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, "Ouroboros", June 15, 2018, Actors: Aaron Stanford, Kirk Acevedo, The Scene: Cole talks to Past Ramse
Justyna: "You're gonna be okay, brother." This unexpected reunion made me remember just how much I've missed these two, back when they were best friends and had each other's back. Cole's reaction when he sees José again says it all. He automatically smiles only to be holding back the tears seconds later, when it hits him that he's the one who killed his brother. Of all the terrible things he's done in his life, this is the one that he can't forgive himself for. This is such a quiet, yet powerful moment. James asks for an advice but can't reveal to Ramse the true meaning behind the question. At the same time, it's a chance to say goodbye to his closest friend. Even if I'm still waiting for the change of events that would bring him back... It's a moving moment, with a quiet, beautiful music in the background and as always, great performances by the actors. Kudos! Can't wait for Week 2.
AMERICAN WOMAN, "Changes and The New Normal", June 14, 2018, Actors: Alicia Silverstone, James Tupper, The Scene: Steve begs Bonnie to take him back
Claire: Great summer show! I pick the scene where Steve begs Bonnie to take him back and she almost relents. But realizing that he just wanted to use her to look good in court (for fraud charges), she stands up to him for the final time. She’s taking her life back and it’s terrifying!
COLONY, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place", June 13, 2018, Actors: Josh Holloway and more, The Scene: Will assaults Terry Lennox
Laura B: Colony continues to be much better series than it has ever been. The Seattle Block dubbed as Emerald City is basically operating the way LA Block's Green Zone once was, except there is a greater sense of community, but as Will quickly discovers, things are not as idyllic as they appear, but more importantly Will still continues to grapple greatly, just as he did at the beginning of the series, with Charlie's death to the point where he takes his unresolved feelings out on the morally questionable choices of another man, who has gone into hiding. Will stops himself though when he catches a glimpse of himself in a car's reflection.
DIETLAND, "Y Not", June 11, 2018, Actors: Joy Nash, Debra Monk, Tramell Tillman, The Scene: Mrs. Kettle and Steven confront Plum
Claire: I am loving this show! My pick is the scene where Plum Kettle, her best friend, Steven, and her mom have an argument when the two confront Plum about how wonderful she is no matter her weight. Plum has just come off of a very interesting weekend of psychosis after withdrawing from antidepressants. When she says how she’s okay with herself but no one else in the world is, her agonizing description of being an overweight woman resonated with me on a very personal level. And when she said if this is the body she has to live with it then she’d rather be dead, my heart broke.
ELEMENTARY, "Sober Companions", June 11, 2018, Actors: Jonny Lee Miller, Desmond Harrington, The Scene: Michael and Sherlock talk at the hospital
Justyna: I've been really enjoying the story this season with Sherlock's recovery and Michael's secret at the center of it. It was about time that Holmes realized the truth about his "friend" and their conversation in the hospital was a great way to show just what a clever and powerful adversary Michael could be. It's been a while since we've seen an enemy like that. It always reminds me that I'd love to see Moriarty back but for now Michael's quiet yet haunting behavior makes him quite an interesting character. The fact that he sometimes seems to display genuine care for Sherlock but is cold and calculated when it comes to everything else, makes him even more sinister and chilling. He believes that the two of them have something in common, even if they're completely different people, and he's convinced that they need each other. It's scary to imagine what he could be capable of when he stops believing in that. Can't wait to see their fight continue when Sherlock gets better. As always, Jonny Lee Miller's performance is spot-on and kudos to Desmond Harrington for his work here as well.
FEAR THE WALKING DEAD, "No One's Gone", June 10, 2018, Actors: Kim Dickens and more
The Scene: End Montage/Flashback with Madison dying (picked by DarkUFO)
LEGION, "Chapter 19", June 12, 2018, Actors: Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Navid Negahban, The Scenes: Syd attempts to kill David & David and Farouk fight
Laura B: Syd attempts to kill David. Wow, what a finale. I think on the surface it would be easy to hate this finale given the way things fall on David and not The Shadow King, but I also think that there is a lot of misdirection since there are still so many things introduced this season that we don't yet know to be true, despite some of the characters coming to believe in things without sufficient evidence, as even this scene was somewhat hypocritical on Syd's part by playing a role that she didn't want David to play and then to accost him in such a way as to not only take her love away (considering her own past mistakes), but to not have a rational conversation about her concerns, makes me think that The Shadow King or Future Syd are the ones that really won out here and that things might not be how they seem. I chose this scene, because it was so abrupt and unexpected, a symbol for a finale to keep on going with so many suppositions with almost no resolution, except to turn the tables on David and potentially push him further in a direction that everyone keeps saying they don't want. Also picked by DarkUFO
Milo: David and Farouk fight. Wow, that finale was incredible. I liked the direction that it took here with David's descent into evil and how the show didn't come up with a last minute deus-ex-machina but rather embraced the consequences of his actions. But for me the opening standout was where both Farouk and David fought each other in a psychic battle at the start of the episode, designed in a way unmatched by other shows on television. It was handled so well and so uniquely that having the two characters sing along to The Who's Behind Blue Eyes sounded like a perfect fit.
SKAM AUSTIN, "Week 8", June 15, 2018, Actors: Julie Rocha, La'Keisha Slade
The Scene: Megan finds out Shay has feelings for her
Jamie: I'm so happy about this development, even though I know a lot of people will hate this, because that means she'll be taking over the role of Isak in this remake. I'm curious to see how Megan will deal with this since this never happened in the original show.
SUPERGIRL, "Make it Reign", June 11, 2018, Actors: Chyler Leigh, Carl Lumbly, The Scene: M’yrnn says goodbye to Alex
DJRiter: The show has done a superb job with this heartbreaking storyline. Carl Lumbly has been a wonderful addition this season. Having his character connect with J’onn’s space family, especially Alex has been most rewarding. This heartfelt and touching scene with Chyler Leigh is a standout moment of the story. The emotion between the two was palpable and the tears and emotion from Leigh genuine. This was Chyler Leigh doing some of her finest work. And speaking of Leigh, this is the type of scene that she is a master at and this scene alone should garner her a long overdue Reader’s POTM nomination for June for this episode. Her work, as always, has been outstanding this season, showing great character growth and her scenes with Lumbly in this episode especially were exemplary. Forget that moments after bringing us to tears in this scene she goes on to kick some righteous Kryptonian butt, showing us multiple sides of the kick-ass DEO agent with the tender and protective heart.
THE HANDMAID'S TALE, "Smart Power", June 13, 2018, Actors: O. T. Fagbenle, Joseph Fiennes, Yvonne Strahovski, The Scene: Luke confronts the Waterfords
Beth: Luke lashes out at Fred in Canada. It was so satisfying for me to see Fred in the position of being confronted for his deplorable treatment of June, and Serena had to stand there and have no power over the situation. I loved that Luke verbally assaulted him and said it loud enough for everyone to hear what Fred was doing to these women, especially June. June for once was being openly defended for the hell she has endured and it felt as though every Handmaid was being spoken for in a way. Quite frankly, I thought we wouldn't get a scene like this until season 3 so I am pleasantly surprised it happened now.
Claire: I nominate every scene. Oops, I can’t do that so I pick the scene where Luke confronts the Waterfords at their hotel in Canada. He is holding up a large picture of himself, June and Hannah. The picture alone is heartbreaking. Serena Joy is visibly moved by the family photo and quickly looks away. And Waterford is surprisingly upset. I just wonder how much longer Serena will be able to ‘look away.’ I don’t think I moved during this entire episode, I was completely mesmerized and cried for a half an hour afterwards.
THE ORIGINALS, "The Kindness of Strangers", June 13, 2018, Actors: Daniel Gillies, Joseph Morgan, Nathaniel Buzolic and more, The Scene: Elijah remembers his family and Hayley's death
Beth: Elijah remembers his family and his part in Hayley's death. Finally! That is what I shouted when those memories came flooding in and then I got teary eyed as Elijah looked up in horror at his siblings and Marcel with the realization he let Hayley die and that is the last thing she knew. Daniel Gillies sold Elijah's pain and anguish so well with the breakdown on the church bench, and so did the rest of the cast as they stood away from him and forced him to process it on his own, even though it obviously hurt them to do so.
WESTWORLD, "Kiksuya", June 10, 2018, Actors: Zahn McClarnon, Julia Jones and more, The Scene: Akecheta finds Kohana in cold storage
Justyna: Such a breathtaking episode and one I didn't expect to enjoy as much as I did. Akecheta's story was beautiful, inspiring and heartbreaking. I loved the confirmation at the end of the hour that he was sharing it with Maeve as well. But the scene that left the biggest impression on me has to be Akecheta's visit in the "afterlife". He spent almost a decade learning the truth and trying to stay alive, to try to keep the memory of his beloved and his family. When he realizes he's searched everywhere for Kohana, he's left with only one option - to die and look for her in the underground. He's awake and he's walking around the facility until he finds the cold storage. For one moment his search is complete as he reunites with Kohana, only to discover she's not truly there anymore. His realization is heartbreaking and yet he manages to find an impossible strength in the worst moment of his life. He understands that he's not alone in his pain and he gives himself a new purpose, to make sure everyone remembers... "That was the moment I saw beyond myself. My pain was selfish. Because it was never only mine." I absolutely loved the music, the monologue and the performance in this scene. Zahn McClarnon was incredible in the entire hour and I hope we'll get to see more of him in the future episodes. Kudos to cast & crew for their fantastic work in another memorable hour of the show. "Take my heart when you go."
Laura B: Zahn McClarnon just gave an amazing Emmy-worthy performance all throughout this episode!! What's also kind of incredible, with a side story like this, is the way it all juxtaposes other stories and feeds into Maeve's, as Maeve discovering Akecheta's memories and feeling his pain with Akecheta so desperately searching for his loved one just like her and, just like Bill, except not yet understanding that what he did to her and her daughter was out of the loss of his wife and an estrangement with his daughter. But the scene with Akecheta walking through Mesa Hub facility juxtaposing Maeve's scenes last season only to find Kohana unresponsive amongst others that have been left behind, was so powerfully heart-wrenching and just a beautifully done scene. Also picked by DarkUFO
Justyna: "You're gonna be okay, brother." This unexpected reunion made me remember just how much I've missed these two, back when they were best friends and had each other's back. Cole's reaction when he sees José again says it all. He automatically smiles only to be holding back the tears seconds later, when it hits him that he's the one who killed his brother. Of all the terrible things he's done in his life, this is the one that he can't forgive himself for. This is such a quiet, yet powerful moment. James asks for an advice but can't reveal to Ramse the true meaning behind the question. At the same time, it's a chance to say goodbye to his closest friend. Even if I'm still waiting for the change of events that would bring him back... It's a moving moment, with a quiet, beautiful music in the background and as always, great performances by the actors. Kudos! Can't wait for Week 2.
AMERICAN WOMAN, "Changes and The New Normal", June 14, 2018, Actors: Alicia Silverstone, James Tupper, The Scene: Steve begs Bonnie to take him back
Claire: Great summer show! I pick the scene where Steve begs Bonnie to take him back and she almost relents. But realizing that he just wanted to use her to look good in court (for fraud charges), she stands up to him for the final time. She’s taking her life back and it’s terrifying!
Laura B: Colony continues to be much better series than it has ever been. The Seattle Block dubbed as Emerald City is basically operating the way LA Block's Green Zone once was, except there is a greater sense of community, but as Will quickly discovers, things are not as idyllic as they appear, but more importantly Will still continues to grapple greatly, just as he did at the beginning of the series, with Charlie's death to the point where he takes his unresolved feelings out on the morally questionable choices of another man, who has gone into hiding. Will stops himself though when he catches a glimpse of himself in a car's reflection.
Claire: I am loving this show! My pick is the scene where Plum Kettle, her best friend, Steven, and her mom have an argument when the two confront Plum about how wonderful she is no matter her weight. Plum has just come off of a very interesting weekend of psychosis after withdrawing from antidepressants. When she says how she’s okay with herself but no one else in the world is, her agonizing description of being an overweight woman resonated with me on a very personal level. And when she said if this is the body she has to live with it then she’d rather be dead, my heart broke.
Justyna: I've been really enjoying the story this season with Sherlock's recovery and Michael's secret at the center of it. It was about time that Holmes realized the truth about his "friend" and their conversation in the hospital was a great way to show just what a clever and powerful adversary Michael could be. It's been a while since we've seen an enemy like that. It always reminds me that I'd love to see Moriarty back but for now Michael's quiet yet haunting behavior makes him quite an interesting character. The fact that he sometimes seems to display genuine care for Sherlock but is cold and calculated when it comes to everything else, makes him even more sinister and chilling. He believes that the two of them have something in common, even if they're completely different people, and he's convinced that they need each other. It's scary to imagine what he could be capable of when he stops believing in that. Can't wait to see their fight continue when Sherlock gets better. As always, Jonny Lee Miller's performance is spot-on and kudos to Desmond Harrington for his work here as well.
FEAR THE WALKING DEAD, "No One's Gone", June 10, 2018, Actors: Kim Dickens and more
The Scene: End Montage/Flashback with Madison dying (picked by DarkUFO)
Laura B: Syd attempts to kill David. Wow, what a finale. I think on the surface it would be easy to hate this finale given the way things fall on David and not The Shadow King, but I also think that there is a lot of misdirection since there are still so many things introduced this season that we don't yet know to be true, despite some of the characters coming to believe in things without sufficient evidence, as even this scene was somewhat hypocritical on Syd's part by playing a role that she didn't want David to play and then to accost him in such a way as to not only take her love away (considering her own past mistakes), but to not have a rational conversation about her concerns, makes me think that The Shadow King or Future Syd are the ones that really won out here and that things might not be how they seem. I chose this scene, because it was so abrupt and unexpected, a symbol for a finale to keep on going with so many suppositions with almost no resolution, except to turn the tables on David and potentially push him further in a direction that everyone keeps saying they don't want. Also picked by DarkUFO
Milo: David and Farouk fight. Wow, that finale was incredible. I liked the direction that it took here with David's descent into evil and how the show didn't come up with a last minute deus-ex-machina but rather embraced the consequences of his actions. But for me the opening standout was where both Farouk and David fought each other in a psychic battle at the start of the episode, designed in a way unmatched by other shows on television. It was handled so well and so uniquely that having the two characters sing along to The Who's Behind Blue Eyes sounded like a perfect fit.
SKAM AUSTIN, "Week 8", June 15, 2018, Actors: Julie Rocha, La'Keisha Slade
The Scene: Megan finds out Shay has feelings for her
Jamie: I'm so happy about this development, even though I know a lot of people will hate this, because that means she'll be taking over the role of Isak in this remake. I'm curious to see how Megan will deal with this since this never happened in the original show.
DJRiter: The show has done a superb job with this heartbreaking storyline. Carl Lumbly has been a wonderful addition this season. Having his character connect with J’onn’s space family, especially Alex has been most rewarding. This heartfelt and touching scene with Chyler Leigh is a standout moment of the story. The emotion between the two was palpable and the tears and emotion from Leigh genuine. This was Chyler Leigh doing some of her finest work. And speaking of Leigh, this is the type of scene that she is a master at and this scene alone should garner her a long overdue Reader’s POTM nomination for June for this episode. Her work, as always, has been outstanding this season, showing great character growth and her scenes with Lumbly in this episode especially were exemplary. Forget that moments after bringing us to tears in this scene she goes on to kick some righteous Kryptonian butt, showing us multiple sides of the kick-ass DEO agent with the tender and protective heart.
Beth: Luke lashes out at Fred in Canada. It was so satisfying for me to see Fred in the position of being confronted for his deplorable treatment of June, and Serena had to stand there and have no power over the situation. I loved that Luke verbally assaulted him and said it loud enough for everyone to hear what Fred was doing to these women, especially June. June for once was being openly defended for the hell she has endured and it felt as though every Handmaid was being spoken for in a way. Quite frankly, I thought we wouldn't get a scene like this until season 3 so I am pleasantly surprised it happened now.
Claire: I nominate every scene. Oops, I can’t do that so I pick the scene where Luke confronts the Waterfords at their hotel in Canada. He is holding up a large picture of himself, June and Hannah. The picture alone is heartbreaking. Serena Joy is visibly moved by the family photo and quickly looks away. And Waterford is surprisingly upset. I just wonder how much longer Serena will be able to ‘look away.’ I don’t think I moved during this entire episode, I was completely mesmerized and cried for a half an hour afterwards.
Beth: Elijah remembers his family and his part in Hayley's death. Finally! That is what I shouted when those memories came flooding in and then I got teary eyed as Elijah looked up in horror at his siblings and Marcel with the realization he let Hayley die and that is the last thing she knew. Daniel Gillies sold Elijah's pain and anguish so well with the breakdown on the church bench, and so did the rest of the cast as they stood away from him and forced him to process it on his own, even though it obviously hurt them to do so.
Justyna: Such a breathtaking episode and one I didn't expect to enjoy as much as I did. Akecheta's story was beautiful, inspiring and heartbreaking. I loved the confirmation at the end of the hour that he was sharing it with Maeve as well. But the scene that left the biggest impression on me has to be Akecheta's visit in the "afterlife". He spent almost a decade learning the truth and trying to stay alive, to try to keep the memory of his beloved and his family. When he realizes he's searched everywhere for Kohana, he's left with only one option - to die and look for her in the underground. He's awake and he's walking around the facility until he finds the cold storage. For one moment his search is complete as he reunites with Kohana, only to discover she's not truly there anymore. His realization is heartbreaking and yet he manages to find an impossible strength in the worst moment of his life. He understands that he's not alone in his pain and he gives himself a new purpose, to make sure everyone remembers... "That was the moment I saw beyond myself. My pain was selfish. Because it was never only mine." I absolutely loved the music, the monologue and the performance in this scene. Zahn McClarnon was incredible in the entire hour and I hope we'll get to see more of him in the future episodes. Kudos to cast & crew for their fantastic work in another memorable hour of the show. "Take my heart when you go."
Laura B: Zahn McClarnon just gave an amazing Emmy-worthy performance all throughout this episode!! What's also kind of incredible, with a side story like this, is the way it all juxtaposes other stories and feeds into Maeve's, as Maeve discovering Akecheta's memories and feeling his pain with Akecheta so desperately searching for his loved one just like her and, just like Bill, except not yet understanding that what he did to her and her daughter was out of the loss of his wife and an estrangement with his daughter. But the scene with Akecheta walking through Mesa Hub facility juxtaposing Maeve's scenes last season only to find Kohana unresponsive amongst others that have been left behind, was so powerfully heart-wrenching and just a beautifully done scene. Also picked by DarkUFO
