‘I definitely needed a lie-down after that!’ The most intense TV episodes of all time
The 2003 Spooks episode I Spy Apocalypse
This installment starts with the intelligence unit locked down as part of a simulation concerning a fictional terrorist event, overseen by two Home Office officials. As things progress, it seems an actual attack has occurred and a chemical agent deployed. The suspense builds as reports reveal a crisis unfolding beyond their walls, and escalates as the boss appears to be infected, and the government agents endeavor to depart, compelling the character played by Matthew Macfadyen to decide between shooting them or permitting their exit and potentially infecting the secure MI5 headquarters. This being Spooks, it is unsurprising which one he chooses.
Threads from 1984
The production was inexpensive but arguably the most terrifying series I have ever watched because of the stark reality and grim official statistics. Saw it not long ago having watched the original; I used to visit the pub in Sheffield from the programme which underscored the actuality and the casual, straightforward government details that were transmitted. Remaining completely frightening 35 years later.
The 2022 Severance episode The We We Are
The concluding episode of Severance’s debut season ranks highly in terms of gripping installments. I was throughout the episode quite literally on the edge of my seat, pushing alongside Dylan to hold the switches that kept the Innies on overtime, while yelling at the Innies to disclose their facts. The final climactic moment – “she’s alive!” – was like an eruption.
Industry – White Mischief from 2024
Installment five in Industry’s third series made my pulse quicken. I needed to stop and stand and exit the space repeatedly due to the immense extent of the wanton self-destruction I was witnessing. Rishi Ramdani faces serious trouble professionally and personally – overwhelmed by debt to illegal creditors owing to his uncontrollable gaming, assuming hazardous chances on a wager involving sterling that might cost his firm millions. Naturally, he embarks on a betting frenzy, does tons of drugs and drink and experiences wins and losses, is severely assaulted. Every time you think it can’t get any worse, it deteriorates. There’s hope of redemption as the installment closes yet he wastes the chance, with horrifying consequences in the concluding part of the season. Definitely needed a lie-down after that!
Peep Show – Holiday (2007)
Peep Show itself isn’t necessarily a stressful show. Yet the installment Holiday contains such levels of cringe that it can cause you to stand the whole episode, permeated with worry. The situation intensifies when Jeremy and Mark realize having to lie about the dog they accidentally run over and subsequent attempts to dispose of it. You then occupy the remainder of the episode doubting if it can actually be more terrible than burning, and it can be!
The West Wing – The Two Cathedrals (2001)
No other viewing has been as gripping as when I first saw the concluding episode of The West Wing’s second season. The installment begins with the consequences of the death (in a traffic accident) of the president’s confidential aide and builds to a peak with a situation in Haiti, and the fallout from the non-disclosure about the president’s MS condition, with confirmation of his intention to run for another term. Superb programming. Unequaled.
The 2018 Bodyguard premiere episode
The start of the British program Bodyguard, featuring the main character on a train alongside his juvenile boy, ranks among the most gripping episodes I’ve seen. He spots a Muslim woman entering the restroom and senses something is wrong. The bomb diffuser experts are called, board the train, and attempt to convince the woman to discard her bomb jacket. Tension escalates to a practically unendurable point, until yes, the vest is diffused.
The 2001 Buffy episode The Body
Buffy comes into her home to realize her mom has deceased from natural reasons, which is the rarest form of demise in this supernatural show. The episode has no background music, a gloomy atmosphere, and we see the episode through the experience of Buffy’s shock of discovering her mother.
The 2007 The Sopranos finale Made in America
The final scene of the final episode of the series was extremely nerve-wracking. And if you viewed it when it first premiered, you – at first – weren’t sure why. Tony’s foes, genuine and fictional, were all overcome. Surely this has the feel of the season one ending? “Remember the little things.” But the mood is bizarrely ominous. Approaching Twin Peaks-esque horror. The family gathers in a diner. Meadow finds a parking spot. Tony sadly tells Carmela problems are brewing with an additional associate collaborating with the authorities. Meadow parks the vehicle. Odd persons arrive at the eatery. Stare at Tony(?) Meadow is parking. Tony puts a record on the jukebox. Meadow finds a spot. The bell sounds, an individual enters. It isn’t Meadow, she remains parking. Tony raises his gaze. Keep going. It ceases. My spirit fell around 20 minutes subsequently.
The Walking Dead – The Last Day on Earth from 2016
I kept late hours to see this show in the early morning. It was incredibly tense after the establishment of antagonist Negan locating the survivors, cruelly taunting his victims then not knowing who he killed (finished with an unresolved situation). The point-of-view shot from the victim and the subdued noises – oh no! {We then had to wait for season seven|We then needed to await season