When TV Hits the High Notes

Musical episodes are often the most divisive episodes created in TV shows, amongst both the viewers and the cast involved in their production. Whether you love them or hate them, I think it goes without saying that some of these musicals are well-constructed and offer memorable episodes that leave viewers humming songs and going back for a re-watch. Personally, I love a good musical episode, as they can offer character development, reveal new plot twists, and produce fun musical spectacles that create unforgettable episodes. Here are some examples of musical episodes that I think work well, and others not so much. (Spoilers ahead!)  

Buffy the Vampire Slayer – ‘Once More with Feeling’ 

For me, and many others, ‘Once More with Feeling’ pioneered musical episodes in contemporary media. Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s musical is the seventh episode in the sixth season of the show, and from the moment I first watched it all those years ago, I was hooked and it remains my favourite episode of any TV show. The sixth season is often signified as the show’s turning point, exploring darker themes, such as depression and addiction, so the episode came as a shock to many, including those who performed in the show. However, it worked well with the plot and explored the hidden truths of each character. Buffy reveals how her friends had dragged her from heaven, Xander and Anya deliver a duet regarding their insecurities in their imminent marriage, Tara discovers Willow had altered her memory with magic, and Giles discusses his desire to leave, as he feels he is holding Buffy back. Not to mention, as the curtains close, Buffy and Spike share their first official kiss, signifying a turn in Buffy’s personal life during a dark period. The soundtrack encompasses the season’s themes and works well in showcasing the power of song in television, creating an entertaining, yet thought-provoking episode, that continues to be discussed to this day.  

Riverdale – ‘A Night to Remember’ and ‘Big Fun’ 

It has been a number of years since I watched Riverdale, but something that stands out to me when I reflect on those bizarre storylines are the musical episodes (yes, there are more than one). The first episode, ‘A Night to Remember’, follows the characters attempting to put on a production of Carrie the Musical, whilst receiving threats from the Black Hood, which inevitably leads to chaos and the brutal murder of Midge on opening night. Another musical episode that I can recall is ‘Big Fun’, which attempted to reflect the lives of those living in Riverdale as comparable to that of the characters in Heathers, through themes of rebellion and loss of teenage innocence. The episode was ultimately used to reveal the villain of season three, Edgar Evernever, who led The Farm, a cult organisation intent on harvesting organs. These episodes are personally not for me, but clearly KJ Apa loved them enough that he created his own musical alter ego, Mr. Fantasy. Although, I do have to give Cole Sprouse his credit, his performance of ‘Seventeen’ was the best thing to come out of those musicals.  

Grey’s Anatomy – ‘Song Beneath the Song’ 

Having watched Grey’s Anatomy last year, I was not prepared enough for the musical episode in season seven. ‘Song Beneath the Song’, was certainly an interesting choice for approaching Callie Torres’ near-death experience. The previous episode had ended abruptly, with Callie, twenty-three weeks pregnant, in a car crash with Arizona Robbins, her fate unclear. So, when I heard the first note of ‘Chasing Cars’, I knew I was in for an experience. Reactions to this episode are certainly divided; however, it goes without saying that the performances of the cast are emotional and thought-provoking, especially from Sara Ramirez (Callie). Whilst this episode did catch me off guard, I will admit some of the songs were stuck in my head for days after, in particular, the cast’s rendition of ‘Running on Sunshine’. At least they sang ‘How to Save a Life’, otherwise they would have missed the perfect opportunity for the show, and that is the final thing I will be saying on this topic.  

How I Met Your Mother – ‘Girls vs. Suits’ 

How I Met Your Mother is no stranger to a song or two – who doesn’t love Cobie Smulders as Robin Sparkles? However, one episode that sticks out to me in particular is ‘Girls vs. Suits’, and whilst this may not explicitly be a musical episode, Neil Patrick Harris’ performance of ‘Nothing Suits Me Like a Suit’ is so memorable I had to include it. Barney, as fans know, loves his sophisticated look, and as he is made to choose between a girl and his suits during this episode, we explore his inner turmoil over the debate, ultimately performing an entire song on the question. This was the 100th episode of the show, and delivered a fun and entertaining musical spectacle, celebrating the show’s success and teasing the identity of the mother.  

So, musical episodes, when executed well, are a beautifully constructed addition to any show. However, when they are simply inserted to fulfil the musical quota that has become so prominent within modern media, they begin to lose their meanings, causing such a divide in a genre that is intended to create an entertaining approach towards a show and allow actors to showcase their skills in a new and exciting way.