Something that is genuinely fascinating about our second trip through the earlier seasons of the hit AMC series, The Walking Dead, is discovering how much depth is present in every single episode. For we’ve talked at length about how an episode that seemed simple or straightforward in nature, ended up being quite meaningful in those earlier years. For it turns out that they were filled with powerful themes on the human condition or outright commentary. If anything, that particular surprise is top of mind today, simply because it once again made an appearance in this series. For the season five premiere of this incredible show, features some unique observations regarding what it means to be a good human being and how we maintain that during trying times. 
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But at first glance, it sure didn’t seem as though that was going to be the case. Because ‘No Sanctuary’ was a high-octane nightmare when it first hit the airwaves. After all, we were forced to watch in horror as our heroes came within moments of having their throats slit by starving cannibals. All before having to fight their way through a compound of madness. One where the dead and cannibals were everywhere to be found as they pushed to make a daring escape from this massive tomb. Plus, it also featured an ending filled with redemption and reunion and wonder since it was Carol that saved them all from dying and initiated the end of Terminus with her brave actions. All of which made for a satisfying episode in the end, one that seemingly wrapped up the Terminus mess neatly. 

However, it is the quiet moments peppered throughout this story that give it meaning and allow for it to ponder upon that aforementioned concept. Since we were able to learn that the people of Terminus were once the good people of Terminus, who genuinely wanted to help others. But found themselves terrorized by bad people and of course ran low on supplies and transformed into the nightmare we know here. Yet, they were neatly juxtaposed by Rick’s group, who despite their ability to throw down and impart pain upon people… still did their best to help others and save others and do whatever had to be done to make sure that justice was served to the bad in a wild world, where the rules seemingly didn’t matter anymore. Which in turn, allowed for the exploration in question to get underway.

For this series used those two polarizing plot lines and journeys to really make it clear, that being a good human is a choice. One that we embrace, one that we push to maintain at all times and when we do that, and only fight when it is right, we don’t fall into dark places that make us monsters. We remain as vigilant and wholesome as Rick’s group and that’s… a shockingly deep message to find within a story that is filled to the brim with stunning violence and tense moments. But it is there, it is welcome and it also… sets the stage for a great deal of themes that would be explored in season five. After all, this is a dark time for our heroes, one where they are greatly challenged with fresh loss and hard times in the wild. The kind that continued to press them and ask if our better qualities can be held onto during the worst of times. 

But in the here and the now, we can celebrate one shockingly brilliant tale. One that used violence and intensity to hide messages that didn’t make themselves completely apparent at the time. Which isn’t a bad thing by any means, it just means we were caught up in the moment and it is rewatches such as these that help us to see the complete picture that writer Scott Gimple was working toward and wow… does finding this present here, add incredible depth and meaning to this tale. In fact, it makes it a pivotal TWD episode, one that also set the stage for another critical introduction. For now, that we’ve reached the end of the Battle of Terminus, the time has come to focus on an episode that world bring another comic book character into the fold, one that fans would come to love dearly, despite his cowardice early on. Until next time.    

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Day After Halloween’.
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Something that is genuinely fascinating about modern storytelling, is how little movies and books and everything in between, take the time to address a critical problem in our world. Specifically, toxic masculinity and perhaps toxic people in general. Because stories either won’t go near such a topic, or they sugarcoat it through and through in a strange effort to seemingly make it appear to not be as gross and disgusting as it can be and, in many ways, it does makes sense as to why. After all, stories are designed to help us escape everyday life, and while we enjoy some level of realism in them, too much is just too much and unsettling to say the least.
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Not to mention, putting that kind of trashy behavior on display, can be seen as gratuitous or celebratory in nature and really… no one has ever found the balance on how to address such matters or how perhaps we solve such matters. Something that is likely attributed to the fact, that there is no easy answer. For toxicity, stems from so many origin points and no two toxic people come from the same background. But as stories continue to dive into new territory and our demand for fresh entertainment continues… there are some filmmakers and storytellers out there looking to examine topics such as these in a direct and perhaps helpful manner, and it just so happens that a new dark comedy on the market, puts toxic behavior and a potential answer to it on display in The Day After Halloween.

A feat that this film accomplishes by introducing to a pair of dudes named Addison and Hayes on November the 1st and well… these two ‘gents’ have quite the problem on their hands. In that, in their bathtub is Addison’s girlfriend and she is most definitely dead. Prompting this duo to try and retrace their steps from a Halloween night mired in hard drinking to figure out how this happened as they prepare to do horrible things to solve the problem in front of them and well… that simple plot leads to quite the examination on toxic masculinity and its disgusting nature. For Addison and Hayes are in fact, two dudes that don’t give a crap about anyone or anything but themselves and spend a great deal of time relishing in their dude-bro personas and well… that leads to a movie that might put some folks off.

Because let’s be honest, if we want to see that kind of behavior and machismo crap, we know where to go in our own towns to see it. Which is why we avoid those areas in the first place. But it is important to put it on display here. Because it should in fact, disgust us and make us uncomfortable. For it is gross and unsavory behavior. The kind that we need to recognize exists so we can start to call it out for how uncomfortable it is and so we can start figuring out how to ease these poor souls out of it and deal with the ones that don’t let it go appropriately. Which according to this film, would involve isolation so that their ilk wouldn’t be able to feed off of the negative vibes that they need to survive.
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But while that does make for some fascinating commentary on the modern dude-bro and how he thrives in his toxic world, none of those elements really sound related to horror, but the dark stuff is there. After all, the solution to deal with that dead body, is quite gruesome and horrifying in nature. As is what led to her death and the surprise supernatural element in this story truly brings the horror home. Since that just offers up a fascinating twist that is also mired in commentary, one that subtly speaks to the trouble that guys like this bring upon themselves since it is a well-known fact that negativity attracts negativity. 

If anything, this is just a unique film through and through, one that won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Because this writer cannot stress this enough, these guys are straight trash, with no redeeming value in a medium where we want something to latch onto. But you won’t find that here and if by chance you cannot reconcile that and the dark places this film goes, then it is totally understandable if you opt to back away and try out something else. But for those that want to experience a horror film that pushes the envelope and really challenges the viewer with some tough concepts, then give this brave motion picture and chance and hold on tight when the ride begins. Because this takes you to some ugly, ugly places.  

These days, there is a great debate regarding film. In that, studios are struggling with how best to release their films. For some still believe that a theatrical release is indeed the way to go, while others are quickly embracing the power of streaming and how that can reach so many people with minimal effort. But to date, no one has figured out that perfect model to have their story seen by the most eyes. Since we continue to hear about the back and forth, and we see studios toy with streaming release dates after a theatrical run, and that is motivating so many to experiment with common ground to see if by chance that gets a quality film in front of as many people as possible. But as the experiments continue, it would seem that AMC Networks and their family of studios are starting to figure out the potential solution to this conundrum.
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For they are doing a wonderful job of releasing big time titles within a window where moving it to streaming seems natural and logical and once again, IFC Midnight and Shudder are teaming up to make that happen. For earlier today it was announced that Dario Argento’s new movie, Dark Glasses, will receive a theatrical run before and after it makes its debut on Shudder. Allowing once again, for this duo to really see which release style is more impactful and how to better fine tune that schedule to get their movies seen by the most possible people. But all that aside, what matters more, is that this is our chance to see the latest offering from a horror master on the big screen in addition to the comfort of our own home, and with that in mind, here are the details on when you can see this movie in theaters, and a trailer and synopsis, courtesy of Shudder and IFC Midnight.  

‘Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thrillers and the supernatural, and IFC Midnight announced today a theatrical run for the hotly-anticipated Shudder Original Italian thriller Dark Glasses beginning Friday, October 7 at the IFC Center in New York and at the Laemmle Glendale in Los Angeles, ahead of the film’s streaming debut on Thursday, October 13. Additional theaters, to be announced later, will follow beginning Friday, October 14.
 
The long-awaited return from Italian master of horror and acclaimed writer-director Dario Argento (Suspiria), the film stars Ilenia Pastorelli, Andrea Zhang and Asia Argento.
 
In Dark Glasses, an eclipse blackens the skies on a hot summer day in Rome – a harbinger of the darkness that will envelop Diana (Pastorelli) when a serial killer chooses her as prey. Fleeing her predator, the young escort crashes her car and loses her sight. She emerges from the initial shock determined to fight for her life, but she is no longer alone. Defending her and acting as her eyes is a little boy, Chin (Zhang), who survived the car accident. But the killer won't give up his victim. Who will be saved?
 
Dark Glasses is written and directed by Dario Argento (Suspiria), produced by Urania Productions along with Conchita Airoldi and Laurentina Guidotti, and Getaway Films along with Brahim Chioua, Vincent Maraval and Noëmie Devide.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Tales of the Walking Dead’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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These days, villain origin stories, follow a fairly specific formula. One that involves a grand and sweeping tragedy. The kind that introduces us to the villain in question, shortly before they fall. Giving us insight into their lives and their personality before the darkness arrives and the world begins to corrupt them and of course… the story ends with the darkness winning, and the whole point of this formula, is to help us to understand evil through and through. Because we don’t. We don’t get how people can choose to impart cruelty on other people and coming to understand how the world corrupts good and decent people, fills in that gap as best it can and of course, gives us hope that perhaps we can prevent the origin of evil in our world through kindness and understanding.

But what is fascinating about the villain origin story, is that while it does indeed give us some understanding of how the modern world corrupts and how people are susceptible to its machinations when the circumstances are right… it doesn’t cover every possible way that a person turns to darkness. Because in reality, there are traumas that people suffer at an early age that turns them to darkness. Or there are years of abuse that no one knows about that sharpens the proverbial knife they wish to use to strike back because no one was there to help. If anything, the harsh realities of what drives mankind to evil… will likely never be fully understood. But that won’t stop us from trying, and perhaps the best way to really approach our desire to learn about it… is to begin to explore it in storytelling in an honest manner.

Which is why the next episode of Tales of the Walking Dead is of note. For ‘Dee’ offers up a supremely honest origin story for a villain. One that outright teaches us that sometimes, all a person needs to really cross that line and do horrible things, is reinforcement of their beliefs and an outright opportunity to become something else. A feat that this story accomplishes by re-introducing us to a familiar woman named Dee. Who we best remember as Alpha, leader of the Whisperers and a true bringer of pain and evil and suffering and well… when we catch up with Dee here, it is shortly after she felt the need to sacrifice Lydia’s father to escape that basement bunker to try to survive in a world where living death ruled the day on her own terms, and when we catch up with Dee and Lydia here… they’ve found shelter at last in the most unique way possible.

For they eventually found their way to a riverboat that was crewed with a small community of people that wisely figured out how to use this boat as the perfect sanctuary. Since being on the water meant less chance of running into the walking dead, and if by chance there was an encounter it could be easily dealt with. And thankfully, these folks had ample supplies aboard and knew the best places to restock when the time arrived and they also… were working to enjoy life at a critically unsettling time. By hosting parties often to give everyone a sense of wonder and joy and well… this was a place that Dee wasn’t happy with in the slightest. Because regardless of how much joy it brought Lydia and the safety and food it provided them with, she was convinced this place was vulnerable and would bring them great harm.

All because Dee firmly believed that people were inherently incompetent and foolish, and evil, and that no place was truly safe from death and despair, and eventually… those concerns were realized. For there were people nearby that wanted this boat because of the safety it represented and well… when they were exposed and the opportunity arose, they went after this boat with impunity. Which of course, brought forth the bloodshed that Dee was waiting for and that of course, provided her and Lydia with a chance to escape and step back into the world. Which in turn led to more trauma and harrowing experiences. Since they were left to deal with the fallout of the boat collapse in the goriest way imaginable and of course… they were fending for themselves once again.

Which brought forth trouble via Lydia and rightfully so. After all, she was finally enjoying life again and was comfortable and happy aboard that boat. But now she was surrounded by fear and terror and relentless walking death and despite Dee’s best efforts to try and teach her how to return to her more primal roots, Lydia refused… putting Dee at a dark crossroads. One where she considered ending everything. That is until she ran into some new friends, the kind that would change her life forever. For they walked amongst the dead and spoke in whispers and these ‘kind’ new strangers would provide Dee with everything she ever needed to shun the ways of the old world and human decency and rise to the title of Alpha, and the rest as they say… is history.

Which is a plot, that truly hammers home the central unique theme of this tale. In that, there are people in this world, who have kept darkness at bay and have little faith in the system or humanity, and all they need to really embrace the darkness and do awful things unto others, is the right reason or the right moment and that’s precisely what Dee/Alpha received here. Since her worries and concerns about the boat and its future came to fruition, giving her perchance to escape and lose all faith in humanity as it stands and of course, meeting the Whisperers gave her the freedom she needed to be Alpha and initiate or perform all the horrible actions we saw when she ran into the Alexandria Alliance, and that made for a sobering episode, one that also… may give rise to some controversy.

Since some will cite how Alpha and Beta’s first real meeting in ‘We Are the End of the World’ in The Walking Dead should have served as the origin of these monsters, making this a ret-con of sorts, but this writer disagrees with that. Because Alpha is recounting this story… and is quite engrossed in her own special brand of evil when doing so. Giving rise to the chance for embellishment, to create sympathy and paint her as the hero of the story. Which means, we may have only seen a sampling of what made Alpha, Alpha, and there’s an uncomfortable reality that accompanies that possibility, one that further hammers home evil’s nature and desire to handle things its own way. Making this a brilliant episode for certain, one where Samantha Morton once again shined as Dee/Alpha, and one has to wonder if more origin stories of classic TWD Universe characters await us as season one of this wonderful show continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Watcher’.
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One thing that every horror fan can agree upon, is that modern horror movies, are quite intense in nature and it makes sense as to why. After all, the genre is beloved by so many now and filmmakers everywhere have figured out what keeps the audience happy. So, these movies just let loose now and take us on a terrifying ride, often from beginning to end, and by no means is this a bad thing. Since we are being treated to some genuinely scary films that leave us breathless and shaking in our seats. But what is truly fascinating about this new and intense era for the genre, is the sheer fact that it wasn’t always this way. 
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In fact, not that long ago, horror films took their time with their stories, and we were eager to play upon our curiosity and keep us guessing as to what kind of terrors awaited us within the story. Something that was more or less a staple of 1970s horror films, likely due to budgetary restrictions since that wild west era of filmmaking forced so many writers and directors to get creative with how to tell their tale of terror. But as is often the case in this industry, everything is cyclical in nature and slowly but surely the slow burning horror thriller is beginning to make quite the comeback, to the point where Shudder is now host to one that truly keeps you on the edge of your seat with its mystery and outright intensity in Watcher.

A feat that this movie accomplishes, by plunging us into Bucharest, Romania during an important moment for a loving couple. For Julia and Francis have moved here to help Francis further a career. A move that is difficult for Julia, since she was born in America and doesn’t speak a lick of Romanian, unlike her husband… who has family ties to this country. But she does her best to adjust and integrate into her new home and for a time… it seems as though she is on her way and about to find newfound happiness. But the unsettling news that a serial killer known as ‘The Spider’ is active in her area, combined with some strange encounters and moments with a man that live across the street… plunges Julia into a world of worry. One where she decides to take matters into her own hands to secure her safety in the midst of this trying time… by any means necessary.

Which is a plot… that perfectly pays homage to the horror/thriller film of the 1970s. Because so many of them featured stories where someone clever was forced to uncover the truth about their new town or their new digs. It was of course, often a woman and it didn’t always involve a serial killer, but that allowed for a powerful story to take place. One where you didn’t feel safe either since danger seemed to be lurking around the corner, and that is here in spades. Because everything Julia does to discover more about her mystery neighbor and his strange habits, and to garner answers on the Spider, leads to an uncomfortable ride. Where you are constantly worried and on edge just as she is, and that makes for intense experience, one that ends in a manner that is both satisfying and horrifying.
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But the wonder of this motion picture goes beyond its beautiful homage to classic horror storytelling. Since Zack Ford’s magnificent script and Chloe Okuno’s wonderful direction… work to add a modern twist to a story that even looks as though it was shot back in the 70s. For this duo paint a powerful picture of a woman at a crossroads. One that wants to make the man she loves happy while finding her own strength far from home and that of course… leads to a little game of, is Julia sane or not? Because the stress of that journey, combined with the terror that she is in a foreign land with a killer potentially nearby, leads one to wonder if she is cracking under the pressure and the loneliness of the moment, which makes for some powerful moments as well. The kind that really do keep us guessing from beginning to end, making for an engaging experience.

One that also takes the time to add in a little modern commentary regarding how we don’t listen to women or their concerns when they are genuinely worried for their safety, making this motion picture a perfect blend of old and new… one that you outright need to experience. Since this movie really is a masterclass in building tension and it doesn’t hurt that the performances here are top notch as well, with Maika Monroe leading the way with her troubled take on Julia and the best news of all, is that you don’t have to wait a single moment longer to enjoy this terrifying and troubling thriller. For Watcher is streaming on Shudder right now and we here at NTG hope you give it a look. Simply because this really is quite the engaging and unsettling film, one that will stay with you long after it has come to its violent and angry end.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘So Vam’.
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Often times in horror movies, the monster that is featured in any particular story, tends to stand as an allegory for our larger societal troubles or an intimate fear that haunts us in silence and it makes sense as to why horror flicks make use of this device. Because we all know that fear, is a fantastic teacher, since it sticks with us for some time and if a message is attached to the moment our heart begins to race, that lesson holds fast in our mind. Not to mention, these creatures are perfectly designed to represent our fears in an accessible manner. Since the zombie immediately evokes our fear of death or the werewolf reminds us of the fact that it is easy to lose control, something none of us ever want to do.
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Not to mention, the vampire evokes worries about losing our individuality and humanity and all of those elements, truly suck us in and teach us so much. Especially when it fits into a masterful story that represents other ills in our world that relate to those fears. But while it is wonderful to know that horror will indeed hold up a mirror to our world and expose our woes in a stunning and dynamic manner, one that tasks us to take action on a personal or global level, horror’s constant examinations of negativity does leave one to wonder… if it will ever be possible for horror to find something beautiful in all of the terror. Which is something that the rest of us do when we reflect on ugly times and believe it or not, there are some horror movies out there making that happen, as evidenced by Shudder’s latest offering, So Vam.

For this particular film introduces us to a teenager named Kurt, who is out and comfortable with his sexuality and often finds himself in ugly situations because of it. Mainly because people can be woefully ignorant and dumb and unpleasant regarding such matters. But that doesn’t stop Kurt from just living his life to the best of his ability and working toward his dreams of becoming a top-tier drag performer. But one fateful and violent encounter with a man that frequents the same drag bar as Kurt… takes his life in a vastly new path. For that man is an unsavory vampire and nearly kills Kurt, and thanks to the courtesy of two kinder ones… Kurt is transformed into one himself and introduced to a fascinating world. Where the vampires he’s befriended go after the rotten people of the world to make it a better place. Giving Kurt a chance to right wrongs in a world that once did its best to oppress him, giving him a new lease on undead life and a shot at everything he's ever wanted in life.

Which is a story that truly accomplishes the impossible and makes a horror message quite positive in nature. Because in essence, the vampire transformation that Kurt undergoes in this story, isn’t a curse or a burden… but a genuine blessing. For now, he can do good in the world and now he can make bullies and other monsters of the world pay. Not to mention, he’s free of worry and burden about being an outcast or someone that doesn’t have a home because he’s ‘different’. Which means that point blank, becoming a vampire here serves as a positive allegory for the wonderful changes we will undergo when we accept who we really are and embrace that through and through. Since that’s when we learn the world is wrong about us and that what other folks think don’t matter. What matters is our internal acceptance and happiness and that will bring us to folks that make us feel comfortable and give us a sense of belonging.
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If anything, that is just… a brilliant message to find within a horror film. One that is revolutionary in nature and what matters more, is that it works here. Since this story uses the prejudice of the world, specifically toward LGBTQIA+ individuals, as the monster of sorts, allowing for us to root for the vampires here and that makes this movie a breath of fresh air, one that doesn’t forget its roots. Because vampire flicks often feature blood and guts and we get that in spades here. Since our heroes have to feed and teach bad guys a lesson while they eat, and that leads to some delightfully campy splatter, the kind that will satisfy for certain. Not to mention, the fights that take place between good and evil vampires is just magnificent and gooey through and through, and there are even some genuinely old school creepy moments to be found here as well. 

In the end however, this is simply a wonderful and thought-provoking horror film. One that dares to do what the genre has outright refused to do by finding wonder in allegory for a change, all while staying true to what this genre stands for. Because there is still some poignant and powerful commentary present here regarding the close-mindedness and prejudice that people exhibit and express regarding sexuality and gender identity in our world and of course, there’s camp, there’s gore and so much to enjoy. And it also doesn't hurt that this movie does a phenomenal job with representation, and the best news of all… is that you can bask in the wonder of this dynamic and revolutionary horror film right now. For So Vam is streaming on Shudder.

It is definitely safe to say, that horror fans everywhere are salivating like a zombie and are ready to sink their teeth in everything Shudder has planned for its 61-day, ‘The Home of Halloween’ Event. For the lineup that Shudder revealed for this epic countdown to Halloween, was stunning and brilliant and everyone is itching for a bigger taste of what it has to offer and in true Shudder fashion… the network is happy to provide its loyal fans with just that.
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For earlier today, Shudder released the Key Art and a Trailer for a series set to air during this event, specifically, The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time. A show that everyone is dying to watch so they can see which moments were selected by such a prestigious horror streamer and well… since you’re like me and in dire need of more from this event, without further ado, here is that art and that trailer to build excitement for one of Shudder’s biggest events to date, courtesy of the network.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series finale of ‘Motherland: Fort Salem’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past three seasons, the magnificent Freeform series, Motherland: Fort Salem, has explored some powerful topics and featured some powerful moments. The kind that has reflected our modern world and taken us to task about how we view one another and what it would take to live in a United States of America where equality and care for one another reign supreme. Making this a timely and relevant series… one that has yet to answer that all-important question. Not because the answer is overtly complex or out of our reach. No instead, this show has struggled to show us the way regarding that… simply because it’s been saving that answer… for the end of its long and winding journey. For last night saw this saga come to a close and with it, came the answer in question.
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A feat that ‘Revolution, Part 2’ accomplished, by putting the Bellweather Unit to the test like never before. For they were the only line of defense to keep Fort Salem from completely falling into Camarilla hands. In fact, the enemy was so eager to use this moment to take advantage of the Witch Army that even the disgraced former VP turned POTUS was on the grounds to use it for his own purposes. Which meant that the team was forced to fight harder than ever before to try and save the Mycelial Network and the future of WitchKind. That led to a battle so fierce, that Anacostia was lost in combat, and the Bellweather Unit was forced to retreat into the heart of the Network, badly wounded and humiliated since progress was minimal in the fight. 

Which made it seem as though, for the first time ever, the Witches were going to lose, for the Network was wounded by Hearst and Silver was sitting in the General’s office, spouting lies and nonsense and general bile regarding his outdated and stupid views and well… that’s when the story began to explore what it would take to finally end this kind of deep-rooted hate in our world, the kind that creates prejudice. But not before offering up a touch of long-awaited fan service. Because we also came to learn that Izadora survived her injuries and was pushed into servitude and well… when presented with a chance to teach these two pieces of garbage a lesson… she did so through Penelope. Since the volatile spirit she was, wasted little time in destroying them, giving the Bellweather Unit time to try and end this fight before things got out of control.

As it turned out, the key to ending the fight of their lives, involved seeing the future from a different perspective. For Tally came to realize that perhaps her visions weren’t of gloom and doom, but hope and need, and that perhaps Raelle needed to fire off the Witchbomb for vastly differently reasons. A thought process that Alder agreed with when she finally figured out that Abigail had the last vestiges of the First Song. For if the bomb and the song could be combined, something magnificent could happen, prompting everyone to put their trust in this moment and let the bomb do its thing and well… that trust brought an end to the war and promised a better future for all of the world. Because the bomb, transformed every person on the planet, even Camarilla, into a witch, ending a prejudiced conflict just like that, and opening the world up to a new era.
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One where brave new witches would need to shepherd humanity into a bold new era free from hate and cruelty and the prejudices that bring us strife now. Which of course, isn’t the exact solution we are working toward regarding the world’s problems… since we cannot magically give everyone mystical powers to level a playing field. But this twist ending does denote something we’ve all overlooked for some time, something that might indeed give us the answer we seek to world peace and unity. In that, this ending reminds us, we are all one, we are all the same people that live on the same tiny planet hurtling through space, and if we saw each other as that and celebrated our differences instead of fearing them, then perhaps we could achieve wonders and usher in a bold new era for all of mankind. Which is a simple but impactful message to find here, one that informs us what this series was working toward all along… and that’s wonderful.

Because that’s what the best stories grounded in horror elements do, teach us about our world and take us to task and that’s what this finale and this body of art will stand for now that it has gone off the airwaves and well, you can’t ask for a better ending than this one. Since it wrapped everything up in a beautiful manner and left us with beauty and warmth and well… that is it nerds and geeks. We’ve come to the end of a wonderfully powerful and unique journey. One that took the classic concept of the witch and turned it into something relevant and new, and truly… this series will be missed. Because this one had it all, great characters, great writing and wonderful concepts and while we may not be getting new episodes from here on out, we can at least, bask in the wonder of a complete tale that went out on its own terms, and revisit Fort Salem via streaming, whenever we wish.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Tales of the Walking Dead’. To revisit the series premiere, clickhere.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that The Walking Dead Universe has done a phenomenal job of establishing what it stands for. In that, it is a hardcore zombie horror franchise through and through, and it has cemented that by way of its epic scares, herds of walking corpses and dark moments that have left us sitting in silence long after the series has come to a close. And what is truly amazing, is that none of the newer shows in the saga’s lineup, have deviated from that in the slightest. After all, Fear the Walking Dead just finished its darkest season to date, one that featured a fusion of our fears of nuclear winter and the living dead and World Beyond, presented us with the horrifying realities of the Civic Republic Military and their lust for power. 
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Not to mention, the latest iteration of this franchise, Tales of the Walking Dead, started off with a bleak tale regarding the horrors of loneliness and what that can transform us into, making it clear that anything more lighthearted would be reserved for special moments or to simply offer levity in the midst of a supremely dark time in one of these stories. Which is why this week’s episode of Tales is of note. Because ‘Blair/Gina’ is a story that signaled a surprising shift within the franchise. Wherein writers are now eager to see if by chance they can use this anthology show to do things that that the TWDU has never done before and break from the norms. Specifically, injecting comedy and more outlandish concepts into the mix and it turns out that the show most certainly can.

For this is a story that really did some amazing things, that is… after it outright fooled us into thinking this was more of the same. For this particular story opened up in the early days of the end. Where people hadn’t a clue that the dead were returning to life and attacking the living or that all of modern society was about to collapse and that allowed for us to meet, Blair and Gina. Who both worked at the Circle of Trust Insurance Company and well… it was Blair’s job in this tale to rally her employees, who had concerns about the panic growing in the nation, since she was the branch manager here. Which of course she was able to do, by informing them that this could be their finest hour, where their customers could be treated like royalty and of course, buy new policies to quell their worries.

Which made this story appear to be heavily ground in commentary on modern day capitalism, and toxic work environments. Since Blair was keen on treating Gina, the receptionist at this branch, like utter garbage. In fact, Blair was so toxic a boss… that she left her crew to handle the chaos and disaster that was beginning to pick up within the city of Atlanta, so that she and her beau could gas up their car and leave the city behind as the dead began to take over. A move that is the absolute PERFECT way to hammer home the modern work environment and its gross and uncomfortable nature. But that’s when this story took quite the amazing turn, one that injected all kinds of surprises into the world of The Walking Dead.

Because Gina showed up at the same gas station that Blair was basically hiding at, and that of course led to a toxic confrontation between the two of them and of course, there were shenanigans involving the living dead alongside a fight to steal a gas tanker so that Gina could escape the growing chaos and that… led to an explosion of the tanker and a stunning surprise for Blair and Gina. In that, they were immediately returned to the Circle of Trust office at the very moment where we met them, forcing them to re-live an already garbage day and well… once fate brought them back to the very same gas station, where the very same poor decisions were made, resulting in another explosion… they found themselves back at the beginning once again, making it clear that this story… was a time loop themed story. One from where it seemed there was no escape.
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Because it didn’t matter how many times Blair warned others of the chaos to come or how often she tried to rationalize with Gina, the explosion happened, and time was reset again. And even a team up between the two of them yielded no different result, leaving the both of them to ponder upon how to escape this nightmare and well… eventually they found the key. In that, they both harbored some ugly traits when it came to how they treated others and themselves, with Blair of course… leading the way in such matters. But if they worked to change that and worked to help others, then perhaps the universe might give them a fighting chance to survive at the end of everything. And wouldn’t you know it? That did indeed do the trick. For after they heroically saved a group of people from a wall of the living dead… they were finally free to live their own lives.

Which... is something of a bleak ending for certain, since we all know what lies ahead for those who made it past The Fall. But what matters more here, is that this story really did do some brave and bold things regarding this universe. Because a time-loop is just unheard of in this franchise and in zombie themed horror to begin with. But this episode straight up went for it to see how it would play out and what’s wild… is that it works here. For a world where we didn’t learn about the cause of the virus until sometime into the apocalypse, doesn’t require answers, just our attention and this twist absolutely sucks you in and leaves you curious if they can escape the nightmare since this time loop is just the worst, and it also opened the door for a comedic episode.

Because both Blair and Gina find themselves in some awkward and wild situations, and Parker Posey and Jillian Bell’s stunning comedic and acting chops allow for the two of them to sell the goofiness and the seriousness of the moment, allowing for us… to laugh hard, because the jokes genuinely work here, and pull for these characters as well. Since clearly, they do deserve a fate far better than burning up in a giant tanker and well... in the end… this was a brilliant episode. Because it took some hard risks and stuck the landing, and it allowed for all of us to see that this franchise can indeed take chances that entertain and engage. And it will be fascinating to see if the fun factor here spills over into Fear and Isle of the Dead and the other spinoffs that await, and perhaps we will see it again in this brilliant series as season one of Tales of the Walking Dead continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Innocents’.
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One particular belief that everyone in modern society shares in, is that children are innocent and pure, and it makes sense as to why we all hold to that. For children haven’t been through it like the rest of us, and they haven’t seen the darkness of the world or had their hearts broken by people they thought they could trust. They only see the world as it appears to them, with a sense of hope and purity that we recall sharing in when we were young. Plus, they also view the world and its complexity with a simplicity adults lack and of course… they do cute and wondrous things that melt our hearts and remind us of the wonder of who we are and what we can be. 
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If anything, how we view children is essential to our collective mental health. Since it provides us with hope for tomorrow. For if those same innocents are taught correctly and given every chance to grow, they can change the world and make it better than the one we leave behind and well… while that is a wonderful view of the next generation, make no mistake about it… it is a view that is processed through rose-colored glasses. Because what we often forget, is that children at times, concern us. For their behavior can also be malicious and cruel. Something that is often written off as nothing more than a lack of understanding, but it does leave one to wonder if kids are as perfect as we like to think them to be and that thought is top of mind today, simply because there is a brand-new horror film on Shudder entitled, The Innocents, that ponders upon that question and so much more.

A feat that this film accomplishes, by way of a unique introduction. For we quickly meet Ida in this film, a young girl who is moving into a new apartment complex with her mother and autistic sister Anna. A move Ida isn’t excited for in the slightest since it means starting over. But soon she meets Ben and Aisha and the four quickly become fast friends, despite the fact that Ben has some violent tendencies and… special powers. For it turns out that Ben has tapped into something special, the power to control others and he’s not alone in having unique abilities, since the union of these four friends has enabled powers for everyone else and the only question that remains now… is whether or not these powers will be used for good, or to fulfill the wants and needs of a young mind that doesn’t know any better.

Which is a plot that seems grounded more in science fiction than horror but make no mistake about it… there’s evil and darkness to be found in this discovery. In fact, what Ben does with his powers is indeed the stuff of nightmares since he influences so many to commit to terrible actions in the name of what he believes to be justice. A choice that leads to the central explorations of this film since Ben’s darkness and desire to cause harm, more or less reminds us that children are indeed capable of cruelty when they tap into their raw emotions. Which in turn, makes this film quite bleak and hopeless in nature since we are robbed of seeing anything magical from this important aspect of our world, but this is a storytelling decision that is genius in nature. Since it asks us to look beyond the general concept of whether or not children are indeed pure.
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For in essence, this movie basically challenges the notion that we are born inherently good, since we are clearly capable of ugly acts in our youth, and of course, this is a story that also showcases the survival of the fittest mentality that comes with youth and how kids really treat one another. Which only adds to the darkness since it reminds us of those very moments from our own youth, the ones we try and bury in the name of holding to the concept of a pure and innocent childhood in our minds. But rather than just showcase a darkness to our world and question if there is hope for any and all of us if we are capable of such acts at a young age, there is a hopeful point to this particularly twisted exploration of a childhood dream to garner incredible powers. In that… this is more about how much we rely upon the concept of innocence to absolve ourselves of really getting our hands dirty in raising children.

Because so many of the moments here, are the kind of things we simply write off as part of the experience or that kids will be kids. But being active parents, the kind that don’t just let the kids play without mind or leave them to their own devices… can perhaps help us to achieve the innocence and purity we want kids to have. Because this movie reminds us, they do indeed see the world as it is early on, and our desire to just let that be rather than work through what they’ve seen with them, does children a real disservice. Where they must make assumptions and find understanding of concepts that are indeed foreign to them. Which makes this a cautionary tale for parents and a supremely disturbing experience for viewers. Since it holds nothing back in its presentation and bravely crosses a lot of lines and the good news is, you can see this brilliant and bold horror film right now. For The Innocents is streaming on Shudder.