‘I absolutely had to rest after that!’ The most nerve-wracking episodes of TV ever
Spooks – I Spy Apocalypse from 2003
This installment starts with the intelligence unit confined during a training exercise relating to a hypothetical terrorist attack, monitored by two government representatives. As the situation develops, it seems an actual attack has occurred and a chemical agent deployed. The tension ratchets up as reports reveal a catastrophe taking place outside, and intensifies as the boss appears to be infected, and the government agents endeavor to depart, pushing the protagonist portrayed by Matthew Macfadyen to opt for either shooting them or allowing them to leave and potentially infecting the secure MI5 headquarters. As this is Spooks, the outcome is expected.
Threads from 1984
Threads had minimal funding but arguably the most terrifying series I have ever watched because of the stark reality and dismal official figures. Viewed it recently following the initial broadcast; I often attended the bar in Sheffield shown in the series which emphasised the reality and the casual, straightforward government details which was broadcast. Remaining completely frightening 35 years later.
Severance – The We We Are (2022)
The season one finale of Severance ranks highly in terms of gripping installments. I remained for the whole show literally perched nervously, pushing alongside Dylan to hold the switches that allowed the Innies to remain active, while yelling at the Innies to disclose their facts. The ultimate peak – “she’s alive!” – felt like an explosion.
The 2024 Industry episode White Mischief
Installment five in Industry’s third series made my pulse quicken. I needed to stop and stand and leave the room several times due to the immense extent of the wanton self-destruction I saw. Rishi Ramdani is in major difficulty at work and home – overwhelmed by debt to illegal creditors owing to his uncontrollable gaming, assuming hazardous chances with a bet on sterling which may result in huge losses for his employer. Naturally, he embarks on a betting frenzy, uses copious drugs and alcohol and experiences wins and losses, gets beaten to a pulp. Whenever you assume things cannot decline more, it deteriorates. There is a chance for salvation at the end of the episode yet he wastes the chance, resulting in dreadful effects in the season finale. Definitely needed a lie-down after that!
The 2007 Peep Show episode Holiday
The series Peep Show isn’t typically anxiety-inducing. However, the Holiday episode includes such amounts of embarrassment that it will make you rise throughout the entire episode, filled with nervousness. It all ramps up once Jeremy and Mark find themselves being compelled to falsify about the canine they accidentally run over and following tries to eliminate it. You subsequently use the rest of the installment wondering if it might be more awful than cremation, and it can be!
The West Wing – The Two Cathedrals (2001)
No other viewing has been as gripping than the first time I watched the concluding episode of The West Wing’s second season. The installment begins with the consequences of the passing (in a road incident) of the president’s personal secretary and reaches a crescendo with a situation in Haiti, and the repercussions of the secrecy regarding the president’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis, with confirmation of his intention to seek re-election. Superb programming. Unequaled.
Bodyguard – episode one from 2018
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 heading to the toilet and realizes something is amiss. The bomb diffuser experts are called, get on the train, and endeavor to coax the woman to discard her bomb jacket. Suspense rises to a nearly intolerable level, until yes, the vest is diffused.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer – The Body from 2001
Buffy comes into her home to find her mum has passed away due to natural factors, which is the most unusual type of death in this supernatural show. The episode has no background music, a gloomy atmosphere, and we view the installment through the lens of Buffy’s dismay upon uncovering her mother.
The Sopranos – Made in America (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 – at first – weren’t sure why. Tony’s enemies, real and imagined, were all overcome. Surely this has the feel of the season one ending? “Remember the little things.” However, the vibe is oddly threatening. Approaching Twin Peaks-esque horror. The family gathers in a diner. Meadow stops the car. Tony gloomily informs Carmela problems are brewing with another member of his team cooperating with the officials. Meadow parks the vehicle. Strange people enter the restaurant. Gaze at Tony(?) Meadow is parking. Tony selects a song on the jukebox. Meadow finds a spot. The bell sounds, an individual enters. It cannot be Meadow, she is still parking. Tony looks up. Continue. It halts. My heart sank around 20 minutes subsequently.
The 2016 The Walking Dead episode The Last Day on Earth
I stayed up to watch this episode at 2am. It was so intense after the establishment of antagonist Negan discovering the characters, mercilessly mocking his targets and then keeping the death a mystery (concluded with a suspenseful moment). The point-of-view shot from the victim and the muted audio – argh! {We then had to wait for season seven|We then needed to await season