5 Best TV Show Monologue Scenes of Our Time

many fans of Goggins hadn’t seen him portray such a stunned and awestruck character; Rockwell’s sudden appearance was unexpected, but it was later revealed he would appear throughout the season, so he can’t contend for a guest actor Emmy based solely on that scene — instead, he’ll be up against Goggins in the Supporting Actor category. The monologue‘s content was indeed shocking (in a positive manner): Frank (Rockwell) reveals his road to sobriety, which incorporates an exploration of his distinctive relationship with gender and sexuality. Instead of being horrified, Rick (Goggins) is more taken aback, trying to absorb a large amount of information all at once.

The scene from ‘The White Lotus’ stands out distinctly; monologues in many TV shows often lean towards dramatic speeches, either meant to inspire (frequently in sci-fi and fantasy) or to make a profound statement (typically in Aaron Sorkin series, even though we appreciate them). Monologues are seldom employed for quiet introspection; they’re usually delivered at the climax, not during the buildup. Goggins is an excellent scene companion for this monologue; he remains silent but utterly absorbed. His facial expressions convey all that’s necessary; he doesn’t need to speak a word.

Here are five additional TV monologues that deviate from the typical formula: they’re not primarily focused on winning or belittling others, but rather, they stem from the heart.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Captain’s (Deleted) Log

Star Trek is celebrated for its impactful dialogues that often play a crucial role in resolving situations. Characters like Jean-Luc Picard might deliver diplomatic messages, while Captain Kirk would occasionally urge alien species to tap into their human qualities. By the end of each episode, peace and harmony were usually restored.

The TV show “Deep Space Nine” expanded upon an existing concept in their season six episode titled “In the Pale Moonlight.” This installment serves as a testament to Avery Brooks’ exceptional acting skills as Sisko, yet his performances are consistently impressive. The unique aspect of this episode lies in its narrative structure; all events, primarily unfavorable ones, have already transpired.

The storyline revolves around Sisko revealing actions that could be considered war crimes in a log entry to his Captain. Though the audience is technically the only co-star in a traditional sense, Brooks skillfully portrays Sisko’s internal struggle between good and evil (or Prophets and Pah-Wraiths). This confessional scene isn’t about altering or rewriting history; instead, it serves as a personal catharsis for Sisko.

This act of transgression is further emphasized when Sisko erases the log at the episode’s conclusion, serving as its final twist. Captains have the power to manipulate their logs and potentially rewrite history; they may even find a way to reconcile with this ability.

Succession : Ewan’s Euology

In the hit show Succession, many significant scenes revolved around arguments or interruptions during lengthy speeches. Therefore, when Ewan Roy (James Cromwell) takes center stage at his brother Logan’s (Brian Cox) funeral near the end of the final season and the Roy siblings actually pay attention to the man who likely knew their father best as he shares his genuine story… it’s a momentous occasion!

In a surprising turn for a show known for its high-energy and Kendall’s drug-fueled antics, Ewan’s speech is an unusually quiet moment. It isn’t just a triumphant ‘rags to riches’ tale, but rather a harrowing account of a war orphan’s struggle to survive and ascend the ranks. However, this emotional farewell wouldn’t stand out if it were merely a final swipe at Logan. Instead, Ewan appears genuinely sorrowful over his brother’s passing, yet also pained by acknowledging the monstrous figure Logan became in life.

Here’s where you can read the entire eulogy that Ewan delivered for Logan, or if you’d like a visual experience, check out the “Church and State” scene from “Succession” season 4 on Max.

Barry : Sally’s Monologue

In the series ‘Barry’, when a character more terrifying than Bill Hader’s Barry emerges, it sends a shiver down your spine. Yes, it truly does. Throughout the early seasons, Sally (played by Sarah Goldberg) wrestles significantly with her desire to be good versus succumbing to ruthless ambition. Towards the end of Season 2, Sally delivers a powerful monologue directly to Barry, and Hader’s portrayal of Barry’s reaction in that instant is chilling in an instant. However, it’s Goldberg who steals the show. She manages to make Sally’s inner turmoil almost endearing, and her struggles seem commendable – until you remember she’s talking about her acting skills to a real-life assassin.

In every situation, it’s crucial to understand the background: Sally, much like the White Lotus character in Rockwell’s series, has personal struggles she navigates (or chooses not to). Her method of coping seems to involve expressing everything aloud. Essentially, after a tough day or missed chance, she simply needs to release her feelings – in other words, let it all out, similar to anyone who desires… to vent.

Andor: One Way Out

Indeed, one might argue that Kino Loy’s speech in “Andor” is technically a stirring address, but it’s not particularly rousing at first glance. In fact, it seems more like a desperate plea rather than an inspiring call to arms. However, as the dialogue progresses, there comes a point where it feels as if a dam has burst, and that’s what makes it so powerful. Andy Serkis, without any makeup or CGI, delivers this monologue in a way that feels raw and genuine.

In simpler terms, Loy’s speech isn’t about boasting about winning, but rather about reclaiming a small piece of respect in a heartless, uncaring universe. His words seem enlightening, yet they also signal an ending, hinting that the story we’re watching is just a prelude to one of Star Wars‘s greatest tragedies.

Interview with the Vampire: Lestat’s Origin Story

In the AMC+ show “Interview with the Vampire,” Lestat (played by Sam Reid) has a flamboyant personality, which might be an understatement. However, Louis (Jacob Anderson) is the one who brings most of the heartfelt feelings to the story. Lestat’s retelling of his vampire origin story is far from delicate, and it strips away some of the ornate layers that Lestat has hidden behind, much like removing old, gaudy Victorian wallpaper. The origin story presented here closely follows Anne Rice’s books, but the new “Interview with the Vampire” series has room to deviate from its original path in several ways while still remaining faithful to its central characters.

By the scene’s end, Lestat makes it clear he dislikes being left alone – a sentiment he communicates to Claudia and Louis. However, underlying this message is a deep sense of sorrow, as he grapples with his own origins and the circumstances that led him to become a vampire. Moreover, Lestat’s joy in his vampiric existence serves as a clue that his self-admiration might be more bluster than truth.

The Daily Show: Post-9/11 Zen

Jon Stewart’s first Daily Show monologue following September 11th isn’t on YouTube, however, it can be found on Comedy Central’s website. This isn’t a typical ‘scene’, unless we delve into an abstract interpretation of what a scene truly is. Instead, it’s a New Yorker struggling to find normalcy after the tragic events, trying to help both himself and his audience. Despite the fact that talk show hosts are usually boisterous, here Stewart maintains a quiet, emotional tone (although he does begin to cry). He opens the monologue by asking “Are you okay?”, not addressing a large crowd but directly speaking to you, the viewer. By the end of his speech, he offers hope for a better future, not just for you, but also for himself.

The Daily Show was scheduled to record on September 11th, but they didn’t air again until September 20th. During this pause in broadcasting, I believe we experienced a significant release of emotions. It might not have been comfortable, but as any character mentioned would agree, it’s a joy to be able to express feelings at all.

2025-03-26 01:40