20 Most Intense TV Scenes Ever

by James Hunt

1. Hank's Last Stand - Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad Hank Death Scene Ozymandias Dean Norris
AMC

Taking this as one scene, although split across the end of To'hajiilee and the beginning of Ozymandias (after the flashbacks), Hank's last stand as he closes in on the truth and pays for it with his life are the most utterly stressful moments of Breaking Bad's run.

The shootout in the desert is exhilarating, but also terrifying because of the fear you have for Hank's life, and that only ramps up when he is eventually brought down and, despite Walt's plea, his death warrant has already been signed.

With the thrilling, high-octane action stunningly captured by Michelle MacLaren and then Rian Johnson, this moment - especially in Ozymandias, the entirety of which seemingly wants to give you a heart attack - is when the end really begins. It's Hank's desperate crawl for a gun, Walt's - Walt's! - panic mirroring our own, the devastating acceptance of what's about to happen, the need for a lie down afterwards and the realisation that WE'RE ONLY 10 MINUTES INTO THE EPISODE.

What do you think are the most intense TV moments ever? Let us know down in the comments.

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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.