Tears in TV Heaven

I saw the Angel episode "Shells" again last night over Studio 23 and couldn’t help getting a little teary-eyed as it ended. The last minute was a montage of scenes that focused on Team Angel as they dealt with the death of a dear colleague and friend, Fred (Amy Acker). Her soul was destroyed as her body was inhabited by a resurrected old god, Illyria (also played impressively by Acker). There have been a few memorable scenes from many shows that evoked that same reaction from me, scenes that capture that perfect blend of imagery, words and music. They tugged at my heartstrings then, and are still powerful for me now. Some examples:

1. David Fisher lashes out at a hate crime victim’s funeral (Six Feet Under, “A Private Life"). A Matthew Shepard-esque scenario forces the once-closeted gay man to confront a self-righteous homophobe during the funeral of a young victim.
2. Buffy bids Spike goodbye at the Hellmouth (BtVS, “Chosen”). Seconds before reformed vamp Spike sacrificed himself, Buffy tearfully revealed, “I love you”. Spike replied, smiling: “No you don’t. But thanks for saying it.”
3. Andrew Van de Kamp admits his car accident to his mother (Desperate Housewives, “Anything You Can Do”). One of the most heartbreaking scenes in the series was summed up in one word: “Mama?”
4. Buffy leaves Sunnydale after losing everything (BtVS, “Becoming, Part 2”). She was framed for murder, her mother discovered her secret identity and she was forced to execute an evil lover, so Buffy quit her Slayer duties and left town. Sarah McLachlan’s Full of Grace fit the last few scenes seamlessly.
5. Illyria lies to Wesley (Angel, “Not Fade Away”). Spoiler. During one of the final scenes of the series, Wesley and deceased flame Fred reunite… kind of.
6. Justin gets attacked by a gay-bashing classmate (Queer As Folk (US), Episode 22). After dancing with his boyfriend Brian at the prom, Justin gets beaten to a coma by a baseball bat-wielding bastard.