand", May 15, 2017, Actors: Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn
The Scene: Jimmy shows Kim his new commercial
Shirleena: Jimmy showed Kim his new commercial for his advertisement business. Which introduced us to Saul Goodman.
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, "Your Honor", May 16, 2017, Actors: L. Scott Caldwell, Andre Braugher, Andy Samberg, The Scene: Holt and his mom share a moment
Laura: It's the subtle, quiet moments of this show that really get to me. And most of them have to do with the always fantastic Andre. This week was no different. While there were many standout scenes from both episodes, it's this scene that screamed at me for SOTW. You really got to connect to Holt's mother in this episode. You felt for her as you learned that she is a widow and raised Holt and his sister all by herself for a long time. She's even more stoic than he is, and she's a badass judge. Jake tried to be her best friend the entire time, echoing how he wanted to be Kevin's best friend in "The Party". Just like in that episode, you get behind-the-scenes nuances into the character, most of them sad revelations. Laverne has been dating a man and has been too afraid to tell Holt about it. So when Holt gets to confront her in the interrogation room, they have such a sweet moment together. She didn't want to tell him because she didn't want him to see her as anything but strong. Certainly something we could all relate to, but it's especially hard for her, and for her son too. They both agree to express marginally more emotions in the future, and they say "I love you" to each other. The moment is perfect. You feel everything for these two. And I definitely want to see Mama Holt again in the future. Fantastic scene for a great a-plot.
FARGO, "The House of Special Purpose", May 17, 2017, Actors: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ewan McGregor, The Scenes: The proposal & Nikki pulls herself up into the driver's seat
DarkUFO: Ray proposes to Nikki before they make a sex tape.
Darth Locke: After being beaten, Nikki uses her car to pull herself up into the driver's seat.
GREY'S ANATOMY, "Ring of Fire", May 18, 2017, Actors: Jerrika Hinton, Chandra Wilson, Ellen Pompeo and more, The Scenes: Stephanie says thank you to Richard & Meredith shares the news about Megan with Nathan & Bailey finally gets it
Diana: After Meredith shares the news about Megan, Nathan happily hugs her. Those two are so perfect for each other: the hug totally surprised Meredith.
Marko: Stephanie says thank you to Richard. Over her 5 season run Jerrika Hinton didn't get much material to shine, but when she got the screen time and material she was outstanding. And so was her final scene as a series regular. Her speech to Richard brought up so many emotions and strength, you will be missed Stephanie.
Luana: Bailey finally gets it. After all the fighting during this season, it was great to see Bailey finally get it, that the point wasn't teaching regular surgeons, but teaching surgeons like Stephanie (who by the way had a wonderful send off), who'd know to put lives in front of protocol. It was a great moment, and a great recognition of Stephanie's kick-ass actions.
MADAM SECRETARY, "Revelation", May 14, 2017, Actors: Erich Bergen, Téa Leoni, The Scene: Blake comes out to Elizabeth
Laura: I don't watch this show, but after this scene I must start. This is the LAST thing I would EVER expect from a CBS property, then again this show seems to be everything that CBS is currently against. I haven't seen the full episode either, just the Blake related scenes, but wow. This truly floored me. Non-straight characters are rare enough on TV, especially well rounded ones, and bi characters, and MALE bi characters are perhaps the most rare. But Blake decides to be true to himself and come out to his long-time confidant, rambling and all. He seems like my favourite type of character for many reasons. But it was the writing and acting in this scene that swayed me. So often are coming out scenes one way or the other. Too brief/non-existent or too flashy. This one had so much fantastic substance. I must applaud the writer of the episode tremendously, and Erich Bergen. That took a lot of courage and for a show three seasons in this is no easy feat. Well done, Madam Secretary. You have earned yourself a new viewer. Now, do me a favour, and PLEASE don't kill him off!
NCIS LOS ANGELES, "Unleashed", May 14, 2017, Actors: Daniela Ruah, Eric Christian Olsen
The Scene: The Proposal (picked by Samantha)
ONCE UPON A TIME, "The Final Battle", May 14, 2017, Actors: Jennifer Morrison, Jaime Murray
The Scene: Emma burns the Storybook
DJRiter: Perhaps in what was one of the most heart-rending scenes of the show's season finale was watching a clueless Emma burning the Storybook at the urging of the Black Fairy. It was an almost unthinkable thing, the Savior burning the book!
SCANDAL, "Transfer of Power", May 18, 2017, Actors: Kerry Washington, Tessie Santiago
The Scene: Liv "handles" Luna
Luana: It was amazing to finally see Olivia embrace her roots, not to mention how funny the raise of hands was. I honestly didn't see it coming, I just hope she keeps it up.
SUPERGIRL, "Resist", May 15, 2017, Actors: Melissa Benoist, Chyler Leigh, Calista Flockhart and more, The Scenes: The opening scene & Cat gives advice to Supergirl
DJRiter: While everyone hails the return of Cat Grant, it was the opening scene from "Resist" that grabbed me and set the tone for the whole episode. Alex and Winn are in the DEO when it is attacked by Daxamite troops. Alex takes charge and orders everyone to evacuate and then calls Supergirl to tell her they’re under attack. Supergirl tells her to hang on, she’s on her way, and Alex tells her there’s no time. Supergirl says, “All right, I’ll meet you outside.” Then in an act that showcases everything that fans love about a bad ass Alex Danvers, she goes on the attack, running through the DEO, shooting as she goes. Then in a true leap of faith she turns, while still firing, and leaps from the building backwards. It was a testament to Alex’s faith and trust in her sister, that she would be there to catch her, which of course she was. Kudos to Chyler Leigh, who, as widely reported on social media by the episode’s director, did her own stunts in that heart-stopping scene and made that wild leap.
Donna: Cat Grant once again giving Supergirl the advice she needs. Even Cat Grant can learn a thing or two from Buddhist monks.
SUPERNATURAL, "Who We Are", May 18, 2017, Actors: Jensen Ackles, Samantha Smith, The Scene: Dean calls Mary out on her behavior
Klutzy girl: Trying to get through to his mother, Dean finally calls her out on her behavior. I was not expecting it but his anger's been building up all season, ever since the perfect image of Mary he crafted in his head shattered. The "I hate you" was so painful and raw, and Jensen delivered some amazing acting, especially as Dean started crying and told Mary that although he hated her, he still loved her and forgave her, and the three of them could start over.
THE 100, "The Chosen", May 17, 2017, Actors: Lindsey Morgan, Marie Avgeropoulos, Henry Ian Cusick and more, The Scenes: The Ending & Octavia confronts Jaha & The Selection
Justyna: Once again, there's not just one moment but a few scenes worthy of recognition in another great episode of the show. The haunting opening, the painful images of people fighting to live, Kane and Jaha making one of the hardest choices so far, and David Miller sacrificing his life to give his son the best possible chance. All these scenes related to the final selection of the new hundred were heartbreaking to watch and kudos to writers and the actors for their incredible work on making them feel so real and emotional. A shout-out to Henry Ian Cusick who stole a number of scenes in this powerful hour, especially with "This is how we save our people" at the end. Finally with all these moments to choose from I wanted to highlight the one hopeful game changer at the end - the team coming back for Raven with a new plan, to go back to the Ark. Now that's a brilliant story waiting to happen and I think I'm already more interested and invested to see the delinquents (and Echo?) back in space instead of everyone stuck together for 5 years in the bunker. I feel like both places might turn out to be brilliant for the story but I like the balance between them, the shifts between the different circumstances the show so often does. Other than my interest in the potential outcome of this idea, I also really loved this scene for the simple fact that Bellamy, Clarke and the others went back for Raven. Her friends chose the "impossible" solution not to leave her (and a few others) behind. And that's exactly the kind of good choice they always hope to make and finally get to in this episode. There's a real brilliance when it comes to the character of Raven Reyes. The story I thought might result in losing her and causing the damage to the show took the best possible turn and changed Raven's struggles into the new strength and an opportunity to show once again why she's one of the fans' favorites. The scene itself was really well done with most of the characters getting a chance to shine for a moment, but no one more than Raven. Kudos to all the actors & crew! The death wave, here we come...
Diana: Octavia faces Jaha and tells him she's not one of his clan anymore.
Luana: The selection. The conclusion of this debate was stunning. From the moment Octavia decides to keep her word and go in to force her people to choose, to her being stunned by Kane and Jaha in creepy masks, and finally to Kane choosing one by one who was going to live and who was going to die, and there was such a chilling factor to the fact that all of this was done by dragging the limp bodies of those not lucky enough to be on the list, the thought of how they'll all react as soon as they come to, is heartbreaking.
THE AMERICANS, "Dyatkovo", May 16, 2017, Actors: Keri Russell and more
The Scene: The killing around the dinner table (picked by DarkUFO and Darth Locke)
THE FLASH, "Infantino Street", May 16, 2017, Actors: Candice Patton, Grant Gustin, Jesse L. Martin and more, The Scene: The Ending
Justyna: From the very beginning of the hour there's a feeling that this one's gonna be important in the story of Barry Allen and his friends. With the beautiful music ("Murder Song" by Aurora) setting the scene for the most emotional and beautifully tragic ending the show has done so far we get a closer look at the last desperate attempts of Team Flash to save the life of Iris West. As her time is running out... There's quite a few special moments in the episode that I would like to highlight: the opening montage, Iris and Joe reminiscing the past, HR's breakdown over his mistake, the return of Captain Cold. But as much as these moments deserve the credit it's the incredible work by the actors, writers and the entire crew responsible for making and editing the final minutes of this penultimate hour that truly stole the episode for me. It was heartwrenching, yet so beautifully shot and edited that I re-watched the scene a dozen times already. Candice Patton truly shines in the moment, both in the recording Iris left for Barry and when standing there with Savitar waiting to die and watching Barry's last chance fail. The show has already done so many heartbreaking, surprising and wonderfully made scenes in the past. But I'm not sure anything hit me as much as this did. I absolutely didn't expect the death to take place in this episode so the countdown throughout the hour and the loss at the end left me more emotional than I expected. Kudos to the entire cast & crew! I know there's a popular theory about this death, probably known to all the fans by now, and truth be told, if it turns out to be true, which I think is highly possible, it might only make this moment even more powerful and memorable to me. Not just the death, but the act of sacrifice. Whatever turns out to be truth, it's quite certain we just lost one of the heroes of the show and this one-of-the-kind scene is a beautiful tribute to this great loss. Undoubtedly my choice for Scene of the Week.
Marko: End montage - Iris marries Barry via video and Savitar kills Iris. It was probably Candice Patton's best performance to date. Her voice carried so much emotion and strength while she was professing her love to Barry. Her voice combined with the flashes of Savitar killing her looked simply exceptional.
THE LEFTOVERS, "It's a Matt, Matt, Matt, Matt World", May 14, 2017, Actors: Christopher Eccleston and more, The Scene: Matt sees "God" throw a man overboard
Milo: The whole episode was fantastic and shows why the show was awesome, but this scene really stood out. Eccleston's acting was superb as he attempted to get people's attention before eventually deciding to jump in the water himself, in such a powerful scene that really stood out. Also picked by DarkUFO
THE ORIGINALS, "Queen Death", May 19, 2017, Actors: Joseph Morgan, Phoebe Tonkin and more
The Scene: The Mikaelsons grief over Elijah's death
Marko: Sooo much pain combined with the background music created one of the best scenes in The Originals history. I've just got goosebumps all over my body when Hope entered the room and felt her uncle Elijah. Am I the only one who just smiles when Hope says Uncle Elijah?
THE WHITE PRINCESS, "Traitors" May 14, 2017, Actors: Michelle Fairley, Vincent Regan, The Scene: Margaret begs Jasper not to tell the King what she's done
DJRiter: A rift has developed in the awkward relationship between the King’s uncle, Jasper and his mother, Lady Margaret. Portrayed as each other’s true love while wed to another, Fairley and Regan have been standouts the entire series, which is why in a shocking turn you see how desperate Lady Margaret is to keep her son, Henry on the throne. Jasper is heartsick after learning Margaret ordered the murders of young boys years ago, in hopes of them killing the Richard, the missing Prince of York. He cannot face neither the king nor Lady Margaret, even going so far as to feign illness to avoid facing the king. Offering to check on his uncle for Henry, Margaret goes to Jasper and begs him not to tell the King what she has done. However, Jasper is a noble man and tells her he must tell Henry the truth, thus destroying any hope of their future together. Margaret is distraught. Jasper’s worry has made him physically ill, and as he lays down to regain his strength and in a fit of desperation Margaret, tears in her eyes, smothers him with a pillow. Fairley was exceptionally brilliant in this scene.
VEEP, "Chicklet", May 14, 2017, Actors: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Matt Walsh
The Scene: Selina and Mike smash and destroy the barn
Milo: This was a great moment that allowed both characters to vent their anger out on other people by destroying the barn and showcased Matt Walsh and Julia Louis-Dreyfus' acting talents. The ending as well when Selina decided to leave Mike behind, blaming the destruction on him, was just pure comedy gold as well.
Nirat: Nurture is one of the most impeccable episodes of 12 Monkeys to date. Be it in its discussion of what makes a monster or its ability to give you hope, 3.07 was one of my favorite episodes so far. Amanda Schull’s performance was beautiful and Kristin Booth as her mother was inspired. I wish we had more time with them. Cassie’s mom gave her hope that her son was all that she hoped he was, underneath the dark future he was promised for and the startling scene she glimpsed of him as a young boy. I think there's something really quite powerful delivered in these episodes, that idea that a child isn’t born into a monster, it’s something that you become, inhabit. A child, something of innocence, without any notion of right and wrong, is just that, a simple child, he's forged into something based on experiences, surroundings etc. My heart was filled with so much joy when Cassie told her mom to push her daughter into going to the museum. That subsequent alteration of the past, the way it was filmed, no dialogue needed, just these loving exchanges of a mother and her child in such a state of happiness was just so lovely. The words, “I know you, I can’t place you…”, the hug and that soft score were honestly something truly poetic, it tugs at your very soul. I’m so thankful that we as fans have gotten to see these scenes from these characters we love, past's, be it young Cole and Ramse to young Jennifer! There are so many scenes I could’ve chose from. Every episode has been beautifully produced, flawlessly acted coupled with amazing dialogue. If you’re not watching 12 Monkeys, you are seriously missing out on Syfy’s absolute best series. If only the Emmy’s would wake up and take into account the phenomenal acting here, Kirk Acevedo’s performance in 3.02 alone is award worthy. No parent should ever have to do that and Kirk made it feel so unbearably real. I wish I could ‘initiate splinter sequence’ and watch these episodes again with new eyes. It went by so fast and I wish I could hang out with these friends for just a while longer.
Darth Locke: Cassie goes to her mother for analysis for her son. Out of these first 7 episodes it was so hard to choose, because really so far the whole third season is seamless and a near perfect, well-crafted story! I chose this scene not just because Cassie was able to get some positive feedback about her son, but also because the scene gave her an opportunity to borrow some time with her mother and for viewers to remember that this is also a multi-generational family story. Amanda Schull gave a memorable heartfelt performance!
Justyna: After so many brilliant episodes we ended on another good finale with quite a few moments for fans to re-watch and analyze during the summer. There's the final twist in space, Coulson's brilliant change into Ghost Rider to end Aida once and for all, Robbie and Daisy fighting together, Aida's last confrontation with Fitz and "Simmons", Daisy's speech and more. But for me it's the heartbreaking story in the Framework that had the most memorable and powerful scene of them all. Elena is able to find Mack but as we know there's no magic trigger to make him remember her. Instead she's just trying her best to support him as he works to save his daughter in the collapsing world of the Framework. When it's all almost completely gone Radcliffe attempts to help the two get out safely but Mack cannot leave without Hope and Elena chooses to stay by his side till the end. "It's okay. The only person I care about is you, too." Yo-Yo's decision is heartwrenching to watch but it's the moment when Hope finally disappears, right after Mack embraces his beloved daughter, that hit me the most. "My baby..." Mack's breakdown at this second, his voice, his look, this strong man falling apart like that, with Elena holding his hand and crying there with him, that's the most emotional part of the finale for me. Henry Simmons and Natalia Cordova-Buckley did such a spectacular work there! And a shout-out to John Hannah who did an amazing job during the season and will surely be missed. Kudos to cast & crew for another brilliant season! So glad we're getting another one. Till the next time.
AMERICAN GODS, "Head Full of Snow", May 14, 2017, Actors: Omid Abtahi and more
The Scene: The gay sex scene
Laura: For its sheer beauty and length, and Bryan Fuller being unafraid to really go there.
Milo: Oliver goes to recruit Slade Wilson at the episode's end. This was such a chilling scene and shows how much Bennett has been missed on this show, his very presence was intimidating and super awesome. The show is coming back full circle to its earlier seasons, and I can't wait to see how it resolves itself in the finale.
BETTER CALL SAUL, "Off Brand", May 15, 2017, Actors: Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn
The Scene: Jimmy shows Kim his new commercial
Shirleena: Jimmy showed Kim his new commercial for his advertisement business. Which introduced us to Saul Goodman.
Laura: It's the subtle, quiet moments of this show that really get to me. And most of them have to do with the always fantastic Andre. This week was no different. While there were many standout scenes from both episodes, it's this scene that screamed at me for SOTW. You really got to connect to Holt's mother in this episode. You felt for her as you learned that she is a widow and raised Holt and his sister all by herself for a long time. She's even more stoic than he is, and she's a badass judge. Jake tried to be her best friend the entire time, echoing how he wanted to be Kevin's best friend in "The Party". Just like in that episode, you get behind-the-scenes nuances into the character, most of them sad revelations. Laverne has been dating a man and has been too afraid to tell Holt about it. So when Holt gets to confront her in the interrogation room, they have such a sweet moment together. She didn't want to tell him because she didn't want him to see her as anything but strong. Certainly something we could all relate to, but it's especially hard for her, and for her son too. They both agree to express marginally more emotions in the future, and they say "I love you" to each other. The moment is perfect. You feel everything for these two. And I definitely want to see Mama Holt again in the future. Fantastic scene for a great a-plot.
FARGO, "The House of Special Purpose", May 17, 2017, Actors: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ewan McGregor, The Scenes: The proposal & Nikki pulls herself up into the driver's seat
DarkUFO: Ray proposes to Nikki before they make a sex tape.
Darth Locke: After being beaten, Nikki uses her car to pull herself up into the driver's seat.
Diana: After Meredith shares the news about Megan, Nathan happily hugs her. Those two are so perfect for each other: the hug totally surprised Meredith.
Marko: Stephanie says thank you to Richard. Over her 5 season run Jerrika Hinton didn't get much material to shine, but when she got the screen time and material she was outstanding. And so was her final scene as a series regular. Her speech to Richard brought up so many emotions and strength, you will be missed Stephanie.
Luana: Bailey finally gets it. After all the fighting during this season, it was great to see Bailey finally get it, that the point wasn't teaching regular surgeons, but teaching surgeons like Stephanie (who by the way had a wonderful send off), who'd know to put lives in front of protocol. It was a great moment, and a great recognition of Stephanie's kick-ass actions.
Laura: I don't watch this show, but after this scene I must start. This is the LAST thing I would EVER expect from a CBS property, then again this show seems to be everything that CBS is currently against. I haven't seen the full episode either, just the Blake related scenes, but wow. This truly floored me. Non-straight characters are rare enough on TV, especially well rounded ones, and bi characters, and MALE bi characters are perhaps the most rare. But Blake decides to be true to himself and come out to his long-time confidant, rambling and all. He seems like my favourite type of character for many reasons. But it was the writing and acting in this scene that swayed me. So often are coming out scenes one way or the other. Too brief/non-existent or too flashy. This one had so much fantastic substance. I must applaud the writer of the episode tremendously, and Erich Bergen. That took a lot of courage and for a show three seasons in this is no easy feat. Well done, Madam Secretary. You have earned yourself a new viewer. Now, do me a favour, and PLEASE don't kill him off!
NCIS LOS ANGELES, "Unleashed", May 14, 2017, Actors: Daniela Ruah, Eric Christian Olsen
The Scene: The Proposal (picked by Samantha)
ONCE UPON A TIME, "The Final Battle", May 14, 2017, Actors: Jennifer Morrison, Jaime Murray
The Scene: Emma burns the Storybook
DJRiter: Perhaps in what was one of the most heart-rending scenes of the show's season finale was watching a clueless Emma burning the Storybook at the urging of the Black Fairy. It was an almost unthinkable thing, the Savior burning the book!
SCANDAL, "Transfer of Power", May 18, 2017, Actors: Kerry Washington, Tessie Santiago
The Scene: Liv "handles" Luna
Luana: It was amazing to finally see Olivia embrace her roots, not to mention how funny the raise of hands was. I honestly didn't see it coming, I just hope she keeps it up.
DJRiter: While everyone hails the return of Cat Grant, it was the opening scene from "Resist" that grabbed me and set the tone for the whole episode. Alex and Winn are in the DEO when it is attacked by Daxamite troops. Alex takes charge and orders everyone to evacuate and then calls Supergirl to tell her they’re under attack. Supergirl tells her to hang on, she’s on her way, and Alex tells her there’s no time. Supergirl says, “All right, I’ll meet you outside.” Then in an act that showcases everything that fans love about a bad ass Alex Danvers, she goes on the attack, running through the DEO, shooting as she goes. Then in a true leap of faith she turns, while still firing, and leaps from the building backwards. It was a testament to Alex’s faith and trust in her sister, that she would be there to catch her, which of course she was. Kudos to Chyler Leigh, who, as widely reported on social media by the episode’s director, did her own stunts in that heart-stopping scene and made that wild leap.
Donna: Cat Grant once again giving Supergirl the advice she needs. Even Cat Grant can learn a thing or two from Buddhist monks.
Klutzy girl: Trying to get through to his mother, Dean finally calls her out on her behavior. I was not expecting it but his anger's been building up all season, ever since the perfect image of Mary he crafted in his head shattered. The "I hate you" was so painful and raw, and Jensen delivered some amazing acting, especially as Dean started crying and told Mary that although he hated her, he still loved her and forgave her, and the three of them could start over.
Justyna: Once again, there's not just one moment but a few scenes worthy of recognition in another great episode of the show. The haunting opening, the painful images of people fighting to live, Kane and Jaha making one of the hardest choices so far, and David Miller sacrificing his life to give his son the best possible chance. All these scenes related to the final selection of the new hundred were heartbreaking to watch and kudos to writers and the actors for their incredible work on making them feel so real and emotional. A shout-out to Henry Ian Cusick who stole a number of scenes in this powerful hour, especially with "This is how we save our people" at the end. Finally with all these moments to choose from I wanted to highlight the one hopeful game changer at the end - the team coming back for Raven with a new plan, to go back to the Ark. Now that's a brilliant story waiting to happen and I think I'm already more interested and invested to see the delinquents (and Echo?) back in space instead of everyone stuck together for 5 years in the bunker. I feel like both places might turn out to be brilliant for the story but I like the balance between them, the shifts between the different circumstances the show so often does. Other than my interest in the potential outcome of this idea, I also really loved this scene for the simple fact that Bellamy, Clarke and the others went back for Raven. Her friends chose the "impossible" solution not to leave her (and a few others) behind. And that's exactly the kind of good choice they always hope to make and finally get to in this episode. There's a real brilliance when it comes to the character of Raven Reyes. The story I thought might result in losing her and causing the damage to the show took the best possible turn and changed Raven's struggles into the new strength and an opportunity to show once again why she's one of the fans' favorites. The scene itself was really well done with most of the characters getting a chance to shine for a moment, but no one more than Raven. Kudos to all the actors & crew! The death wave, here we come...
Diana: Octavia faces Jaha and tells him she's not one of his clan anymore.
Luana: The selection. The conclusion of this debate was stunning. From the moment Octavia decides to keep her word and go in to force her people to choose, to her being stunned by Kane and Jaha in creepy masks, and finally to Kane choosing one by one who was going to live and who was going to die, and there was such a chilling factor to the fact that all of this was done by dragging the limp bodies of those not lucky enough to be on the list, the thought of how they'll all react as soon as they come to, is heartbreaking.
THE AMERICANS, "Dyatkovo", May 16, 2017, Actors: Keri Russell and more
The Scene: The killing around the dinner table (picked by DarkUFO and Darth Locke)
Justyna: From the very beginning of the hour there's a feeling that this one's gonna be important in the story of Barry Allen and his friends. With the beautiful music ("Murder Song" by Aurora) setting the scene for the most emotional and beautifully tragic ending the show has done so far we get a closer look at the last desperate attempts of Team Flash to save the life of Iris West. As her time is running out... There's quite a few special moments in the episode that I would like to highlight: the opening montage, Iris and Joe reminiscing the past, HR's breakdown over his mistake, the return of Captain Cold. But as much as these moments deserve the credit it's the incredible work by the actors, writers and the entire crew responsible for making and editing the final minutes of this penultimate hour that truly stole the episode for me. It was heartwrenching, yet so beautifully shot and edited that I re-watched the scene a dozen times already. Candice Patton truly shines in the moment, both in the recording Iris left for Barry and when standing there with Savitar waiting to die and watching Barry's last chance fail. The show has already done so many heartbreaking, surprising and wonderfully made scenes in the past. But I'm not sure anything hit me as much as this did. I absolutely didn't expect the death to take place in this episode so the countdown throughout the hour and the loss at the end left me more emotional than I expected. Kudos to the entire cast & crew! I know there's a popular theory about this death, probably known to all the fans by now, and truth be told, if it turns out to be true, which I think is highly possible, it might only make this moment even more powerful and memorable to me. Not just the death, but the act of sacrifice. Whatever turns out to be truth, it's quite certain we just lost one of the heroes of the show and this one-of-the-kind scene is a beautiful tribute to this great loss. Undoubtedly my choice for Scene of the Week.
Marko: End montage - Iris marries Barry via video and Savitar kills Iris. It was probably Candice Patton's best performance to date. Her voice carried so much emotion and strength while she was professing her love to Barry. Her voice combined with the flashes of Savitar killing her looked simply exceptional.
THE LEFTOVERS, "It's a Matt, Matt, Matt, Matt World", May 14, 2017, Actors: Christopher Eccleston and more, The Scene: Matt sees "God" throw a man overboard
Milo: The whole episode was fantastic and shows why the show was awesome, but this scene really stood out. Eccleston's acting was superb as he attempted to get people's attention before eventually deciding to jump in the water himself, in such a powerful scene that really stood out. Also picked by DarkUFO
THE ORIGINALS, "Queen Death", May 19, 2017, Actors: Joseph Morgan, Phoebe Tonkin and more
The Scene: The Mikaelsons grief over Elijah's death
Marko: Sooo much pain combined with the background music created one of the best scenes in The Originals history. I've just got goosebumps all over my body when Hope entered the room and felt her uncle Elijah. Am I the only one who just smiles when Hope says Uncle Elijah?
DJRiter: A rift has developed in the awkward relationship between the King’s uncle, Jasper and his mother, Lady Margaret. Portrayed as each other’s true love while wed to another, Fairley and Regan have been standouts the entire series, which is why in a shocking turn you see how desperate Lady Margaret is to keep her son, Henry on the throne. Jasper is heartsick after learning Margaret ordered the murders of young boys years ago, in hopes of them killing the Richard, the missing Prince of York. He cannot face neither the king nor Lady Margaret, even going so far as to feign illness to avoid facing the king. Offering to check on his uncle for Henry, Margaret goes to Jasper and begs him not to tell the King what she has done. However, Jasper is a noble man and tells her he must tell Henry the truth, thus destroying any hope of their future together. Margaret is distraught. Jasper’s worry has made him physically ill, and as he lays down to regain his strength and in a fit of desperation Margaret, tears in her eyes, smothers him with a pillow. Fairley was exceptionally brilliant in this scene.
VEEP, "Chicklet", May 14, 2017, Actors: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Matt Walsh
The Scene: Selina and Mike smash and destroy the barn
Milo: This was a great moment that allowed both characters to vent their anger out on other people by destroying the barn and showcased Matt Walsh and Julia Louis-Dreyfus' acting talents. The ending as well when Selina decided to leave Mike behind, blaming the destruction on him, was just pure comedy gold as well.
