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With the Emmy Awards just a month away on September 12, television shows in 2022 have been at their absolute prime. Shows like Euphoria, Peacemaker, and Abbott Elementary dominated the conversation on social media, cementing themselves as modern classics in the making. Part of this phenomenon has been the dialogue delivered by characters like Greg Hirsch or Peacemaker, whether questioning one has a soul or is fashionably late.
These moments became instantly iconic, largely thanks to a slew of poignant quotes that quickly made their way into the pop culture vernacular. From Anthony Bridgerton confessing his love to Mr. Ajayi’s advice, these quotes were impossible to miss, and they will surely have a long life even after the show’s end.
“What Am I Gonna Do With A Soul Anyways?”
Greg Hirsch, Succession, “All The Bells Say”
Succession‘s excellent season finale, “All the Bells Say,” aired on December 2021, but the impact of Greg and Tom’s conversation carried into the new year. After Tom makes Greg a proposition he can’t reject, the two laugh and celebrate, with Greg accepting “a deal with the devil” while proclaiming, “souls are boring.”
Seeing Tom and Greg’s descent into ruthless ambition has been one of the best parts of Succession, and this conversation is the culmination of three seasons of build-up. Greg relinquishes his last ounces of integrity, joining Tom as a professional in climbing the corporate ladder by any means possible. The quote not only hints at what’s coming for both characters but also cements their fates going forward.
“You’re Late, F*cking D*ckheads.”
Peacemaker, Peacemaker, “It’s Cow Or Never”
John Cena has a surprisingly solid resumé of films and television shows, but Peacemaker is certainly his best role to date. Starring in his own HBO Max show allowed him to explore the character’s psyche, revealing a surprisingly complex and sympathetic figure and quickly becoming a fan favorite.
During Peacemaker‘s finale, the title character and his team storm the farm to kill the butterflies and their space cow. They succeed, only for the Justice League to arrive once the battle is over. Peacemaker telling them off in his trademark colorful language works as a funny comedic moment; however, it’s also thinly-veiled criticism of the superhero genre when the superheroes themselves are extremely late.
“I Do Not Have Time For This. I Do Not Have Time For You!”
Anna Delvey, Inventing Anna, “The Devil Wore Anna”
Inventing Anna leaves several details out of its real-life story, delivering an uneven product that never rises above its already divisive inspiration. It’s actually somewhat bad, opting for a sensationalist approach to a story that could’ve benefited from genuine nuance. Its campy tone has a certain value, but the show is mostly clumsy and overblown. Inventing Anna‘s one saving grace is Julia Garner’s fabulously unhinged performance.
Garner nails Delvey’s bizarre accent and erratic personality, injecting every line with enough drama to make it memorable and the right amount of ridiculous. Her delivery of the line “I do not have time for you!” is so deliciously exaggerated that it becomes the stuff of camp dreams. It is intentionally funny, but Garner elevates it with her conviction, giving it a slightly menacing tone that shouldn’t be there.
“Even When We Do Everything Right, Bad Things Still Sometimes Happen.”
Dinah Lance, Young Justice: Phantoms, “Forbidden Secrets Of Civilizations Past!”
Returning after a two-year hiatus, Young Justice delivered another action-packed and intricate adventure with Phantoms. An ongoing plot throughout the season involved Beast Boy’s survivor’s guilt after the Mars incident that seemingly kills Superboy.
During a cathartic therapy session with Dinah Lance, Gar’s depression reaches a boiling point. The scene is heartbreaking, with Dinah expertly helping Garfield admit his guilt and initiating the road to recovery. Young Justice isn’t afraid to tackle serious issues, but they truly upped the ante with Phantoms, treating Gar’s depression with nuance and empathy.
“The Good News Is, Hell Is Just The Product Of A Morbid Human Imagination.”
Harmony Cobel, Severance, “Good News About Hell”
Severance is one of the best new shows of 2022. A perfect mix of sci-fi elements and psychological thrills, the show successfully creates a tense and threatening vibe, thanks mainly to Patricia Arquette’s Harmony Cobel.
Cobel has many of the show’s most thought-provoking and sinister quotes, but her description of hell takes the cake. Equal parts menacing and philosophical, the line captures the show’s essence while portraying Cobel as the ruthless manipulator she is. Severance does a great job maintaining a lingering sense of dread across its nine episodes, and quotes like this are a huge reason for its success.
“Don’t Let Anyone Make You Disappear, Charlie.”
Mr. Ajayi, Heartstopper, “Boyfriend”
The wholesome Heartstopper quickly became one of the best LGBTQ+ shows on television thanks to its romantic plot, likable characters, and unabashedly positive message. The series has one of the best portrayals of teenage love and includes several memorable quotes that perfectly encapsulate its charm.
However, Mr. Ajayi’s advice to Charlie is one of the show’s most meaningful lines. Adolescence is tough, especially for an LGBTQ+ teen, and it always helps to have a supportive older figure. Mr. Ajayi’s help is crucial for Charlie, who struggles with bullying and confusion. And while Charlie believes that evading his problems is better, he soon realizes that’s not the answer.
“I Tried Happiness, But It’s Just Not For Me.”
René, Irma Vep, “The Severed Head”
Olivier Assayas’ new take on his classic 1996 comedy-drama translates the action to modern-day France. Starring Alicia Vikander and Vincent Macaigne, Irma Vep is another biting and poignant takedown of the entertainment industry, powered by Assayas’ unique style.
As René, the director of the film within the show, Macaigne is neurotic and over-the-top, hilarious yet somewhat reprehensible. During one of his early exchanges with Vikander’s Mira, he utters this line, which could very well describe many of Assayas’ most iconic characters. Macaigne delivers it with the perfect blend of melancholy and conviction, quickly turning it into of the show’s best quotes.
“Nobody Knows Anything, Except The Algorithm.”
Diane Villa, Barry, “crazytimesh*tshow”
Barry returned better than ever, with a third season that is as hilarious as it’s dark and bleak. Bill Hader’s ongoing saga of the tragedies of life goes even deeper in its exploration of its characters, exploiting their strengths and weaknesses to the fullest.
Sally, in particular, gets a tough time, with her show premiering only to get canceled mere hours after its debut. The network’s president then claims the show didn’t perform well, claiming the algorithm had the final say. The scene rings true now more than ever when streaming services cancel entire movies because they don’t live up to their lofty expectations. Barry‘s third season had one great episode after another, but “crazytimesh*tshow” stands out above all others.
“You Are The Bane Of My Existence.”
Anthony Bridgerton, Bridgerton, “An Unthinkable Fate”
Anthony Bridgerton takes center stage in Bridgerton season 2. His relationship with Kate Sharma is the driving force behind the season, and the show did justice to what is, without a doubt, the franchise’s most popular and beloved romance.
The couple shares many intimate and intense moments throughout the season, but their most meaningful exchange comes midway through the season. Admitting his feelings, a visibly shaken Anthony pours his heart out, abandoning his stoic facade and pouring his heart out. Bridgerton lives for these moments, and Jonathan Bailey sells the heck out of the scene.
“I Have Never, Ever Been Happier.”
Cassie Howard, Euphoria, “Ruminations: Big And Little Bullies”
Euphoria continued its exploration of teenage angst with a slightly more chaotic albeit equally impactful season 2. The show’s trademark ball-to-the-wall approach to addiction and sexuality kept escalating, allowing it to showcase more characters, including Cassie Howard.
Cassie goes through a complex journey throughout the season, becoming one of Euphoria‘s breakout characters. Her affair with Nate accelerates her descent into chaos and insecurity, and her imaginary breakdown in the bathroom represents her inner turmoil. The scene quickly exploded on social media, but it’s also an excellent showcase for Sydney Sweeney, who earned a richly deserved first nomination at the Emmys.
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