The key to writing great characters is viewers investing in them.
What better way to determine how invested we are than when we break down into tears if they feel threatened, sad, or if one of them (God forbid) shuffles off this mortal coil?
Scroll through the gallery below for the moments that caught us by surprise and left us dabbing out eyes.
Share your sullen memories in the comments!
This Is Us Season 1 Episode 16, “Memphis”
The “Memphis” episode of This Is Us, especially William’s line, “The two best things in my life were the person in the very beginning, and the person at the very end.” I can’t even think about it without bursting into tears all over again.
Abby Dying on Ray Donovan
Ray Donovan has been struggling creatively for a few years now, but I never thought it would try to right the ship by offing the female lead. It was a heartbreaking season, and it only made it worse that we got to witness her struggle through flashbacks.
Mack and Hope in the Framework on Agents of SHIELD
Poor, poor Mack. In the real world, his daughter Hope only lived for a brief four days following her birth. In the Framework’s illusory world, she grew and thrived. Despite the fact that this Hope wasn’t actually real flesh and blood, Mack formed such a connection with her that he actually refused to leave the virtual reality on Agents of SHIELD Season 4 Episode 20. It’s only after the Framework started shutting down two episode later and the virtual Hope vanished that a heartbroken Mack could bring himself to return to the real world.
Jackson’s speech/Ellis’ return on Grey’s Anatomy
Who wasn’t bawling when Jackson gave his speech on behalf of Meredith after she won the Harper Avery? All of Grey’s Anatomy Season 14 Episode 7 was a throwback for the fans, but in his speech he mentioned all the hardships and loss that Meredith has suffered over the years, and how she overcame it all. If we weren’t crying enough after mentions of Derek and Lexie, the surprise cameo of Kate Burton as Ellis standing in the gallery clapping her hands would have pushed anyone over the edge.
Martin Stein’s Death on Legends of Tomorrow
No one could have prepared me for the devastation I felt when Martin Stein died on Legends of Tomorrow. He was the pretentious guy that occasionally got on my nerves but had the sweetest paternal relationship with Jax. Firestorm is barely on my radar most of the time, but then he had his final moment with Jax and I was a mess. I’m still mourning.
Jesus’ Sad Moments on The Fosters
Jesus has been having the absolute worst time on The Fosters and that’s saying something given he lives with Callie, but finding out the truth about Emma’s pregnancy and abortion after being lied to for so long was a sad moment. It was one of many sad moments for the teenager currently struggling with a TBI and other siblings who need their attention too.
Olivia and Laurel’s Interactions on SVU
I absolutely loved the interactions between Olivia and Laurel on “Something Happens” on SVU. I don’t usually like concept episodes, but this two-woman play was the most emotional SVU episode I’ve ever seen. Plus it made me wish I had an Olivia Benson in my life to talk to about deep issues.
Morgan’s Passing on Mary Kills People
For a show so completely preoccupied with death, MKP was a revelation of dark comedy. Almost everyone Mary met in her mercy missions was terminal so it wasn’t unexpected that rock star Morgan died but we’d gotten to know him over multiple episodes and he was maybe the first character Mary was able to open herself up to so when he took that final breath, there was a sense of loneliness in Mary that hit the emotional buttons in a profound way.
The Return of Mon-El on Supergirl
After Kara had to banish the love of her life at the end of Supergirl Season 2, I expected that he’d return at some point in Season 3. What I never expected was that his return would make me cry! As Mon-El was transported to the future, Kara’s six months apart turned out to be seven years for Mon-El. That’s a lot more time to get over a lost love and move on…to a new wife! Watching Kara endure a front row seat to Mon El’s obvious love for his beautiful, compassionate, lovely bride makes my heart ache. What’s worse is that Irma is too darn nice to hate. This whole story arc has me shedding tears for our stoic Supergirl whose heart is broken once again.
The Kingdom Finale
The finale of Kingdom with its unknowns and the beautiful, but brutal sendoff for Nate and the entire Kulina family and all their friends. I cried a lot during the series as each character struggled with pain and desire to be loved when they had everything the needed right in front of them.
Gordon’s Death on Halt and Catch Fire
Gordon’s death was at once painful and incredibly beautiful because as he died, he relived some of the most beloved moments of his life spent with Donna and his daughters. As he followed Donna around his house and she interacted with his girls as they all got younger and younger, it was as if it finally dawned on him he was at the end of his life. Wailing would be the appropriate term when it comes to watching this particular scene.
The Series Finale of The Vampire Diaries
I still have mixed emotions on the finale; I don’t necessarily know if I enjoyed how open-ended it was but I definitely cried. Especially during all the moments that alluded back to previous seasons. Just knowing that Damon and Elena lived their life and that Damon met Stefan, who sacrificed his, makes me weep every time.
Jace’s Brief Death on Shadowhunters
I hadn’t cried that hard in ages! It’s no secret Jace Herondale has had a hard life, I mean the man didn’t even know his real last name until recently. So to see him die in the arms of Clary and see the pain in his eyes was rough to watch. Even though Clary ultimately brought him back, it was heartbreaking to see him die at the hands of the man he believed was once his father. Not to mention he didn’t exactly come back himself…
Rosa Dias Comes Out on Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Rosa Diaz coming out as bisexual on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. That word is never said on TV and actively avoided, even when the characters are clearly bi (i.e. Piper on Orange is the New Black). Her coming out has been so natural. The fear of coming out as bisexual was evident when she first told Boyle, and as a bisexual woman myself, I felt so connected to her. They’re handling the storyline in such a beautiful way, and I’m in awe and so grateful for it.
Cabe Giving Everyone Gifts on Scorpion
While faced with the prospect of going away for a crime that he really didn’t commit, Cabe took the time to get everyone on Team Scorpion a gift. He wanted them to be happy even if they had just learned that Cabe was heading to prison. Thankfully, Cabe is cleared of all charges, but the gifts he chose for everyone still made us bawl our eyes out. Each gift is a token that shows just how much Team Scorpion means to him. They are Cabe’s family. One gift, in particular, was the most emotional — Cabe’s recommendation letter for 12-year-old Walter’s VISA application letter.
