There are a great many reasons to love the horror streaming service, Shudder. Such as the fact that it is the best horror streamer around and it always has the best possible movies for its fans to choose from. But above all else, it is their original programming that really is the biggest reason to tune in. Simply because what they create on their own is downright stunning and thoughtful and powerful. For their original stories are being assembled by true fans of the genre and the brightest minds in the industry and the end result has always been breathtaking.
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If anything, the original production arm of Shudder and what they produce is top of mind today, simply because… earlier today the network announced the release date and some additional details for the Shudder Original, Who Invited Them. So, without further ado, here are those new details and the release date in question, for what will undoubtedly be another amazing original movie from the only network that truly understands the wonder and majesty of horror.

‘Shudder, AMC Network’s premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, has announced that its latest Shudder Original Film, horror-comedy Who Invited Them from writer/director Duncan Birmingham (Maron, Blunt Talk), will be available exclusively on Shudder in the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand on Thursday, September 1. Shudder holds worldwide rights to the film, which made its U.S. premiere at New Orleans’ Overlook Film Festival, and stars Ryan Hansen (Party Down), Melissa Tang (The Kominsky Method), Timothy Granaderos (13 Reasons Why) and Perry Mattfeld (In the Dark).
 
“Who Invited Them puts a fresh, fun twist on the home invasion genre. It’s darkly comic yet shockingly sinister. We can’t wait for Shudder members to check out the party,” said Shudder general manager Craig Engler.
 
Added Birmingham, ”Some of my favorite filmmakers have their films on Shudder and everyone knows horror fans make the best audiences so it’s a real thrill for our dark twisted labor of love to find a home there. I’m very excited to be part the family.”
 
In Who invited Them, Adam and Margo’s (Hansen, Tang) housewarming party is a success. However, one mysterious couple (Granaderos, Mattfeld) linger long after all the other guests have left. The uninvited couple reveals themselves to be their wealthy neighbors, Tom and Sasha. But as a single nightcap leads to another, Adam and Margo start to suspect these new friends are actually duplicitous strangers.
 
The feature is a Shudder Original Production, produced by Mary Pat Bentel (This Close, Holly Slept Over). The deal was negotiated by Emily Gotto and Nicholas Lazo on behalf of Shudder and Bentel on behalf of the filmmakers.
 
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 originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.’

One particularly difficult lesson that we have to learn in life, is that not everyone has our best interests in mind, and what makes that lesson so painful to learn is simple. In that, we are taught from a very early age that people are for the most part… inherently good, and if they exhibit kindness toward us, and genuine care, especially if we or others are in need, we should trust that person. Because surely, they have to represent to the best of us and have a good heart and are eager to do the right thing whenever applicable. But alas, it doesn’t take long for us to learn in adulthood… that our parents' teachings are nothing more than a pipe dream, and that kindness isn’t always exhibited by a great human being.
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For there are unsavory people out there who know that being good toward others, builds trust and if they can gain ours, they can accomplish a goal or benefit their own agenda. Granted, these types of human trash are far and few between out there, and don’t represent the majority. But they exist and our painful interaction with them, one that takes us for a ride… teaches us the lesson in question and a great deal about the world and how to exercise caution with trust… regardless of the kindness someone exhibits. If anything, this lesson and the moment we learn it is top of mind today, simply because it is precisely what the next episode of Tales from the Darkside takes the time to put on display.

A feat that ‘The Tear Collector’ accomplishes by introducing us to a sweet woman named Prudence who… struggles with her emotions. For she tends to cry at the drop of a hat and that has left her sheltered unfortunately, to the point where she only has a handful of close friends. But a chance encounter with a handsome and dashing man named Ambrose Cavender opens her eyes to so much. In that, there are forces in this world she doesn’t understand, and that people will indeed take advantage of you to further their own agenda. For under the guise of healing and comfort, Ambrose collects Prudence’s tears to feed something otherworldly within and once their transaction for her tears is complete, Prudence will have to decide… to either leave her tears, and a part of herself, with this man’s ancient and mysterious collection of tears… or take charge of the moment and stand tall in the face of a man that has used her. 

Which is… the perfect plot to explore/re-live the moment we learn that all-important lesson. For Prudence really doesn’t have a clue what the world is about and Ambrose totally takes advantage of her naivety and promises her the world… for those tears. A move that really puts on display how people like Ambrose in this world, say whatever they must and offer every charm they can to get what they want, and how easily we are sucked into such wiles when we are young and naïve and hopeful of our parents’ lesson. But thankfully, this ends happy when Prudence opts to take charge and teach him a powerful lesson, putting her far ahead of most of us. Since this lesson tends to end with us looking the fool, as we recover from the time we lost with that person, and the shame of being played like a fiddle. 
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But while this story does indeed encapsulate a moment, we’ve all experienced or will in life, there are still a bevy of wonderful horror elements present within this tale. For Ambrose, is clearly some kind of being that feeds off of sorrow. Making him a creature akin to something from Stephen King’s work, since some of his most famous monsters feast and dine upon emotions, and the unknown revolving Ambrose’s origins and what becomes of the person who completes the collection process, leaves a genuine sense of horrifying unease hanging over this story. Since there is mild implication that the tears are all that are left of those who give them to this mysterious monster and properly complete his collection process, allowing for our imaginations to run wild at the possibilities. 

In the end, this is just… a supremely unique and supremely engaging episode. Largely because of how it is mired in mystery and horrifying implications, but more so because… it features a wonderfully complete journey for Prudence. Since she grows before our eyes and comes to see the world for what it is and adapts to it and its quirks like the rest of us do. Giving us… a hopeful ending of sorts, one that reminds us that things get better as we learn and grow, which is unexpected for this series since it loves to scare and shock with endings. But that just speaks to the show’s versatility really, and as an added bonus, this is another episode filled to the brim with big names. Since Jessica Harper (Prudence) is horror royalty thanks to her performance in 1977s Suspiria, and Victor Garber (Ambrose) has been in well… everything, and there’s even a blink and you’ll miss it cameo from Eric Bogosian as the angry vagrant. And well… now that we’ve reached the end of this fascinating tale, it is time to our attention to a twisted one, that focuses on the cruelty we are capable of. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.

A common belief about the horror genre, is that… it only translates best to television and film and that belief exists, simply because those are the two mediums that have provided us with the majority of famous horror stories. For Dracula was a silver screen icon when he first appeared in theaters and the living dead also got their start in movies before taking over the world on television screens. But the fact of the matter is, horror works in just about every entertainment medium out there. For it can be impactful as a play and it can also… be a heck of a draw at a concert, as evidenced by the shows put on by one of the greatest bands out there… GWAR.
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For time and time again, this envelope pushing band has used horror elements to put on a hell of a show for their fans, and after spending thirty years entertaining us with incredible songs and costumes that are straight out of our nightmares, Shudder decided that now is the right time for fans to learn everything there is to know about this iconic and influential band. For earlier today, the best horror streamer out there announced that it has acquired the rights to This Is GWAR, a documentary about the band and well, without further ado… here are all the details on this brand-new addition to Shudder’s impressive library, and a trailer... to build up the excitement for what will be, one epic documentary. 

‘Shudder, AMC Network's premium streaming service for horror, thriller, and the supernatural, has acquired rights to the documentary. This is GWAR, which gives rare insight into the 30-plus year career of one of the world's most outrageous heavy metal bands, GWAR, known for their grotesque costumed characters and notoriously wild, fluid-soaked stage shows. The film, which world premiered at Fantastic Fest in Austin, TX, and won the 2021 Audience Award at NIGHTSTREAM, will be available exclusively on Shudder in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand on Thursday, July 21.
 
"For more than three decades, GWAR has set the standard for heavy metal horror with larger-than-life personas and gore-filled stage shows that were unlike anything anyone had ever seen,” said Shudder General Manager Craig Engler.  “But even their most ardent fans have never seen them like this, as the band and director Scott Barber reveal in moving detail the literal blood, sweat and tears that have made GWAR the true legends they are today."
 
Added GWAR, "GWAR is founded on horror, humor, and heavy metal. Of course, we love Shudder! It's our favorite. Every movie is like a home movie for us. Are you kidding me?? Monsters, demons, the undead, dinosaurs? Those are our people! GWAR and Shudder. Two terrifying tastes that taste terrifying together."
 
This is GWAR is the powerful story of the iconic heavy metal art collective, as told by the humans who have fought to keep it alive for over thirty years. The feature documentary includes interviews with the band members, both past and present, and other artists, including Weird Al Yankovic, Thomas Lennon, Alex Winter, Bam Margera, and Ethan Embry, including never seen footage of legendary GWAR frontman Dave Brockie (Oderus Urungus).
 
This is GWAR is directed by Scott Barber (Orange Years: The Nickelodeon Story), with producers Tommy Avallone (Bill Murray Stories) and Josh Goldbloom (V/H/S/94). Executive Producers include Bill Parks, Zach Blair, Matthew Helderman, and Luke Taylor.
 
The deal was negotiated by Josh Goldbloom on behalf of the filmmakers, and Emily Gotto, VP, Global Acquisitions & Co-Productions on behalf of Shudder.
 
About GWAR
The story of GWAR is carved across the history of this hopeless planet, but GWAR themselves are not of this world…Their story begins far past Uranus, in the deepest reaches of space, where the beings known as GWAR were warriors in the Scumdogs of the Universe, an elite fighting force in the army of the Master of All Reality. But GWAR proved too reckless and powerful, and after a series of tragic but hilarious blunders, they were banished to the furthest reaches of the galaxy, with orders to conquer an insignificant backwater prehistoric mudball known as the planet Earth. Once here, GWAR, the original Ancient Aliens, shaped the face of the globe, wiping out the dinosaurs, and mating with apes to create the human race. Having accidentally given rise to all human history, the Master of All Reality froze them in Antarctic ice where they could do no more harm. It was there they were discovered by a shady entrepreneur known as Sleazy P Martini, who sat the band down in front of professional wrestling, late-night horror movies, heavy metal music, and a steady diet of crack cocaine until GWAR became the cultural force they are today!
 
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 originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Offseason’.
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Something we don’t talk about all that often… is what the aftermath of losing a loved one looks like. Because there is more than just grief and an ache to deal with. There’s handling the estate of the person that is now gone and making arrangements to have their body prepared for burial or cremation. Plus, there’s debts to settle and the whole matter of removing them from the land of living records and that is absolutely a ton to deal with and can be utterly exhausting and stressful. But what’s amazing is that even when all of that is accomplished, there is still a great deal for us to handle regarding our loved one. 
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Because the passing of a loved one, is also a great time of discovery. For we are digging through their life as we clean out their home and close the books on the memories they made and in doing so… we come to learn a great deal about them. Often times, what we uncover is good in nature, since a random photograph or letter or some kind of personal trinket will bring about an incredible story of the person we lost. Giving us insight into what made them so great, while adding to their legacy at the same time. However, there is a flip-side to this process of discovery. In that, sometimes what we uncover is unsettling for certain and it changes our view of this person altogether. Not to mention what we sometimes uncover is life changing, since their end brings forth a new chapter for an old sin, putting us at quite the crossroads… since it is now our problem to deal with.

If anything, this darker side of discovery is paramount to our discussion today, simply because it, and how best to deal with it, serve as the focus of the brand-new Shudder feature, Offseason. Which is a story that introduces us to a woman named Marie Aldrich, and when we catch up with her, here, she’s dealing with quite the conundrum. For her recently departed mother’s tombstone has been vandalized, and it is up to Marie to return to her mother’s home town, the isolated tourist community of Lone Palm Beach, and decide what comes next for her mother’s grave. But this voyage to her mother’s place of birth with an old friend, proves to be quite troublesome. Since this community harbors quite the secret, one that mother never told her daughter about, and now Marie is going to pay the price for her mother’s secrecy. Unless of course… she is able to escape this hellscape. 

Which is a plot that delivers as promised and truly explores the sins of the parent and the horrors that come with discovering secrets we never knew about our loved ones. Since Marie is mortified to discover that her mother escaped a cultist community of sorts, one tethered to a horrible monster that feeds off of the energy of human life and she is a tad bit upset… that mom never told her about such matters, and that the evil would come for her if her mother were to pass. But what matters more about this fascinating storyline, is its messaging revolving around how we should handle such surprises. Because Marie’s actions and her final choice about this community, speak volumes to the reality that we cannot let what we discover... control us or guide us into the future. For these were the mistakes and transgressions of another person and come from another life, and only have bearing and gravity when we choose to give them power, and that is a powerful message to inject into this story for certain.
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But while it is indeed wonderful to find brilliance and musings regarding how best to handle this unpleasant surprise, make no mistake about it… this is a horror film through and through. One that happens to toss in some lovely homages to John Carpenter and George Romero courtesy of the eerie fog that often surrounds this tourist getaway a la The Fog and by way of the city itself. Since Lone Palm Beach bears a creepy resemblance to the Fort Myers, Florida that appeared in Day of the Dead. Complete with a battered landscape and in a way… zombies. Since those that serve the monster here sometimes look as though they’re back from the grave and speaking of the monster, his entrance is quite stunning and horrifying to say the least and the moments ahead of his arrival… are equally as chilling. Courtesy of the film’s claustrophobic feel and disturbing visuals. 

In the end, this is simply, a delightful horror film through and through… because it offers so much to its audience. For it is intelligent and moving, and fast paced and downright terrifying and you really cannot ask for much more from a horror film than that. Not to mention, it is filled to the brim with quality and impactful performances, with Jocelin Donahue stealing the show as Marie, since her performance here is organic and natural and her response to the discoveries, she makes is utterly believable. Plus, there’s also a grand mythos introduced by writer/director Mickey Keating here. One that captivates and draws you in and demands repeat viewings of this tale, and thanks to the fact that it is streaming on Shudder… one can accomplish just that and partake often of a powerful tale about the dawning horror that comes about, when we discover what skeletons are in the closets of the dearly departed.

There was a time, where zombie stories were regarded in a negative light. For their hardcore portrayal of violence and disturbing subject matter, and the zeitgeist of the times… put a great deal of people off of these movies. Allowing for only a handful to truly understand their majesty and intelligence and ability to teach others a great deal about the world and the human condition. But thankfully, those particularly negative views of these movies didn’t last and eventually, they rose from their own grave and took the pop-culture world by storm.
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To the point where George Romero became a household name and millions of people started to tune in weekly to The Walking Dead. The first real mega-hit involving the living dead. One full of powerful lessons on the human condition and what prolonged trauma can do to human beings, and what’s truly amazing about this series, is that the learning it has provided so many with, is now being extended beyond its prime-time audience.

For earlier today, it was announced that AMC Networks and the Ad Council have partnered up to spotlight the power of girls and how STEM is used on the show to create the believable apocalypse that has sent fear into the hearts of so many over the past twelve years. Allowing for a whole new learning experience revolving around the show to take place, and well, to properly learn more about this partnership and to see exactly how impactful it is, here are some samples of this upcoming campaign and details on it, courtesy of AMC Networks and the Ad Council.

‘AMC Networks Content Room and the Ad Council, a non-profit and leading producer of social impact campaigns for 80 years, announced today a series of new public service advertisements (PSAs) that will highlight the power of girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) against the backdrop of the global hit series “The Walking Dead.”  In the spots, behind-the-scenes talent of the popular franchise, including Director Aisha Tyler, Costume Designer Vera Chow and Art Director Jasmine Garnet, showcase how STEM is used to bring the post-apocalyptic world of “The Walking Dead” to life on screen.  Created by AMC Networks Content Room, the PSAs are part of the Ad Council’s national She Can STEM campaign, which encourages girls, trans youth and non-binary youth around the country to get excited about and interested in STEM.
 
The new creative consists of TV spots and custom videos created specifically for TikTok and Instagram.  The spots also feature Gitanjali Rao, a 16-year-old scientist, inventor and activist, interviewing Tyler, Chow and Garnet discussing how they and their teams use STEM in the production of “The Walking Dead.”  Using before and after visuals, each piece highlights the unique and unexpected uses of STEM in the making of the series.  In addition to being part of the larger Ad Council campaign, the spots will be available on “The Walking Dead’s” social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube pages, and across AMC Networks linear channels and digital platforms. 

Said Kim Granito, EVP of AMC Networks Content Room: “We are thrilled to partner with the Ad Council to inspire young girls in STEM through the unexpected backdrop of ‘The Walking Dead.’  Over the last 11 years, this universe has been created by an array of insanely talented women that utilize STEM every day in their roles.  This campaign will broaden perceptions of STEM beyond the stereotypes of lab coats and beakers, and hopefully inspire the next generation of talented women in STEM.  Aisha Tyler, Vera Chow and Jasmine Garnet were a dream to work with and their shared enthusiasm for this mission is inspiring.” 
 
“Careers in STEM are varied and can touch all aspects of our lives. We are proud to partner with AMC Networks Content Room on this latest work for the She Can STEM campaign. With it, we hope to inspire young girls, non-binary youth, and trans youth to recognize that their passion for STEM can impact countless industries – including the entertainment industry,” said Michelle Hillman, Chief Campaign Development Officer, Ad Council.
 
Women make up nearly half of the total college-educated workforce in the U.S., but they only constitute 27% of the STEM workforce, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Research shows that many girls lose interest in STEM as early as middle school, and this path continues through high school and college, ultimately leading to an underrepresentation of women in STEM careers.  She Can STEM aims to dismantle the intimidating perceived barrier of STEM fields by showing girls, non-binary youth, and trans youth how fun, messy, diverse and accessible STEM can be, encouraging them to dive in, no matter where they are in their STEM journey.
 
Since the launch of She Can STEM in September 2018, the campaign has been supported by a variety of corporate, non-profit and media partners. The current funder of the campaign is IF/THEN, an initiative of Lyda Hill Philanthropies.  Non-profit partners include Black Girls Code, ChickTech, Girl Scouts of the USA, Girls Inc., Girls Who Code, National Center for Women & Information Technology, The New York Academy of Sciences and Society of Women Engineers.
 
To learn more about She Can STEM, join the @SheCanSTEM community on Instagram or visit SheCanSTEM.com.’

Curiosity is something that helps drive many of us to learn more. While there are some things that we cannot explain, we still want answers, especially when it comes to the afterlife. Not knowing what will happen after we die, there are plenty of ideas, but it always comes back to our energy turning into ghosts/spirits that will roam the earth for the rest of time. As hauntings have never fully been explained, we are still drawn to them and want to know if they are real and what it really takes to become a spirit that never passes on.
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Getting ready to head out with her friends for a sorority prank, Clorissa is shocked to see her old friend Mo wants to come along for the ride. Not really being friends since joining the sorority, Clorissa does not think that Mo will fit in with her new friends, but Mo does not care, she just wants to join them on their adventure to the old convent where horrific murders took place years ago. Hearing that Frijole wants the goth girl to come along, Clorissa sets only one ground rule for her friend, not to embarrass her on the trip, mainly because she does not want to get kicked out. Loading into the jeep, the group makes a quick stop at old Christine’s house to see if the old killer wants to join them, but only getting a silhouette in the window and nothing else, the group makes their way up to the old convent on their own.

Trying to find a way into the old building, young pledge Brant is thrown through the boarded-up door before the group enters. As Biff and Kaitlin are looking for a place to be alone, Frijole sticks with Mo and Chad, Brant and Clorissa make their way around the abandoned halls. While Clorissa is trying to find a place to leave her mark in the old building, the police arrive and demand that everyone evacuate the convent before they are forced to come in and drag them out. But Mo is beside herself when seeing the cops outside and is afraid that she will lose her scholarship if she is caught. Making a deal with Frijole, Mo is able to remain in the old building, but has no idea who or what else is in the convent with her.

Being grabbed by a group of Satanists, Mo becomes the focus of a sacrifice that will release their savior, but they have no idea what they have done. Watching as the lifeless body of Mo becomes possessed with a killing spirit, they are all targets of the wrath of evil and every victim becomes infused with bloodlust as well. Knowing that they should not have left their friend behind, Clorissa leads the charge of heading back to the old building to make sure that Mo is alright, but when entering the convent again, the evil spirits inside do not want anyone to make it out alive. As the group is picked off one by one, Clorissa is forced to make the decision of a lifetime when looking for help and the woman who forced the convent to close might be her only hope of keeping the evil contained within the old walls.

Talk about a fun horror flick that will keep you watching, especially since the early transformations looked like a throwback to characters from Tron. With plenty of laughs to be had, it was great to see that the bloodletting did not let up after the first possession took place. I really liked the hesitance of the group heading back to the old building to look for Mo, even though she was a lost cause when they found her. The backstory to the old convent, along with the return of Christine was excellent and I didn’t see it coming, but am glad it happened, because she had some unfinished business. With a prank gone wrong, a group trying to bring Satan back, numerous possessions, blood, a shotgun, and a holy place being brought down to the ground, this was just a bunch of fun around every turn. While I have been in haunted locations before, a place where murders took place may have just been taken off of my list, because, well, damn. Stay Scared.

It is definitely safe to say, that there was a sense of melancholy that accompanied last night’s season seven finale of Fear the Walking Dead. For the end of that episode signaled a potential void for fresh content from the world of The Walking Dead. Since the flagship series isn’t quite ready to air its final chapters just yet, and of course… Isle of the Dead and Norman Reedus’ yet to be named spin-off are still in the early days of pre-production. But as it turns out… we won’t be going without our favorite zombie franchise for long.
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Because earlier today, AMC announced that Tales of the Walking Dead, an anthology series set in this harrowing zombiepocalypse will be arriving on our screens on August 14, 2022. Plus, they also sent some first-look images our way for this series as well. So, without further ado, here are those images and some details on today’s announcement, courtesy of AMC Networks.
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‘The highly anticipated new episodic anthology series Tales of the Walking Dead, the latest series within the expanding The Walking Dead Universe, will premiere Sunday, August 14 at 9pm ET/8c on AMC and AMC+, with the first two episodes streaming that same night on AMC+. Subsequent episodes will stream one week early, beginning Sunday, August 21.
 
Tales of the Walking Dead consists of six original one-hour standalone episodes focused on both new and established characters within the walker apocalypse.  Each episode has its own distinct tone and point of view -- but the stakes are high in each story, pushing new, indelible characters with relentless, life-threatening choices and situations.  We get to see the apocalypse through different eyes, discovering more worlds, mythos, and mysteries of the Walking Dead.
 
Tales of the Walking Dead stars Olivia Munn (The Newsroom, X-Men: Apocalypse, Six), Samantha Morton (The Walking Dead, Harlots), Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Parker Posey (Lost In Space), Anthony Edwards (Inventing Anna, WeCrashed), Poppy Liu (Dead Ringers), Jillian Bell (Rough Night), Loan Chabanol (Fading Gigolo), Embeth Davidtz (Old, Ray Donovan,) Jessie T. Usher (Shaft, The Boys), Daniella Pineda (Cowboy Bebop), Danny Ramirez (Top Gun: Maverick), amongst others.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season seven finale of ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Sometimes, stories that feature a hard-nosed and dedicated hero will offer up quite the surprise. In that, said hero will step away from their noble duties to basically find themselves and decide if being a hero is something they still want to take part in. A move that often comes about, courtesy of a failure or a grand struggle and really, this stunning decision is designed… to explore the nature of heroism and the sacrifice it requires. So that the audience better understands the plight of the hero and of course, they get to enjoy quite the powerful and inspiring moment when that soul search comes to an end. For when the hero has finished their sabbatical… they quickly return to the fold and save the day, refreshed in the belief that they made the right choice to help those in need. 
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Which is, a pretty epic moment to say the least, one that is peak escapism through and through. For in reality, we know that heroes sometimes fold and walk away when the world becomes too much, and they are in fact… fallible and corruptible and it is nice to enjoy an environment where we can see heroes never suffer from such problems. In fact, this is so sacred in storytelling, that it is downright shocking and uncomfortable when we see a particular tale take the time to reflect the true realities of a hero. But it can be done in a compelling and engaging manner in film or television or in print if done correctly, and that’s precisely why the season seven finale of Fear the Walking Dead is of note. For ‘Gone’ featured the return of a hero in that darker manner. One that was handled correctly and fooled us early on. 

Because this is a story that featured the return of Madison Clark, whom we all believed to be dead at the end of the season four midseason finale, ‘No One’s Gone’. But here we came to learn she was alive and mostly well, minus a constant need for oxygen… likely due to the events at the stadium and well, her return… really did appear to be triumphant at first. For she stepped in to help Morgan Jones in a dire time of need. Making it appear as though her mission to save people and keep them safe was continuing, as evidenced by her desire to rescue Baby Mo and take her to someplace far safer than the horrible environment everyone was currently living within. But her push to leave Morgan behind, immediately changed that narrative and instead made it apparent, that Madison was a broken hero.

One that as it turned out… made it to the very real P.A.D.R.E. sometime after the fire at the diamond and when she showed up there… she was in rough shape and desperate for a win after essentially failing to accomplish her goals to create a safe space for her family and those that wanted one of their own. A mental state that the folks behind the scenes at P.A.D.R.E. took full advantage of. By asking her to take part in some unsavory acts, predicated on the promise that accomplishing their goals, would eventually give her the resources necessary to find her own children and well, that promise landed Madison hook, line and seeker and put her into a dark place over the past few years. Wherein she was asked to kidnap children to bring to this mysterious facility for ‘salvation.’

Which in essence, broke her and motivated her to basically abandon the search for Alicia and Nick and well… this was quite the powerful twist to offer up when it comes to Madison’s character. Since it made her more human than she already was and showed us once again how this world can easily break a person when the circumstances are right since this once hero was corrupted and shattered and quite frankly, hopeless by the end of this tale. For there were parties she'd taken from, that wanted her to pay dearly for stealing their children and well… when she was cornered by the posse and learned the truth about her children, through Morgan… it truly seemed as though Madison Clark was prepared to face the ultimate penalty for her actions. 
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A decision that left all of us wondering, was there any chance at redemption in the slightest for Madison? Or would the Clark family line come to its end on a beach in a manner that was both hybrid western and homage to Creepshow? Well, in Morgan’s eyes… there had to be redemption, mainly because the courtesy and support he received from his new family and friends and Alicia… courtesy of her mother’s teachings, meant that some good had to come out of this mess and also, without Madison… there was no chance of ever seeing Baby Mo again. Since she held the key to getting him to P.A.D.R.E. to rescue his little one, and that motivated Morgan to risk it all and save Madison Clark, a move… that offered quite the surprise.

In that, this broken and hopeless character, one that once was the beacon of this series and the glue that held everyone together… found that spark once again and saved the day and worked out a plan with Morgan to set things right. Putting Madison Clark on a road to redemption, one that will apparently reunite her with an extended family that has long thought her gone and well… this was a fascinating way to end season seven. Because not only did it bravely bring a wildly popular character back in a dynamic and realistic, and downright heartbreaking manner… since we truly wanted Madison to fall into that escapist dream, it set the stage for more redemption in season eight. Where characters that stumbled and fell will hopefully push to accomplish a greater goal, and that’s huge.

Because for some time now, we’ve been pondering upon whether or not this series was trying to attempt to move us into positive territory in the midst of the end of the world. But Ginny and Teddy, and Strand, and nuclear explosions… continually kept them from remotely achieving their goals. But the arrival at P.A.D.R.E. and what it might provide them with, could not only complete the redemption arc for Madison, Victor and Morgan… but give them everything they’ve ever wanted. Which makes this… a perfect finale for certain. One that seemingly closes the books on a dark and disturbing chapter in the TWD Universe and gives us hope for a better tomorrow and that is going to make the wait for season eight, downright painful. Since we are now all eager to see what that trio can accomplish with the right goals in mind, and their ability to lift one another up. Until next time.

One particular aspect of the horror genre that needs to be spotlighted more… is the sheer fact that it is also the most progressive and inclusive genre in storytelling out there. For so many of its creators and so many of its stories, offer up quality representation. After all, this is one of the first genres to feature an African American in a lead role, and it often explores topics regarding LGBTQIA+ individuals and their struggles in life and it is that particular topic that is of note today.
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Simply because, Shudder is releasing a four-part docu-series about the history of queer horror later this year entitled Queer for Fear. And as we inch closer to what will undoubtedly be the definitive examination of queer horror and its impact upon the genre, the network also took the time to release some key art for the series and an updated synopsis to accompany it as well. So, without further ado, here is that very art and said synopsis for you all to peruse as we wait patiently for another incredible documentary from horror’s finest streamer.

'Queer for Fear is a four-part documentary series about the history of the LGBTQ+ community in the horror and thriller genres. From its literary origins with queer authors Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, and Oscar Wilde to the pansy craze of the 1920s that influenced Universal Monsters and Hitchcock, through the “lavender scare” alien invasion films of the mid-20th century and the AIDS obsessed bloodletting of 80s vampire films, Queer for Fear re-examines genre stories through a queer lens, seeing them not as violent, murderous narratives, but as tales of survival that resonate thematically with queer audiences everywhere.
 
The docu-series features interviews with series consultant Renée “Nay” Bever (“Attack of the Queerwolf” Podcast co-host), Mark Gatiss (Co-Creator, Writer & Actor, Sherlock and Dracula on BBC), Kimberly Peirce (Writer and Director, Boys Don’t Cry, Carrie (2013), Lea DeLaria (Actor, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (2000), Orange is the New Black), Jennifer Tilly (Actor, Child’s Play franchise), Karyn Kusama (Director, Jennifer’s Body, Yellowjackets), Leslye Headland (Creator, Russian Doll), Oz Perkins (Writer & Director, Gretel & Hansel), and more.'

Family is a good thing to have around you, especially when things are tough. Even if people are not blood relatives, it does not make them any less a part of your life, and they are likely good people to lean on. While most of the time when you marry into a family, your in-laws will bring you into the circle with very little asked of you, there are times when they will reject you. When this happens, you can try and focus all of your efforts into getting them to accept you, but sometimes it will never be enough and while you may feel left out, you still have the love of your life to keep you in the fold if that is where you want to be.

Wanting to go out for a late-night row, John Haloran is shocked to see that his wife wants to go along for the ride as well. Talking about their trip back to his old home to pay respects to his dead sister Kathleen, Louise wants nothing to do with it. Getting into a fight and making sure that Louise knows that she will not get a dime when his mother passes away if he is not around, John suffers a heart attack. Needing to think fast about what to do, Louise makes it appear that John has gone away on a business trip and will take his place at the service and find a way to get herself included into Lady Haloran’s will.

Arriving at the Castle Haloran, Louise is greeted with open arms from her brother in law Billy but can tell that the rest of the family is having a hard time with just her being there. With John on a business trip, they welcome his wife into the house and try to treat her with the upmost respect, even when Lady Haloran cannot stand the young gold digger. Kane also arrives at the castle to spend time with her fiancé Richard who cannot seem to keep his mind on her. During the ritual to remember young Kathleen who was taken too soon, the family places flowers on her grave and the overwhelming nature of the event forces the Lady Haloran to faint. Seeing this from a distance, Louise now knows that she has an in to get into the old woman’s will and starts with her own devious plan.

Talking to Lady Haloran and saying that she has seen and heard things around the castle, Louise makes the old woman believe that the spirit of Kathleen is still sticking around. Collecting some of Kathleen’s dolls from her room, Louise takes them down to the pond where the young girl downed years before and sets them up to appear like a ghost is trying to communicate. Getting out of the water to find someone was watching her, Louise goes missing and Lady Haloran is beside herself. Thinking that something might have happened to the family member, Doctor Caleb steps into action to find out what is really going on around the house. Not knowing what he will find, Caleb opens a door to the family history that is more demented than even he knows.

I will admit that this movie has captured my heart, mainly because it took a turn away from the main storyline and made it all about family. With it starting out being about getting money, it turned out to be a love story, at least when it comes to love for the deceased. As you get to know the characters, you are left to question who has taken a stance against those who are sneaking around the grounds at night. With an ax, some dolls, an unexplained shrine, a family being torn apart, a mother losing her mind and family members dropping like flies, this is just a great look at a demented mind that will leave you wondering what you would do if you were responsible for a family member's death. Stay Scared.