‘I absolutely had to rest after that!’ The most gripping TV episodes of all time
Spooks – I Spy Apocalypse from 2003
The episode begins with the intelligence unit locked down while undergoing a drill concerning a fictional terrorist event, monitored by two government representatives. As the situation develops, it seems an actual attack has occurred with a chemical weapon released. The tension ratchets up as reports reveal a crisis unfolding beyond their walls, and escalates when the leader seems contaminated, and the government agents endeavor to depart, compelling the character played by Matthew Macfadyen to choose between firing at them or letting them go and endangering the sterile MI5 environment. This being Spooks, it is unsurprising which one he chooses.
Threads from 1984
Threads was low budget but one of the most frightening programmes I have ever watched owing to its grim authenticity and dismal official figures. Viewed it recently after seeing the first airing; I used to visit the pub in Sheffield featured in the show which emphasised the reality and the offhand factual official statements that were transmitted. Remaining completely frightening 35 years later.
Severance – The We We Are (2022)
The first season finale of Severance has to be right up there in terms of gripping installments. I remained for the whole show quite literally on the edge of my seat, exerting with Dylan to keep his hands on the levers that sustained the Innies’ extended time, while screaming at the Innies to get their truths out there. The concluding高潮 – “she is living!” – was like an eruption.
Industry – White Mischief from 2024
Episode five of the third series of Industry had my heart racing. I was compelled to halt and rise and exit the space repeatedly owing to the vast degree of the reckless self-harm I was witnessing. Rishi Ramdani is in deep shit at work and home – buried in financial obligations from unscrupulous lenders due to his addictive betting, engaging in dangerous ventures on a wager involving sterling that might cost his firm millions. So of course, he goes on a gambling spree, does tons of drugs and drink and alternates between success and failure, is severely assaulted. Every time you think it can’t get any worse, it deteriorates. There’s hope of redemption as the installment closes but he misses the opening, leading to terrible outcomes during the season’s final episode. Absolutely had to relax following that!
Peep Show – Holiday (2007)
The series Peep Show isn’t typically anxiety-inducing. Yet the installment Holiday contains such levels of cringe that it will make you rise throughout the entire episode, riddled with anxiety. The tension escalates when Jeremy and Mark realize needing to deceive regarding the dog they by chance collide with and later efforts to get rid of it. You then spend the rest of the episode questioning whether it truly can be worse than incineration, and it turns out to be!
The West Wing – The Two Cathedrals (2001)
Nothing I have seen has been as tense compared to my initial viewing the second season finale of The West Wing. The installment begins with the consequences of the demise (in a car crash) of the president’s personal secretary and builds to a peak with a situation in Haiti, and the repercussions of the secrecy regarding the president’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis, coupled with verification of his aim to run for another term. Excellent TV. 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 going into the loo and knows something is off. The bomb diffuser experts are called, board the train, and endeavor to coax the woman to take off her suicide vest. Tension escalates to a nearly intolerable level, 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 mystical program. The episode has no background music, a somber mood, and we view the installment through the lens of Buffy’s dismay upon uncovering her mother.
The Sopranos – Made in America from 2007
The concluding moment of the last installment 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. This seems similar to the first season’s finale, right? “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 sorrowfully notifies Carmela problems are brewing with another member of his team cooperating with the officials. Meadow parks. Strange people enter the restaurant. Stare at Tony(?) Meadow is parking. Tony puts a record on the jukebox. Meadow parks her car. The bell rings, someone enters the restaurant. It cannot be Meadow, she is still parking. Tony looks up. Don’t stop. It halts. My heart dropped from my mouth roughly 20 minutes after.
The 2016 The Walking Dead episode The Last Day on Earth
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 and then keeping the death a mystery (ended on a cliffhanger). The point-of-view shot from the victim and the muted audio – ugh! {We then had to wait for season seven|We then needed to await season
