When we last settled in to discuss the tail end of season five of the AMC series, The Walking Dead, we talked at length about how the penultimate episode and the finale worked in tandem to explore quite the important question that sometimes crosses our mind. Specifically, how do we enact change in our world when we feel as though no one is interested in doing so, but us. In fact, these episodes go into such great detail on the matter, that the prior story took the time to inform us of the fact that there is a wrong way as to how to go about that, which was important to showcase. All so that we don’t make the same mistakes as Rick Grimes did in that tale, and we can instead… embrace the right way to handle this.
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Which is precisely what the season five finale showcased. For ‘Conquer’ was a time of reflection for Rick Grimes. Since he was aware of his mistake and found great regret in his actions. Because deep down, violence wasn’t what he wanted, he wanted a safe space for his family, and he wanted everyone to thrive and start over and build the right world. Which prompted Rick to head home and be honest with Michonne about all the lies and secrets he had been keeping, as a down payment on that future and he decided he would show at the very meeting that was going to determine his fate, but the universe had other plans on the matter. Largely because a sour grapes Gabriel left the gate unlocked, forcing Rick to hunt for the dead that got in.

Plus, Gabriel really went to some dark places here, as did Sasha, and even Glenn ran into some trouble with a panicked Nicholas and all of those plot threads and worries, brought forth the answer in question. Because eventually, Gabriel and Sasha were shown kindness and understanding by Maggie, and Glenn chose to be the bigger man when he saw what Nicholas really was… and Rick, he fought the dead quietly and brought their corpses to the meeting in question before giving a powerful speech on the dangers of this world and how they need to understand that the world has changed and they have to adapt to its new rules. And all of this informed us… that the way forward in changing hearts and minds, is through understanding, and kindness, and exhibiting empathy and educating others. Because only then do we lower walls and connect with people and change them. 

But of course, while that would have led to a supremely uplifting finale, wherein the heroes started over in a beautiful manner… this is The Walking Dead we are talking about here and there’s always that one idiot that makes the future difficult. Which in this instance was Pete, who broke out and got drunk and stole Michonne’s sword and cut Reg’s throat with it. Which in turn, prompted Pete to die at Rick’s hand. Giving rise to his leadership in this community all while hammering home Rick’s lessons. But as an added bonus, there was more to this ending than that brutal gunshot. For the closing moments of this tale saw Morgan Jones return to Rick’s life, with Aaron and Daryl no less. Reuniting old friends after years and setting the stage for a new danger in season six… the Wolves.

For they popped up in this tale through Morgan and Daryl, and Aaron’s journeys and they caused all kinds of trouble. Since Morgan was forced to knock them out to survive the day and of course, he also had to step in and help Daryl and Aaron escape their little funhouse of the dead. But what’s worse, is that they have all the information they need on Alexandria, and it is only a matter of time before they arrive. But in the meantime, we can celebrate one solid and epic finale. One that did a great job of answering the grand question hanging over the end of this tale, all while entertaining us and terrifying us and well, now that we’ve reached the end of season five, it’s onto the sixth season… and all the pivotal, and intense, and controversial moments it has to offer. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time’. To revisit the series premiere, click here.

​One would think that analyzing or recapping a show that is basically a giant list of important movie moments wouldn’t be worthwhile, since hey… the list is the list, no need to dive deeper. But when it comes to one that Shudder is host to, all bets are off. Because this is a network that is going to go above and beyond when it comes to a series that just so happens to list things out. Because they know horror fans want more than some clips and soft commentary on the matter. They want to know WHY that particular moment is say one of The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time and what kind of significance it holds and well… this week’s episode just so happened to offer that depth, and more.
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Because ‘#88 – #76’ really took its time when it comes to some of these big moments and rightfully so. For this segment of the list featured some scary movie moments that went far deeper than just jump scares or eerie visuals. It was host to sequences that prey upon our darkest fears. For instance, #88, which featured the home invasion sequence from Jordan Peele’s US, featured a powerful discussion that went beyond, ‘oh man, that’s scary’. For the experts spoke to how the doppelgänger family’s actions reminded us of our own fears regarding having the safety of our home violated, and truly resonated with us since it was strange to see an evil version of good people. Plus, there was also some at length discussion about technical marvels in horror. Such as the masterful crafting of the opening sequence of Zack Snyder’s 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead. Since those visuals and their pacing are still nightmare fuel to this day. 

But really, the fact that every single moment in this week’s section of the list received that kind of technical discussion and care, really made for an engaging tale. Because we really were able to learn something new about these films, or have our own observations hammered home if possible and that truly makes this series special. Because you just don’t find that kind of analysis regarding lists such as these. They’re often just thrown together with popular moments, or they focus on the wow factor. But here, we are treated to the kind of discussions we have with our own friends regarding our favorite horror movie moments and that just makes you feel at home and sucks you in and there was an added bonus to the incredible commentary present here.

In that, bigger legends are starting to pop up in this countdown. For Edgar Wright offered some commentary on horror, which was insightful and fascinating. Plus, Tom Savini… yes, THE Tom Savini dropped by to share some thoughts as well, and of course, when a legend of his caliber pops by to say some things about the genre he helped shape… you listen. Plus, we would be foolish to not point out that this particular episode, actually allowed for a meta moment or two to happen. For not only did Mike Flanagan and Alex Essoe talk about big moments in horror history, they were able to speak to their own work in Doctor Sleep, giving us insight from the source, and Tony Todd also participated in such a sequence.

As to which film he talked about however, we won’t say. For we’ve already revealed a plenty by discussing three films from the thirteen moments present here. So, we will say no further on such matters and instead, praise this series once more. Because it continues to impress and continues to offer up stunning insight on important films and important moments and well, seeing the show dig deeper into big moments here, builds up some serious excitement for next week’s tale. Since we are now dying to know not only what moments await us, but what we can learn about them… so that we can see our favorite horror movies and horror movie moments in a brand-new light. The kind that makes them far more terrifying than any of us originally thought. Until next time.  

Something that we cry for often in this modern world, is change. Because we have a lot of problems at our feet, the kind that aren’t going away and it often appears as though, no one is doing anything about them. Sure, people talk about them and talk about how important it is to solve them and change, but little is done. Which adds to our frustrations and leaves us wondering, what is that will institute change at last. The sustainable and fundamental kind that really allows for us to find peace and strength and awareness for the new challenges that lie ahead and well, those questions and those concerns are all top of mind today, because they serve as the centerpiece themes of the final two episodes in season five of the AMC series, The Walking Dead.
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For both of these tales look at the right and the wrong way to handle bringing change to our world and it just so happens that ‘Try’ is a story that looks at the wrong way of handling that. For when we catch up with everyone in Alexandria, it is a community that is deeply rattled. For Aiden is dead, Nicholas swears up and down that he did everything right and that Rick’s group did everything and everyone wrong in this instance, and that… leads to more of the same from this world. Wherein paranoia and blame rule the day since Deanna holds to that lie as she mourns, and she even holds to the old ways when Rick approaches her about a grand problem in this community. Specifically, Pete. Since Rick does discuss with her, how Pete is beating Jessie and their family senseless and that something must be done about that.

But instead of exiling him or letting Rick handle a problem that she was already aware of, she simply cites patience and peace and the old ways and that frustrates Rick to no end. For he knows the danger of letting that kind of man thrive in a world without rules and in a place where inaction and the apathy of the past rule the day, leaving him to simmer while other frustrating problems from the old world persist. After all, Nicholas took Glenn’s supremely important and inspiring words the wrong way, and rather than own up to his own mistake, he instead set the stage for an ugly fight between the two of them. One that will likely involve bullets because he cannot let go of his immature machismo and desire to be viewed as a beacon of trust in this community. 

Which brings us to the central theme, how then do we enact change and what is the wrong way to go about that? For now, the community was a powder keg with two opposing sides flickering and ready to blow and well… Rick screwed the pooch. For he decided that the only way to handle ignorance here was to handle it with confrontation and violence, and that led to an epic and scary fight between he and Pete. One that ended with Rick as the bloody and angry victor, with his weapon pointed at anyone that came near as he vented his frustrations about change and the lack thereof in this community and well… while his words rang true, no one heard him. They just heard a crazy man screaming and yelling and waving a gun. Prompting Michonne to knock him out and that allows for us to learn that just hootin’ and hollerin’ about stuff that makes us angry and needs to be fixed or beating the hell out of people to enact change… does nothing.

Which is a quality lesson to send our way, one that was impactful courtesy of the nuances present in this quality and dynamic tale. One that also ramped the tension up and reminded us of how we are our own worst enemy in this world, and also… wow that fight was epic. And it also helped to remind us of the polarizing worlds these two groups came from and how hard it is to get back to the rules when you’ve been away from them for so long. Plus, the Wolves mystery only grew here thanks to what Daryl and Aaron found in the wild and well… that’s it. That is all there is to say about this particular tale and that means the time has come to turn our attention to the season five finale and its grand analysis of how we can in fact, bring about change… if we take the time to go about that the right way. Until next time.

Normally, people only get excited about upcoming movie releases when the major studios announce their future slate. For the studios have established themselves to be juggernauts of cinema, and what they are releasing will be nothing short of breathtaking. So, we happily wait those announcements and fawn over them when they arrive as we dream about what to expect from that forthcoming movie. But, as streaming continues to grow and some streaming networks continue to up their game, that excitement is being spread around.
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For instance, horror fans get chills when Shudder announces an acquisition for their Shudder Original lineup, or when production is about to begin for a feature under that umbrella. Simply because we know… that what is to come will be top-notch horror. The kind that will unsettle us to our core and potentially provide us with weeks of nightmares and well, today is another day to take part in that excitement. For Shudder announced earlier that Birth/Rebirth, another Shudder Original has commenced production and well, here are some more details regarding this announcement and more information regarding this film, courtesy of Shudder.

‘Shudder, AMC Networks’ streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural announced today the start of production on the latest Shudder Original Film, Birth/Rebirth. The first feature from writer-director Laura Moss, Birth/Rebirth stars Marin Ireland (The Umbrella Academy, Y: The Last Man) and Judy Reyes (Claws, The Horror of Dolores Roach), with AJ Lister (Challengers), Breeda Wool (National Treasure: Edge of History, Mr. Mercedes) and Monique Gabriela Curnen (Power Book II: Ghost, Away).  Birth/Rebirth is produced by Mali Elfman and David Grove Churchill Viste from original script written by Moss and Brendan J. O’Brien. Shudder will release the film in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
 
Said Shudder general manager, Craig Engler, “We’re thrilled to be working with Laura and their amazing cast on this unique, wrenching take on a classic tale. Birth/Rebirth is a fantastic blend of psychological and body horror, sure to electrify our members.”
 
Writer-director Laura Moss added, “I am over the moon to be working with Shudder to finally bring this project to life. It’s been gestating for a long time and I’m so proud of the cast and crew we have assembled to make it happen.”
 
Birth/Rebirth is a psychological horror film about motherhood and creation, inspired by Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein'. The film is centered around a single mother (Reyes) and a childless morgue technician (Ireland) who are bound together by their relationship to a re-animated little girl (Lister).
 
The deal was negotiated by Emily Gotto, VP, Global Acquisitions & Co-Productions on behalf of Shudder and UTA Independent and Bruce Eisen on behalf of the filmmakers.’

Ask any casual zombie fan as to whether or not they think an actual zombiepocalypse could happen, and you’ll get a mixed bag of answers. Some of will course, answer in the affirmative, but a great deal… will not. And those folks will cite how the living dead are dead and slow and dumb, which should make them an easy foe to conquer. Plus, they’ll make mention of our military might and how people wouldn’t stand for that kind of problem, ergo… the dead would not win the day. But when one considers how the pandemic went… it is safe to say that our society could indeed collapse at the mottled hands of resurrected corpses for a bevy of different reasons.
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For instance, those that deny science and hold to conspiracy theories would help the dead thrive… as would, our arrogance and beliefs that humanity cannot be conquered. But at the core of it all, certain fundamental issues that we exhibit would bring mankind to its knees, such as fear and our survival instinct. For those elements prompt people to do wild things and it just so happens that those particular problems were explored in great detail in the next episode of The Walking Dead. For ‘Spend’ saw Glenn and his group head out with Eugene and Nicholas, and Aiden to gather some critical supplies for Alexandria and uh, that trip ended up being an utter disaster.

Because that arrogance was on display, and it led to an explosion when Aiden messed with a walker that had grenades. Which in turn, led to a manic rescue mission… one where that fear and survival instinct came into play. Since Nicholas did everything to ensure his survival whilst in a panic and his stupidity in that moment and desire to push so hard to leave others behind, resulted in a horrible end to Noah’s life and eventually… a beatdown from Glenn. But what matters more, is that this made it clear, how easily things would fall apart once fear and that need to survive came into play and one could even say… that this is perhaps a taste of what brought down humanity in this particular story, since the walking dead did indeed spread quickly in this universe. 

However, while it was fascinating to be reminded of how the pandemic went for those very reasons and of course… be treated to some genuine zombie-related horror again, since Aiden’s death scene and Noah’s are still horrifying to this day, there was more that this tale had to offer. After all, this is also a story that saw Abraham take charge on the job site to retrieve more steel for the walls. A moment that had a baby homage to 1978’s Dawn of the Dead, but more so served to establish that the Grimes Gang  was full of bold and impactful, and efficient leaders, and that made Deanna nervous. Largely because she was stunned at how well they integrated into the community and took over, but also because… Gabriel had to be cowardly Gabriel and did his usual whiny thing to her. 

Not to mention, there’s the whole mess with Pete and his family, since we basically came to learn that he is badly abusing his family in this tale. Which more or less made this episode, a setup story. For there are only a handful of episodes left in season five and well, this episode did an amazing job of not only offering up a zombie tale rife with commentary but of indeed preparing us for what comes next. Because clearly, trouble is on the horizon in the good community of Alexandria. The kind that won’t be easily resolved since the old guard is struggling to adapt to a new world and it will be interesting to revisit the big moments that lie ahead as we barrel toward the end of a phenomenal season of storytelling. Until next time.

When we last settled in to discuss the iconic AMC series, The Walking Dead, we talked at length about how the series did a wonderful job of introducing the concept of PTSD in a story where trauma is everywhere and how difficult it is to overcome and adjust to in that traumatic world. After all, PTSD requires care and patience, and treatment… elements that would not be available at the end of the world since survival trumps all. But that unfortunate reality does leave one to wonder… as to how exactly people suffering from this particular ailment would indeed find some measure of healing from it in this world, since we do need that to fade away to move forward in life and it just so happens, that the next episode in this grand and sweeping story, takes the time to explore just that.
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For ‘Forget’ is a tale where our heroes aren’t constantly on the road or scavenging for supplies. They’re safe in Alexandria, and they still have food and shelter and peace surrounding them. A reality that more or less forced them… to begin to face their pain and their trauma and well, therein lie the first lesson present in this tale… they had face it. Whether they liked it or not, they had to look at what hurt them square in the eye and lo and behold… that wasn’t easy. Because that quiet reflection time really did rattle Sasha and so many others, informing us of how hard this process is, but it is necessary. Because without acknowledging the hurt and that our trauma has controlled us… we cannot handle the next critical phase in healing… which in an instance like this, involves just immersing ourselves in the new life surrounding us.

Because that too, has healing properties. Since it can force a person to focus on something new and see it objectively and explore what it can potentially do for them, and that’s why we saw Rick and Michonne in their element and adjusting quickly because being figures of authority helped them to see what this community needed from a security perspective and how they could in fact, help them in this precarious time, and it gave them direction and purpose. But this immersion style therapy went further than just getting a good look at an opportunity, it also helped to remind several of these characters… that the terror is over. They can in fact, relax and just live a little for a change and enjoy their day instead of worrying about it, and that helped Rick and Michonne to heal a bit and it also helped Daryl come to find focus on how best to live going forward since what he needed in life was touch different.

But of course, this episode wasn’t without its dark surprises. After all, we’d be foolish to not talk about the whole Evil Carol moments that popped up in this tale. Because peace or no, she was determined to execute her plans and enjoy the thrill of blending in. To the point where she was able to get the guns and remind young Sam, to never mess with her. Because that little speech on what would happen to a squealer in the apocalypse is still horrifying after all these years and well, while one could cite Carol as breaking down… she’s not. She is perhaps the most together of them at this point and just in a groove of ruthlessness and survival since it has served her well. Making her a fine example of how PTSD doesn’t always hit right away, not when the person is as strong as they come. But eventually, she would indeed be forced to face her pain and her trauma like everyone else.

But all of that aside, this really was a fascinating and unique story. One that really did pit PTSD against some fresh new ideas on how people heal, especially when the stress and trauma never seem to end, and it was just fascinating and wonderful to see so many of the group finally get around to healing in some capacity and fit into Alexandria so quickly. Because they deserve this, and they deserve a little peace and happiness since they are good people and well, now that we have reached the end of this low-key yet engaging tale, we can turn our attention to another fascinating chapter in this story. One that takes the time to really explore the true cause of why the living dead were able to take over the world and how that… didn’t disappear with the end of civilization. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that the Boulet Brothers are everywhere in horror news as of late, and rightfully so. Because this duo has taken the horror world by storm, courtesy of their new partnership with Shudder. Since that allowed for The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula to realize its full potential on the network and the brilliant work put forth in that new season and the incredible horror lessons present in that competition… has elevated the Brothers Boulet to true icon status and well, they’re not done with their work or making headlines just yet.

Because earlier today, Shudder announced the release date and details of the previously untitled Boulet Brothers project that the network agreed to help them produce as part of that partnership and well, coming to learn that we are weeks away from The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans, made for a wonderful day for us horror fans. Since we are about to be treated to an epic competition from a franchise that continues to blaze trails at every turn and well, without further ado, here are the details and that aforementioned release date for this series… courtesy of Shudder and the Boulet Brothers.

'Just in time for the scariest month of the year, drag legends The Boulet Brothers and Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streamer for horror, thrillers and the supernatural, announced today a new spin-off series, “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans.” Based on the popular competition reality show “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula,” the series will debut with a two-episode premiere on Tuesday, October 25 on Shudder and AMC+ with subsequent episodes rolling out weekly. Key art and new imagery have also been released for the upcoming series.
 
Hosted and created by “horror's new icons" (Fangoria) the Boulet Brothers, “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans” will be a ten-episode spin-off series starring some of the most popular drag icons from the show’s previous seasons competing in a grand championship of drag artistry and shocking physical challenges for a one hundred-thousand-dollar grand prize, the headlining spot on the upcoming world tour and the first ever “Dragula Titans” crown and title.
 
While fans of the series will feel right at home watching this spin-off, “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans” offers a new format that promises a haunted mansion full of shocking twists and turns that take place in a brand-new “underworld” set that was built just for the season.
 
“We wanted the show to feel familiar to fans, but we also wanted the set and format to feel elevated from a regular season in order to match the incredible talent of the artists we’ve brought together” says the Boulet Brothers. “There are so many shocking twists and turns this year that the competitors affectionately renamed the show “Gagula” during filming, and we really can’t wait for audiences to see it - this show is truly the most compelling content we’ve created to date.”
 
“The Boulet Brothers and our previous ‘Dragula’ series have attracted a wonderfully passionate, engaged and diverse fanbase and we’re delighted to bring them even more of the content they crave with this next competition series, especially during our biggest, most celebrated month of the year,” said Craig Engler, GM of Shudder.

Along with returning fan favorite competitors (to be announced at a later date), there will also be a rotating cast of guest judges from the show’s past and present, including horror icon Cassandra Peterson (Elvira), Harvey Guillen (What We Do In The Shadows), Justin Simien (director of Disney’s upcoming Haunted Mansion film), David Dastmalchian (Dune, Suicide Squad), pop metal princess Poppy, drag superstars Alaska and Katya, and horror royalty Joe Bob Briggs (“Last Drive In”), Bonnie Aarons (The Nun) and Barbara Crampton (Reanimator, Jakob’s Wife) to name a few, with surprise guests making unannounced appearances along the way.
 
“The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans” is the first project to be rolled out as part of the duo’s recent multi-project deal with Shudder. Announced via Variety, the partnership will also include a new season in the main “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula” series, as well as some other yet to be announced projects.
 
The Boulet Brothers have become the go-to source for horror commentary in the pop culture zeitgeist. The Boulet Brothers are entrepreneurial multi-hyphenates who have their claws in all aspects of their creative projects, be it in the writing, artistic vision, illustration, music production, costume design, logistical coordination or business affairs.

From appearing on the cover of legendary magazines like Fangoria & Heavy Metal, to emceeing at high-profile horror conventions, to coverage in Entertainment Weekly, The Onion AV Club, The Advocate, Alternative Press and more, to cultivating a robust and dedicated following via “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula,” the duo of Dracmorda and Swanthula have and will continue to break boundaries and broaden horizons within both horror and queer communities. The Boulet Brothers appear as key commentators on the recent acclaimed Shudder original series “Behind the Monsters” and also appeared on the streamer’s popular show “The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs.” Previous seasons of “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula” can also be seen on Shudder.

The Boulet Brothers are represented by CAA and managed by PEG.

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. For a 7-day, risk-free trial, visit www.shudder.com.’

There was a time when becoming famous… was quite the intricate process. The kind where the person with stars in their eyes had to hone their craft and truly become a master of what they wanted to be known for, before packing their bags and heading out to Hollywood or New York, or whatever destination would let them live their dream. And even then, there was still so much work to be done when they arrived. Since they needed to find an ‘in’ into the industry of their choice and work their way to the top so that agents and managers would notice them and once they signed there, they still had more work to do. For now, they had to impress a whole new group of people and keep honing their craft while they worked their way to seeing their name in lights.
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Which meant… if you wanted fame, you had to work for it and dedicate yourself to your craft and your dream completely, and sacrifice along the way. But one day… that all changed. For the arrival of the internet and YouTube and other such services, cut out the work and the middlemen and allowed for people to entertain the masses as they saw fit. Giving rise to immediate stardom and fortunes untold for those that played their cards right, and a new path for anyone to reach the top with the right hook and a little can-do attitude. Which is something we should celebrate since a new era and path to fame has presented itself to all. But instead, this is something we lament and express concern over, since it is giving platforms to people… that honestly shouldn’t have one, and it is motivating vapid individuals to go after something they simply don’t deserve.

A reality that unfortunately prompts folks to have to have to sift through a lot of riff raff to find some worthwhile entertainment and of course, we find pause when we discover the horrors of letting the wrong folks have a soapbox to spew from. If anything, those concerns and the ugly that comes with them will soon be explored in great detail via a new film on Shudder. For Flux Gourmet is a horror film that examines the disgusting nature of chasing fame for the sake of being famous. A feat that it accomplishes, by plunging us into a world where people are vying for be in the limelight at any cost. Since we are introduced to an avant-garde trio of artists that are attending the prestigious Sonic Catering Institute, where they will learn to use sound and performance to unleash their perfect artistic creation. One that will catapult them to the top, and their work will be chronicled by a reporter named Stones, so the world can bask in the majesty of a true creative nexus in the world.

Which is a plot, that gets under your skin in all the right ways, since one is immediately put off by the process for creativity that plays out here. Since it quickly becomes obvious that these ‘artists’ are in this to be famous and nothing more and have created a persona and a world of stories to make them appear to be genius and inspiring, and everything else we expect the top artists in the world to be. When they are of course, utterly average, and desperate to be seen, and unwilling to put in the work to actually understand creativity and its process and the dedication and honing that goes into it. Which leads to frustrating sequence after frustrating sequence, where the pompous nature of these characters dominates every single scene. However, while that makes for fascinating commentary on fame as it stands today and how people now chase it and why that should in fact… concern us, that doesn’t quite feel horrific in nature at first glance. In fact, one could cite it to be more dramatic than anything else.
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But have no fear, the horror elements are there. In part because these buffoons are spoon-fed praise and encouragement often, giving rise to moments that indulge in the horrors of the human ego and our arrogance and truly… their performances are terrifying to say the least. For this is when the story expresses how far people are willing to go to stand out from the rest, and wow… does this group of ‘artists’ push the envelope and go the extra mile to shock their audience and us as well, all in the name of being praised and lavished over. As so many others like them, crave through and through. Which in turn… leads to one heck of a twisted ending, one that brings all of these themes and moments together in a manner that leaves you speechless and as uncomfortable as you were when this journey got underway. 

Not to mention, the story also leans hard into the horrors of food since there are lots of little side nods into our uncomfortable and sometimes unhealthy relationships with food, and really all of these incredible elements and unique concepts offer up a horror film that is an outright feast for the mind. For it leaves us with plenty to think about, and we’ve really only skimmed the surface of the deeper meanings present within this twisted and delectable waking nightmare, and there’s good reason as to why we’ve kept this review so light on the details. Simply because, this is the kind of horror film you need to experience firsthand, to properly absorb the surprises and meaningful moments present here, and the good news is… you don’t have to wait that much longer to do so. For Flux Gourmet arrives on Shudder this Thursday, September 15, 2022, and we here at NTG hope you give it a look. Because this is a horror film that is unlike any other.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Tales of the Walking Dead’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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For the most part, zombie themed fiction has stayed away from something that each and every one of us are quite curious about when it comes to the aftermath of the zombiepocalypse. Specifically, what would society transform into? Because thus far, all we’ve seen in the wake of such a disaster, are communities that are forced to fight harder for what they have… or a community collapses and people just move on. But we really have to yet to see a genuinely contained community, thriving long after the end of the world and what they turn into with a second chance to right all the wrongs of the past. In fact, even The Walking Dead Universe is guilty of this, since the good people of the Alexandria Safe Zone have yet to really enjoy long and sustained peace in their world.
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But the franchise offering up the most zombie content out there right now, is clearly looking to change that particular issue with zombie related fiction, and within its own saga. Since this week’s episode of Tales of the Walking Dead, opted to explore just that. For ‘Davon’ takes us into the heart of a community on the American and Canadian border that is about as isolated as they come to dig deep into what a sustained community in the middle of the end of everything would transform into… in the most unique manner possible. For what makes this episode quite fascinating, is that we don’t get a direct answer as to what society could become under such duress right away. Instead… we are immediately plunged into a waking nightmare for the man whose shares the namesake of this episode. 

One revolving around a touch of amnesia since Davon hasn’t a clue why he snapped out of unconsciousness in the middle of the woods with a bad wound on his forehead and his hands shackled to a walker that is badly mutilated. In fact, the walker is in such bad shape, that its mouth has been melted shut, a surprise that undoubtedly saved Davon’s life while he was unconscious. Not to mention, he simply does not understand why the people of a nearby town are searching for him in the middle of the night with pitchforks and ire and well… the only way for him to uncover any truth, would be to get moving with his starving passenger and try to reassemble his memory and slowly but surely those memories do indeed come floating back into his mind, in broken fragments of course.

Which in turn revealed unto us, that Davon was trying to get across the border into Canada and came across an isolated French community while wounded. One that was originally Canadian in origin and reclaimed at the end of everything. And after healing from his terrible wounds, Davon did his best to grow and thrive with this community, even potentially finding love within its walls. Making it appear as though this isolated community, was nothing more than a true oasis in a sea of living death. For everyone here was thriving and that in turn postulated the possibility that perhaps we would indeed be okay as a species, and if given the right opportunity to do things over… we would finally get everything right the second time around.

But that is when this story took quite the amazing turn and slipped into some dark territory. For Davon’s memories began to reveal, some concerns within this place. For children were going missing and he just so happened to stumble upon several before his memory was lost, one of which was dead. A discovery that revealed that one of the community members was responsible for such a horrible act and sadly… despite him putting down that very community member, everyone believed he was responsible for the darkness in their town. Which in turn led to a horrible sequence in the town square, one that saw Davon figure out more about his broken memories as the town worked to execute him in a gruesome manner. In fact, this ‘trial’ was so harrowing and so intense that it eventually led to fist fights and battles from inside the crowd itself. Which in turn allowed for Davon for escape and chase the last echoes of memory in his mind.
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That thankfully, led to the truth about this community and a stunning ending to say the least. Wherein Davon found the real killer and learned their motivations for such twisted acts. In that, they believed that the children of this world were doomed, and that this community didn’t have much longer to last… so it was best to spare them the horrors of this world and free their souls and had it not been for Davon… another child would have perished. But what mattered more here, is that this community did indeed show its true colors in the closing moments of this tale and that in turn offered up the stunning ending in question. Where revenge and vitriol ruled the day, hammering home a horrifying postulation on what we would potentially become at the end of the world.

In that, it could be an utter disaster and just as bad as the apocalypse outside, if certain fundamental issues aren’t addressed. Such as say, our unfortunate habit to give into anger and hate. For this community was full of nothing but that and indulged in it often as evidenced by the fist fight in town square. Plus, we’d be foolish to not point that Devon is a BIPOC individual and was treated in a supremely horrible and downright racist manner when the chips were down. All of which informs us that end result of not addressing such critical fundamentals would indeed lead to this kind of hollow and teetering collapse. Where the ugly has nowhere to go but toward our neighbors, and one can only wonder what this place could have been, had they worked together and tried to create a true utopia instead of this nightmare.

Which means that perhaps there will come a day where we see a better community in a universe such as this, one that is indeed independent and actually functions and thrives in a healthy manner. But while we wait to see that on the silver or small screen… we can in the meantime, bask in another fascinating and powerful tale from this fascinating and powerful series. Because not only were we treated to a commentary laden tale on the human condition, but we were also privy to a murder mystery of sorts, one that also leaned hard into folk horror. Since there were echoes of that genre everywhere to be found here. Which just serves to remind us that this series really is eager to take chances and try new things and it will be genuinely interesting to see what other surprises await us when the season finale arrives next week. Until then.  

There are times in life, where we are eager to be free of society and its stresses. Because bills are a bear and people can be a bit extra at times, and now and again, the noise and the hustle and bustle are just too much to handle. Which is why so many of us tend to escape for a bit and either reconnect with nature or just find a quiet space to clear our heads… so we can refresh and return to society. Because like it or not, it is essential to our mental health and overall well-being. For we are a part of something greater and we share a great deal of connections with a great deal of people and that’s why we never want to stay way for too long. Because who would we become if we removed ourselves from what is essential for ages on end?
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If anything, that is a question and conundrum that few of us will ever face, but some do. For some people, say those who slip into a coma for years on end or spend time in prison, have to deal with just that when they return to the world they left behind, and we’ve heard stories of how that can be a struggle. And as it turns out, similar struggles could potentially await us at the end of everything, if by chance we survived the worst… only to find a sliver or oasis of what once was after ages of being removed from it, and that is precisely what Rick Grimes and his family had to deal with in the next episode of The Walking Dead. For the arrival at Alexandria in ‘Remember’ quickly informed us and the group… that slipping back into society and the connection after being away from it for so long would be no easy task.

Because every last one of them were shell shocked and stunned at finding a place where danger wasn’t around every single corner. For Deanna and her community were indeed welcoming toward them, minus a few miscues, and the group was able to get a hot meal, and a shower and shave, and even brush their teeth after ages on the road. Not to mention, a warm bed and a roof over their heads was their new nighttime routine. But that didn’t stop the worry and the fear and the panic they used, to survive on the road. Because that’s not something that easily goes away, and it is equally as difficult to rediscover the courtesy and routine that we use often with the people around us when we let it go the wayside and watching this episode a second time… makes this arrival in Alexandria a touch more tragic than before.

For the first time around, we were skeptical as well as to whether or not this place was safe because of what we had just seen and of course, because of the dumb behavior Deanna’s rotten kids exhibited. But this time around, it is obvious that this is a tragic tale. One about people that truly lost their way and had to figure out how to find comfort in safety and heal their trauma. Making this episode perhaps the first real time that the series bothered to address the nature of PTSD and how it would relate to an apocalypse, and it would also make this story… the grand setup of how we heal from that level of trauma. Because heaven knows the Grimes Gang has been through it and dealt with some devastating losses along the way and well in the end, that makes this episode quite transitional in nature. 

Because they are indeed moving from one phase to another and truly, this episode is a welcome breath of fresh air. For everything that came before it was rough and painful and heartbreaking. So, it is quite nice to not see the group facing constant danger and suffering greatly. But of course, there will be challenges ahead since healing doesn’t happen overnight and Rick and his group are correct in the fact that the good people of Alexandria are super sheltered. To the point where they don’t really understand the danger of what is outside those walls, but that too… is the setup for something beautiful. Since in a weird way, that contrast serves to remind us of how community brings out the best in humanity, since it blends together our strengths and weaknesses, so we function and thrive, and survive. Until next time.