​There can be some heated debates over what people do and do not believe exists. While you may never be able to convince someone that you have seen Bigfoot or a ghost, you know what you saw and that should be good enough. With strange encounters being reported all over the world, there is something that they are always lacking, physical proof. While I highly doubt that a ghost sighting will be taken seriously, even with a picture, the skeptics will always say that it is something else. Even though there are going to be doubters out there, don’t take it to heart, you know what is real since you have seen it with your own eyes.
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After stories had hit the airways of local television, Dr. Lin Pascoe has taken the time to check out what is called the ‘most haunted house in Britain.’ With her findings from the past ten weeks being filmed and checked over, she has been given the opportunity to go live with the BBC news team on the air to show the world that ghosts really exist. As Michael Parkinson is manning the anchor chair, he has cameras in front of him and cameras all around the house and is ready to give the world the treat of a real ghost, or at least put the story to bed.

At the Early house, reporter Sarah Green is inside and talking with Pamela and her two daughters Suzanne and Kim about what has been going on. With strange knocking in the middle of the night, apparitions hovering over them and even things being thrown around the house, nobody has taken the family seriously, but now they have been put front and center. As Kim tells the camera about her accounts with Mr. Pipes, she knows where the ghost hangs out, but has no idea what he wants from the family. Showing the folks at home that he lives in the basement and while the door is boarded up, he still makes his way to the girl’s room from time to time. Not knowing who this might be, there has been plenty of studies about the history of the house and it has not given any answers, but the news team is in for a treat tonight.

While the broadcast continues, the house seems to be pretty quiet for a while, but Suzanne is having a hard time going to sleep. Getting a glass of water and heading back to bed, the knocking that has been reported starts up, but when panning the cameras around the house, they find Suzanne doing it. Admitting that this is what the show wanted, the reporters are dumbfounded and believe that all of the stories were made up, but there is more to the house than anyone could have expected. With people calling in and reporting strange things happening around their homes, Michael is very skeptical that they are telling the truth, but little does he or anyone at the BBC know that they have caused something that will change the lives of their viewers for generations.

This is just a very cool idea and while this is not the first fake documentary ever made, it is sure an effective one. While I don’t live in Britain, this would have been a cool show to watch while it aired, since it does not seem to be a movie, it seems to be the real thing happening in front of our very eyes. This was pitched as real and the effects seem to be just that, from the knocking, the phantom voices, the devil voice, ghost cats and reporters not knowing what to do when the spit hits the fan. While I can look back and giggle at this since it was not part of my life, I wonder what the people that lived through this broadcast were thinking, since all signs point to this being a legit show and a spirit being released in the country. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Seed’.
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One particular concept that tends to both titillate and terrify humanity, is the possibility that there is life in outer space and our polarizing response to that idea makes total sense. Because from a positive perspective, discovering life in the universe, means that we are not alone and that perhaps we play a bigger role in the cosmos than merely existing on a tiny blue rock in the middle of the void. As for the fear, well that exists because the unknown comes into play. For we haven’t a clue if sentient life from out there would be friendly or if it would harbor plans to conquer all of humanity and of course, the discovery of life outside of planet Earth, could bring forth chaos from those who believe in a higher power over science. Since their natural order would be threatened by such a discovery.
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But what we don’t talk about enough or bring to life via fiction all that often, is the possibility that perhaps the discovery of life on other worlds, might be more primal than we give it credit. For we oft assume that our first contact with a non-human species will involve sentient interaction, allowing for communication between two societies from across the stars. But when one considers how we are the outlier on this planet from an evolution standpoint, and that the rest of our world is wild and primal and given to instinct more often than not, there is a real possibility our first encounter with aliens will involve an introduction to creatures that are more primal in nature and well… what would that look like? If anything, that fascinating question is top of mind today, because Shudder is now host to a movie that explores a possible answer in The Seed.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a trio of friends named, Deidre, Charlotte, and Heather and when we catch up with them, here, they’re off to Heather’s dad’s desert hideaway to celebrate a once in a lifetime event. For a powerful meteor shower is about to dazzle the skies and what better place to see it than in the desert, away from the light pollution of the city? But while the cosmos puts on quite the impressive show, it also leaves behind a parting gift. For the ladies discover a strange little alien creature has made its way to Earth and despite Charlotte’s desire to care for it since it appears weak and wounded, the others demand it to be removed. A decision that Charlotte should have listened to from the get-go. For this being isn’t as wounded as the trio were led to believe and it has primal plans for all of humanity and it will be up to Charlotte to stop its machinations before its plans… doom all of mankind.

Which is a pretty straightforward plot that doesn’t mess around and leans hard into the possibility that visitors from another world might use our world or our flesh... to take care of primal needs. Which in this storyline involves the propagation of their species in a creepy and uncomfortable manner, by using our bodies in a way that absolutely makes you squirm with its borderline homage to the ending of Society. But what matters more here, is that this angle storytelling wise allows for some genuine horror take place, the kind where the complex nature of humanity is once again pitted against the cruel and wanton needs of nature above anything else and that brings about tragedy and suffering and plenty of gore and wild moments for certain, and some other throwback moments as well.

Since this is a horror film that more or less pays respects to some of the great space related horror stories out there. After all, the arrival of the creature and the vapid concerns surrounding its appearance in the backyard of this swanky getaway, harkens back to ‘The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill’ from the George Romero/Stephen King masterpiece, Creepshow. Plus, Deidre’s obsession with material objects in life and Heather’s desire to party hearty, combined with a dangerous meteor show, evokes memories of the 1984 classic Night of the Comet and those big-time homages make this an outright fun horror film, one that throws in a little comedy for good measure and entertains through and through and that makes this quite the refreshing motion picture when all is said and done.

Because this is that rare, horror film in the raw. One devoid of incredibly deep commentary or social observations. It’s simply about the unknown and it preys upon our fears of losing control to nature and that makes this story chilling at times and genuinely engaging, since it inadvertently reminds us of some of our worries and fears from the past couple of years. Plus, it features some magnificent performances as well since Lucy Martin (Deidre), Chelsea Edge (Charlotte), and Sophie Vavasseur (Heather) sell every wild moment with an earnest nature that truly immerses the viewer in this wild tale where visitors from another world have come to our world to breed. So, if you’re looking for a fun escapist horror/sci-fi/comedy film that offers up guts and gore and chuckles galore, swing by Shudder when you get a chance and give The Seed a look.

You know, it is definitely safe to say that the folks at Shudder, are the hardest working folks in the streaming industry right now. Because they seemingly are working day and night to snag the best horror movies for fans of the genre, and they are constantly staying in communication with their users to inform them of what they’ve gotten their hands upon, and once again, we are here to discuss another quality horror flick that Shudder has acquired for its fans.
 
For earlier today, the horror streamer let it be known that it snagged the rights to the horror comedy Deadstream, ahead of its debut at SXSW, and well… here are all the details on this latest acquisition, courtesy of Shudder.
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‘Shudder has acquired rights to the SXSW Midnighter DEADSTREAM ahead of its anticipated world premiere at the Festival.  The premium streamer for horror, thriller and the supernatural will be the exclusive streaming home to the directorial debut from husband and wife team Vanessa and Joseph Winter in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. 
 
Said Craig Engler, GM of Shudder: “DEADSTREAM is wickedly crowd pleasing, the rare horror comedy as frightening as it is funny.  We're thrilled to welcome Joseph and Vanessa Winter’s creative, creepy and relentless gem to Shudder."
 
Said the Winters: “DEADSTREAM was a true collaboration from our small and dedicated crew, who took big swings with limited resources. We're huge fans of Shudder’s wildly unique and exciting content and we couldn’t be happier to be partnering with them for the release of our film.”
 
DEADSTREAM follows a disgraced and demonetized internet personality (Joseph Winter) who tries to win back his fans by live-streaming himself spending one night alone in an abandoned haunted house.  When he accidentally unleashes a vengeful spirit, his big comeback event becomes a real-time fight for his life (and social relevance) as he faces off with the sinister spirit of the house and her own powerful following.  
 
The film is produced by the Winters, Jared Cook and Melanie Stone, who also stars in the film. The deal was negotiated by Mike Chapman of Blue Finch on behalf of the filmmakers and Emily Gotto on behalf of Shudder.’

Like many people, I love looking at local legends and lore. While the entire story may not be true, there might be something behind it that really did happen. Trying to pinpoint the real events however is next to impossible since they have been covered up by time. As technology continues to evolve, I hope that our future selves will have some sort of way to verify what happened in our lifetime so that they are not as confused as we are. But you never know, maybe technology is not the answer to all of our problems, since it will only take one good hack to take out the entire system.
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Since he was a child, Jim has always had the dream to find out if Bigfoot was real or not and now, he is finally getting his chance. With his girlfriend Kelly along for the ride, the couple are making their way down the Bigfoot Highway to Willow Creek, close to where the infamous Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot footage was filmed. Arriving in town and seeing that it is nothing but Bigfoot items everywhere they look, Jim knows he is in the right place and with camera in hand he will document everything he possibly can.

Getting their lunch at the Bigfoot Diner and enjoying a Bigfoot Burger, the couple discusses what their plan of attack will be for the film. Being able to get a couple of interviews with the locals, they find out that some believe, while others believe that the oversized beast is just a sham. But after talking to former Park Ranger Troy about what happened to his dog in the middle of the woods, Kelly is starting to have second thoughts about the hunt, but Jim is not willing to give up just yet. Making their way down to Bluff Creek, the exact location where the Patterson-Gimlin film was shot, they are stopped by one more local telling them to leave the story be and go home. Knowing another way to the location, the couple is able to come to a place to park before heading into the brush.

Hiking into the wooded area, the two are able to find a good place to camp and while Jim leaves Kelly to set up camp, he is able to locate Bluff Creek. Showing the stunning location to Kelly, the two retreat for the night and after a critter scare in the woods, they are privy to someone or something stalking their tent in the middle of the night. Waiting until dawn to make their way back to civilization, the two head out and find that they are walking around in circles. Taking a break by the creek to get their heads straight, Jim comes across the tracks of a Bigfoot and hearing the same strange calls from the previous night, the couple is forced to run for their lives from a beast that may or may not have plans for his new fans.

While this movie might not be at the top of found-footage genre lists, it is pretty much essential if you are into Bigfoot and what goes bump in the night in the woods. This movie really focuses on more than finding the Bigfoot as you get to see how the couple interacts with each other which mainly involves Jim not listening at all. The obsession with Bigfoot or the Bigfoot Curse is something that can be real and that is seen early in the movie when Jim will not even listen to the woman he loves when their lives are on the line. With a town full of Bigfoot lovers, some Bigfoot haters, plenty of Bigfoot merchandise, a fighting couple, a missing woman, and a pitch-black camp site being stalked by a crazed beast, this is just what you need to watch before trying to go out to the wilderness to find something that does not want to be found. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 209 of ‘Locke & Key’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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For the most part, the Netflix series Locke & Key, has done a phenomenal job of avoiding horror tropes and clichés in general. Courtesy of its whip-smart writing and unique ideas and fascinating commentary on rarely discussed aspects of the human condition. But while that has made for a refreshing and dynamic storytelling experience, one that keeps the audience guessing through and through and on the edge of their seats, there are simply some horror tropes and concepts that are unavoidable. Such as say, the march to the final showdown with the twisted and evil villain. Because preparations have to be made and the characters have to steel their nerves to duke it out with pure evil and well, that’s precisely what the next episode of this fascinating franchise focused upon.
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For ‘Alpha & Omega’ truly sets the stage for what should be a powerhouse showdown between good versus evil and it accomplished that feat by bringing forth a cliffhanger and by revealing some options that the family could use to fight Gabe in the battle ahead. Now the cliffhanger was surprisingly handled by Eden and Josh, since she snuck him into the caves to the Black Door in the hopes of using him to unleash its power to build her own army to fight Gabe. But Gabe’s arrival and his summoning of the dark power in this place, led to chaos when the cave began to collapse, which damaged and opened the door, and had it not been for Bode and Jamie, Josh might not have made it out alive. But what matters more here, is that Ellie managed to escape the void and the cave before the collapse accelerated, giving our heroes the potential for a bold ally in the fight ahead, provided of course that dark place didn’t corrupt her soul in the slightest.

But while we wait to see where Ellie is mentally, hence the cliffhanger, there was mention of opportunities and options presenting themselves to the family for the forthcoming fight. The first of which came about by way of Kinsey's harrowing journey. For Gabe swung by the house and informed her that if she didn’t come willingly to his side, her mother would die a terrible, terrible death. Which left Kinsey beside herself since she had no real way to stop Gabe from doing so and that likely meant her time as a human was coming to an end, regardless of her brother’s push to make a key. But a strange signal from beyond, one that led her to an Angel vest and a key to go with it, gave her hope that perhaps now she had a weapon to fight back against Gabe, lifting her spirits and renewing her determination to resist his unholy demands. 

Speaking of weapons, another one for the fight against Gabe was forged here. For Tyler followed his uncle’s direction to a tee and was able to forge the Alpha Key. Which was designed to separate the demon from the person it inhabited, and in order to ensure that it would free people from Gabe’s special brand of evil… he had to test it out on someone, and his first choice was Jackie. So that he could have his love back and cement his future with her and at first, the key worked like a charm. But it didn’t take long for Tyler to come to learn that freedom from a powerful evil comes with a great cost, since Jackie didn’t survive the purging process and died in Tyler’s arms in the middle of the night, making it clear that this fight between the Locke’s and Gabe/Dodge… is going to be brutal and devastating. 

But all ominous clues aside, the stage is indeed set, and the Locke family appears ready. For Kinsey has some kind of weapon to use against Gabe and his machinations and the Alpha key will easily tear through Gabe’s burgeoning army, and regardless of the cost… the kids will have no choice but to use it. For to let any demon remain threatens all of mankind and well in the end, this was quite the powerhouse tale. Because it was in fact, quite bleak and quite uncomfortable and that was likely a conscious choice in the writers’ room to offset the use of a classic trope here. Since we are supposed to be excited for the final fight, but we aren’t 100% sold here. Mainly because we have no idea how much devastation is going to come into play when it begins and well… the only way to find out, is to continue the journey and see how the Locke family handles Gabe at last. Until next time.

It wasn’t that long ago, that silly and fun shark movies dominated the independent horror landscape and understandably so. For they explored some wild concepts storytelling wise, and they were easily produced, and audiences ate them up the same way the evil shark featured consumed its victims. But just like that… they went belly up and faded from the market as fast as they arrived, making it appear as though the market had moved onto the next big thing in horror.

But as it turns out, these types of movies just over saturated the market for a hot minute and the public just needed a little break and for proof… just look at indie horror right now. For there are a resurgence of fun, shark-themed horror movies hitting the market and this June will bring forth another one. For earlier today, Wild Eye Releasing unveiled the trailer for the brand-new shark flick, Sharkula. A film that harkens back to that golden age and may potentially resurrect it to dominance once again, and well… here is that trailer and some details on this new movie for you to enjoy, courtesy of Wild Eye Releasing.

This summer! SHARKULA rises!
 
From the makers of SHARKENSTEIN and NOAH’S SHARK, sink your teeth into SHARKULA this summer!
 
The curse of Count Dracula lives on in shark infested waters, claiming the lives of a tourist community. A sea hunt for the new species results in monsters, madness and bloodshed. This great white is putting the bite back into terror, and it has help with the aid of new vampires intent on seeing it survive.
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From writer-director Mark Polonia, and starring Kyle Rappaport (Return to Return to Nuke 'Em High Aka Vol. 2) as Renfield and Jeff Kirkendall (Return to Splatter Farm) as Dracula, SHARKULA takes to the red sea this June from Wild Eye Releasing!

As we shuffle toward to the end of the iconic AMC series, The Walking Dead, it is definitely safe to say that fans are a little surprised that we haven’t heard about more spinoffs heading our way. For TWD is a pop culture phenomenon, so one would think that the network would let loose and green light a herd’s worth of shows based off of the flagship. But the fact of the matter is, AMC and TWD Chief Content Officer Scott Gimple, want to make sure the right projects are being approved for this universe and that we aren’t overwhelmed with announcements, so we can properly process the gravity of them when they arrive, and that strategy paid off in spades today.
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For earlier, AMC announced the next spin-off in The Walking Dead Universe, and it is… a doozy. For the forthcoming Isle of the Dead will feature Maggie and Negan as they traverse the island of Manhattan and well… that is an announcement that is about as epic as it gets and proves that patience pays off when it comes to what AMC and Mister Gimple have planned for this franchise. Because that’s a spin-off filled with as much promise and potential as the other ones that it will join on the airwaves and well, here are all the details regarding the latest chapter in the TWD Universe… courtesy of AMC.

‘AMC Networks today announced that it has greenlit a new series set in The Walking Dead Universe, starring Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.  Isle of the Dead envisions the popular Maggie and Negan characters traveling into a post-apocalyptic Manhattan long ago cut off from the mainland.  The crumbling city is filled with the dead and denizens who have made New York City their own world full of anarchy, danger, beauty, and terror.  Set to premiere on AMC+ and AMC in 2023, the first season will consist of six episodes.  Eli Jorné, who has been a writer and co-executive producer on The Walking Dead for multiple seasons and has an overall deal with AMC Studios, will serve as showrunner and executive producer on the series, which is overseen by Scott M. Gimple, chief content officer of The Walking Dead Universe.  Cohan and Morgan will also serve as executive producers.
 
“This is a very big day for the expanding universe we are building around The Walking Dead,” said Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks. “It not only adds another compelling series to this collection, it extends our storytelling around two unforgettable characters fans have grown to love, hate or hate and then love in Maggie and Negan, brilliantly inhabited by Lauren and Jeffrey.  It also lets us explore a corner of this universe located on the island of Manhattan, with an iconic skyline that takes on a very different meaning when viewed through the lens of a zombie apocalypse.”
 
“Eli has created a chaotic, beautiful, grimy madhouse of the dead for Negan, Maggie, and fans of the show eager to discover an unseen and insane world of the TWD Universe,” said Gimple. “Lauren and Jeffrey have always been fantastic collaborators and now, we bring that collaboration to the next level with a series that will take these characters to their limits with the world -- and each other.  All of us are thrilled to take you on an all new, all different TWD epic for the ages.” 
 
Said Cohan:  “I’m thrilled to partner with Dan McDermott and the team at AMC on the next chapter in The Walking Dead Universe.  Maggie is very close to my heart and I’m excited to continue her journey against the iconic backdrop of New York City, alongside my friend and collaborator, Jeffrey Dean Morgan.  Eli Jorné has created something incredibly special and I cannot wait for the fans to see what we have in store for Maggie and Negan.”
 
Said Morgan: “I’m delighted that Negan and Maggie’s journey continues.  It’s been such a ride walking in Negan’s shoes, I’m beyond excited to continue his journey in New York City with Lauren.  Walkers in an urban setting has always been such a cool image, but 5th Avenue, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty?  The greatest city in the world??  The backdrop is amazing, but it’s the story that Eli Jorné cooked up that is even better.  Buckle up folks, Isle of the Dead is going to reinvent the TWD Universe.  Huge thank you to Dan McDermott, Scott Gimple and AMC for having us back for more… we simply can’t wait.”
 
Cohan is represented by CAA, John Carrabino Management, Hansen, Jacobson, Teller and 42West.  Morgan is represented by UTA, attorney Stuart Rosenthal of Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher and Viewpoint.
 
The Walking Dead and other series in The Walking Dead Universe continue to be top titles on the AMC+ streaming service, both in terms of usage and new subscriber acquisitions.  New episodes for The Walking Dead Season 11 Part 2 are currently available on Sundays on AMC+, one week early ahead of their linear premiere.  In addition to the final season of The Walking Dead, AMC+ customers will have access to a remarkable lineup of original programming this year, including final seasons of the critically acclaimed series Killing Eve and Better Call Saul, returning originals like Kevin Can F**K Himself, Fear the Walking Dead and Gangs of London and a wide array of new series including the gritty courtroom drama 61st Street, Dark Winds, Tales of the Walking Dead, Moonhaven, That Dirty Black Bag and the first two series in an Anne Rice universe, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Shining Vale’. 

Starting over in life, is never easy. Largely because of the fact that it means we truly have to rebuild just about everything we spent years assembling in the first place and having to dive in and figure out where to begin again, likely because we’ve either made a mistake or need to remove ourselves from a tough situation, only makes the fresh start that much harder. But sometimes, you simply don’t have a choice and you simply must hit the reset button and do your best to forge a second chance that rights wrongs or gives you what you want and really, the difficulties that one would face with starting over in life is relevant to our discussion today, because it serves as the focus of the new STARZ series, Shining Vale.
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For this is a show that introduces us to a woman named Patricia ‘Pat’ Phelps who is in fact… in the midst of attempting an incredibly daunting fresh start. For she unfortunately had an affair, a move that nearly shattered her marriage and her family and well, she and her husband Terry decide that a move away from the city and into the idyllic town of Shining Vale, is the right way to reaffirm their marriage and give everyone the fresh start they so desire. And when we catch up with them in ‘Chapter One: Welcome to Casa de Phelps’ and ‘Chapter Two: She Only Comes at Night’, this decision isn’t going quite as smoothly as planned. After all, the kids aren’t exactly thrilled to be starting over fresh in a new school without their friends and Terry is still working in the city and Pat… has to face what she’s done.
 
Which is no easy task, and well, that leads to some fascinating moments in this tale. The kind that not only showcase the fallout of infidelity but how hard it is to pick up the pieces. Because trust has been violated and has to be rebuilt. Something that Pat and Terry attempt to do through couples counseling and romance as well. But where this exploration truly shines, is by way of the inflection that Pat has to endure. For this is also a moment of reckoning for her, one that has made it clear that she isn’t getting what she needs out of life and that lacking, and longing may have motivated her to cross a line she never thought she would, and that perhaps the time has come to really dig back into her writing, since she is a successful novelist, and find meaning there.

But even then, that endeavor yields little joy or peace for Pat. Because writer’s block reigns supreme for her. Leaving her to wonder if her current personal issues are what’s blocking her or if something bigger is responsible for her troubles and the strange events around the house, seem to confirm the latter. For Pat also finds herself, experiencing hallucinations of a woman roaming about outside and inside the house, and strange dreams are plaguing her. Creating the genuine possibility that perhaps Pat is losing her mind and losing touch with reality and that… is an unexpected and deep twist that dives into matters of mental health. Which is a storytelling move that deserves a round of applause, since that type of topic is taboo even in horror for the most part, so to see explorations on such matters in any capacity, makes this quite the progressive show.
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One that is so deep and so in tune with its story and its characters, that at times… you forget you are watching a horror story. But make no mistake about it, this is a tale of terror for certain and we would be remiss to not discuss the wonders present there. Because this premiere leans hard into homages for The Shining, complete with Kubrikian-title cards and a house that has hints of The Overlook/Stanley Hotel and it also doesn’t hurt that the ghostly elements present here, unsettle the viewer as well. Since the quick flashes of the ‘ghost’ and the strange moments that Pat endures, do a wonderful job of making one’s skin crawl and what’s amazing is that the wonder of this show, doesn’t end with its intelligent storytelling and supremely impactful scares.

Because it is also quite funny and relatable. The latter of which comes about from family moments and everyday interactions that we have all dealt with and the jokes are beautifully timed courtesy of Greg Kinnear and Courtney Cox’s extensive background in comedy and well, this is simply a perfect premiere. Because it not only takes the time to properly introduce us to the characters and what makes them tick, but it gives us a grand mystery to play with. Specifically whether or not the ghost here (played impact-fully by Mira Sorvino) is real or if Pat really is slipping into the recesses of her mind and well, the need to know that truth and if Pat can reclaim her former self… leaves one eager to complete the journey. And it will be quite incredible to see what other surprises and truths await us as season one of this refreshing horror comedy continues along. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1111 of ‘The Walking Dead’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to enjoy another iconic episode of the AMC series, The Walking Dead, it really appeared as though our heroes… who have been through complete and utter hell for the past couple of seasons… were finally finding peace and comfort and a better tomorrow. For the Commonwealth was pretty much as advertised, since it featured an economy and structure and safety for those who joined its ranks, and despite having a few concerns, such as wealth inequality and some unrest from those suffering from that problem; there was no real evidence that this place was harboring genuine trouble. It just appeared as though it was stuck in certain elements of the past. 

But alas, this week’s episode proved to all of us, that the Commonwealth may not be the utopia that everyone is hoping for and that it harbors a darkness and secrets that could prove to be troublesome for our heroes and the people that call this place home. But as is often tradition on this series, this is something that didn’t become apparent until later on the episode. For early on in ‘Rogue Element’, it really did seem as though the story was going to do its best to prove to us and the characters, that the Commonwealth was A-Okay. A feat that it accomplished in part, by taking us on a business trip with Carol and Lance Hornsby, since he took the time to take her to the opioid fields outside of town.

In part to show her how the Commonwealth was making magic happen from a medical perspective, but to also have her keen eye observe what was keeping the team out there from producing enough drugs to keep people in medical need, comfortable back home. Which was smart on Lance’s part, since Carol was able to learn that the man leading this camp, Moto, was physically abusing the women that worked in the fields and was stealing their money. A revelation that motivated Lance to arrest Moto and save some lives in the process, and that is quite the positive sign regarding this place. Since it speaks to a lack of tolerance for some of the problems of the old ways and the positive nature of this tale didn’t end there.

Because within the city limits, Eugene was finally finding his way forward in life. After all, he was comfortable and safe and finally got the girl since things were heating up with, he and Stephanie, and he even started writing the novel he always wanted to write. In fact, life was so normal and so wonderful for Eugene, that he even opened up to Stephanie that he outright loved her and that allowed for some old-world heartbreak to come into play since she ditched him for their ice cream date and… straight up disappeared. Leaving Eugene in a rock and a broken-hearted place since he was unsure as to whether or not Stephanie just disappeared because she wasn’t ready for commitment, or because something sinister was at play. 

Which is where this story began to shift gears and reveal that not everything is quite what is appears to be in the Commonwealth. A feat that was explored by both Connie and Eugene. For while Eugene tried to ponder on a future without Stephanie and whether or not his worried mind was right, Connie was digging deeper on the Tyler Davis incident that happened at the party and she was trying to get answers as to why he was still being held captive in the hospital long after his arrest. A push for the truth that at first went nowhere, but the strange list of names that came to her apartment, and the fact that Davis was moved from his room without Mercer’s blessing… speaks volumes to the fact that something strange is happening in this town.

A reality that was reinforced by Eugene’s quest for love. Because a chance encounter and his keen mind, made him realize that something was amiss when it came to Stephanie’s disappearance and some deep digging on his part, and an unfortunate setback involving his arrest… finally revealed unto him and the audience… that Hornsby is up to something. Since Eugene was able to discover a meeting place that he and others, including ‘Stephanie’, visit often. Giving rise to the fact that people are meeting and planning things behind the scenes and there was at that moment, little Eugene could say or do about this discovery, thanks to Lance’s keen mind and ability to plan for the future. But not all is lost for Eugene, since we came to learn that the real Stephanie has been Milton’s assistant all along and well, that’s quite the series of revelations to drop into everyone’s lap for certain.

Because it means that the Commonwealth really does have some genuine problems that go beyond class warfare and wealth inequality. After all, people are going missing at the behest of someone at the top, for reasons we don't quite understand just yet. Plus secret maneuvering is happening left and right and clearly secrets and deception are a norm to get along in this place. Which means the Commonwealth is an outright mess and it is dangerous for certain, and that reveal made for one incredible episode. One that genuinely takes you by surprise and keeps you engaged with all the twists and turns present here and of course, leaves one with more questions than answers. 

Because we simply have to know who is behind these twisted machinations, and why they are eager to remove individuals from the city limits and of course, it would be nice to know... what happens to them when they go? Plus, we also haven't a clue as to who exactly our heroes can trust and if this place is that dangerous, then perhaps the time is right to leave and return to Alexandria. All before the darker elements in this place strike and put our heroes in a difficult situation from which there is no escape. And those questions and concerns will definitely motivate all of us to keep our eyes on the clock and the calendar, as we count down the minutes until the next thrilling chapter in this final season of The Walking Dead. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 307 of ‘Servant’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One unfortunate lesson that each and every one of us will learn at some point during our journey through life, is that the problems that we choose not to resolve, will eventually come back to haunt us. Because when they lie unresolved, they grow in power and gain momentum and when the moment is right, they will explode upon the scene and shock us and sow chaos in our lives and hopefully teach us a valuable lesson, when the dust settles... about handling our problems the instant they arrive, so we never have to deal with this kind of trouble again. If anything, this particularly difficult aspect of the human condition is top of mind today, simply because it served as the central conflict for the Turner family in the next episode of Servant on Apple TV+.
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For when we catch up with the family in ‘Camp’, Dorothy is making every attempt that she can to keep things peaceful around this humble abode, and that involves getting Leanne back in line. But the newly confident Leanne just isn’t keen to do anything that anyone else says anymore, not when she has a flock of followers that are eager to worship and adore her and that leads to great conflict within the home. Because Leanne takes Jericho into the park to meet her congregation, despite Dorothy’s wishes for her to stay away from them, and well, that’s when a prior problem came back to haunt this already broken family. For if you recall, season one and season two of this series, oft explored the fact that Sean and Julian did Dorothy, and themselves… a great disservice.

In that, they did little to try and get her to confront the reality that Jericho was in fact, dead, and that she had a hand in ending his life, and by enabling her and indulging her toxic behaviors, they allowed for a monster to be born within their home. One not lethal by any means, but one that understood that it could always get what it wanted… when it so desired, and to deny this monster would bring about a penance and it most certainly did in this tale. Because when faced with the reality that Leanne wasn’t going to obey, and that no one would ‘stand up’ to her and keep her in line, Dorothy went to extremes and decided that Leanne should disappear for a couple of months at a dance camp. A move that of course, sent everyone into a tizzy… but complaints mattered not.

For Dorothy had spoken and she was going to get her way and for a time… it really appeared as though the end of the Turner/Grayson partnership was at hand. Especially since a stunned Leanne came within moments of leaving her new home behind. But… when she snapped out of her funk, and realized this was indeed happening, Leanne let her power shine through and fired a warning shot at Dorothy. One that involved removing Jericho’s spirit from the doll… to make it clear that without Leanne in this household, there would be no joy or happiness or Jericho for that matter as well. Which means we just bore witness to the opening salvos of an epic showdown in the Turner home. One between a power hungry and spoiled mother and a burgeoning leader that is quickly becoming drunk on power.

All because of the fact that Sean and Julian refused to do their part and get Dorothy the help she needed, nor did they properly stand up to her unhealthy behaviors and well, the show deserves a round of applause for going this route storytelling wise. Since it brought a long-standing problem around full circle all while growing the legend of Leanne and what she is capable of and well, this is a story that will definitely leave us counting down the minutes until next week’s tale. So that we can see what kind of surprises and shocking moments await us, when this power struggle undoubtedly kicks into high gear. Until next time.