A monthly 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 the past month.
1899, "The Boy", November 17th, 2022, Actors: Andreas Pietschmann, Cloé Heinrich and more, The Scene: Eyk's hallucinations of his wife and daughters
Justyna: I've really enjoyed season one of this mystery-science fiction show. As for its first half, I decided to highlight the moment when the emotions meet the puzzle. Eyk begins having very realistic hallucinations of his wife and daughters, even finding himself back in their house and seemingly interacting with them. He breaks down in tears, forced to relive the absolute worst moment of his life - the deaths of his entire family. I can't even imagine the pain and heartbreak that Eyk must be going through but Andreas Pietschmann delivers an incredibly emotional and memorable performance during this sequence. Eyk's family and their house burn down (again) but the nightmare doesn't end there. In fact, the mystery grows even more complicated when Eyk finds a shaft in the house that actually leads him back to his room on Kerberos ship. Leading Eyk to believe that there's somehow a physical connection between his memories (or nightmares) and the ship, or he's completely losing his mind. Great balance of a deeply moving and impactful moment for a character with the growing mystery at the center of the series. Kudos!
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, "Attack Ad", November 2nd, 2022, Actors: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, The Scene: Gregory knows what Janine's favorite movie
Lexi F: At the end where Gregory knows what Janine's favorite movie is, compared to her ex earlier in the episode who had no idea.
AMERICAN HORROR STORY: NYC, "Requiem 1981/1987 Part Two", November 16th, 2022, Actors: Joe Mantello, Matthew William Bishop, The Scene: The montage of Gino trying to raise awareness about AIDS
Matthew F: The montage of Gino trying to raise awareness about AIDS, while battling the illness himself, as the lives of the queer men around him are extinguished, symbolized by being murdered by Big Daddy. While AHS has never shied away from magic realism, it is truly harrowing to see Gino fight the good fight while Big Daddy is literally leading those around him to their deaths or murdering them himself to symbolize the devastation of the AIDS crisis. The entire montage is dialogue-less and set to the song "Radioactivity" by Kraftwerk, which makes it all the more impressive that Mantello and Bishop are able to carry this set piece with just their expressions and physicality alone. It just goes to demonstrate why Mantello as Gino is, in my opinion, the season's MVP and why Bishop as Big Daddy is one of the most memorable "monster" characters in the show's history.
AVENUE 5, "That's Why They Call It a Missile", November 28th, 2022, Actors: Hugh Laurie, Lenora Crichlow, The Scene: Billie and Ryan lie about the lithium
Folie-lex: Billie and Ryan give Lucas an update on the lithium retrieval post explosion, seemingly having all the leverage to negotiate a favourable rescue. But once the call is over, the ruse is up as the bargaining chip for their rescue is revealed to be nothing more than a pebble of lithium. When Hugh Laurie and Lenora Crichlow get to explore the ridiculous material and set up TPTB put these characters in alone without any of the hysteria the other characters bring to the table, the show is at its best. An excellent closing to the season (and likely the show).
CHICAGO MED, "Mamma Said There Would Be Days Like This", November 2nd, 2022, Actors: Steven Weber, Jessy Schram, The Scene: Dr. Asher tells Dr. Archer that she's concerned about him
Joanna M: The relationship and respect between these two has been growing all season and after Dr. Archer has to pass over to Dr. Asher in the OR, she tells him she is concerned about him and that if he is not comfortable coming to her for help, to please go to someone - this scene really showed no matter how crappy he treated her in the past, Hannah is willing to move past it and ensure he has help he needs with these injuries. She is such a gem!
CHICAGO PD, "Under the Skin", November 16th, 2022, Actors: Patrick John Flueger, Marina Squerciati, The Scene: Adam tells Kim that he's aware of what's going on with her
Lexi F: The final Burzek scene of the episode where Adam lets Kim know that he's aware of what's going on with her. Adam has been protective and so in tune with Kim's feelings since season 1 and this was a perfect representation of that. He can sense how she's reacting to the case and how it's bringing up memories of what happened to her. He lets her know that he's there for her and that they will make it through anything together. While she doesn't admit what he's saying is true, she acknowledges and accepts his support instead of pushing him away like in previous seasons.
CHUCKY, "Doll on Doll", November 2nd, 2022, Actors: Jennifer Tilly, Lachlan Watson, The Scene: Tiffany has a heart-to-heart with her child
Matthew F: After Tiffany reveals the truth to Glen that she is not Jennifer Tilly, but rather Tiffany Valentine, she has a heart to heart with her child about why she usurped Tilly's life and lied to Glen and their sibling their whole lives. While Tilly as Tiffany usually brings the laughs and the scares, it's scenes like this that remind the audience that she is also an incredible dramatic actor. Seeing Tiffany admit her failures and insecurities to her child is genuinely heartbreaking, which makes it all the more moving that she tries to make things right by Glen by revealing their origin in the form of the original doll they came from. Watson is also more than capable screen partner to Tilly, especially when Glen has to react to the reveal of their original doll form. Simply put, this scene proves why Tilly has become a major fixture in the series and why Watson's addition was a great decision.
DEAD TO ME, "We Didn't Think This Through", November 17th, 2022, Actors: Linda Cardellini, Christina Applegate, The Scene: Judy tells Jen she has cancer
Folie-lex: Judy tries her best to keep the bad news from Jen, but in the episode's closing scene she comes clean and these two soulmates share another beautiful moment, deciding to lean on each other yet again for this next hardship thrown their way.
GHOSTS, "The Baby Bjorn", November 3rd, 2022, Actors: Devan Chandler Long, Christian Jadah, The Scene: Thor and Bjorn meet for the first time
Chris C: Ghosts has never shied away from tear-jerking moments in-between light banter, and the moment Thor heard his son utter the word "father" for the first time, from across the street through a window, everyone's hearts melted, including Thor's. It was more beautiful and touching than it had any right to be.
HOME ECONOMICS, "Wheel of Vegan Brie, $24", November 16th, 2022, Actors: Casey Wilson and more, The Scene: Harmony stops the argument
Marko: The family argues, Harmony stops it. Probably the best episode of the season so far, peaked with the Hayworth siblings going absolutely bonkers. The actors live and breathe these roles and brought their all into this chaos. Casey Wilson was the perfect addition as the 4th Hayworth sibling, her interpreting bird voice to silence everyone had me cackling.
KUNG FU, "Betrayal", November 30th, 2022, Actors: Olivia Liang, Tzi Ma, The Scene: Nicky's breakdown
Marko: So much emotion from Olivia Liang in this one. It was about time for the writers to address Nicky's powers and what a burden her strength and skills are. Bringing Jin into this scene was a smart move, he and Nicky always had that mutual understanding and he is her rock no matter what.
STARGIRL, "Frenemies – Chapter Ten: The Killer" & "Frenemies – Chapter Eleven: The Haunting", November 8th & 16th, 2022, Actors: Neil Hopkins, Joy Osmanski, Stella Smith and more, The Scenes: The Crocks are killed & Artemis finds her parents' remains
Justyna: I never imagined that I would get so genuinely upset and emotional over the deaths of Crusher and Paula Crock. And yet here we go. These two were probably the best possible example of what it means to truly change one's evil ways. Former villains actually trying to become better people - both for their beloved daugther and their new friends. Who would have thought? While they can't just erase all the pain and suffering they've caused over the years, their choice to go to the Mahkent house to broker peace between Jordan's parents and the JSA speaks volumes about how far they've come. To see it all erased in a single moment was just tragic to watch. I'm glad they at least got to congratulate Artemis on her success shortly before their deaths, even if it makes what happens next even harder. I've been theorizing about Jordan's possible return for weeks so I was really glad to be right about it and then absolutely heartbroken a second later. An emotional roller coaster for sure. And that final exchange of "I love you" between the Crocks with their hands trying to reach each other only for their bodies to be shattered by Jordan... This scene left me speechless and devastated. Kudos to the actors & crew for all their memorable work.
Marko: Artemis finds her parents' remains. Stella Smith killed it. She showed so much range and emotions during this episode. The cry she let out as she realized her parents were dead broke my heart.
THE CLEANING LADY, "Truth or Consequences", November 7th, 2022, Actors: Adan Canto, Élodie Yung, The Scene: Arman struggles after being forced to kill Maya
Laura L: Arman struggles after Robert Kamdar forced him to kill Maya. No words were needed in this incredibly powerful scene. Combined with the song "I need my girl" by The Nationals, the end of this episode was simply stunning. As Arman believes he has lost another part of himself by taking an innocent life, he tries to quietly fight back the tears on their way back home, but can't stop them from falling. When Thony realizes that he's beating himself up, she takes his hand, and pushes her own feelings and pain aside to comfort him - a quiet reminder that they are in this together, and that he's not the monster he's terrified of becoming. The lyrics of the song matched the scene flawlessly as well. Thony is the only one who saw how hard it was getting for him, and she put her own values aside to pull him out of the darkness he was slipping into - he definitely needs his girl.
THE ROOKIE, "Crossfire", November 6th, 2022, Actors: Eric Winter, Tru Valentino, The Scene: Aaron accuses Tim of clouded judgement
Folie-lex: Aaron accuses Tim of clouded judgement while trying to protect his puppy. As Aaron takes a stand trying to keep his newly minted puppy safe, he accuses Tim of being biased, and putting Tavin in danger for Lucy's benefit. Tim is rightfully insulted, and much to his frustration all the reasons why he has been fighting against his feelings for Lucy get thrown back in his face. However the fact that Aaron is well aware of what's been going on between Tim and Lucy is now acknowledged between both of them.
THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS, "Winter Is Coming", November 17th, 2022, Actors: Reneé Rapp, Amrit Kaur, Alyah Chanelle Scott, The Scene: Leighton comes out to the others
Marko: While I think they've rushed Leighton's coming out to Whitney and Bela, it was a truly adorable moment. The connections between the leading ladies was palpable and Leighton allowing her friends to see her vulnerable side was quite impactful.
WALKER: INDEPENDENCE, "The Owl and the Arrow", November 17th, 2022, Actors: Justin Johnson Cortez and more, The Scene: Calian takes the stand
Folie-lex: Justin Johnson Cortez gives a moving performance as Calian takes the stand to defend himself against the accusations of murdering Francis. We learn of his backstory, and with tears in his eyes he lays down his grievances and frustrations with the people of the town, asking of them to look past their prejudices and show him some courtesy and kindness.
Justyna: I've really enjoyed season one of this mystery-science fiction show. As for its first half, I decided to highlight the moment when the emotions meet the puzzle. Eyk begins having very realistic hallucinations of his wife and daughters, even finding himself back in their house and seemingly interacting with them. He breaks down in tears, forced to relive the absolute worst moment of his life - the deaths of his entire family. I can't even imagine the pain and heartbreak that Eyk must be going through but Andreas Pietschmann delivers an incredibly emotional and memorable performance during this sequence. Eyk's family and their house burn down (again) but the nightmare doesn't end there. In fact, the mystery grows even more complicated when Eyk finds a shaft in the house that actually leads him back to his room on Kerberos ship. Leading Eyk to believe that there's somehow a physical connection between his memories (or nightmares) and the ship, or he's completely losing his mind. Great balance of a deeply moving and impactful moment for a character with the growing mystery at the center of the series. Kudos!
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, "Attack Ad", November 2nd, 2022, Actors: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, The Scene: Gregory knows what Janine's favorite movie
Lexi F: At the end where Gregory knows what Janine's favorite movie is, compared to her ex earlier in the episode who had no idea.
Matthew F: The montage of Gino trying to raise awareness about AIDS, while battling the illness himself, as the lives of the queer men around him are extinguished, symbolized by being murdered by Big Daddy. While AHS has never shied away from magic realism, it is truly harrowing to see Gino fight the good fight while Big Daddy is literally leading those around him to their deaths or murdering them himself to symbolize the devastation of the AIDS crisis. The entire montage is dialogue-less and set to the song "Radioactivity" by Kraftwerk, which makes it all the more impressive that Mantello and Bishop are able to carry this set piece with just their expressions and physicality alone. It just goes to demonstrate why Mantello as Gino is, in my opinion, the season's MVP and why Bishop as Big Daddy is one of the most memorable "monster" characters in the show's history.
Folie-lex: Billie and Ryan give Lucas an update on the lithium retrieval post explosion, seemingly having all the leverage to negotiate a favourable rescue. But once the call is over, the ruse is up as the bargaining chip for their rescue is revealed to be nothing more than a pebble of lithium. When Hugh Laurie and Lenora Crichlow get to explore the ridiculous material and set up TPTB put these characters in alone without any of the hysteria the other characters bring to the table, the show is at its best. An excellent closing to the season (and likely the show).
CHICAGO MED, "Mamma Said There Would Be Days Like This", November 2nd, 2022, Actors: Steven Weber, Jessy Schram, The Scene: Dr. Asher tells Dr. Archer that she's concerned about him
Joanna M: The relationship and respect between these two has been growing all season and after Dr. Archer has to pass over to Dr. Asher in the OR, she tells him she is concerned about him and that if he is not comfortable coming to her for help, to please go to someone - this scene really showed no matter how crappy he treated her in the past, Hannah is willing to move past it and ensure he has help he needs with these injuries. She is such a gem!
Lexi F: The final Burzek scene of the episode where Adam lets Kim know that he's aware of what's going on with her. Adam has been protective and so in tune with Kim's feelings since season 1 and this was a perfect representation of that. He can sense how she's reacting to the case and how it's bringing up memories of what happened to her. He lets her know that he's there for her and that they will make it through anything together. While she doesn't admit what he's saying is true, she acknowledges and accepts his support instead of pushing him away like in previous seasons.
Matthew F: After Tiffany reveals the truth to Glen that she is not Jennifer Tilly, but rather Tiffany Valentine, she has a heart to heart with her child about why she usurped Tilly's life and lied to Glen and their sibling their whole lives. While Tilly as Tiffany usually brings the laughs and the scares, it's scenes like this that remind the audience that she is also an incredible dramatic actor. Seeing Tiffany admit her failures and insecurities to her child is genuinely heartbreaking, which makes it all the more moving that she tries to make things right by Glen by revealing their origin in the form of the original doll they came from. Watson is also more than capable screen partner to Tilly, especially when Glen has to react to the reveal of their original doll form. Simply put, this scene proves why Tilly has become a major fixture in the series and why Watson's addition was a great decision.
DEAD TO ME, "We Didn't Think This Through", November 17th, 2022, Actors: Linda Cardellini, Christina Applegate, The Scene: Judy tells Jen she has cancer
Folie-lex: Judy tries her best to keep the bad news from Jen, but in the episode's closing scene she comes clean and these two soulmates share another beautiful moment, deciding to lean on each other yet again for this next hardship thrown their way.
GHOSTS, "The Baby Bjorn", November 3rd, 2022, Actors: Devan Chandler Long, Christian Jadah, The Scene: Thor and Bjorn meet for the first time
Chris C: Ghosts has never shied away from tear-jerking moments in-between light banter, and the moment Thor heard his son utter the word "father" for the first time, from across the street through a window, everyone's hearts melted, including Thor's. It was more beautiful and touching than it had any right to be.
HOME ECONOMICS, "Wheel of Vegan Brie, $24", November 16th, 2022, Actors: Casey Wilson and more, The Scene: Harmony stops the argument
Marko: The family argues, Harmony stops it. Probably the best episode of the season so far, peaked with the Hayworth siblings going absolutely bonkers. The actors live and breathe these roles and brought their all into this chaos. Casey Wilson was the perfect addition as the 4th Hayworth sibling, her interpreting bird voice to silence everyone had me cackling.
KUNG FU, "Betrayal", November 30th, 2022, Actors: Olivia Liang, Tzi Ma, The Scene: Nicky's breakdown
Marko: So much emotion from Olivia Liang in this one. It was about time for the writers to address Nicky's powers and what a burden her strength and skills are. Bringing Jin into this scene was a smart move, he and Nicky always had that mutual understanding and he is her rock no matter what.
Justyna: I never imagined that I would get so genuinely upset and emotional over the deaths of Crusher and Paula Crock. And yet here we go. These two were probably the best possible example of what it means to truly change one's evil ways. Former villains actually trying to become better people - both for their beloved daugther and their new friends. Who would have thought? While they can't just erase all the pain and suffering they've caused over the years, their choice to go to the Mahkent house to broker peace between Jordan's parents and the JSA speaks volumes about how far they've come. To see it all erased in a single moment was just tragic to watch. I'm glad they at least got to congratulate Artemis on her success shortly before their deaths, even if it makes what happens next even harder. I've been theorizing about Jordan's possible return for weeks so I was really glad to be right about it and then absolutely heartbroken a second later. An emotional roller coaster for sure. And that final exchange of "I love you" between the Crocks with their hands trying to reach each other only for their bodies to be shattered by Jordan... This scene left me speechless and devastated. Kudos to the actors & crew for all their memorable work.
Marko: Artemis finds her parents' remains. Stella Smith killed it. She showed so much range and emotions during this episode. The cry she let out as she realized her parents were dead broke my heart.
Laura L: Arman struggles after Robert Kamdar forced him to kill Maya. No words were needed in this incredibly powerful scene. Combined with the song "I need my girl" by The Nationals, the end of this episode was simply stunning. As Arman believes he has lost another part of himself by taking an innocent life, he tries to quietly fight back the tears on their way back home, but can't stop them from falling. When Thony realizes that he's beating himself up, she takes his hand, and pushes her own feelings and pain aside to comfort him - a quiet reminder that they are in this together, and that he's not the monster he's terrified of becoming. The lyrics of the song matched the scene flawlessly as well. Thony is the only one who saw how hard it was getting for him, and she put her own values aside to pull him out of the darkness he was slipping into - he definitely needs his girl.
Folie-lex: Aaron accuses Tim of clouded judgement while trying to protect his puppy. As Aaron takes a stand trying to keep his newly minted puppy safe, he accuses Tim of being biased, and putting Tavin in danger for Lucy's benefit. Tim is rightfully insulted, and much to his frustration all the reasons why he has been fighting against his feelings for Lucy get thrown back in his face. However the fact that Aaron is well aware of what's been going on between Tim and Lucy is now acknowledged between both of them.
THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS, "Winter Is Coming", November 17th, 2022, Actors: Reneé Rapp, Amrit Kaur, Alyah Chanelle Scott, The Scene: Leighton comes out to the others
Marko: While I think they've rushed Leighton's coming out to Whitney and Bela, it was a truly adorable moment. The connections between the leading ladies was palpable and Leighton allowing her friends to see her vulnerable side was quite impactful.
WALKER: INDEPENDENCE, "The Owl and the Arrow", November 17th, 2022, Actors: Justin Johnson Cortez and more, The Scene: Calian takes the stand
Folie-lex: Justin Johnson Cortez gives a moving performance as Calian takes the stand to defend himself against the accusations of murdering Francis. We learn of his backstory, and with tears in his eyes he lays down his grievances and frustrations with the people of the town, asking of them to look past their prejudices and show him some courtesy and kindness.
