‘I truly required a break after that!’ The most gripping television episodes of all time
Spooks – I Spy Apocalypse from 2003
The episode begins with the MI5 agents restricted while undergoing a drill concerning a fictional terrorist event, monitored by two government representatives. As events unfold, it becomes clear a real incident has taken place and a chemical agent deployed. The tension ratchets up as messages indicate a disaster happening externally, and escalates as the boss appears to be infected, and the government agents endeavor to depart, forcing Matthew Macfadyen’s character to choose between firing at them or permitting their exit and potentially infecting the secure MI5 headquarters. This being Spooks, it is unsurprising which one he chooses.
Threads (1984)
The production was inexpensive yet among the scariest shows I’ve ever seen owing to its grim authenticity and bleak government data. Saw it not long ago after seeing the first airing; I frequently went to the Sheffield pub featured in the show that highlighted the truth and the offhand factual official statements that aired. Still absolutely terrifying after three and a half decades.
Severance – The We We Are from 2022
The season one finale of Severance has to be right up there among intense episodes. I spent the entire episode quite literally on the edge of my seat, straining every sinew with Dylan to keep his hands on the levers that kept the Innies on overtime, while yelling at the Innies to reveal their realities. The concluding高潮 – “she is living!” – was like an eruption.
Industry – White Mischief (2024)
The fifth episode of Industry’s third season made my pulse quicken. I had to pause and get up and depart the area multiple times owing to the vast degree of the deliberate ruin I saw. Rishi Ramdani faces serious trouble in his job and domestic life – overwhelmed by debt from unscrupulous lenders because of his compulsive gambling, assuming hazardous chances with a bet on sterling that might cost his firm millions. So of course, he goes on a gambling spree, does tons of drugs and drink and experiences wins and losses, gets beaten to a pulp. Each instance you believe it can’t get any worse, it does. Redemption seems possible by the episode’s conclusion yet he wastes the chance, resulting in dreadful effects in the concluding part of the season. Definitely needed a lie-down after that!
Peep Show – Holiday from 2007
The series Peep Show isn’t typically anxiety-inducing. Yet the installment Holiday includes such amounts of embarrassment that it will make you rise for the full show, filled with nervousness. The tension escalates when Jeremy and Mark realize needing to deceive regarding the dog they unintentionally hit and following tries to eliminate it. You then occupy the remainder of the episode doubting if it can actually be more terrible than burning, and it is possible!
The 2001 The West Wing episode The Two Cathedrals
No other viewing has been as gripping as when I first saw the season two finale to The West Wing. The show opens with the fallout of the death (in a traffic accident) of the president’s confidential aide and reaches a crescendo involving a Haitian emergency, and the fallout from the non-disclosure regarding the president’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis, coupled with verification of his aim to run for another term. Wonderful television. Never bettered.
Bodyguard – episode one (2018)
The beginning of the UK show Bodyguard, with the protagonist on a train accompanied by his small son, ranks among the most gripping episodes I’ve seen. He spots a Muslim woman entering the restroom and realizes something is amiss. The explosive disposal specialists are summoned, enter the train, and try to persuade the woman to take off her suicide vest. Tension escalates to a practically unendurable point, until, finally, the vest is neutralized.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer – The Body (2001)
Buffy comes into her home to discover her mother has died of natural causes, which is the most unusual type of death in this paranormal series. The installment lacks any soundtrack, a gloomy atmosphere, and we see the episode through the experience of Buffy’s dismay upon uncovering her mother.
The Sopranos – Made in America from 2007
The final scene of the final episode of the program was incredibly anxious. And for those who saw it during its initial broadcast, you – initially – were uncertain of the reason. Tony’s foes, genuine and fictional, were all overcome. Surely this has the feel of the season one ending? “Think about the small elements.” However, the vibe is oddly threatening. Approaching Twin Peaks-esque horror. The family sit in a restaurant. Meadow parks. Tony gloomily informs Carmela difficulties are arising with another member of his team working with the government. Meadow secures a parking space. Unfamiliar individuals come into the diner. Gaze at Tony(?) Meadow parks. Tony selects a song on the jukebox. Meadow parks. The bell rings, someone enters the restaurant. It isn’t Meadow, she remains parking. Tony raises his gaze. Don’t stop. It halts. My heart dropped from my mouth roughly 20 minutes after.
The Walking Dead – The Last Day on Earth from 2016
I kept late hours to see this show during the night. It was extremely gripping after the buildup of bad guy Negan finding the group, savagely teasing his prey then not knowing who he killed (finished with an unresolved situation). The point-of-view shot from the victim and the muffled sounds – argh! {We then had to wait for season seven|We then needed to await season
