‘I absolutely had to rest after that!’ Your most nerve-wracking episodes of TV ever
Spooks – I Spy Apocalypse (2003)
This installment starts with the Spooks team confined as part of a simulation relating to a hypothetical terrorist attack, monitored by two government representatives. As things progress, it seems an actual attack has occurred and a chemical weapon has been unleashed. The anxiety increases as messages indicate a crisis unfolding beyond their walls, and escalates as the superior shows signs of exposure, with the two officials trying to exit, compelling the character played by Matthew Macfadyen to opt for either shooting them or permitting their exit and risking contaminating the sealed MI5 offices. As this is Spooks, the outcome is expected.
Threads (1984)
Threads was low budget yet among the scariest shows I’ve ever seen due to its harsh realism and dismal official figures. Saw it not long ago following the initial broadcast; I used to visit the pub in Sheffield shown in the series that highlighted the truth and the glib matter-of-fact official information which was broadcast. Remaining completely frightening after three and a half decades.
Severance – The We We Are from 2022
The season one finale of Severance ranks highly in terms of gripping installments. I remained for the whole show literally perched nervously, exerting with Dylan to keep his hands on the levers that sustained the Innies’ extended time, while shouting to the Innies to disclose their facts. The final climactic moment – “she is living!” – was like an eruption.
The 2024 Industry episode White Mischief
The fifth episode of Industry’s third season caused my heart to pound. I needed to stop and stand and depart the area multiple times because of the sheer scale of the deliberate ruin I saw. Rishi Ramdani is in deep shit at work and home – overwhelmed by debt from unscrupulous lenders due to his addictive betting, engaging in dangerous ventures with a gamble on the pound which may result in huge losses for his employer. Inevitably, he starts a gaming binge, does tons of drugs and drink and experiences wins and losses, gets beaten to a pulp. Every time you think it can’t get any worse, it worsens. There is a chance for salvation as the installment closes but he squanders the opportunity, with horrifying consequences in the concluding part of the season. Certainly required a rest afterward!
The 2007 Peep Show episode Holiday
Peep Show itself isn’t necessarily a stressful show. But the episode Holiday contains such levels of cringe that it can cause you to stand the whole episode, permeated with worry. It all ramps up 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 turns out to be!
The West Wing – The Two Cathedrals (2001)
No other viewing has been as gripping as when I first saw the season two finale to The West Wing. The installment begins with the consequences of the demise (in a car crash) of the president’s personal secretary and escalates to a高潮 with a situation in Haiti, and the effects of the withheld information about the president’s MS condition, coupled with verification of his aim to seek re-election. Superb programming. Unsurpassed.
Bodyguard – episode one (2018)
The beginning of the UK show Bodyguard, with the protagonist on a train with his young son, is for me one of the most intense episodes ever. He notices a Muslim female going into the loo and senses something is wrong. The bomb diffuser experts are called, board the train, and try to persuade the woman to take off her suicide vest. Tension escalates to a nearly intolerable level, until yes, the vest is diffused.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer – The Body from 2001
Buffy enters her house to find her mum has passed away of natural causes, which is the least common kind of passing in this mystical program. The show features no musical score, a somber mood, and we see the episode through the experience of Buffy’s shock of discovering her mother.
The Sopranos – Made in America (2007)
The final scene of the final episode of the series was extremely nerve-wracking. And for those who saw it during its initial broadcast, you – at first – weren’t sure why. Tony’s enemies, real and imagined, were all vanquished. This seems similar to the first season’s finale, right? “Recall the minor details.” But the mood is bizarrely ominous. Nearly Twin Peaks-like fear. The family gathers in a diner. Meadow parks. Tony sorrowfully notifies Carmela difficulties are arising with yet another of his crew working with the government. Meadow secures a parking space. Odd persons arrive at the eatery. Stare at Tony(?) Meadow parks. Tony plays a track on the music machine. Meadow finds a spot. The bell sounds, an individual enters. It cannot be Meadow, she is still parking. Tony raises his gaze. Don’t stop. It ceases. My heart sank around 20 minutes subsequently.
The Walking Dead – The Last Day on Earth (2016)
I remained awake to view this installment during the night. It was extremely gripping after the buildup of bad guy Negan finding the group, mercilessly mocking his targets and then leaving the victim unknown (finished with an unresolved situation). The point-of-view shot from the victim and the subdued noises – argh! {We then had to wait for season seven|We then needed to await season
