20 Most Intense TV Scenes Ever

2. The Killer Revealed - Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks Leland Palmer BOB Lonely Souls
ABC

Who killed Laura Palmer? It's the mystery at the heart of Twin Peaks, and the show reaches it's, er, peak with the reveal of the murderer.

The episode builds and builds to the moment, before exploding into one of the most horrifying, indelible sequences in TV history, as Leland Palmer violently murders his niece, Maddie, before waltzing her limp body the living room, as it's revealed that he is possessed by the malevolent spirit BOB.

David Lynch's direction here is impeccable, starting with the shot of Leland looking into the mirror and BOB staring back, before putting on the white latex gloves, and the figure standing in front of Maddie frequently switching between the pair as the horror unfolds. It's confusing, savage, and almost unbearable to watch.

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Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.