Apart from compelling characters who either grow on you or make you loathe them as a result of great writing (and/or pitch perfect casting), another aspect of Television that either makes them or breaks them for is the soundtrack.
I find that when a lot of thought goes into each and every song that is used (be it an original track, a cover version, or a popular track), it makes an enormous difference to the proceedings—whether by adding subtlety with a ballad to a romantic plot-line or an emotional scene, or using a rock/metal song that lends a sense of adventure—song choice can leave viewers emotionally invested and with an adrenaline rush long after the episode/scene/show has ended.
Here are my picks for the best moments in television history, which were only further enhanced by their song choices (note: spoilers included).
1. Barney Stinson’s rooftop proposal in ‘How I Met Your Mother.’ Song: ‘Let your Heart Hold Fast’ by Fort Atlantic
If it’s one scene which will never fail to make me, a die-hard “HIMYM” fan weak in the knees, it is the rooftop proposal scene in the 12th episode of the show’s eighth season. A scene that was highly awaited by many a fangirl.
The episode, aptly titled “The Final Page” features Cobie Smulders’ character Robin Scherbatsky as she’s lured to the top of a snowy rooftop decked in fairy lights and Christmas decor. Here she finds a page from her boyfriend, famed womaniser Barney Stinson’s (Neil Patrick Harris) infamous ‘Playbook,’ which he uses as a tool to seduce women. However, unlike Barney’s previous nonsensical and over the top ‘Playbook’ entries, this particular entry has depth which leads to a highly emotional scene as Robin finishes reading the ‘Playbook’s’ final entry titled “The Robin,” which turns out to be Barney’s elaborate ploy to pop the question to her in true Stinson-esque fashion.
This romantic scene is intensified by the beautiful ballad “Let Your Heart Hold Fast” by Fort Atlantic seeping in and playing over the couple as Robin says ‘yes.’ Barney’s womanising and commitment-phobia days finally come to an end and the couple ultimately seal it with a passionate kiss under the mistletoe.
P.S.—still mad the writers ended the show on a lackluster, head-scratching moment of a finale, but at least no amount of Ted Mosby’s corny shenanigans will ever top this moment. Barnman for the win!
2. The art gallery scene in the “Doctor Who’ episode ‘Vincent and the Doctor.’ Song: ‘Chances’ by Athlete
One of the many reasons “Doctor Who” is a beloved sci-fi show is because of Murray Gold’s amazing soundtrack, which complements the action-packed as well as emotionally moving scenes perfectly. The episode “Vincent and the Doctor” features some exceptional moments which are further intensified by the song choices.
This episode, simply put, is an ode to the troubled artist Vincent Van Gogh. An absolute tearjerker of a scene for me and many Whovians is when the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) and his companion Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) travel back in time to bring Vincent Van Gogh (Tony Curran) to the present, in order to show him around an art gallery where his artwork is being showcased.
Van Gogh, whose genius was never really understood in his own time (and who was one of the most under-appreciated artists), is immediately moved to tears by how his art is appreciated by the public, centuries after his passing away. The scene is made more phenomenally beautiful by the song choice, “Chances” by Athlete. Once the track builds up and hits its chorus, there is no stopping the waterworks.
3. Maggie and Andy’s fight at the restaurant in the series finale of ‘Extras.’ Song: ‘Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want’ by The Smiths
“Extras” benefitted not only from its realistic plots and subplots—including its depiction of the cut-throat world of showbiz and how too much fame can ruin a person—but also from a stellar performance from Emmy and BAFTA-nominated actress Ashley Jensen, who played protagonist Andy Millman’s (Ricky Gervais) best friend Maggy Jacobs until the end. One can’t help but love these two for being utter goofballs, for standing up for each other when egotistical directors put them down on set, as well as for possessing the mutual ability to put their foot in their mouth when it comes to basic human interactions (which often led to comical and awkward situations).
However, a scene that will leave viewers absolutely heartbroken is when Andy and Maggie call it quits on their friendship at a restaurant after a disastrous dinner, in the presence of Gordon Ramsay, of all people. This fight was caused by Andy’s overinflated ego, and the scene makes viewers realize how far he’s left his only true friend behind in the industry just for a brief taste of celebrity life.
The chorus from “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” by The Smiths plays in the background as a tearful Maggie leaves Andy at the restaurant and walks back to her car alone after their harsh exchange of words. The song not only highlights how Andy has gotten what he wants in life while Maggie is still struggling and trying to make ends meet as an extra, but also the fact that they are both still very much incomplete without each other, yet can never be friends as long as Andy lets his toxic superiority complex get the better of him.
4. Johnny bids farewell to Ali in Season 3 of ‘Cobra Kai.’ Song: ‘Open Arms’ by Journey
Season 3 of “Cobra Kai” turned out to be an absolute treat for its mega fanbase, and as usual was a nostalgia trip as well with the return of protagonist Johnny Lawrence’s (William Zabka) ex-flame Ali (played by Elizabeth Shue).
The scene that absolutely had me shedding tears of joy, however, was when Johnny said goodbye to Ali at the end of the Christmas party. While Johnny was happy to see his ex-girlfriend doing well for herself after their split at the end of the first installment of “The Karate Kid,” he also knows it’s the end of the road for any shot at a romantic relationship with her in the future, as he is very much in a committed relationship with someone else. Ali, being a true friend, seems to know what’s on his mind and lets him off easy, convincing him to go home to his one true love and thus she provides him with much needed closure that he required to move on from her.
As Johnny descends the stairs to head on over to his new love interest’s house and confess his feelings to her, the powerful ballad “Open Arms” by Journey begins to play in the background, signifying the beginning a new chapter in his life, and an end to his spate of toxic relationships and a shot at true love for once in his life. This scene is an emotional one that will stay ingrained in the minds and hearts of the fanbase forever.
5. The big Indian wedding scene in the season finale of ‘Outsourced.’ Song: ‘Uff Teri Adaa’ by Shankar Mahadevan
While the short-lived show “Outsourced” (based on the movie by the same name) stayed too close to outdated tropes about India, one scene where it hit a home run was included in its season finale. In it, the egotistical and strict (but lovable) boss of the call centre Rajiv Gidwani (Rizwan Manji) finally marries his soulmate Vimi (Noureen DeWulf) in a beachside wedding.
This scene clinches the award when it comes to being one of the most memorable, big fat Indian wedding scenes. One aspect which I truly loved was hearing the song “Uff Teri Adaa” by Shankar Mahadevan play as the wedding guests and the couple danced to this foot-thumping chartbuster (which was originally composed and used in the psychological thriller “Karthik calling Karthik” in 2009) at Rajiv and Vimi’s wedding reception. It not only added authenticity to the typical Indian wedding reception setting, but it also showcased a different facet to Rajiv’s character who wasn’t his usual uptight self for once and instead appeared to be having the time of his life matching steps with his co-workers to this upbeat song in true Bollywood fashion.
6. Season 2, Episode 5 of ‘After Life.’ Song: ‘Send in the Clowns’ by Judy Collins
Ricky Gervais is known for his top-notch taste in music when it comes to his soundtracks, be it “Fix You” from Coldplay from a pivotal scene in his show “Derek,” or the aforementioned use of ‘The Smiths‘ in “Extras.” He doesn’t fail to impress in his song choices for his latest outing “After Life” either. Every scene is graced with beautiful music and features some great tracks from the likes of legends such as Elton John, David Bowie, The Carpenters, and many more.
The scene in particular that I’ll single out is the climax of Season 2, Episode 5 of this dark comedy/drama, which features protagonist Tony attending to a phone call in the midst of the local community theatre revue. It seems like all is well in Tony’s life again after a serious battle with depression post his wife’s death in Season 1—and it even looks like he is ready to move on with a new woman in his life. The revue is also his first major outing after months of being reclusive.
However, all of this comes to an abrupt halt after his phone rings and the voice from the other end informs him of his father’s sudden passing. With just one phone call, his short moment of happiness descends into utter gloom once more as the distraught man breaks down while a participant at the revue sings a solemn version of “Send in the Clowns” by Judy Collins in the background.
And if 2019’s “Joker” has taught us one thing, it is that even the most cold-hearted person can’t hold back tears when this sorrowful track begins to play.
So, these are my picks, but do leave a comment below on what counts as your favourite song choice in a TV show or scene.
