I should make sure each replacement makes sense in context. For example, "tension builds" could be "pressure mounts," "strain rises," or "stress escalates."
Moving on to the next sentence: "The drama is also ratcheted up..." "Ratcheted up" can be increased, escalated, or intensified. So escalated. Akalmand Junglee Episode 5-8 -- HiWEBxSERIES.com
"The episode’s ending is both shocking and thought-provoking" – alternatives for shocking: surprising, dramatic, unexpected. Thought-provoking could be mind-blowing, meaningful, or deep. So surprising and mind-blowing. I should make sure each replacement makes sense in context