As a Moments subpage, all spoilers are unmarked as per policy. You Have Been Warned.
- The backstory of Brandon James, a killer that terrorized the town of Lakewood twenty years before, born disfigured, his mother homeschooled him, and his father was ashamed of him. When he went out in public he wore a mask, and has a crush on a girl named Daisy. He approached Daisy had took his mask off in front of her, causing her to scream and several jocks to "rescue" her and beat up Brandon. After a killing spree and manhunt, Brandon was shot by police when he met up with Daisy again, who was in on the sting operation. Also, Daisy was Emma's mother.
- Audrey's Not So Stoic breakdown after Rachel's death. So far it's the only time in the series that Audrey hasn't been an unshakable Deadpan Snarker. It's very clear she really loved Rachel and is determined to put her killer to justice.
- Riley's death. Not only does Riley die just as her relationship with Noah is taking off and before he can get intimate with her, but Noah watches via Face Time as Riley bleeds to death. Her last words are especially heartbreaking:Riley: I can....see our stars.
- This continues from episode 3 and through a good chunk of episode 4, where we see how genuinely affected most of the characters are by Riley's death, showcasing how liked she was by everybody and what a bright spot she was to them in their lives, thus making her death be one of the biggest Tear Jerkers of the whole franchise.
- The Chirpster poll on which of the Lakewood Girl Posse should die next. Brooke has over 300 votes. Love her or hate her, Brooke's total shut down is a jarring change from her vapid facade of the previous episodes.
- Even worse when you realize things like this sometimes happen in Real Life.
- Brooke breaking the news of Will's death to Jake in Episode 8. Jake's breakdown is especially heartbreaking since it shows that, despite all that had happened between him and Will, he still cared about him.
- In the Season 1 finale, Emma having to tell Kieran that his father, Sheriff Hudson, was killed by Ghostface. Not only is his Not So Stoic breakdown very saddening, but what he says right before hearing the news makes the inevitable reveal even harder to watch:Kieran: We may not be close, but I'm pretty sure he's the only Dad I've got!
- This becomes IMMENSELY Harsher in Hindsight with the reveal that he's Ghostface. It also becomes a Tearjerker in a different way when you realize that Clark was potentially murdered by his own son.
- Also from Episode 8, Will's mother finding her son's mangled body and screaming. No one should have to see their own child like that; the look on her face is absolutely devastating.
- The episode ending with it being a tribute to Wes Craven, who sadly passed away around the end of August.
- In season 2, episode 8, Brooke cries for Jake. No matter what you feel about the guy, the death truly has an impact on her.
- Audrey's heartbroken reaction when Emma blames her for all the murders after she receives the recording of her confession to Noah and viciously shoves her against the locker. While she did pass up several opportunities to tell Emma before the recording was sent, it's clear that she regrets her mistake and is hurt that she's potentially lost her best friend forever.
- This continues in the scene where Audrey struggles to write an apology e-mail to Emma, eventually resorting to writing "SORRY SORRY SORRY".
- And also, this line:
Audrey: You've never FELT Emma's rejection! It's hardcore and now she hates me and Kieran hates me and Brooke hates me and there's no coming back from this! - Audrey's reason for writing the letters? Emma broke her heart.Audrey: You broke my heart! I loved you, okay? And you broke my heart. And the worst part is you didn't even know you were doing it.
- Everything about Zoe's death in season 2, episode 10. She finally had everything she wanted: friends, a loving boyfriend, popularity from winning the Lady of the Lake pageant, and somebody to understand what she went through with her depression. Then the killer kidnaps her to punish her and Noah (since, according to the rules, them having sex means it's time for them to die). He records her drowning, then sets it up to look like a livestream for Noah, Audrey, and Emma, giving them a Hope Spot that they can rescue her in time. The worst gut punch is Noah's face as he looks between the video of Zoe calling for help as she begins to drown, and the long-dead corpse floating in the crate they just pulled out of the water.
- Eli's death. He's been harassed and framed by Kieran for most of their childhoods, and when he came to Lakewood his first priority was trying to help Emma. The poor guy just wanted to protect her and what does he get in return for his bravery? Getting shot by the girl he loves before being gunned to death by his own cousin.
- Audrey's meltdown throughout season two becomes this with the reveal that she's completely innocent. The kid's terrified out of her mind and driven to total panic out of fear over something she never even did, as she was never Piper's accomplice.
