It is supremely interesting how people view stories in every medium of entertainment out there. For there are some, who see stories as nothing more than fleeting wastes of time. The kind that just keep our minds busy and/or distract us from the more important things in life. Whereas there are others, who find great meaning in storytelling. To the point where they pour over the details of a particular tale and search for deeper meaning within it. For that story has touched them deeply in a powerful manner, and these are the folks that we hear about that struggle mentally and emotionally if the story they love comes to an end too early or when the story ends… period.
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Granted some people immediately poke fun of folks that go through that roller coaster, but they shouldn’t. Because they are the same folks that get upset and scream when their favorite sports team loses a big game. Because the bottom line is that we connect with stories and the things that we love on a truly fundamental level and having them taken away or having to say goodbye to them, isn’t easy. To the point where some will go the extra mile to keep that story alive. To force networks and studios and publishers to understand what a story means and why it should continue. Sometimes they’re successful, sometimes they’re not and really, their passion does leave one to wonder… just how far fans would go to keep their stories alive or to see them be brought to a logical and proper conclusion.

As it turns out, the next episode of Tales from the Darkside takes the time to answer that question. A feat that ‘Distant Signals’ accomplishes by introducing us to a very strange man named Mister Smith who has come to Hollywood with an unwholesome amount of gold to pay for the ultimate task. In that, he, at the bequest of his ‘investors,’ would like to reunite actor Van Conway and writer/director Gil Hurn to bring to life… the final chapter in the long-forgotten series, Max Paradise. A move both men are skeptical of since the series was a flop when it first aired. But Smith is relentless and goes to incredible and suspect lengths to bring that finale to life. For he continues to press that there are viewers eager to see this show, ones that Van eventually figures out… are not on Earth. Meaning that Smith has traveled through the depths of space, all to bring a series that briefly aired light years away and was deeply loved… to its proper conclusion. 

Which is a supremely unique story that we must point out… is not scary in the slightest. Making this true science fiction through and through and another ‘experimental’ tale for the series. Since clearly, this isn’t what we know and love from this series, but it is a Tales from the Darkside episode none the less, one that actually… engages you. In part because of the mystery at hand, since we initially don’t know where Smith is from or who he represents, or how he gets his funding. He’s just eccentric and that’s nothing new in show biz. Plus, the acting is just… sublime. Because veteran character actor David Marguiles plays Gil and does so with a tortured gusto so vibrant, that you immediately feel for him and want him to succeed at telling a proper end to a tale that meant a lot to him. But of course, Darrin McGavin, a true legend in his own right, steals the show as Van Conway since he brings a real honesty to the role of a man that is clearly lost within himself after years of failure.
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Plus, this is a story that does indeed answer the central question. Since fans would indeed travel through space and time if it meant they could see a cancelled show come to completion or see it continue along, and Smith’s mission… is oddly relevant to today. Since fans fight hard for their favorite shows online and will stop at nothing to have their voices heard, and the rise of fan fiction and fan films… only adds to the reality that when a story truly connects, hearty fans will go the extra mile to enjoy every aspect of its wonder. Making this story in many ways, a love letter to the fans of storytelling out there, since their passion has indeed paid off in spades time and time again, and they will likely fight harder now that networks sometimes swoop in to save cancelled shows to keep the fans happy and stories alive and thriving. 

However, this is likely a story that will turn some fans off. Mainly because, there’s no monster or evil waiting in the wings. Just good vibes from an alien that badly wants to make his world happy and help out two down on their luck men. Making this an uplifting sci-fi drama story really, one that honestly… is hard not to like when you approach it with an open mind. Simply because it is hard to find fault with that core premise and it’s hard to not relate to Smith and his desires to see a classic show keep going. If anything, this episode just goes to show that this series has no problem with taking big time risks. Because this is indeed an episode that could turn so many off, but there really is a certain charm to this particular story, one that compels you to complete the journey and all the wholesomeness it has to offer. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.  

There was a time where radio and podcasts were filled with wondrous programming. Where your favorite deejay or host would simply talk about the topics they loved or set up a show around a particular theme that was designed to just entertain. All so we could lose ourselves in the music if that was part of the show or just get lost in the musings of someone whose voice we enjoyed and whose thoughts ignited our brains and our imaginations. Granted, a lot of that still exists on the radio and in the world of the podcast, but somewhere along the way, the purity of such shows was utterly sullied by the arrival of a type of host and a type of show that quite frankly…. has caused more harm than good. 
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Because just like that, hate radio… for lack of a better term… hit the airwaves. Where the hosts in question talk about awful topics that are disgusting in nature. Such as claiming that wounded and suffering families are nothing more than character actors, or they spew utter hate toward other races, or they push conspiracy theories and false information. The kind of nonsense one would think would never have an audience… but it does, and these hosts enjoy a powerful following. Thankfully though we are finally seeing cracks in the foundations of hate radio’s popularity, since people are fighting back against their lies, which will likely, eventually, lead to the end of the hate jock, if only for a little while. Because guys like that, can’t stay silent for long. Which leaves us wondering, how we prevent their rise again and oddly enough… the next episode of Tales from the Darkside pondered upon that question in a prophetic manner in its next episode.

For ‘The Devil’s Advocate’ is a story that transports us into the studio of a radio station. Wherein wildly popular late night host Larry Mandrake is settling in to broadcast his show, ‘The Devil’s Advocate’, and it doesn’t take long for us to learn… that people are tuning in to Larry’s show for all the wrong reasons. Because Larry is a bitter and sour man, who has suffered and endured loss and moments of karma and that has motivated him to use his show to air his grievances with the world and spew hate to those that listen. And if by chance they challenge him via calling in, he’s happy to lash out further and make them pay for even thinking of challenging his precious and dark world views. But on this night, Larry’s show is going to be vastly different. For something has happened to Larry that he’s not aware of yet, something so dire that he may need to rethink his career and his life choices when he realizes that this broadcast is coming from a very special station in a very scary place.

Which is… a story that truly does explore how we stop these guys from constantly spewing hate on the air, and it pulls that off by first tasking us… to understand the monster. Because all we hear on the radio or in our podcast app, is the hate. The slurs. The lies and pushback against science. But what we don’t know… is why they spew so much hate. And this episode informs us, that is related to the fact that these dudes feel marginalized and unremarkable, and they’ve dealt with hardships and setbacks in life and strife, and that pain combined with not being heard or seen in a manner that will complete them, pushes them onto the web or the airwaves. Where everyone must hear their concerns, and they say horrible things that attract other kindred spirits and the rest as they say is history, since we’ve seen where the microphone takes them and what it provides them with. 
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But what makes understanding the why so critical, is that it is what helps us to formulate a true plan to putting an end to their special brand of hate and stupid. Since that helps to inform us that these men are weak and bully to feel strong and well… when you push back against a bully, they tend to fold and hide away. Something we’ve seen begin to happen courtesy of those well-deserved judgments against… well… typing his name would do him a service, but you know who we are talking about and not typing his name… leads to the other solution to getting rid of these asshats. In that, we have to rob them of their power and take away their voice. Because an idiot shouting into the void accomplishes nothing and puts them right back where they started. Which will be the hardest task in this matter, since they inspire, but there has to be a way to draw attention away from them and whatever that is… needs to be done so we can move beyond this nonsense. 

However, while all of this is fascinating commentary, some of you, dear readers, are likely wondering what makes this story scary or horror-worthy and well… it’s the reveal of where Larry is broadcasting from that takes care of that. Since we learn he’s dead and descending into Hell itself and that transforms him into an impish nightmare that reflects his soul and that makes for some creepy elements for certain, as does his behavior, since it reflects the horror of the real world. All of which makes this, an episode on the same level of quality of ‘Halloween Candy’. Since it is smart, spooky, and prophetic in nature, since this was released in 1985 before this was an actual issue. Which is a testament to George Romero’s whip smart screenplay, one that once again reminds us he was ahead of the curve as a writer, and we’d be remiss to also not point out that his words come to life brilliantly by way of Jerry Stiller’s fantastic performance as Larry Mandrake. Since he embodies the future of radio and podcasting perfectly, by bringing to life the worst parts of little men, that would be better served airing their grievances to a therapist instead of the dark corners of the internet. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.

Ask any creative individual what they would surrender to be able to write, compose and create constantly, and you’ll get back a one-word answer. Anything. Simply because, despite what people think about creative individuals, specifically how so many believe that creating music or writing or painting happens with a flick of a finger or a wrist… giving life to art is supremely difficult work. The kind that takes hours upon hours of fine tuning to create that which so many will enjoy on a regular basis, and there is little that is glamorous about this process either. Since so many of the creations we adore, were created in a unique manner.
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Say… at a kitchen table on a laptop at four in the morning. Wherein that writer could finally find enough quiet inspiration to write the end of their next great novel… in their underwear no less. So yes, there is a desire amongst creatives to have a magic fix in front of them… to be saved from the more difficult moments that creation entails. But despite saying yes to the possibility of having a quick path toward completing their work, in reality… the vast majority of creatives won’t actually accept such an offer. They say it for catharsis because they know deep down, there are no shortcuts to creative success. One must suffer for their art and fight to bring it to life, and they learn that, by learning what kind of penalties come forth when one tries to take a shortcut. And oddly enough, the next episode of Tales from the Darkside puts that lesson on display.

A feat that ‘The Satanic Piano’ accomplishes by introducing us to a musician named Pete Bancroft, who is in a creative funk. Because he simply cannot get his new album to pop the way he wants it to, and his record label isn’t happy with the results either, despite his track record of major success in the industry. In fact, he’s so desperate to find the groove he needs, to get this album going, that he ignores his daughter and her burgeoning musical skills and he’s ready to turn to a total stranger that has promised to give him what he needs to find an edge again. For Wilson Farber claims to have a musical instrument that can read Pete’s mind and just create the tracks out of thought, for the price of free since art matters most to Wilson. But alas, there is indeed a price that comes with this device, a nefarious one that could cost Pete everything, if he lets it take control of the creative process and his life.

Which is a plot that really does do a wonderful job of exploring the dangers of shortcuts. Granted, it’s handled in a wild manner, since the piano in question seems to feed on souls and lifeforce when it begins to truly pull the music out of someone. To the point where Pete almost loses his daughter. Not to mention, it seemingly has ties to another dimension, one dangerous in nature. Since it brings severe physical harm to Pete when he attempts to shatter a portal at its very center. All of which is what allows for this story to be a quality tale of terror since that is definitely some twisted stuff for a man to tangle with, and clearly Farber is an agent to something quite evil. Something that feeds on creativity and wants more of it.
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But the commentary in question is easy to spot in the horror as well. Since the piano serves as the metaphor for the shortcut, one that a hungry and desperate creative would indeed turn to. And in many ways, Farber serves as the stand in for the coldest and most concerning part of the business. Specifically, the predatory individuals that promise the world to eager creatives if they work with them. Which of course are promises that go nowhere because this so-called producer doesn’t actually get anything done. They’re just someone who wants to take an eager creative beaver for a ride and will hurt the creative along the way somehow. Whereas hard work and a honing of the craft will bring creative people, to the folks that actually want to see them succeed.

All of which makes this… a supremely unique episode for certain. Because you so rarely run into stories in any genre that speak to creativity in this manner, much less to creativity in a realistic fashion at all. Making this a fascinating cautionary tale, one that will also resonate with anyone that learned the hard way about taking shortcuts in ‘The Biz’, and kudos to this show for taking the time to offer that up, in a way that is easily disguised. For this is an episode you can easily settle into and just enjoy thanks to how subtle the commentary is here. But it is nice to know there’s a unique lesson buried within the framework of this episode, one that will definitely help anyone struggling with their creative blocks, once they’re done coming down from the scares that Wilson Farber sends their way. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Grief truly is one of the most fascinating emotions and it produces one of the most frightening experiences that we will ever take part in. For this is a period in time, where we will feel stunningly hopeless, to the point where something as simple as getting out of bed in the morning is a horrific chore. Yet at the same time, we also feel empowered, as though this is going to be our greatest challenge and our finest hour, and this strange combination of positive and negative emotions is what puts us in such a scary place. Since we simply don’t know what to expect from our own heart or mind at any given time of day, nor do we have any idea of what our mind will motivate us to do when those emotions shift and take hold.
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If anything, this particular aspect of grief is top of mind today, simply because that wild experience is precisely what Rowan dealt with during this week’s episode of Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches on AMC. For ‘The Dark Place’ indeed saw Rowan in quite the dark place. Because she believed that she was utterly alone now, and without family or answers about her past and well… that put her into a deep pit of despair, and rightfully so. Because that is grief in the raw and this sequence of the story, truly put that painful experience on display. Since Rowan was at times lucid and joyous and able to work and focus, and at other times… she was despondent and broken and prone to tears and the show deserves a grand round of applause for showing us grief in this manner and for using it… to move the story forward.

Because while she grieved, she also worked to close out her adopted mother’s affairs and of course, explore her past since the curiosity was strong and there was nothing to stop her now and that led… to some emotional surprises. Such as the fact that the adoption agency her mother told her she was plucked from back in the day, wasn’t doing adoptions when Rowan was handed over to her mother. A reality that only emboldened her to understand her past further and oddly enough, quirks of fate allowed for that happen. Because eventually, she was suspended at work, because of her grief. Since there were concerns it would indeed consume her at a critical moment with a patient, and that down time and the darkness it plunged her into further, brought forth an encounter that would change Rowan’s life.

For she ran into Ciprien Grieve one fateful night and when her powers put him down and out for a brief period of time, she was able to get hold of his phone and learn that her heritage and family line resided in New Orleans and well, with grief surging through her veins… and her emotions and logical center a wreck because of it… she used this time off to head out to New Orleans to finally learn more about her herself and the family line that she now knew about. A move that led to all kinds of surprises. Such as how the house that related to the Mayfair family had quite the sorted past, full of its own share of despair and doom, one that was also oddly… coming back to life while she worked to find a way to be taken to that house, to see who resided there and could help her learn about her linage. 

Because her mother… was finally free from the effects of the drugs she’d been fed for years on end, giving her clarity at last and renewed hope at a real future. For now, she could live as she wanted to, with Lasher in her heart daily and with her daughter at her side. For it became clear that Rowan was in New Orleans and ready to meet and that prompted her to escape the Mayfield home and Carlotta’s ugly clutches so she could finally hold the daughter that was ripped away from her. But alas, that simply was not in the cards. For there are indeed forces working against this family, and what should have been a joyous and beautiful reunion, ended in sorrow. For when Rowan and Diedre crossed paths, the latter, collapsed, leaving the former… in a state of devastation. 

Which of course begs the question, is Diedre dead? And the answer is we simply don’t know. But something horrible has happened and while we wait to learn about her fate, we can relish in what was a truly moving episode from this series. Because it did a wonderful job of exploring grief and how it moves us and shapes us in the moment, and how it can push us to do incredible things either good or bad, in the name of quieting the screams it creates that echo in our hearts and minds. Not to mention, this episode really did a wonderful job of moving the plot along in an organic manner, by getting Rowan to New Orleans post haste and well, now that she is ‘home’, it will be interesting to see what she learns about her past, and the danger that now surrounds her. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘The Last of Us’.
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​Truly, the zombie is one of the most versatile monsters to ever grace the silver and small screen. For this strange creature has gone through some incredible evolutions throughout the years. For its humble beginnings were grounded in voodoo, where men were controlled through the power of such mysticism and relegated to a horrifying life of servitude, never to live a full life again. And years after that, the zombie transformed into an undead flesh-eating nightmare, courtesy of George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead. Wherein they would conquer the world and popular culture since they would serve as the perfect allegory for human ills, whilst terrifying us through and through since they thumbed their rotten noses at everything we held near and dear regarding death.
 
Yet, they continued to evolve. For the arrival of the 21st Century saw them reflect our conflicts with science and our inability to work together as a species through such stories as 28 Days Later and the wildly popular series, The Walking Dead, and yet… even that evolution was not the zombie’s final form. Because a shockingly popular and revolutionary video game and the good folks at HBO have given rise to the latest iteration of the zombie, courtesy of the brand-new series, The Last of Us. Which at first, seems to be more of the same. After all, this is a story that opens up in the past. For we venture to 1968 in ‘When You’re Lost in the Darkness’ as part of a nod to Romero and to inform us that one particular scientist had grave concerns about the future and how climate change could bring forth new threats.
 
Of course, it doesn’t take long for that threat to come to life, within the series. For a time jump to 2003… plunges us into a terrifying moment in global history. Where strange reports of violence and wanton chaos are pouring in from around the world, and when we meet Joel and his daughter Sarah in Austin, TX on this fateful day, they are oblivious to the threat that is growing behind the scenes. For a mutated version of the Cordyceps fungus has figured out how to infect human hosts and use us as a breeding ground, which in turn brings forth a night of total terror for Joel and his daughter and his brother… where those infected with this hideous abomination attack and wreak havoc and this is where this series truly feels like an old school zombie story. 
 
After all, we are treated to unseen doom and worry, and the always unsettling Emergency Alert System as the infection takes hold and begins to bring down America and the world. Which in turn treats us to moments that would make Romero quite proud. For Austin burns in this moment in a terrifying manner, and the infected are everywhere and eager to ‘feed’ so they can spread this fungus further and propagate the mutation and of course, this segment of the story ends in sorrow. With Sarah’s untimely end at the hands of a panicked military, putting Joel on a dark and broken path, one that propels us twenty years into the future. Wherein the world is devastated by this virus and where Joel is leading a meager existence in Boston as a smuggler, and he is of course, hoping to reunite with his brother and live some kind of a normal life.

​But that is simply not in the cards for Joel. Because at every turn his hopes to escape and get what he needs falls to pieces, not to mention Boston is consistently under fire from a liberation group known as the Fireflies, only adding to the stress of living in a collapsed world. But the arrival of an impromptu mission, one born out of revenge and a desire to set things right, is about to change his life in ways he never thought possible. For a teenager named Ellie has been designated as critical cargo for Joel to move to bring much needed supplies back home. But the revelation that she is seemingly immune to the Cordyceps infection, and that Joel had to commit the ultimate sin to get her out of the city, is what will take him and us upon an incredible journey. Which is still… a plot that seems grounded in traditional zombie concepts and commentary. Such as our inability to work together and of course, that the zombie always wins for that reason. 
 
But when one takes a moment to really ponder upon the details on this story and its stunning visuals and haunting moments and subject matter, it quickly becomes clear that this is a vastly different kind of zombie story. One that is indeed a reinvention of the monster. Because this is the first new zombie story that has come forth post-pandemic and seeing a nature related virus taking over all of humanity in a dastardly manner, makes this horror story resonate differently. Because it immediately reminds us of the past couple of years, and the horror that accompanied watching someone become ill or potentially become ill. Making the zombies in this story, less about allegory and more of a reflection of reality. Which adds a newfound terror to the story, one that echoes every single fear we experienced during the pandemic.
 
Including the sense of helplessness we felt during that time, since there are no curses or unknown phenomenon at play, this is nature, being nature, and nature cares not about economy and feelings, just its survival. Which is fresh and original to see in this genre and that in turn, brings forth some fascinating commentary about humanity instead. Such as what we can do to perhaps help nature so that it feels little desire to attack us as though we too are a virus, and of course… who we need to be as a species to better handle when these types of surprises arrive, since they have happened before, have happened recently, and will undoubtedly happen again. Making this a fascinating story for certain, one that truly digs into some refreshing concepts and takes the zombie story in a bold new direction, and there is still plenty more to celebrate about this show beyond its phenomenal writing.
 
Because we would be foolish to not point out that this is a stunning adaptation of the video game source material. Because it does the game and its carefully crafted story proud and it is just amazing to see so many iconic moments from the game’s iconic opening come to life, and of course, the acting is top notch. For Pedro Pascal is simply magnificent as Joel, and he brings a haunted edge to the character that makes you hope he can overcome his long-standing traumas, and Bella Ramsey is simply a revelation as Ellie. For she brings the spit and fire that the character is known for with her own unique spin that makes the character refreshing. If anything, this is just… a perfect series premiere. One that truly takes us a powerful journey and sets the stage for a greater one ahead. One that will undoubtedly move us and wow us as we travel through a world shattered not by voodoo, but the last real predator of mankind… Mother Nature. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that fans of the SYFY shows, Chucky, and Reginald the Vampire, have been waiting on pins and needles to hear wonderous news. Specifically, new season announcements/renewals for a pair of shows that are supremely beloved. Because fans cannot get enough of the brilliant revival of the most famous/infamous killer doll to grace the horror genre. And they simply need more of Reginald and his adventures and well, today, SYFY offered those fanbases exactly what they’ve been waiting for.
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In that, both shows were renewed today for a Third (Chucky) and Second (Reginald the Vampire) season and to celebrate their return, SYFY was gracious enough to send over some quick thoughts from Don Mancini and Harley Peyton regarding this magnificent news. Alongside some announcement trailers to bring more joy into the hearts of the many fans that have stood by these shows, and here are all of those gifts to add to the majesty of your day, as we all begin the countdown to new seasons of these excellent shows.

Don Mancini’s Thoughts on the Season Three Renewal of ‘Chucky’
“The cast and crew of ‘Chucky’ would like to thank fans and critics alike for their overwhelming response to season two, which we’re delighted to announce has now spurred the official greenlight on season three. This news has made Chucky very happy. Thank Damballa for that because otherwise Chucky would have been frankly impossible to deal with. Many thanks also to our partners at SYFY, USA and UCP for helping us keep Chucky busy. See you in 2023 for what Chucky himself promises will be his scariest season ever.”

Harley Peyton’s Thoughts on the Season Two Renewal of ‘Reginald the Vampire’
“The only thing better than getting the opportunity to make a season of television with SYFY is to get the opportunity to do it again. All of us – cast and crew, writers, producers, and  -- can hardly wait.”

​Jack Crow and his crew are a no-nonsense group that are good at one thing and one thing only, killing vampires. After clearing a nest of the undead near Fort Union, not finding a Master vampire on the premises has left a bad taste in Crow’s mouth. But with another successful cleanup under their belts, the group returns to their hotel and celebrates with alcohol and women. Although the men may be considered spiritual and travel with a priest, they have no fear in their sinning ways. That is until a vampire, a master, crashes their party and kills almost everyone in the hotel with ease.

Running for their lives, Crow and his number one hunter Montoya are able to escape with working girl Katrina who has recently been bitten. The master vampire shares a link of what he is doing or seeing with someone that has been bitten and not yet turned. Crow knows this and will use it to his advantage on his quest for revenge against the evil beast. Directed to meet with his higher ups, Crow visits his old friend, Cardinal Alba, and receives news that his team is not the only one that has encountered this master. 

Jan Valek is a priest who led an uprising against the church. He was later captured, tried for heresy, and burned at the stake for his offense. He was later seen walking at night, and it had been reported that he was drinking the blood of the living, the first known case of vampirism. Being the first, Valek has super strength and is not able to be defeated by conventional means. Crow has his work cut out of for him, as he chases after the first vampire and tries to defeat Valek before he is able to locate an ancient relic that may allow him and his fellow vampires to walk in the sunlight.

Vampires is an old school vampire story, with no vampires trying to win your love, no dancing and no romance and most importantly, no sparkling. Jack Crow (James Woods) has been searching for this master, ever since his parents were killed by the strain. Teaming up with his longtime friend and top hunter, Anthony Montoya (Daniel Baldwin) and his newly assigned priest Father Adam Guiteau (Tim Guinee), Crow is ready to deal as much damage as possible to the one that has started it all. Not knowing who he can genuinely trust, Crow challenges his member’s loyalty to make sure they are on his side for the final showdown.

Vampires is the type of vampire movie you will love if you are not wanting the romance and sparkling that have been hitting the big screens over the past few years. Blood and guts fly across the screen as you watch an actual horror movie, being led by James Woods who delivers beautifully in this role as he tries to figure out how to survive and destroy the ancient plague. There are just great performances all around, along with good effects for the time. This is not Ghosts of Mars or Escape from L.A., Vampires is a bonafide horror movie that John Carpenter delivered well with. Although, any movie where vampires actually die in sunlight is just peachy with me. Stay Scared.

One particular aspect of horror that we often forget about, and understandably so, is that horror stories can be a healthy experience now and again. Which may seem outlandish to say, since these stories often feature terrifying monsters that haunt our dreams or make us nauseous with the anatomy lesson, they tend to provide us with, but it is true. Because sometimes, they offer us powerful insight into our own troubles as we watch a character we relate to, suffer from our own emotional pain and it is inspiring to watch them overcome it through defeating evil. Plus, sometimes they can open our eyes to a problem in our world and leave us feeling hopeful that perhaps we can make an impact upon such matters now that we know about it. 
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Not to mention, they can also offer us, catharsis. Because sometimes the satire present in these stories or the wicked characters that die, help us feel better about the world. For it can be an unjust place where bad people don’t get their just desserts or the wickedly cruel face no consequences for their actions. And seeing a monster tear them to shreds with impunity or seeing their value system fail in the middle of a monster heavy crisis, just lifts us up and reminds us that evil doesn’t always get its way and the universe can be a just place now and again. One filled with justice through karma, and really… that catharsis aspect of horror is top of mind today, simply because the next episode of Tales from the Darkside provides its viewer with just that, courtesy of a terrifying tale of terror.

A feat that ‘Halloween Candy’ accomplishes, by introducing us to a supremely rotten man named Mr. Killup. Who simply hates everything about life and everyone within it, even his son, Michael. Who tries his best to support his father, out of an understanding of what it means to respect one’s elders. But even that is a feeble act, since his dad always has bile to spew and when we meet them here, Michael is trying desperately to get his father to be nice on a very important night, Halloween to be specific. Simply because he wants his dad to be seen as decent in the neighborhood. But dear old dad hates kids, hates Halloween and despite Michael leaving his pop some candy to give out on this night to improve his image, this rotten old man finds a way to weaponize it and make life miserable for the kids just looking for a handout, without consequences of course… or so it seems. For on this night, a very special trick or treater has arrived on Mister Killup’s doorstep, and he will not be leaving until he gets his candy and until Killup, gets what he deserves for his cruelty. 

Which is… a wonderful way to bring forth some catharsis. Because we’ve all met men like Mister Killup in some capacity. Those hardened older folk that lose respect for everyone and everything and are bitter about their lives and eager to take their frustrations out on everyone and everything and well, it is indeed comforting to finally see a guy like that, one that bullies kids no less, deal with a little fear and a little suffering for a change. Granted, this story takes his punishment to the next level by killing him through starvation, which may seem extreme, but this is after all, a horror vignette we are dealing with here. And men like Killup really don’t escape these kinds of stories unscathed and with a new outlook on life. They pay the piper, and we feel a sense of justice over this universe taking care of a cruel man who likely imparted abuse upon his son.
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Speaking of how Killup gets his just desserts, well that is handled by that strange little trick-or treater that drops by. For this child-like, troll-esque being is relentless and evil and he brings forth all the horror elements in this story. For his arrival is surreal and ethereal and even nightmarish at times, and his ability to lurk in the shadows and surprise at the right time, brings forth some excellent scares. The kind that are genuinely creepy and unsettling, giving rise to an amazing horror story. One that gives you the creeps through and through and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Since you just don’t know when that little Halloween imp is going to appear and wreak more havoc on Killup and your own heart, and that is quite frankly, a testament to the director of this story, a Mister Tom Savini.

Who once again steps behind the camera to offer up more fine work here, courtesy of perfect cuts and shots that help to add a claustrophobic feeling to the story, complete with impactful jump scares and a sense of realism, and really, in the end, this is just a phenomenal entry in this series. Because it has it all, really. A great setup, a great story and characters with depth. Alongside a creature that ignites both fear and our imagination and this is a story that really holds up well after all these years. Simply because, it sticks to the basics and features everything we want from a quality horror story. It even features one last cruel twist of fate involving the sins of the father that just adds to the bleakness of the story and well, you cannot ask for much than that from a horror tale or this series. Because this one, really is a perfect tale of cathartic terror. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season four finale of ‘Servant’. To revisit the season three finale, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the Apple TV+ series, Servant, is one of the most refreshing and dynamic television shows on the air right now. Simply because it is unconventional in every way imaginable, courtesy of its unique style of storytelling, use of weekly cliffhangers and a grandiose concept/threat that has hung heavy over every season. But alas, while it has been amazing to experience a unique storytelling experience, there comes a point where conventional has to come into play. Specifically, during the end of the journey. For there has to be, resolution and confrontation regarding all the plot threads and surprises and well… that’s top of mind today, because it would seem that as the series comes to its end, conventional is finally in the cards for this show. 
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Yes, you read that right, the end is night for Servant, for season four will be its last and it just so happens, that it’s final season premiere, did indeed inform us that resolution and confrontation are on the horizon. A feat that ‘Pigeon’ accomplished shortly after catching us up on what happened after that stunning season three finale, where Dorothy was left broken and battered through a series of unsettling events and well… a few months later, life had changed in the Turner household. For Sean ended up taking television gigs after all as a salty chef, undoubtedly, to pay for medical bills related to Dorothy’s injuries. Plus, Leanne was still living in the house as the nanny and had Julian at her side as expected, making it seem as though… life was just about to go back to normal.

After all, this was Dorothy’s return home day from the hospital and there seemed to be a push to let bygones be bygones, as evidenced by the lovely cake being made. But once a strange noise popped up in the house, alongside an open door, the tone of this story changed, and confrontation came into play. For it turned out… that Leanne’s old church group, had figured out how to purge her protectors from the park near the home and once that happened… they came for Leanne at last. Which led to some genuine terror for both Leanne and the audience, as seemingly everyday folks attacked her and made every effort to grab hold of her. But thanks to Leanne’s ingenuity and ferocity, and with an assist from her unique powers… she was able to fend off the attack. For the moment, at least.

For it is obvious now the church is ready to do whatever is necessary to bring her down, making this moment, the likely opening salvo of things to come and that wasn’t the only moment that set the stage for conflict and resolution. For Dorothy’s return home, was quite concerning. Because this oft chipper and sometimes oblivious news reporter, was a true echo of her former self. One that had no drive or zest for life. She was merely aloof and vacant and harbored a simmering anger toward Leanne and understandably so. After all, she was quite responsible for the fall that broke Dorothy in just about every way imaginable. Setting the stage for a grand moment in the future. Wherein Leanne will have to own up to her actions and where she and Dorothy will finally have it out and that revelation, and everything that came before it, made for one engaging tale. 

Because we’ve not seen this kind of setup before on the series. Since confrontation here is often resolved through either other means or set aside so that something equally as shocking can come into play. But with the end being nigh… all will come to a head. And this was a wonderful way to inform the audience to be ready for it and judging from the subtle nature of some of those storylines, the series will clearly find a way to handle such classic matters in a refreshing and fun way. One that stays true to the show’s roots. But make no mistake about it, this episode was indeed the beginning of the end, and clearly… three years of world-building and mystery is about to come to a head, and it will be fascinating to see what truths come to light as we inch toward the series finale of this incredible journey. Until next time. 

There was a time, when our cities looked vastly different than they do now. For once you left the downtown area, you often found yourself in neighborhoods and boroughs that were distinctly cultural in nature. For so many areas were settled by folks from various ethnicities, and that was truly… the melting pot of America that we heard so much about. Since kids and families from other neighborhoods and areas, could easily meet new people from other walks of life and hang out and learn. Plus, everyone in those areas were able to just, live life in a healthy manner thanks to decent wages and a cost of living that didn’t put stress on the table instead of food.
 
But somewhere along the line, that all changed. Suddenly, those familiar neighborhoods began to transform, and those families and their rich culture began to disappear from those areas. Instead replaced by stores and restaurants. Not to mention, the people that called that area home for generations, left those areas, simply because it was no longer feasible or affordable to live there, thanks to rising rental costs and stagnant wages. Making our cities look less like the melting pot we were promised in school and more like a billboard for corporate America and the almighty dollar. Which leaves us wondering… how did we get here? A critical question that oddly enough, the next episode of Tales from the Darkside explores in a uniquely terrifying manner.  
 
For ‘Parlour Floor Front’ is a story that introduces us to an ambitious, well-to-do, Caucasian couple named Doug and Linda, who are in quite the upbeat place when we meet them. For they have just purchased a lovely apartment building, one that they plan on cleaning up and repairing and of course, renting out to different clientele. In fact, they’re so keen on changing tenants, they’re upset over the fact they cannot evict their last remaining tenant. A kind man named Mars Gillis, who cannot be moved because of the rent control laws in this town. Which means they have to play nice for now, but the discovery that Mars dabbles in voodoo, pushes Linda to try harder to make his life uncomfortable so he will leave, a move she will soon regret when she pushes Mars too far and prompts him… to visit a voodoo curse upon her. 

​Which is a plot that speaks to two key elements that have changed the landscape of our cities, gentrification, and cultural ignorance. Because what happened in this story, happens in everyday life. Where well-to-do folks buy up culturally rich property to modernize it as they see fit, driving everyone out. Giving rise to neighborhoods that are just boring. But while that is educational in nature and demands that we as citizens be vigilant about developments in our town to prevent this, the show’s commentary on cultural ignorance is where this episode truly shines. Because it really does hammer home how little credence people give regarding tradition and culture when they move into new areas, especially rich Caucasian folks like Doug and Linda, and how wrong that is. Because we have so much to learn from one another and thinking that a culture is beneath a different one is just sad. But that’s what happens here and that is… what leads to the horror elements in the story.
 
Because Mars visits a ridiculously powerful curse upon this couple. One that really adds a genuine sense of danger to the overall story. Since just like that, there’s death in this household, through the passing of Doug and Linda’s cat and the shocking twist that miscarriage takes place. Not to mention, the couple suffers emotionally from that and that leads to one dark story. One that really does leave you wondering if anyone is getting out of this alive and it also impresses with its ending. Since we simply don’t see the twist coming in the slightest. One that leads to some powerful dread and one shocking finale, the kind that leaves you silent over its intensity and the darkness of it overall, and those elements, along with that commentary… offers up one fine episode and a return to form for the series.
 
Since these early season two episodes leaned heavy into experimental storytelling. So, to see the show slip back into its roots is welcome and enjoyable for certain and boy they did not mess around in doing so. Because this one really does leave you with a lot of think about, and it is also prophetic in nature. Since this is an episode from 1985, well before the world was talking about gentrification and cultural indifference, and hopefully… this is also a story that we learn from and make use of. So that this kind of mistreatment of individuals, and the utter transformation of culturally rich neighborhoods into a shopping center, can be slowed or stopped. So that America continues to look as it was intended, with the people making up the rich tapestry of this land for you and me, instead of another coffee shop chain. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.