Truly April is quite the amazing month for horror fans for one reason and one reason alone. In that, we are halfway to Halloween. The favorite holiday of horror fans everywhere, and truly… this is a time of year that horror fans celebrate mightily at home. Courtesy of watch parties of our favorite spooky stories, or we take part in celebrations that others send our way, such as the one that Shudder has prepared for us. For Shudder is the premier horror streamer, and they are more than happy to celebrate the Halfway to Halloween mark in epic fashion, as evidenced by their lineup for this momentous occasion.
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For not only will Shudder be home to more of season six of the highly acclaimed series, The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs, but they will be releasing some epic horror features. One of which has the horror world abuzz as you read this, and well… since you’re eager to plan ahead for this wonderfully terrifying, unofficial holiday, here is Shudder’s April 2024 Halfway to Halloween programming lineup. One that will send shivers down our spine as we continue to countdown the days to the return of Sam Hain. 

Directed by Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes 
Streaming On Shudder April 19 
Available in US, CA, UKI 

Synopsis 
October 31, 1977. Johnny Carson rival Jack Delroy hosts a syndicated late night talk show ‘Night Owls’ that has long been a trusted companion to insomniacs around the country. A year after the tragic death of Jack’s wife, ratings have plummeted. Desperate to turn his fortunes around, Jack plans a Halloween special like no other, unaware that he is about to unleash evil into the living rooms of America. Starring David Dastmalchian (Oppenheimer) and Laura Gordon (Reckoning). 

Directed by Sébastien Vanicek 
Streaming On Shudder April 26 
Available in US, CA, UKI, AU 

Synopsis 
Director Sébastien Vanicek makes his feature film debut with a story that follows Kaleb, who is about to turn 30 and has never been lonelier. He’s fighting with his sister over a matter of inheritance and has cut ties with his best friend. Fascinated by exotic animals, he finds a venomous spider in a bazaar and brings it back to his flat. It only takes a moment for it to escape and reproduce, turning the whole place into a dreadful web trap. Starring Théo Christine (Suprêmes), Finnegan Oldfield (Final Cut), Jérôme Niel (Smoking Causes Coughing), Sofia Lesaffre (Les Misérables) and Lisa Nyarko. 

Shudder Original Series 
Season 6 Episodes Continue Biweekly LIVE Premieres on Shudder TV 
Friday, April 12; Debuts on-demand Sunday, April 14 
Friday, April 26; Debuts on-demand Sunday, April 28 
Available in US and CA 

Synopsis 
The supersized sixth season continues with all-new episodes debuting biweekly. 

April 1 
Mute Witness 
A mute makeup artist working on a slasher movie being shot in Moscow, is locked in the studio after hours. While there, she witnesses a brutal murder, and must escape capture. 
The Gates 
A serial killer has been sentenced to death by electric chair in London in the 1890s, but in his final hours, he puts a curse on the prison he is in, and all of those in it. 
Drag Me to Hell 
A loan officer who evicts an old woman from her home finds herself the recipient of a supernatural curse. Desperate, she turns to a seer to try and save her soul, while evil forces work to push her to a breaking point. 
Ghost Stories (2017) 
After receiving a file with details of three unexplained cases of apparitions, skeptical professor Phillip Goodman embarks on a terrifying trip. 
The Rental 
Two couples rent a vacation home for what should be a celebratory weekend getaway. 
At the Devil’s Door 
A real estate agent finds herself caught up in something sinister when she has to sell a house with a dark past and meets the troubled teen who used to live there. 
The Wind 
A plainswoman faces the harshness and isolation of the untamed lad in the Western frontier of the late 1800s. 
Summoning Sylvia 
A gay bachelor party turns spooky when sinister spirits are suddenly summoned. 
Madman 
A legendary psychopathic murderer stalks a summer camp. 
*The Last Drive-In: Joe Bob’s Dinners of Death: Madman episode also available 
Spookies 
A wicked sorcerer tries to sacrifice a group of people inside his house with the intention of using their vitality to keep his wife alive. 
*The Last Drive-In: Joe Bob’s Dinners of Death: Spookies episode also available 
Creepshow 
Five grisly tales from a kid’s comic book about a murdered father rising from his grave, a bizarre meteor, a vengeful husband, a mysterious crate’s occupant, and a plague of cockroaches. 
April 4 
Gateway 
In an ordinary abandoned house – on what could be your ordinary street – a gang of desperate criminals have found something – or it has found them. 
Wake Wood 
The parents of a girl who was killed by a savage dog are granted the opportunity to spend three days with their deceased daughter. 
Emelie 
A couple’s replacement babysitter turns out to be more than they bargained for when she subjects their kids to a series of twisted activities. 
April 8 
Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things 
Two estranged siblings go to their late scientist father’s farmhouse to make sense of his incomplete work. They soon discover an evil entity, buried in time and space for millions of years, has been released and begun wreaking havoc. 
The Third Saturday in October 
When a psycho goes on a murderous rampage after surviving a botched execution, only two survivors of his initial attack can stop him. 
The Third Saturday in October Part V 
Follow an implacable killer as he stalks and butchers the occupants of houses across the stretch of one lone country road while the residents prepare to watch a yearly college-football bout. 
April 15 
The Tunnel 
An investigation into a government cover-up leads to a network of abandoned train tunnels deep beneath the heart of Sydney. As a journalist and her crew hunt for the story, it quickly becomes clear the story is hunting them. 
The Tunnel: The Other Side of Darkness 
On the 10th anniversary of the Australian found footage film The Tunnel, this documentary delves into the filmmakers endeavors to challenge how films are financed and distributed, and the lasting impact The Tunnel had internationally. 
April 22 
The House of the Devil (2009) 
In 1983, financially struggling college student Samantha Hughes takes a strange babysitting job that coincides with a full lunar eclipse. She slowly realizes her clients harbor a terrifying secret, putting her life in mortal danger. 
*The Last Drive-In: Joe Bob’s Dinners of Death: The House of the Devil episode also available 
The Innkeepers 
During the final days at the Yankee Pedlar Inn, two employees determined to reveal the hotel’s haunted past begin to experience disturbing events as old guests check in for a stay. 
The Changeling (1980) 
After the death of his wife and daughter in a car crash, a music professor staying in a long-vacant Seattle mansion is dragged into a decades-old mystery by an inexplicable presence in the mansion’s attic. 
*The Last Drive-In: Joe Bob’s Dinners of Death: The Changeling episode also available 
Final Cut (aka Death Games) 
A reporter and his girlfriend follow around a famous actor/entrepreneur and discover some dirt on him to be made public. 
13th Floor 
As a child, a girl witnessed her father electrocute a young boy. When she grows into an adult, the ghost of the murdered boy appears to her, and together they set out to expose the crimes of her father. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘You’ll Never Find Me’.
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We really have reached a unique point in horror history. For the genre has in essence, reached an evolutionary point. Where it is no longer just about horrible monsters that go bump in the night because audiences have demanded more of the genre. Specifically, fans have made it clear they want the genre to turn its attention to the biggest monster of all, humanity. So that we can better understand the dark side of the human condition, and what brings it to life, so that we can quell the darkness and improve as a species and make horror features pure fantasy over reflections of what we see on the six o’clock news when someone makes a terrible choice.

Which is a demand that has led to some stunning storytelling from the industry. The kind that has now showcased how trauma is a monster and a ghost we carry with us everywhere. How addiction can transform us into the worst version of ourselves and of course… how and why people do indeed choose to cross the line and commit harm against others, and well… the genre is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to these explorations. In fact, it appears poised to take them to the next level, as evidenced by a brand-new horror feature that was recently released on Shudder entitled, You’ll Never Find Me. A disturbing film that takes us places we never expect to go; the final minutes of a person’s life and into the mind of the person that took it.

A feat that this story accomplishes by plunging us into an uncomfortable night, in the middle of nowhere. Wherein a man named Patrick is waiting for… something in the silence of his trailer. What exactly, we don’t know, we just know he is deeply disturbed by the arrival of a young woman in the midst of a storm. For he clearly does not want her there for reasons that are not initially quite clear. But as this woman spends time with Patrick and learns about his past and why he’s so nervous and so oddly calm with the prospect of death, does it become clear that Patrick is supremely dangerous and loves to rob young women of their lives, and she is his next target. Unless of course, she can turn the tables on Patrick as he laments and struggles with the reality that he must kill again and that… this visitor is not what she appears to be.

Which at first glance, appears to be a plot grounded in more American Psycho-esque concepts. Since that summary really doesn’t make it clear as to whether or not Patrick has committed a crime and quite frankly, neither does the film to the very, very end. But it does become evident that Patrick is in fact, a serial killer and well… that makes everything that leads to that all-important moment… horrifying in nature. Since it deeply explores what those final moments look like for a person, and what it showcases regarding that, is utterly horrifying. Since we are privy to the fear and the terror that surges through one’s veins before losing their life, giving rise to a morbid perspective on death and how quickly it comes for those in the hands of monsters, and how hollow and disgusting that moment can be.
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A move that does indeed showcase the cruelty that man is capable of, and how much evil goes into the act of murder. But this film offers us so much more. By also taking us inside the mind of Patrick, wherein we learn what motivates him to kill, and that is designed to teach us what creates this evil. Which relates to a true destruction of one’s mind and psyche through trauma and darkness. The kind that piles upon a soul and never leaves and is sometimes self-inflicted. Since we also come to learn that that Patrick remembers deeply the lives he’s taken and struggles with the act to a certain degree. Postulating the real possibility that being a monster akin to Patrick is a tortured existence, one filled with regret and fear and well… that’s the bright spot in this film.

Because it means that the monsters suffer, and the monsters are indeed scared and small on the inside, and that’s welcome comfort in a motion picture that is as bleak as they come. Because this one, is dark and twisted and truly savage from beginning to end. To the point where you are uncomfortable the minute the story starts and well… that deserves endless praise, as does every single second of this story. Simply because this is that rare horror film that not only pushes horror into new territory and explorations, but truly offers up visceral emotions that leave you squirming in your seat. Making this a grand experiment in raw fear as well, one designed to immerse us, and that makes this a must-see feature. Because this one really does take us on an emotional rollercoaster and gives us plenty to ponder upon, and you can never go wrong with a horror film that accomplishes such thoughtful and unsettling feats.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the hit AMC series, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, is offering up some of the most ambitious storytelling for the franchise in years. For not only is the show taking the time to put Rick Grimes and Michonne through the wringer emotionally and challenge them in ways they’ve never been challenged before, but the series is also eager to examine core aspects of our world and society that the franchise hasn’t dug into before. Such as what is creating the wanton madness that people seem to be succumbing to, and how we can stop that on a more personal level in our lives. 

Which would be plenty for the audience since we could pour over that for months and years on end. But this ambitious series isn’t even remotely done with its examinations regarding the troubles of the world right now, and its possible fixes, as evidenced by last night’s tale. For ‘Become’ was a story that flat out pondered upon, what would us everyday folks need to do, to push back against the lies, and the rhetoric that are happening at the highest level, and put a stop to it? Because it is not enough to change one heart and one mind at a time, we need this to end, so we can finally move forward in this, the 21st Century, and well… what it offered regarding that was fascinating.

After that is… we enjoyed the wonder of a love story. Because this episode picked up a little while after last week’s tale, wherein we came to learn that Rick and Michonne had made some strides in their voyage east. For they made their way to Wyoming and clearly, they were reconnecting as a couple. For the laughter was returning to their relationship, as were the endless smiles that spoke to a connection that only true love can provide. Plus, as they healed emotional wounds and reconnected, they also discovered how to be heroes again. For while in Wyoming they found a lovely place to say the night near the national park, and while there… they found people in great peril.

Which meant, our heroes swooped in to offer rescue, and lessons as well. Because sadly, heroism and a meal weren’t appreciated by this group, and they turned their weapons upon Rick and Michonne. Which was a stupid mistake of course since they are the best of the best in the world of the dead. So, they humbled them, stepped aside, and went back to healing their love and well… that was when quite the surprise came into play. In that, they were not alone at their quaint little cabin. Because a stranger followed them through the night and knew exactly how to evade the traps and warnings that Rick and Michonne set up to enjoy a good night’s rest, all because the Warrant Officer of the Civic Republic Military wanted to complete her mission.

For Jadis could not let them escape and could not risk the truth about the CRM getting out, even though Rick and Michonne wanted no part of it. So, she turned her weapons upon our heroes and paid quite the price for offering up a grandiose explanation as to how she found them, why she chased them and how perhaps… death would serve their families well. Since she stated it would keep Alexandria and every other community that way a secret. But it was a price so dire that Jadis, the woman who outright killed Huck and committed atrocities untold, went on the run and enlisted the help of those renegades in the woods to try and trap Rick and Michonne and fulfill her plans and well, that’s when the lesson at hand came into play.
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Because the little cat and mouse game that Jadis played at a nearby museum/makeshift shelter, wherein Rick and Michonne spoke to morality and standing up against tyranny put Jadis on a unique path. Wherein she reflected upon how she visited Father Gabriel in secret, where she could be Anne and speak freely about her crimes, and those chats helped her to understand in the midst of the chaos surrounding her… that she was choosing an ideology over anything else. An ideal instead of what was actually right. And pondering upon those lessons from her love, put her in a tough place, where she began to waiver and began to question if Rick and Michonne had the right perspective. But for a time… it seemed as though she would only side with the Civic Republic Military.

But a bite from the monsters she created in this instance, combined with the cunning nature of our heroes and an idea from Michonne, changed her perspective. For Michonne correctly pointed out what we’ve known about the CRM for some time now, how it is not the way and needed to be destroyed. Which was what Anne needed at the end, and she offered Alexandria freedom, along with a blessing to destroy the CRM from the inside to finally bring the right balance to the world. All of which taught us… that to end this madness we first must all make a choice, and really decide which side we want to be on, with an open and clear mind. So, we can see what Anne saw here in her final moments, specifically… that she committed to evil in the name of fear, from the promise of greatness that would never come, and once a fair number of us have done that and picked the right side… comes the hard work.

For not everyone will see things as we do, which means… we have to rally. We must do whatever it takes to showcase the lies and the wrongdoing of those who are making evil promises under the guise of protection and prosperity. For the truth will set us free and while that is easier said than done, those are fine lessons to learn here, the kind that may indeed come to fruition during next week’s finale, since Rick and Michonne are ready to teach the CRM the ultimate lesson in humility. But while we anxiously await to see what that battle will look like; we can celebrate another amazing tale from this series. One that reminded us just why we love Rick and Michonne so much, saw the return of Seth Gilliam as Father Gabriel, and it gave a proper sendoff to Jadis/Anne and Pollyanna McIntosh deserves a round of applause for her work here. For this was a great send off, and she will be missed within the fabric of the franchise as the years roll along. And now that Jadis has found her redemption, and the stage is set for a final showdown with one disgusting villain, all we can do now is sit and countdown the minutes to the end of this incredible season of storytelling. Until next time.

If there is one particular horror celebration that every horrorphile enjoys in this life, it would have to be Shudder’s “Halfway of Halloween” extravaganza. For the streamer just loads up on spooky stories during that timeframe, the kind that truly wow us and leave us eager for more scares and more blood and guts, and everything in-between. But alas, we’ve yet to hear about this year’s lineup for the event, since Shudder has been extra quiet about it, to likely build up some of that good old-fashioned anticipation. But that changed earlier today.
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For Shudder let it be known that Baghead, a horror feature based off of the short of the same name from Director Alberto Corredor will be making its exclusive debut during this year’s “Halfway to Halloween” horror-thon on April 5, and well… what an amazing announcement this is. Because that was a well-received short, and a feature length version of it, will be nothing short of epic. And to properly celebrate this announcement and build a real buzz for the film, Shudder was also kind enough to share the trailer for the film, and a synopsis, which we will now share with all of you. As we begin to count down the days to the release of this highly anticipated feature, and that wondrous celebration.

‘The supernatural horror BAGHEAD, from director Alberto Corredor, will make its exclusive debut Friday, April 5 on Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Produced by STUDIOCANAL and The Picture Company, BAGHEAD is a full-length feature adaptation of Corredor’s indie short of the same name and will debut as part of the streamer’s “Halfway to Halloween” annual, monthlong horror-thon lineup. The film will also be available to stream on AMC+.
 
Following the death of her estranged father (Peter Mullan), Iris (Freya Allan) learns she has inherited a run-down, centuries-old pub. She travels to Berlin to identify her father’s body and meet with The Solicitor (Ned Dennehy) to discuss the estate. Little does she know, when the deed is signed, she will become inextricably tied to an unspeakable entity that resides in the pub’s basement–Baghead–a shape-shifting creature that can transform into the dead. Two thousand in cash for two minutes with the creature is all it takes for desperate loved ones to ease their grief. Neil (Jeremy Irvine), who has lost his wife, is Iris’ first customer. Like her father, Iris is tempted to exploit the creature’s powers and help desperate people for a price. But she soon discovers breaking the two-minute rule can have terrifying consequences. Together with her best friend Katie (Ruby Barker), Iris must battle to keep control of Baghead and figure out how to destroy her, before she destroys them.
 
“BAGHEAD is a tale of family secrets, the depths of grief, and the things best left undisturbed in the basement,” said Corredor. “I’m so excited to share this film with US audiences when it debuts on Shudder.” 
 
The deal was negotiated by Emily Gotto on behalf of Shudder and Chloe Marquet on behalf of STUDIOCANAL.
 
BAGHEAD was produced by STUDIOCANAL and The Picture Company’s Alex Heineman and Andrew Rona through their long-term deal with the European giant. Roy Lee and Jake Wagner are Executive Producers along with Alberto and Lorcan Reilly.  

About Shudder
AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and Original Content is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Over the last few years, Shudder has introduced audiences to groundbreaking and critically acclaimed films including Rob Savage’s HOST, Jayro Bustamante’s LA LLORONA, Phil Tippett’s MAD GOD, Coralie Fargeat’s REVENGE, Joko Anwar’s SATAN’S SLAVES, Josh Ruben’s SCARE ME, Kyle Edward Ball’s SKINAMARINK, Christian Tafdrup’s SPEAK NO EVIL, Chloe Okuno’s WATCHER, Demián Rugna‘s WHEN EVIL LURKS, and the latest in the V/H/S film anthology franchise, as well as the fan favorite TV series THE BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA, Greg Nicotero’s CREEPSHOW, and THE LAST DRIVE-IN WITH JOE BOB BRIGGS. 
 
About AMC+  
AMC+ is the company’s premium streaming bundle featuring an extensive lineup of popular and critically acclaimed original programming from AMC, BBC America, IFC, and SundanceTV and full access to targeted streaming services Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited, which feature content such as A Discovery of Witches, Creepshow, and Boyhood. The service features a continually refreshed library of commercial-free content, with iconic series from the AMC Networks portfolio including Mad Men, Halt & Catch Fire, Hell on Wheels, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Rectify, Portlandia, Orphan Black and series from The Walking Dead Universe, among many others. The service also offers a growing slate of original and exclusive series including Gangs of London, Dark Winds, and the first two series in a new Anne Rice universe, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches. With new movies released every Friday, AMC+ is the newest destination for exclusive film premieres direct from theaters all year long. AMC+ is available in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain and is available in the U.S. through AMCPlus.com, the AMC+ app, and a number of digital and cable partners.  
 
About STUDIOCANAL (a CANAL+ Company)
STUDIOCANAL, a 100% affiliate of CANAL+ Group held by Vivendi, is Europe’s leader in production, distribution and international sales of feature films and series, operating in all nine major European markets - France, United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Spain, Denmark and Benelux - as well as in Australia and New Zealand.  It finances and produces around 30 films per year, distributes around 80 films per year. It owns the largest library in Europe and one of the most prestigious libraries in the world, boasting more than 8 000 titles from 60 countries, spanning 100 years of film history. 20 million euros has been invested into the restoration of 750 classic films over the past 5 years. In addition, STUDIOCANAL also produces almost 20 series each year and operates at an international level by globally distributing its scripted productions and CANAL+ Originals (2,000 hours of current and library content in distribution). All productions take place directly through STUDIOCANAL entities or with its award-winning network of 14 production companies in Europe and in the United States (STUDIOCANAL Series, LAILAPS FILMS, RED PRODUCTION COMPANY, URBAN MYTH FILMS, BAMBÚ PRODUCCIONES, STUDIOCANAL ORIGINAL, 2e BUREAU, SUNNYMARCH TV, SAM Productions, DINGIE, KINO SWIAT, BIRDIE PICTURES, STRONG FILM & TELEVISION, THE PICTURE COMPANY).’

It is definitely safe to say that the first season of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, was quite revolutionary in nature. In large part because… it finally allowed for this story to truly reach its potential. For the original was muted in many ways by the era in which it was released. But in 2024, everything Anne wanted to explore can be explored and that allowed for a powerful first season to take place. One that showcased representation properly and of course, offered up a fresh take on this true classic, and it also left us eager for more of Louis’ sorrowful tale, which is a wait that is nearing its end.

For May 12, 2024, will see this dynamic series return to the airwaves and continue the adventure and the interview, and since we are so close and so eager for a sampling of things to come, AMC was kind enough to satiate our bloodlust with a taste of season two. For earlier, a super-sized trailer was released to the masses, one that will definitely build excitement and have us counting down the minutes until dusk, when Louis and Lestat can lurk about our televisions again. And well, since you’re in need of that trailer, here it is, alongside updated details on the show, courtesy of AMC.
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‘AMC Networks debuted the first extended trailer for season two of the critically acclaimed series Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, premiering May 12, 2024 onAMC and AMC+, giving fans a dynamic look at the upcoming season. The series stars Jacob Anderson, along with Sam Reid, Eric Bogosian, Assad Zaman, Delainey Hayles and Ben Daniels.
 
The interview continues in season two. In the year 2022, the vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac (Anderson) recounts his life story to journalist Daniel Molloy (Bogosian). Picking up from the bloody events in New Orleans in 1940 when Louis and teen fledgling Claudia (Hayles) conspired to kill the Vampire Lestat de Lioncourt (Reid), Louis tells of his adventures in Europe, a quest to discover Old World Vampires and the Theatre Des Vampires in Paris, with Claudia. It is in Paris that Louis first meets the Vampire Armand (Zaman). Their courtship and love affair will prove to have devastating consequences both in the past and in the future, and Molloy will probe to get to the truths buried within the memories.
 
Season two of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire is executive produced by award-winning producer Mark Johnson, creator and showrunner Rolin Jones, Mark Taylor, along with Christopher Rice and the late Anne Rice.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the phenomenal new AMC series, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, we talked at length about how the show outright surprised us. Simply by taking the time to feature what the franchise has not in some time, relevant social commentary. For this is a series that loves to explore the overall human condition and what makes us good, what makes us evil and what it might take for us to be a better species. So, to see ‘Bye’ ponder deeply upon modern concerns, such as how the world is currently being indoctrinated by the nonsense to make certain countries ‘great again’ was indeed quite shocking, and it led to an eye-opening tale.

One that really did explore how fear was the engine to this movement, since it is oft used to manipulate and transform everyday folks that lean on critical thinking, into terrified zombies that consume more lies and more fear. But of course, as zombie stories are wont to do, that really was as far as that exploration went. Largely because this subgenre of horror tends to lean toward having us figure out the solution through showing us the problem, and that is precisely why this week’s episode of the series, was just as shocking as last week’s tale. Simply because… ‘What We’ took the time… to offer up an answer as to how perhaps we pull people back from that fear. 

A feat that this story accomplished by first informing us that Rick and Michonne survived that surprise bail out from the CRM chopper, by landing in a body of water, one that was next to a living complex that still had power and creature comforts. And once this duo was inside, dried off and comfortable, they were able to fire off a few jabs at one another regarding some of their more recent concerns before taking a little time to rest and collect their thoughts and gameplan what was to come next. Which for Michonne, involved talking some sense into Rick to get him home and that hope grew when a surprise was revealed at daybreak.

In that, the chopper they flew in on, didn’t see the second building in this complex, and crashed into it. Which meant, the CRM would think that Major Sergeant Rick Grimes and Co-Signee Dana Bethune were dead. Allowing for immediate freedom for the two of them, the kind that would indeed just let them leave and enjoy life with their family at last. One that Rick learned had grown, courtesy of his son, RJ. But oddly enough, a golden ticket to freedom and a chance to meet and hold his son and his daughter with his wife at his side, still wasn’t enough to convince Rick to leave and go home and live a true dream. He wanted to fire up his beacon again and that led to great conflict with Michonne, and rightfully so.

Because Rick was being dumb, plain, and simple and that prompted Michonne to prepare to head home on her own and that... actually managed to light a fire under Rick. After all, he did miss her, love was there, and that prompted him to chase after her, amid chaos. Since the CRM came to destroy ‘the evidence,’ and that let in walkers and led to an epic, sass filled battle involving Rick and Michonne and the dead. One that ended with Rick standing by Michonne at the right moment, one that unlocked the feelings in his heart and amplified hers and that allowed for them to reconnect, physically, spiritually, and it also allowed for Michonne to finally reach the man she loved so deeply.
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For after they found one another again, Rick once more hinted at returning to his beloved Civic Republic Military to invoke change. Which in turn prompted Michonne to use some of Nat’s wise advice to finally cut through the nonsense and understand why this place was more important to Rick than Alexandria and what he and Michonne and their family were building. Which brought about a powerful admission. In that, the CRM used manipulation tactics to basically help Carl and Michonne’s memories to fade. Which in turn made Rick believe he had done something wrong to lose those images of his boy, of his love and once those were gone and he was at his lowest and felt as though he had nothing left, they sucked him in. Made him believe he could prevent that kind of loss from happening to anyone else, and that… is how he transformed. But Michonne was able to change that, and help him to see Carl, see love again, and understand… that those we love are never gone when we honor them through the fight that is life. Which prompted Rick to leave this behind… and go home. With his love.

Which meant at long last, this duo was on the road and heading home and we had quite the powerful lesson in hand. In that, a lot of what we are seeing happen around us, is a dehumanization of sorts. Wherein the basics of what makes us great, our ability to care for one another, to embrace community, and decency is being washed away by fear and rhetoric so that an, us versus them mentality exists when it’s all just us, really. But it can be undone, it can be fixed. When we find a way to understand common ground and what matters again. Such as say coming to learn that the promises of a politician, should never dictate how we live our lives. For they are not the ones we live for, we live for us, we live for the betterment of ourselves and our families because that’s what will change the world and give us a society where the ones who live are happy and loved.

All of which brought about, a powerful story to say the least, one that also impressed beyond its messaging, via a brilliant script written by Danai Gurira. Because this was also a story about the power of love, of how we should also express that at every turn because love is understanding and kind and also brings about healing. Plus, we would be remiss to not discuss the incredible acting present here. Because Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira just let loose here and offered us moving and powerful performances that captivated us from beginning to end, and left us with tears of joy and sorrow, and wonder. Which makes this a perfect episode, plain and simple. One that encapsulated the best parts of the franchise, these characters, and even the zombie sub-genre and now that we’ve reached the end of this magnificent tale, it will be interesting to see what lies ahead, now that this unstoppable force is reunited and ready for the next chapter in their lives. Until next time.

Sometimes reflecting upon old shows and old stories, allows for quite the immersive and moving experience. The kind that manages to take us right down memory lane in more ways than one. Simply because that story truly encapsulates the zeitgeist of an era, or a very specific moment in time. One we lived through and having that remembrace string plucked upon allows for a wash of memories to flood over us, the kind that are wonderful and warm and oddly enough, this particular truth is top of mind today, all because the next episode of Tales from the Darkside accomplishes just that. For ‘Comet Watch’ is a story that truly captured a unique moment in pop culture, courtesy of an equally unique story. 
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One that introduces us to a man named Engelbert Ames, who is reveling in excitement in this tale. For above in the sky, is the celestial wonder known only as Halley’s Comet and Engelbert wants nothing more on this night than to just observe its majesty, much to the chagrin to his wife Charlene, and well… to the chagrin of an unexpected visitor. For the telescope in his stead also harbors a portal to the comet itself and discovering that secret allowing for a woman named Lara Burns and Sir Edmond Halley to return to our world after spending 76 years in the cosmos. A reality that frustrates both Edmond and Lara since he wants back into space with Lara at his side as his love, and she wants none of that, and their desires will bring about a battle that will change fates on this night. 

Which is a story that immediately reminds anyone that lived in the 1980s of the massive Halley’s Comet craze, that gripped the world. For 1986 did see Halley’s Comet return, and it genuinely captivated the world through and through. For there were news reports about its return, and every science magazine and program offered up some kind of special regarding its long and winding journey through the endless cosmos. But more importantly, it captivated Hollywood as well. In fact, the buzz leading up to its return was so strong that the industry opted to capitalize on it in advance of its arrival, allowing for a trilogy of horror films revolving around the lethal arrival of a comet to play out.  

All of which immerses one in nostalgia if they lived through the moment, and it gives rise to an opportunity for unfamiliar viewers to explore the craze that accompanied this once in a lifetime moment. And it is something this article is focusing upon simply because… there’s not a lot of great things to discuss when it comes to this episode. Because it truly is one of those random experimental tales that uh… doesn’t deliver. Sure, it has some cool ideas, because the thought of people surviving on the comet is pretty wild and fantastical, but it’s deeply grounded in science fiction and really doesn’t offer anything scary or deep to ponder upon. If anything, the only real draw here is the acting. Since Anthony Heald and Fritz Weaver add gravitas to the story as Englebert and Edmond Halley, respectively. And Sarah Rush and Kate McGregor-Stewart balance out their performances nicely as Lara and Charlene.
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But we’d be remiss to not point out how weird it is that the story sells Halley as less of a scholar and more of a toxic, thirsty, lovelorn nightmare, when the man historically had a family and was not known for such gestures, and it really speaks to a failure of this story. One that sadly, could have been quite amazing. Because if by chance the creative team opted to go the route of Night of the Comet, Lifeforce, and Maximum Overdrive, and add something scary into this… we could have been treated to quite the classic Darkside tale. One that could have featured something truly monstrous, something truly evil, something that would have given us nightmares in the name of a twist to a longtime visitor to our solar system. But alas, we got a weird love story instead.

But that’s okay, because not every story in a season as long as this one can be a winner, and the show deserves some credit for trying something different and new. Because that’s what made Darkside so great and again, we can definitely celebrate the acting in this story and its bold nature to lean into romantic sci-fi over pure terror. But of course, not everyone will be happy with that, and that’s understandable. For this show promised terror and mayhem. But it is nice to know that at least care went into this tale, and that it does indeed invoke a powerful sense of nostalgia in those who grew up watching the series, one that hopefully they spread about via that aforementioned comet trilogy to bring balance to the misplaced sweetness of this tale. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight. 

Something that is genuinely fascinating when it comes to modern television, is how many shows shy away from what can still be considered to be taboo and difficult topics. And what makes that so fascinating is that we are now in the year 2024, where we seem to have a better understanding of the fact that the world is a flawed place, where the bad things that happen to us are grounded in unique origin points that can be worked upon and prevented, and we need to acknowledge that reality and have conversations around the harm that is happening. So that it is recognized and discussed so we can bring about the end of such problems. 
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Granted, it is not completely up to television to solve our woes, but this is a medium that reaches so many and has in the past, tackled tough topics before and well, it is perhaps the past that can be looked to, to really garner a blueprint of how best to discuss such topics and believe it or not, a classic episode of Tales from the Darkside might aid in that. For back in the show’s second season, a particular story popped up that at first glance, was nothing more than a tale of irony, but upon deeper inspection, had a lot to say about mental health, the dangers of not treating it and the horrors of generational abuse.

Which are feats that ‘Monsters in My Room’ accomplishes by introducing us to a family in transition. For Helen has remarried and her new husband Biff, is struggling to connect with her son, Timmy. Which wouldn’t be of note, save for the fact that Biff… bullies his stepson around often. For he deems him soft, and feminine in nature, and believes that Timmy needs to be a man and fight like one, just like Biff did in Vietnam and well… that leads to tough times for Timmy. For now, he is constantly under fire from his stepdad during the day, and to complicate matters further, there are monsters lurking about his room that terrorize him at night, making it seem as though… poor Timmy is about to become a terrifying statistic. But thankfully, this story takes things in a vastly different direction, which we will discuss in just a moment.

Because what matters most here is that this episode presented, in an incredible manner, how we can use television to discuss big topics. And as evidenced here, we cannot shy away from it on the small screen, we must present it in an honest and earnest light, as was accomplished here. Since Biff’s actions, in all their terrifying glory, properly showcased PTSD and the dangers of not having it or mental health issues treated. Since it made Biff an abusive monster and that in turn allowed for another honest showcasing regarding generational trauma, and how repeated abuse creates new monsters, the kind that are eager to strike back as Timmy did here at the end of the story.
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But giving this to us in an honest light, and with a little horror chaser, made the lessons here palatable and poignant and worth discussing at home. And that’s just it, we need to start the discussions and this episode does that and really does offer a blueprint for how to do it at a time when television is ready to go full bore and tackle the tough stuff and expose it to the world. But of course, one cannot discuss this story without discussing its horror elements, which are equally as impressive as the commentary here. Because this is another one of those horror stories that preys on multiple childhood fears. Such as having our parents lose their temper with us, because we love them and want to be the best kid for them at a young age… alongside our fears of the dark.

Specifically, the things that we think go bump in the night, and the monsters here are simply sublime. For they are indeed the stuff of nightmares and only something a kid could conjure up in their mind and those moments are indeed creepy and intense and add to one amazing episode. One that was also ahead of its time for addressing two topics we BARELY discuss now, and it was anchored by some solid performances. With Seth Green leading the way as the conflicted and wounded Timmy and Greg Mullavey selling the scares as the out-of-control Biff, and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this wondrous and pioneering tale, it will be interesting to see what other trailblazing moments await us in season two. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.

March really is a special time of year. After all, warmth can be felt upon our skin again as the winter begins to slink into memory, courtesy of fresh sunlight that lifts our spirits. And of course, there are birds chirping, flowers are beginning to bloom, and everything just seems right in the world, for everyone really… and yes… that includes horror fans. Because every single spring over the past few years, Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl, return to the airwaves on Shudder and this year is no exception to that rule.
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For this Friday will kick off a super-sized sixth season of The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs. Complete with an amazing tribute episode to one of horror’s biggest names. Giving rise to something that every horror fan can enjoy through and through, making springtime all the more refreshing and to properly celebrate the return of this beloved show, Shudder was kind enough to drop a new trailer and some key art for this amazing new season at the drive-in. And we are here to share those treats and all the deets, as we inch toward the sixth season of this trailblazing series.

‘Shudder revealed today the trailer and key art for the supersized sixth season of The Last Drive-In, premiering Friday, March 15 at 9pm ET on Shudder TV and AMC+ TV. The season kicks off with a special, The Last Drive-In Live: A Tribute to Roger Corman, followed by all-new watch parties every other Friday at 9pm. The episodes will also be available on demand on Shudder and AMC+ each Sunday following the Friday broadcast premiere.
 
Recorded live from Las Vegas, Joe Bob celebrates legendary filmmaker Roger Corman’s first 70 years in Hollywood with The Last Drive-In Live: A Tribute to Roger Corman, featuring guests of honor Roger and Julie Corman - and a surprise visit from one of Roger’s oldest friends and collaborators, Bruce Dern. After the special, The Last Drive-In continues with Joe Bob’s signature movie watch parties on a biweekly schedule, featuring single feature spotlights and surprises.

About Shudder:
AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and Original Content is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Over the last few years, Shudder has introduced audiences to groundbreaking and critically acclaimed films including Rob Savage’s HOST, Jayro Bustamante’s LA LLORONA, Phil Tippett’s MAD GOD, Coralie Fargeat’s REVENGE, Joko Anwar’s SATAN’S SLAVES, Josh Ruben’s SCARE ME, Kyle Edward Ball’s SKINAMARINK, Christian Tafdrup’s SPEAK NO EVIL, Chloe Okuno’s WATCHER, Demián Rugna‘s WHEN EVIL LURKS, and the latest in the V/H/S film anthology franchise, as well as the fan favorite TV series THE BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA, Greg Nicotero’s CREEPSHOW, and THE LAST DRIVE-IN WITH JOE BOB BRIGGS.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One thing that horror fans can agree upon, is that the zombie subgenre really does the best job of offering up social commentary on the human condition and our modern world. For the zombie is a creature that can truly stand in as any of our problems or concerns, and its overall design makes it scary enough that it holds our attention and allows for the lesson to be burrowed into our brains and well, that’s allowed for some powerful stories to come to life throughout the years. Ones that have explored the nature of consumerism, of post 9/11 America, and through The Walking Dead Universe, the subgenre has asked some powerful questions about the nature of who we are and what we are deserving of.

In fact, those deeper questions are commonplace commentary in the TWDU, which is why this week’s episode of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live on AMC was so surprising. Because for the first time in a very long time, the franchise opted to explore a more modern, relevant topic regarding some of our world concerns. After all, we live in a time where we are seeing so many people just suddenly side with people and leaders that are vehemently bad people through and through. Yet they defend them, vote for them, and believe in their mantra and we simply don’t know why. Because one would think that logic and good nature would prevail and well, ‘Bye’, took the time to ponder upon what is causing this. 

That is… after it gave the fans what we wanted most… the love story that we’ve been waiting for. Because Rick and Michonne have been apart far too long. So, a fair, early, chunk of this episode saw this duo, acclimating to being in one another’s orbit once again, and celebrating the fact they could breathe again because they are in fact, one another’s oxygen. Which really did make for some lovely scenes. Ones that made it appear as though, they would soon be out of Philadelphia and on the road to Alexandria and the Commonwealth to be with their family once more. Mainly because, Jadis made sure to inform Rick that she was now watching them closely and that if anything happened to her or moves were made against the CRM… its might would come down upon them and Alexandria.

Which in turn, motivated that grand escape attempt. Wherein Rick secured a raft to get them downriver, and mottled corpses that resembled he and Michonne physically to make it seem as though they died in the wild and no one would be the wiser. Giving rise to more hope that this series would see them rekindle their love and catch up on years of longing and hurt and well… that’s when this episode took quite the turn and surprised us all. Because while it seemed that Rick and Michonne were barreling toward the rendezvous point, it turned out that Rick was only there briefly, to leave his love a note. One that informed her that she had to go back, that he had to stay behind to protect her and that shocked Michonne and prompted her to of course, disobey and stay behind, and really watch Rick from afar and what she learned stunned her.

In that, somewhere down the line, Rick was broken by the Civic Republic Military. To the point where he believed that it was the only way forward and slowly and surely, he was not the only one to fall into that mantra. Because Thorne went from vehemently wanting to be part of the change that Okafor spoke to, to being the best damn command officer she could be. For a meeting with Major General Beale suddenly made her super loyal to the cause, for she had ‘seen the light.’ Unfortunately, her newfound focus only helped Rick to lean into that as well, and that only further stunned Michonne. For now, the love of her life, the man she spent years in the wilderness searching for and yearning for… was nothing more than a foot soldier, spouting the nonsense of the CRM, and he was unwilling to leave it behind.
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To the point… where Michonne found herself and her relationship with Rick in jeopardy. For there was a time when Rick and Michonne went up to the Cascade base to clear out the last of the dead, and that brought forth a scary moment since Thorne briefly transformed into Shane Walsh, since she thought deeply upon putting Michonne down to keep her ‘A’ personality away from the cause and of course… when there was a chance to run… to be together… Rick refused to take it. Making it clear to Michonne that Rick had lost his way and was now indoctrinated and forgot who he was and what mattered most by siding with the CRM, putting that love in jeopardy. And this bothered her so deeply and infuriated her so much, that in a fit of frustration, she tossed herself and Rick out of a helicopter to be free of the CRM’s grasp.

A move that could badly injure both of them, and potentially kill one of them. The latter of which doesn’t seem plausible because this franchise would never put either of them down like that. But that aside, such a move spoke deeply to Michonne’s frustration and the moments leading up to it, are what truly explained and explored the strange world we live in right now and how it has come to be. For Rick Grimes now represents our friends, our family members who one day went from having casual chats about life to preaching about the dangers of the border or the need to restore a country to glory once again and well… this episode pointed out… that we live in a fearful and traumatic time where old wounds have never been healed and where not everyone feels safe in the slightest. 

Giving rise to idiots who now promise safety, a way forward, all by playing into fear and stoking its flames. So that those good people will happily surrender to those words and the cause in the name of safety and stability and that’s scary to say the least. Especially since we’ve now seen a man as brave and as intelligent as Rick Grimes succumb to those machinations, and well… that made for a powerful story. One that truly reflects our world and a growing problem of indoctrination through fear. As for the cure, well horror rarely offers that, it just showcases the problem so we can ponder upon it and fix it, and this episode did that well courtesy of an engaging and almost heartbreaking story. One that we can only hope will shift toward salvation or redemption thanks to Michonne. Or it could lead to a tragic love story, and the only way to know is to continue the journey and see what lies ahead. Until next time.