One Day - In Cold Light by Vanbur
You can’t think about emotional TV without thinking of One Day. This Netflix adaptation topped streaming charts last year, and its soundtrack is no different. With many incredible tracks forming the sounds of the series, I have to highlight In Cold Light as the final piece the audience hears. As Dex reflects on his first moments with Em and finally begins to navigate a life without her in it, it’s a haunting tune that brings the story to a beautiful close.
The Haunting of Bly Manor - Beginning of the End by The Newton Brothers
This cinematic classical piece sends chills whenever I hear it. The piece builds and builds, and overlaid with a voice over about the sacrifice of a much beloved character the piece really tugs at the heart and brings tears to the eye. It encapsulates loss seen on screen and frames sacrifice as the ultimate form of love, bringing filmic quality to the small screen.
Sherlock - Who You Really Are
The only piece on this list to be performed by a character, Who you Really Are features in the final ever episode of the BBC hit. Sherlock Holmes, iconic for many things, including his violin playing prowess, performs as a means of connecting with his sister, Euros. Those of you who have seen The Final Problem will know that stripping back the layers of each character we’ve come to know and love, and reminding them (and us) who they really are at their core, compared to who they thought they were, is a major theme for this final case. It begins mournfully before turning joyous and fading out to the original Sherlock theme when all is right with the world again as the episode comes to a close.
Chloe - There is a light that never goes out by The Smiths
The iconic Smiths song is a clever motif at the heart of the psychological thriller series. When Becky’s estranged best friend from childhood, Chloe, dies unexpectedly, shortly after posting the song’s lyrics “To die by your side” on social media and ringing Becky’s phone out of the blue, Becky begins obsessively investigating her former friend's seemingly perfect life. There's nostalgic flashbacks to the teenage girls dancing and scream-singing to the song, as well as dream-like ‘what if?’ sequences with adult Chloe as Becky tries to piece together what happened. The song becomes an anthem for love and friendship.
Luther - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood by Nina Simone
Emotional in more of a bittersweet way the lyrics “I’m just a soul whose intentions are good…” play as the morally grey DCI John Luther is led away in handcuffs at the end of the mess that became his final case in the Season 5 finale. The song was first used in earlier seasons but its final use at the show’s curtain hits home that whatever the audience wanted for this character, perhaps Luther’s end was always going to be this way…
Killing Eve- Tell me by Johnny Jewel ft. Saoirse Ronan
The backing track to the final moment of Series 3, the song perfectly encapsulates what's gone unsaid between Eve and Villanelle for much of the series. Walking away from each other on the iconic bridge, but turning back for one final look, for some, this would have been the perfect ambiguous ending to the entire show. The song's haunting quality encapsulates the relationship between the two and leaves a lasting impression.