​Whether we like to admit it or not, there are things in this world that we fear. Some of our fears are simple products of our imagination that we are able to dismiss with little effort, but deep down in our psyche is deep rooted fear, and it is a place filled to the brim with things that instantly make us uncomfortable or paralyze us with terror.  

For some people it’s spiders in that ugly place, or others may fear the end of their lives, and sometimes it is a traumatic experience that haunts us. Regardless of what that fear may be, we all stand by a mantra, we must eventually face our fears head on in an effort to conquer them and be free. It is the concept of facing one's fear that drives the characters in the sublime horror film... Red Dragon.

The simple life has finally found its way to former FBI Agent Will Graham. After bringing down the infamous Chesapeake Ripper, Hannibal ‘The Cannibal’ Lecter, and nearly losing his life in the process and spending time in a mental institution from the stress of the hunt, Graham is finally enjoying quality time with his family. But his unique talent, of being able to think like the mad men he has chased has brought his old friend Jack Crawford to his doorstep. Jack needs help in finding a killer known as ‘The Tooth Fairy’ who viciously murders families. Graham agrees but realizes this will be his toughest challenge yet. So difficult in fact, that he will require help to discover this killer's identity and the only man who can help him...is the mad man that nearly killed him.

It's almost difficult to even refer to Red Dragon as a remake because it is so vastly different from Manhunter. While these two films share the same story and characters, watching this version of the story makes for a unique and tense experience. While Manhunter is a slow burning thinker, Red Dragon is filled with tension and terror, yet it still maintains the intelligence of the novel and its predecessor.  

​What makes the film so smart is the wonderful way that it handles facing one's fear for both our hero and our villain. Graham obviously has to face the monster that is Lecter once again, putting aside any doubts that he may fail or relapse in the hopes of being able to save lives. This works so well courtesy of Edward Norton's performance because you can see the internal battle in every scene that he deals with Lecter. This is so neatly juxtaposed by Francis Dolarhyde, a man haunted by his past and his flaws to the point where it has driven him to murder. He fears yet embraces what he is becoming, and it humanizes our villain just enough to force you to root for him to escape the darkness he carries.  

Take those colorful characters and put their flaws into a tight race against the clock and you are treated with a chilling film anchored with an incredible cast, and as always Anthony Hopkins steals the show with another turn as Hannibal Lecter. In fact, adding Hopkins to this film makes the entire franchise work on a whole new level, giving it the continuity, it needs before The Silence of the Lambs and it's always a joy to see the only face that one can really associate with Hannibal Lecter. It should also be noted as well how well he and Edward Norton work together on screen, especially since Hannibal treats Graham in such different fashion than he does young Clarice Starling. Gone is the gentleness and fascination that she will be treated to in time, replaced instead with a sense of anger and vengeance all directed toward the man who put him away. 

This really is a film that impressed me in theaters with its slick style and maddening pace and it truly bridges the gaps between all the films really. Watch it, be prepared to be uncomfortable and unsettled along the way and enjoy the ride while it lasts since sadly, this is the last time to date that Anthony Hopkins would treat us to another incredible performance as this legendary monster.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Servant’.
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Over the course of its past two seasons, the AppleTV+ series, Servant, has defied all kinds of storytelling conventions. For not only is it able to shift between genres on a consistent basis, something that is considered a no-no for horror/thriller tales, it’s also made a grand effort to not answer any questions regarding its greatest mysteries. For we simply have not learned what Leanne Grayson and her creepy cohorts stand for, how on earth she brought Jericho Turner back from the dead… or what her endgame is in the slightest and that’s an impressive feat to say the least. Because if this were any other series, fans would be furious over a lack of answers, and be ready to walk away.

But this show’s compelling characters and fascinating plot and plot twists, have managed to keep fans engaged and engrossed week in and week out, as we all collectively work to figure out the mystery of Leanne Grayson on our own. If anything, all of this is relevant to our discussion of the show today, simply because this week’s episode used the show's long standing mysteries, to surprise all of us in the most epic way imaginable. Because after spending two years keeping truth from the audience, the show shifted gears and placed answers in front of us during this particular tale, the kind that genuinely gave us some guidance and direction as to what is going on and well, we may not be viewing some of the characters the same after this one… now that we know what they are. A feat that this story managed to accomplish, by once again lulling us into a false sense of security.

Because the fire and brimstone that we expected Uncle George to rain down upon the Turner household, simply didn’t happen. No instead, ol’ Georgie boy demanded and pleaded with Sean and Dorothy to let Leanne go, due to the fact that it would cause all kinds of trouble, and his relaxed nature to this whole mess, in turn relaxed us and allowed for Sean to swoop in and try to resolve this. For he is now quite the good listener, and his skills as such, motivated him to try and genuinely hear what George was trying to get at. All by having a calm discussion with him for a change and well, what this mysterious man had to say, is what brought about the answers in question… and they were downright chilling and unsettling for certain.

For in essence, Sean asked what the purpose of The Church of Lesser Saints was exactly, and according to George; it is a place for second chances. Where people that once embraced the silence of death have returned to this world to offer second chances to those who deserve it. Which implied heavily that George and Leanne had indeed returned from death’s clutches and that would answer a great deal about what Julian discovered about her burned out husk of a home, and it also explains how Jericho returned from the void, since Leanne summoned him as her soul was once summoned. But while that alone would have been enough to carry this episode, its ending, made a point to bring George's warnings from earlier around full circle. Since the family's problems with the basement… and the horrific incident at the home Leanne was kidnapped from, relate to his words. In that defying God’s will and not letting a servant of this church complete their work, will bring forth horrific wrath and well, that doesn’t bode well for the Turner family in the slightest.

In the end however, this really was quite the fascinating tale when all is said and done. For at long last, we have some answers, and the truth took us by surprise since everyone was expecting this episode to be some kind of organic extension of last week’s bleak masterpiece and well, what matters most is that this episode changes everything. Because now we finally have an idea of what we are dealing with, and the kind of power that Leanne yields and it will be quite interesting to see where this revelation takes us in the weeks to come, especially now that we know that Dorothy’s decision to bury Leanne out of fury, might bring down some kind of additional wrath upon the Turner household. Leaving all of us to wonder, what it will take for this this family to make amends with the deity they’ve angered and that mystery, along with the truth we uncovered here… will make the wait for next week’s episode, a difficult one indeed. Until next time.
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‘Servant’ is available to stream right now on AppleTV+.

Something that a great deal of us can agree upon, is the sheer fact that social media has changed a great deal of our lives. For it has allowed for us to connect with old friends and catch up after years of silence. Plus, it’s allowed for us to meet new people and forge new connections and it has also allowed for people that have always wanted to say something profound, a platform to do so, giving rise to a new breed to relatable stars and commentators that speak their mind in a dynamic and fascinating manner. But while there are a lot of benefits that accompany the use of social media, we would be foolish to not point out that it definitely has its drawbacks as well, the kind that extend well beyond its ability to simply suck up a fair chunk of our time.
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Because sadly, some people use the safety of hiding behind a screen to spew hate and other vitriol, and of course it’s given rise to all kinds of misinformation. Since anyone can proclaim themselves to be an ‘expert’ on a topic and spend their days lying to people online. Plus, the power of social media has also given rise to the vapid influencer. Who are people that create perfect little lives online and use that façade to give themselves a spotlight. But what’s truly fascinating about social media these days, is that people are starting to fight back against the stupid stuff and demand better of their online experience and thankfully, while this has been testy at times, people haven’t made a point of getting violent with someone who constantly posts pictures of their fifth beach vacation this week. But what if someone did? What if someone finally snapped and decided the time had come to expose an influencer in the worst way imaginable? Well, that particularly twisted thought is one that director Jennifer Harrington opts to explore in the new Shudder Original, Shook.

Now in this particular tale, we are introduced to a social media influencer named Mia, who seemingly has it all. For she has tons of followers that are eager to tune into her ‘Makeup by Mia’ account, and she has a loving boyfriend and wonderful friends that are equally as relevant on the socials. But the violent death of a fellow model at the hands of a killer, gives Mia pause, and prompts her to take a moment away from the spotlight to process such a horrific moment by watching her sister’s Nicole dog, while she is out of town. But while Mia is looking forward to a little quiet, self-care time, little does she know that she has a ‘fan’ that has been watching her closely with great disdain, and now that she is alone… the time has come for this person to express their distaste for Mia and her lifestyle, in the most twisted and harrowing way imaginable.

Which is a plot that quite frankly, seems pretty by the numbers at first glance and early on, that plot and how it plays out on the screen… really does make the viewer believe that they’re about to settle in to watch a Scream clone and that is what lends to this movie’s brilliance. Because that little twist, makes you comfortable and has you thinking you’ll just enjoy some everyday fare and come out of this with a smile on your face. But once a shocking moment comes into play, it quickly becomes clear that this movie has something special to offer the viewer. In that, this story is loaded to the brim with all kinds of unexpected twists and turns, the kind that immediately draw you into the story. Because you’re constantly trying to guess the next twist and that makes for an engaging and wild experience, one that oddly enough, relates to the movie’s overall commentary on social media and the online world.

Because nothing is quite what it seems in this tale and that’s the message it wants to get across about that particular medium. In that, we should always take what we see online at face value. For it is a carefully curated world, where people only show us what they want us to see. But while that message alone is powerful, this movie takes it commentary on social media one step further, by exploring some of the reasons as to why people lie online and create a fake persona and that definitely gives the viewer pause. Since we are privy to moments that explore how some utilize it as an escape from their sorrowful life or the pain they’re currently experiencing and that adds depth and humanity and pity to a medium that some truly do view with disdain. And it is that hate for this platform that drives our villain to punish others for living a vapid lifestyle and the villain’s machinations in this tale, lead to the other highlight of the story.

In that, we are treated to some supremely unique kills and some twisted torturous moments. The kind that makes you cringe for certain or cry out in disgust when you see what poor Mia has to go through, and really in the end… this is quite the delightfully wicked horror film. Because not only does it offer up a unique plot that keeps you guessing from beginning to end, but it also features some compelling performances. For Daisye Tutor is simply electric as Mia and Emily Goss steals some scenes as Nicole and most important of all, it truly features some fascinating commentary on a topic that we don’t discuss enough. Because social media’s power is something that we are just starting to understand, and this movie really does force the viewer to question… whether or not the likes that come from a ‘vaugebook’ moment or a photo that projects false happiness, is truly nourishing for the soul. Or if by chance a little honestly would serve us better in a world, where so many are trying to be something they are not.

‘Shook’ is streaming now, exclusively on Shudder.

Make no mistake about it, representation matters in the entertainment industry. Simply because, people from all walks of life tune into television shows and head to the theaters and it isn’t right that those particular mediums are filled with casts and stories that don’t properly reflect the diversity that exists in reality. Because seeing proper representation on the screen, makes the experience special and it allows for us to connect with stories on a fundamental level and thankfully, the demand for proper representation is being heard by the industry and we are starting to see more diverse casts and stories in prime time and at the multiplex.

But while it is nice to see progress, we still have a long way to go, and some networks and production companies out there realize this, and are willing to push harder to make sure that everyone has a seat at the table and one company that understands this and is working to provide its viewers with better representation is Shudder. For not only does this horror service curate a selection of horror films that celebrate diversity in filmmaking, but it is also now working to create brand new programming that gives underrepresented voices a chance to tell unique and powerful stories.

For earlier today, Shudder and AMC announced that they are greenlighting an Untitled Black Horror Anthology, one that will showcase Black stories from Black screenwriters and directors and well, it’s best we let Shudder explain further… what we can expect from this exciting new show.

AMC and Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, announced today the greenlight of the scripted Untitled Black Horror Anthology showcasing stories of Black horror from Black directors and screenwriters. The anthology is set to debut later this year on Shudder and AMC+, the company’s premium streaming bundle, followed by a premiere on AMC – a successful windowing strategy previously implemented for the streamer’s hit original series Creepshow. 

The Untitled Black Horror Anthology will feature new work from both established and emerging talents, expanding on a legacy of Black genre filmmaking whose first hundred years was explored in Shudder’s critically acclaimed 2019 documentary, Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror.

Writers attached to the project include the NAACP Award-winning husband-and-wife writing duo Tananarive Due (My Soul to Keep, Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror) and Steven Barnes (Lion’s Blood), Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated writer, illustrator and graphic novelist Ezra C. Daniels (BTTM FDRS), World Fantasy and Bram Stoker Award-winning novelist Victor LaValle (The Ballad of Black Tom, The Changeling) and Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winner Al Letson (State of the RE:Union).

Dr. Robin R. Means Coleman, author of the groundbreaking book Horror Noire: Blacks in American Horror Films from the 1890s to Present, on which the documentary was based, will be consulting on the anthology, as will documentary producers Phil Nobile Jr., Kelly Ryan and Ashlee Blackwell.

“When we saw the first cut of our Horror Noire documentary, we realized there was a huge untapped reservoir of great Black horror stories that needed to be told, and an extremely talented group of writers and directors ready to tell them,” said Shudder General Manager Craig Engler. “While the documentary was a look back at the history of Black horror, this anthology is a showcase for the future and will introduce audiences to fantastic new stories and characters.”

The Untitled Black Horror Anthology will be produced by Swirl Films, and Eric Tomosunas, founder of Swirl Films, and Ron Robinson will serve as Executive Producers.

If anything, this is a wonderful decision on Shudder and AMC’s part to help move representation forward in the entertainment industry and we here at Nerds That Geek cannot wait to see what kinds of incredible stories this series is going to bring to life, when it premieres on Shudder and AMC+, later this year.

At this point, it is no secret that horror fans everywhere, love the Shudder original series, Creepshow. Because not only does this magnificent series pay proper tribute to the original two films, but it also continuously provides its audience with fresh and original horror vignettes. The kind that are able to make us laugh, cringe or hide behind a pillow or a blanket while we are watching. Something that is likely attributed to the fact that it's being guided by a horror legend that has learned from the likes of George A. Romero and Tom Savini in Greg Nicotero. 

For Greg truly understands the genre and everything it stands for and his fine work and ability to guide a bevy of talented writers to take this series in a bold new direction… has left all of us as ravenous as a zombie for more of this dynamic and downright incredible series. But thankfully, after months of waiting and only enjoying a small taste of the future, by way of a Halloween and Holiday Special… earlier today Shudder finally announced that season two of this iconic series is coming to the airwaves on April 1st, 2021. And it’s already been renewed for a third season and some of the cast members of that titular third season have been announced as well, and here are all the details on all of that, courtesy of Shudder:

Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, announced today from the Television Critics’ Association (TCA) Press Tour the renewal of the hit anthology series Creepshow for a third season of six episodes, set to premiere later this year. The renewal comes ahead of the series’ season two debut on Shudder and AMC+, the premium streaming bundle, on April 1, with new episodes airing each week. The show will also air on AMC at a later date. Actors Ethan Embry (Grace and Frankie, Sneaky Pete) and Andrew Bachelor, aka King Bach (King Bachelor’s Pad, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before) will join as guest stars in season three, with more guest stars to be announced.  Based on George A. Romero’s iconic 1982 movie, Creepshow is executive produced by showrunner Greg Nicotero (​The Walking Dead).

“During our season two production, Shudder was so pleased with what they were seeing that they asked us to roll right into production on a brand-new third season that will feature some of our most ambitious stories yet,” said Nicotero. “I’m incredibly thankful to the team at Shudder for the opportunity to continue honoring the genre with more gleefully ghoulish tales over not one, but two new seasons of Creepshow this year.”

“Two years ago, Greg Nicotero and his team revived the beloved Creepshow franchise with a spectacular first season followed by two ambitious specials, raising the bar for what a horror anthology series can be,” said Craig Engler, Shudder’s General Manager.  “We’re thrilled to bring Shudder members two more seasons this year, with new episodes that are even bigger, better, more shocking, and hilarious, and that truly live up to the show’s tag line, ‘The most fun you’ll ever have being scared.’”

In its first season, Creepshow smashed records for Shudder in number of viewers, new subscriber sign-ups and total minutes streamed to become the most watched program in Shudder history, followed by a successful run on AMC.  The show was a hit with critics as well as fans as one of 2019’s best-reviewed new genre series, with a 97% Fresh rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes®.  

So, as you can see… the future is bright and bloody for Creepshow and all this announcement does, is build a ridiculous new level of excitement. Because we are closer than ever to new episodes of our favorite new horror series and as an added bonus, here is a trailer for season two to whet your appetite as you count down the days to the Creep’s return.  

To learn more about the origins of 'Creepshow' and the construction of the Holiday Special, visit our interview with Greg Nicotero, here. 

​What first struck me when watching this film is how vastly different it is in its feel and look from any other Hannibal Lecter film out there. There is a haunted beauty to this motion picture visually, almost a majestic feel to it and at first that's a little off putting because hey, this is a horror film about a doctor turned cannibal. Yet, it works, because the majestic feel is part of the trick from Director Ridley Scott as he mixes the beauty of the world with the vast brutality of Hannibal and his enemies. It actually makes for a jarring experience as the film progresses, but while Hannibal benefits from this masterful stroke of genius, this is a film that would be nothing without its star. 
 
​Obviously when it comes to Anthony Hopkins reprising his role as Hannibal Lecter, we are treated to nothing less than a fantastic performance. We finally see what the monster is like out of the cage and in many ways, the character is likeable. The slithering snake moving about in the darkness of a cell is gone, instead replaced by a refined and classy man who will murder you at the drop of a hat. He is nicely balanced by the raw evil of Mason Verger, played by an unrecognizable Gary Oldman. Their interaction is absolutely sublime but there is simply not enough of it and that's where some of the flaws in this film arise. 

With its central theme of betrayal and staying true to oneself and ideals, the film does jump around quite a bit and while Clarice's fall from grace and infallibility are fascinating, she feels like an unnecessary character here. It's no fault of Julianne Moore, who takes over the role from Jodie Foster, it's simply the fact that Clarice is just... there when it comes to the story. Hannibal and his attempt to betray who and what he is, is a far more fascinating journey to go on as we watch him go from refined gentleman back to the vicious murderer we’ve come to expect by the end of the movie and let’s be honest, the ending dinner scene is one of the coolest, grossest and most bone chilling scenes of recent years. More of that, and more of Hannibal's journey would have undoubtedly made this film as popular as its predecessor. But it is by no means an awful motion picture. Hannibal is actually quite an enjoyable ride, a slow burning horror film that builds up to its end nicely, it just feels lost at times and that's unfortunate because there is a lot to like here. If you haven't seen it, do so, if anything for that incredible ending. 

​It is quite interesting how the worst parts of our past, manages to directly influence our future from time to time. After all, who hasn’t thought about a particularly rough moment in their lives when it comes to a specific decision that generates a touch of déjà vu or uses that same memory or moment to avoid a familiar and uncomfortable situation.
 
Some folks, however, take that influence to the extreme, the past simply consumes them and they face all the ugly in their lives every waking moment of every single day, paralyzing their life in the process. Despite all of this however we all share a common goal, to take the negative from days gone by and use it to make our lives better. To learn and grow from it, to be strong people and make amazing decisions, and perhaps make the world a better place in doing so. It is that ideal that takes the stage in one of the finest horror films ever made... The Silence of the Lambs. 

Clarice Starling is seeing her dreams come to fruition. She is a cadet with the FBI, and she has just been handed a golden opportunity by renowned agent Jack Crawford. She is to interview legendary killer Hannibal ‘The Cannibal’ Lecter in an effort to gain insight into a current case, involving the serial killer known as ‘Buffalo Bill’. But while Clarice sees this as a time to shine, she will face an incredible challenge when speaking to Hannibal. For this man can see straight into a person's soul, and Clarice... now has his attention.  

​So, when I said this motion picture is truly one of the finest horror films ever made, I stand by it because this is the first film in the genre to not only take-home Best Picture at the Academy Awards but holy hell... it's scary. There are few moments in this motion picture that aren't filled with incredible tension, uncomfortable moments that leave you squirming and unsettled, and this is a story that stays with you long after you've finished it and that's the mark of a great horror film.  

Yet at the same time the movie is filled with incredible character development and greater concepts. The whole story of Clarice Starling for example, with her checkered past full of fear and ugly memories that drive her to be a Federal Agent and make the world a better place is a wonderful move for the film to counterbalance all the darkness in this tale and the role is played to perfection by Jodie Foster and she is of course anchored by one of the finest villains to ever hit the screen in Hannibal Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins, and his portrayal of Lecter is the stuff of legend. Lecter was originally portrayed in subdued fashion but Hopkins does such a fine job with the role that Hannibal commands the screen every second he appears on it. Madness and intellect ooze from the character, leaving the audience to fully believe that he is capable of anything and it makes the scene when Hannibal escapes all the more chilling because of it.

But of course all the terror centers around the nightmare that is Buffalo Bill. This is a character without remorse, who kills because of a greater need, at least in his mind, and that makes the scenes where he interacts with the senator's daughter some of the most frightening moments in cinema that I have ever been privy to. In fact, the more I think about it... this is a film that is practically flawless. Every single scene in this movie works and the tension builds moment by moment and it deserves every bit of praise it has received. If by some chance you haven't seen this one, just buy it and add it to your collection. It's a horror film that provides a sense of hope by way of Clarice Starling after robbing you of it thanks to Hannibal and Buffalo Bill and something like that is just so rare to find in the genre. Truly, this one is a masterpiece.  

When you look at the horror genre from beginning to end, it is a veritable tapestry of nightmares when it comes to the monsters that have emerged to terrorize our imagination. We've met creatures that suck blood to survive, eat our flesh to survive, or transform into unholy creatures that roam the darkness and we’ve even seen spirits that haunt our every waking move.  

But there is one monster that has always been far more terrifying than any zombie or vampire on screen... man himself. But one man in particular has managed to terrify audiences simply by way of his presence alone and through our knowledge of his disturbing actions. Specifically the fact he enjoys feasting upon his fellow man. And that makes Doctor Hannibal Lecter, a character that fascinates and revolts all at once, and his legacy in film began by way of an incredibly unique take on his first adventure, in the 1986 film, Manhunter.

Now the word unique comes into play.... simply because this particular motion picture is structured in quite the fascinating manner. Because at times, this story is a perfect recreation of the Thomas Harris novel, Red Dragon. For the scenes where FBI Special Agent Will Graham, interacts with Lecter are as tense and as powerful as they are in print. Plus Francis Dollarhyde is as frightening here as he is in the book and several of his scenes do a wonderful job of bringing his storied and painful existence to light. But outside of a handful of familiar moments, Director Michael Mann opted to really make this motion picture his own and inject all kinds of storytelling and structuring surprises into his screenplay.

For not only is it incredibly 1980s in its style and look, but it is also a slow cooking horror film. While the book moves at a breakneck pace, featuring a race against time to stop Francis before he kills again, Manhunter takes its time with everything and it works quite well for the film. With highly stylized sequences, rife with bright colors and synthesizer riffs or an 80s pop rock song playing, this motion picture uses the power of that decade and its slow burn style to make you uncomfortable. Because many of the images and musical stings are accompanied by disturbing visuals and unwholesome moments that seemingly go on forever, and this manipulation is so effective, that even to this day, I still get chills when I hear Iron Butterfly’s ‘Inna Gadda Da Vida’ because of how it was used in this movie.

Sadly, the only complaints I have for this film is that Lecter is not featured as prominently here as he is in the other films in this saga, and that this story greatly downplays the importance of Graham and Lecter’s past. After all Graham brought down this legendary murderer and that seems extremely glossed over in order to focus on the Dollarhyde storyline. But even with that particular road block being present, Brian Cox manages to make every second count when playing this iconic killer and steals every scene when he’s on screen by portraying Lecter as a cool and collected man. One that only lets nuggets of his insanity slip through either by way of a particularly disturbing look, or when he gets overly excited talking about death, as he does in the scene late in the film when he and Graham discuss power and how it relates to becoming a God.

That subtle performance and the visceral experience the film provides make this an essential horror film to own and enjoy if you haven't had the chance to see it. Just make sure to ignore the fact that Anthony Hopkins isn't in it and go into this motion picture with an open mind and you'll come out of it not only terrified but pleased with such a unique telling of this Lecter tale. 
 
If you’d like to dive deeper into Michael Mann’s ‘Manhunter’, check out what the Movie Mumble Podcast team had to say about this motion picture, by clicking… here.

It is definitely safe to say that fans of The Walking Dead have been eagerly awaiting brand new episodes from this iconic franchise. Simply because, with the series coming to its end, everyone that loves this series wants to consume as much of as humanly possible. All so every single moment can be savored to the fullest before that final goodbye comes into play. But thankfully, that long and arduous wait is nearly over, since six new season ten episodes will begin to air starting February 28th, 2020 (or on 2/21/21 if you have AMC+). 

Which means that everyone that loves this show is likely counting down the minutes until that magical day arrives, and well, we here at Nerds That Geek thought it would be fun to drum up a little more excitement for this already important day. Because we were fortunate enough to see Episode 1017, ‘Home Sweet Home’, early and well… we simply had to offer up a preview of this episode for several reasons. First and foremost, because it’s an incredibly good episode. One filled to the brim with a compelling story and tension that we are not going to spoil in the slightest… because that would be rude and foolish. 

No instead, it’s best we take a moment to talk about some of the other reasons why this particular tale is going to be so worth your while. Such as the fact that this episode makes it clear that these six episodes and likely the eleventh and final season, are going to take some serious risks storytelling wise and that is a wonderful thing. Because you can never go wrong with a show that goes for broke in its final days and tries to wow the audience, and the unique structure of this story and its setting and everything in between, is what hammers home the reality that this series is likely going to go out with a bang in a unique and bold manner and the wonder of this tale, doesn’t end there.

Because this is a story that also takes the time to slow things down and allow for the characters to reflect upon some of the difficult events that they've been through. But while we have seen everyone on the show take a beat and think about the tough moments they've experienced, here and there, up until now, they’ve never really had the opportunity to properly process or deal with said moments and the lasting impact they've had upon their psyches. And having those moments of inflection present here, really does allow for some incredibly powerful and moving moments to take place in this tale, the kind that definitely give you pause and allow for you to reflect upon the journey and what it has meant to you as well.

But what matters most, is that this particular episode… is The Walking Dead at its finest. Because this one simply grabs hold of you from the get-go and never lets go, and it is filled to the brim with dynamic and powerful performances, the kind that allow for that reflection we mentioned a moment ago to have meaning. Plus, in true TWD fashion, there are some surprises along the way that we cannot wait to geek out about with all of you, the morning after this incredible episode airs. But in the meantime, hopefully this did enough to build some serious excitement, for what is shaping up to be a grand farewell tour to a groundbreaking and downright incredible television phenomenon. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘A Discovery of Witches’.
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When we meet the partner of our dreams, not only do we hope for a life where we enjoy happiness and prosperity as a couple, but we also hope that their family accepts us with open arms. Because a lifelong commitment to those we love, means that our family grows since their parents and brothers and sisters will become our in-laws and well… if they don’t accept us and care about us, then life will be rough at times. Since they will exhibit ill behavior, the kind that can cause tension and strife and friction with the person that we love and adore. But while the positive in this situation is something, we all greatly hope for, it is something that we cannot make a priority in our relationships.
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For the person we love is where our attention needs to go, and if by chance the worst scenario happens, we simply have to roll with the punches and stay true to who we are. Because we should never change to make anyone happy and who knows, perhaps staying bold and genuine, might eventually help our extended family to understand that we are in fact, the right person for their family member after all and really… all of this is relevant to our discussion today, simply because Diana had to deal with this particular problem in the latest episode of A Discovery of Witches. Because Philippe made it clear that he did not approve of Diana marrying Matthew in the slightest, and he went to extremes to try and break up their magnificent and fulfilling union.

In fact, he was so eager to show Diana that she wasn’t the right fit, that he induced Matthew’s Blood Rage, in the hopes that she would see him as a monster. But she stood her ground and stood up to Philippe without giving it a second thought and that, along with the fact that she was wearing Ysabeau’s ring started to make Philippe re-think his stance and his stoic nature. And eventually, he warmed to Diana and the union that she and Matthew had forged, which motivated him to even host a proper wedding for the two of them, to make it clear that he was mistaken in not believing in Diana and her love of Matthew and well… that led to some beautiful moments for certain, something that was certainly surprising since season two has been quite the harrowing affair for these lovebirds.

But while it was nice to finally see some peace and acceptance at Sept-Tours, the marriage of Matthew and Diana paled in comparison to the other wonderful surprise present in this story. In that, Matthew finally made peace with what happened to his father. In fact, he actually opened up about his pain and informed Diana that his father was captured during the Second World War by the Nazis and tortured to the point where Philippe begged for death after he was rescued. An act that Matthew opted to handle personally and that forever left him shattered. But being open about it and having his father forgive him for future events, finally healed his ailing soul and gave him the peace he’s sought for so long and this could not have come at a better time.

Because new challenges await this star-crossed couple in Bohemia and being free of any weakness or distraction will help them face those challenges head on and well, in the end, this really was quite the beautiful and moving tale. Because it really did a magnificent job of resolving several long-standing issues in this series in an organic and satisfying manner. If anything, it just speaks to the fact that the characters are king in this particular tale, since they receive such incredible care and now that Matthew and Diana have found peace in their souls and their relationship, respectively, it should be interesting to see what their newfound strength as a couple will allow them to accomplish, when they arrive in Bohemia to find The Book of Life. Until next time.

‘A Discovery of Witches’ is streaming now on Sundance Now and Shudder.