It’s not always possible to end conflicts peacefully. Sometimes we get pushed too far. Sometimes there isn’t another cheek to turn. Sometimes the only way out is with your fists.
The 2018 – 2019 TV seasons wasn’t shy about pushing characters to the absolute brink. In some instances, it was exhilarating to see a character cut loose and give a villain
exactly what he or she deserved. Other fights were tragic to witness as it signaled the darker path our hero(es) would be walking.
Whether we wanted to cheer or cry, the fights captured on screen this season were riveting to watch.
Special effects and fancy choreography are only part of the reason why. The best fights piled on the emotions and never lost sight of the story it was telling. Let’s take a look back at some of those memorable throwdowns.
Witches of Greendale vs. The Order of the Innocent
When the Order of the Innocent starts ambushing witches throughout Greendale, it kicks off a bloody battle between witches and angels. It all leads to a fiery climax at a church where it’s revealed there is much more to Sabrina than any of us ever realized.
Katherine, Gary, and Rome vs. Eddie – A Million Little Things
When Katherine, Gary, and Rome found out about Eddie and Delilah’s affair they were furious. From Katherine’s slap to the guys’ brawl on the ice, they let Eddie know he betrayed them all.
Planetary Union vs. Kaylons
From the seizure of the Orville to the explosive space battle featuring three different fleets, the battle against the Kaylon annihilation force did more than save Earth. It proved the Orville could stand among the best in the space opera genre.
Archie vs. Hiram – Riverdale
Watching Archie and Hiram fight stopped being interesting a long time ago, so having them duke it out in a boxing ring didn’t sound very exciting. Surprisingly, thanks to the actors’ intensity, the gore, and the shot of Hiram knocking out Archie’s mouth guard — this latest fight between the two was engaging.
The Brainy Bunch vs. Demons – The Good Place
Shawn and his cronies finally got the drop on Eleanor and the others. Since quietly accepting damnation wasn’t an option, Janet kicked things into high gear, and an all-out bar brawl ensued. In true Jacksonville style, Chidi and Jason knocked demons out; Tahani utilized her fencing skills, and Janet sent them flying back to The Bad Place.
Cobra Kai vs. Miyagi-Do – Cobra Kai
Tory’s jealousy over Sam kissing Miguel boils over, and a schoolyard fight between the two of them engulfs both dojos in an all-out brawl. Security and teachers can do little but watch as students smashed up school property and maimed each other. Regardless of who bested who, no one walked out of West Valley High a winner.
Daenerys vs. King’s Landing – Game of Thrones
Dany had come too far and lost too much to let Cersei hold the Iron Throne for another moment longer. With Drogon enforcing her commands, Dany rained fire down upon King’s Landing. Those who survived found themselves with nothing but burns and ashes.
Dr. Campbell vs. Dr. Pemberton – The Big Bang Theory
The slapstick, Sheldon’s commentary, and watching Kal Penn and Sean Astin play two longtime friends who viciously betray one another made this lunchtime slugfest into an event worthy of primetime viewing.
Red Daughter vs. Supergirl – Supergirl
Thanks to her evolved powers, Red Daughter had the physical edge. She landed a blow hard enough to stop Supergirl’s heart. It takes more than a punch to keep Supergirl down though, especially when the sisterly bond between her and Alex proves it’s a force greater than any superpowered being.
Atwater vs. Doyle – Chicago P.D.
While Atwater was undercover a pair of racist cops pulled him over, held a gun to his head, and shot the guy leading him to the drug deal. Then the brass and the politicians pressured him into twisting the facts to benefit their respective agendas. Atwater stuck to the truth and then delivered a well-deserved beatdown to one of the cops.
Betty vs. The Gargoyle King and The Black Hood
Betty Cooper’s never-ending reserve of resourcefulness was on full display as she made the Black Hood chase her down the halls of Riverdale High and used anything she could grab as a weapon. As great as the choreography was, witnessing the tragedy of a daughter begging her father not to kill her is what makes this fight riveting.
Captain Anderson and Officer Nolan vs. Southern Front – The Rookie
Southern Front, a white supremacist gang, brought out the guns, cattle prods, and smoke bombs to ambush Captain Anderson and Officer Nolan. They were outgunned and outmanned, but as Anderson said earlier, criminals don’t tell LAPD officers what to do. She nearly drowned, broke her thumb, was fatally wounded, and ensured Southern Front couldn’t evade the law any longer.
Lucifer, Chloe, Eve, Maze and Amenadiel vs. Demons
With baby Charlie’s fate in the balance, Lucifer, Chloe, Eve, Maze and Amenadiel took no prisoners while fighting Dromos and his ever-growing band of demons. Lucifer went full devil, but Eve stabbed a demon in the eye with her high heel.
