20 Most Intense TV Scenes Ever

16. I Believe You - The Leftovers

A rather different kind of scene here, as it's not one that's at all visceral or brutal, but instead hones in on the shared experiences of two people who've suffered, who've been to quite unbelievable places, coming back together after such a long time and believing in one another.

The direction from Mimi Leder is particularly incredible, with the camera's gaze being held solely on Kevin, Nora, or both of them. The intensity comes from the lingering intimacy of the scene, of a moment so poignant being witnessed in a way you cannot break away from, and won't want to forget. The purpose of an intense sequence is to make the audience really feel something powerful, and this certainly accomplishes it.