So, to celebrate this, I am going to give you a rundown of what I think are the best quotes from some of my favourite shows! From The Crown to Motherland it’s going to be an emotional rollercoaster of an article!
The Crown (Series 4):
Best Line: “Alright, Not the Woman you Married!”
So many to choose from here but this line always stands out. Emma Corrin as Princess Diana screaming this at Josh O’Connor’s Prince Charles is something permanently ingrained in my memory and I love it! You can hear the pain in Diana’s voice as they realise that Charles’ heart really is with Camilla. It was and continues to be a standout moment in contemporary TV for me.
Motherland (Series 3):
Best Line: “Not all Mum’s are Marions.”
A beautiful line, to end a beautiful episode and a wonderful series. Delivered by Lucy Punch’s Amanda followed by the death of Julia’s mum, Marion, this line really hit different. The fact it was said during the Christmas special, that happened to be the series’ finale makes it all the more poignant. It teaches us so much, treasure and appreciate what you have and who you have to love, take nothing for granted because not all mum’s are like Marion. I thought it was fitting considering Mother’s Day is around this time of year too.
Derry Girls (Series 3):
Best Line: “There‘s a part of me that wishes that everything could just stay the same, that we could all just stay like this forever, there’s a part of me that doesn’t really want to grow up.”
The one of the final lines, in one of the final moments in the hit sitcom’s final episode. The line comes as the Good Friday agreement is signed. It was such a beautiful line that sums up how many people feel when you know big changes are coming your way.
Broadchurch (Series 1):
Best Line: “He was Eleven!”
This line still gives me chills, the awful moment where Ellie finds out her husband had groomed and murdered their son’s best friend. Olivia Coleman delivered this line stunningly. The pain in her voice is unmatched. So simple, yet so effective.
Rock & Chips (Series 1):
Best Line: “I’m a part time filing clerk, who sometimes makes the tea.”
Only Fools and Horses always had so much pathos. So, it was expected that its prequel, Rock & Chips, also written by the late, great John Sullivan, would do too. The show didn’t disappoint. Joan Trotter, mother to Del Boy and Rodney, was a tragic character. She was always dreaming for bigger and better things, wanting more than life than it could give her.
This line for me sums up her story. She wasn’t just a tea maid, she was a part-time filing clerk, who sometimes made the tea. In other words, she was someone who deserved better and put a spin on everything in her life to make it appear that way. This line was delivered in such an understated way by Kellie Bright, it was said through a cry that still gives me a lump in the back of my throat.
Fleabag (Series 1):
Best Line: “I don’t know what to do with all the love I have for her.”
Some people may be shocked that the infamous “It’ll pass” line is not on this list. Now, don’t get me wrong, that was a fantastic line (as are many lines written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge) but this line just stood out to me. It highlights the rawness of Fleabag but also the complexities and realities of Grief. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, as always, take a bloody big bow!