Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 807 of ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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If there is one particularly irritating lesson that we are forced to learn on several occasions in our journey through life… it would have to be… that we cannot escape our past. And what makes that so irritating, is that we often try to avoid that lesson, at any cost. Even though deep down we know it isn’t possible. But there is just that tiny part of our brain that believes that maybe, just maybe, if we play our cards right and we do our best to reinvent ourselves and bury the things we don’t want to think about… perhaps that will be the moment we can escape and start fresh and do right this time around. But alas, it is only a matter of time… before the past finds its way to us.
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It might take days, it might take decades, but one way or another… there comes a point where it is front, and center and we are forced to deal with it. And that is when we are once again forced to learn that yesterday cannot be escaped and eventually… we come to learn that making amends for our past and resolving it, will finally give us peace. If anything, this age-old lesson is top of mind today, simply because it served as the central theme of the season eight midseason finale of Fear the Walking Dead. A feat that ‘Anton’ accomplished, by finally answering one of the biggest questions that has been hanging over the final season of the show. Specifically, what happened to Victor Strand after the events of season seven’s penultimate episode?

Because he was absent from the battle that took place for control of P.A.D.R.E. and anyone who saw him on that fateful day when the lifeboats set out into the gulf, spoke to him going missing long ago. Well as it turned out, Victor, was deeply unsettled with what happened at the Tower, in every way imaginable. For he was sick over the man he became in the name of safety, and he was disturbed by his actions and what he put his friends through. So rather than pay the piper and properly apologize to each and every one of them, he ran. He ran far and he ran hard and eventually, he ran into a community that offered him hope, and a chance to perhaps reinvent himself and forget about the little dictator that almost killed every last person that ever mattered to him. 

For the community in question was big on offering refuge and second chances to people, and they had quite the self-sustaining community inside of a luxury resort. Wherein they grew food in gardens and lived a simple life where everyone took care of one another and brought the right people in and well… he wanted in on that. So, he declared himself to be a man named Anton and he made himself a useful member of this community. To the point where he fell in love with the leader of this place and even cared for his son, and just like that… Victor truly believed he was free of his past and had his long-awaited fresh start. For no one came looking for him and he was happy and in love and surrounded by peace and wonder. But alas, years later… the past came calling. In the form of Madison Clark.

Because she was out and about in the world and running from nefarious people and that brought her to Strand’s new place, wounded and out of air and well, that the put the fear of every God to ever exist into Strand’s heart. Because he knew she would speak up about his past and who he was, and that could potentially bring his perfect world and perfect life down and well… Strand did what Strand does best in a situation akin to this; he worked to survive. Which meant, he quickly offered Madison up on a platter when those nefarious forces came calling for her head, and he did everything and anything to make it seem as though Madison was out of sorts, and mixed her up for another man, one who was capable of such dark acts. But alas… the past won’t allow for such games to be played when it comes calling.
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Which was why, Madison kept pressing and eventually convinced Strand’s adopted son to follow her words and help her escape before trouble was to come. Which put Strand on the offensive, to find her and his son, and keep her away from the lie he had so carefully built… but it was no easy task. For the chase led him and his love all around the area, and raised more questions about Strand’s true identity, and well… eventually he had to begin the process of facing his past, through Madison no less. For he did find her, and he did send his family back home so he could sit with Madison and speak upon the past and the poor decisions he made, that she made, and discuss the reality… that like it or not… they had to own up to their pasts and find a way to resolve them or this was the horrible cat and mouse they’d play with their souls until the end of time. That prompted Strand to face it, own it, and well… that decision could not have come at a better time.

Because eventually, they were face to face with Madison’s enemies, and the wondrous community Strand helped to maintain was also under their weaponized thumb and that meant, his new family and friends needed Victor Strand. So, he admitted to his identity and his past and accepted his nature to help them, right as another blast from the past walked in. For it turned out that the people chasing after Madison, were doing so at the directive of a man hellbent on revenge. A man who believed that Madison destroyed everything his family worked to build and now wanted to destroy her world in kind. Which Troy Otto set in motion, by killing Alicia Clark after finding her in the wastelands, and stealing her weaponized prosthetic before letting her walk around the world as one of… them. And now, he would destroy P.A.D.R.E. and make Madison suffer.

Which was a stunning reveal, one that brought the whole theme home, and had it not been for Daniel and his troops, who knows what Troy would have done. But that aside for a moment, we absolutely need to take a moment today and offer up thunderous applause for one brilliant episode. One that truly did an amazing job of exploring its central theme through two key characters who have a lot to atone for regarding yesterday. But now they know the lesson at hand, and they have a chance to finally set their souls right and do something wondrous. And all it took was the return of one of the show’s most ruthless villains and it will be fascinating to see if everyone’s quest to heal from a broken past will be enough to overcome the fury and darkness that has consumed Troy Otto. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Shining Vale’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say that fans of the hit STARZ series, Shining Vale, are still debating whether or not what’s happened to the Phelps family so far is a result of mental illness in the family line or the power of a genuine ghost hiding within their rustic murder home. And this debate persists, simply because the show has yet to commit to one or the other. Because every single time we think the spirits are floating about and causing trouble, there’s evidence to show otherwise and well… that’s not a bad thing by any means. Because it has kept us engaged and looking for clues, and it has brought forth some amazing moments storytelling wise, and well… judging from this week’s episode, it would seem this show is showing no signs of preparing to settle this debate. 
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For ‘Chapter Ten: She’s Real’ once again left us guessing, courtesy of Pat’s firm belief that she was losing the positive results of her treatment and needed another shock therapy session to get herself to a sound state of mind. Courtesy of that meeting with Rosemary that she had at her front door. But the outright denial of those services, because only insurance money talks in America… left her deeply trying to figure out which was which and well… that’s when the story began to deeply play with us. For the next morning, Rosemary was once again in her kitchen, and as plucky as ever and making some food. Which put Pat into an outright and justified panic as she worked to figure out how to make this go away. But as it turned out… she did not need to make Rosemary disappear, for this wasn’t Rosemary.

In fact, this woman’s name was Ruth, and she now lived next door. And she was dropping in often to help Terry with his recovery and that left Pat feeling foolish and out of sorts and she wasn’t alone. For the family was suddenly at one another’s throats and that prompted therapy and some overall pondering upon the general mental health of the family. Especially since Gaynor was suddenly seeing apparitions and visions as well. Which left her worried that there was indeed something passed down from generation to generation in this household and that really did lean this story toward the possibility that Gaynor and Pat were indeed suffering from some kind of imbalance, and it only got worse from there… for Pat at least. 

Because the time had come to get back to work with her writing and promote her book and that went uh… that went awful. For once the cameras flipped on, Pat flipped out. In fact, she had one hell of a breakdown on camera, one filled to the brim with threats to the host and f-bombs galore. Which prompted Pat… to really think upon the logical cause of all of this. Which in her case, may have related to hormone changes from the onset of menopause, combined with stress, and she also came to realize… that Ruth looked so familiar because they met ages ago. Which meant she used Ruth’s face as the inspiration for Rosemary and that made everything seem as though mental illness was in play, and that the time had come to manage it accordingly.
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But that’s when things suddenly got spooky. Because Gaynor’s hallucinations were getting stronger and far too real, and they were related to parts of the house that no one had ventured to before. Not to mention… Jake’s VR headset kept popping up and calling to him. To the point where he put it on and was invited by that damn creepy kid to join him on quite the quest. Not to mention, an attempt to feel youthful via some herbal tea from Rosemary, led to quite the transformation for Pat and oddly enough. Ruth kept popping around difficult moments. Because an attempt on Pat’s part to apologize to that host for what happened on air, led to her untimely end, and it was an odd coincidence that Ruth was standing there… to see the carnage.

All of which, perfectly toyed with the notion, whether or not this family is under the thumb of a powerful ghost or if their rattled mental state is causing more harm than good and well… that made for an amazing story. One that also peppered in some real-world horrors and some wonderful homages. Because Terry appears close to recovering his memory and that will be bad for Pat, and let’s be honest, The Shining shoutouts here were just the best. In fact, this episode was perhaps the best reminder that this house is heavily influenced by the design of the Overlook Hotel to the point where one wonders if we will learn that the original owner of the place happened to be named Robert Townley Watson. But that aside, this episode was also quite funny, especially the scene where Jake tries to help his dad read the sex scene Pat wrote, and well… all of these wonderful elements leave us hungry for more. To see if the mystery will be solved and to also see, what lies ahead for this poor family as they continue to endure confusion and fear. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of’ Goosebumps’ (2023.) To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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One particular phrase that still holds weight in our modern world is… there are two sides to every story. And it holds that weight because it does offer us incredible understanding. Wherein we can learn everything we need to about a tough situation, by hearing truths from both sides. Plus, it can help us to better understand how said situation impacted either side and what kind of perspective and feelings it gave them, and that helps us to really react accordingly to the situation at hand. If anything, that particular truth is top of mind today, simply because we were reminded of its relevance in tough situations, courtesy of this week’s episode of Goosebumps (2023) on Disney+ and Hulu.
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For ‘Night of the Living Dummy’ saw Harold Biddle/Mister Bratt bring the group into his home to explain to them what was stolen on that night, and why everyone’s parents in essence, killed a teenager and well… everyone’s problems were tied to Biddle’s great-grandfather, Ephraim. Who was a fledging magician back in the 1920s and was near utter failure. But his discovery of a cheap ventriloquist dummy named Slappy, changed his life. For Slappy was magic, and sentient when the spell in his pocket was read, and in exchange for giving him what he wanted… something nefarious… he intended to give Ephraim the world. Which he did indeed, but his ultimate goals were quite ugly to say the least. In fact, they were so awful, that Ephraim broke the deal, and moved to Port Lawrence to live his life out as a collector of magic artifacts with Slappy buried in the wall… until the day he died.

Which brought Harold and his parents to this home, wherein we came to learn, that Harold was a victim of bad bullying before arriving in this tiny little berg. And he was desperate to make friends and was accepted by Sarah and the others. But the trauma he experienced at the hands of those other kids made it tough for him to trust and tough to be near his new pals, and well… the discovery of Slappy, complicated matters further. Because he empowered Harold to indulge in his darker side and stand up for himself in an unhealthy manner. Which at first, caused no trouble, but eventually… that anger took over and that darkness became malicious. To the point where he ended his parent’s lives, and deeply insulted people for no reason, and that prompted his friends to take drastic measures to save him.  

Specifically, by raiding the house late at night to pull Slappy away from him, but alas… that went south quick. Because while they snagged Slappy, that fatal fire started and ended Harold’s life, and left this group of future parents with quite the problem in front of them. Specifically, a sentient and evil dummy that wanted to cause more trouble. Which meant the burden fell to them to be rid of Slappy, and to hide him so his evil could never take over again, and of course… they were saddled with the burden of what happened to Harold. But what made this story so critical to the plot, is that it truly did offer us, both sides of the story. For if we went off of that journal’s initial viewings, we only would have seen how Harold viewed his pals, as murderers filled with wanton cruelty When in reality, they were trying to save their friend and keep him from a horrific fate. 

But sadly, all that context offers no solace to our heroes, just peace of mind. For Harold Biddle now stands before them and they are indeed inside of his house of horrors. Which means trouble awaits. But while we wait to see what comes next now that they are in front of the villain of this story, we can celebrate… one quality tale. One that answered the rest of our questions, and of course… brought one of the most popular characters to ever grace this franchise back into the fold. For Slappy has generated countless hours of terror for teens, and now a new generation has met him and his special brand of madness, and well… his return and the true arrival of Biddle… is going to make our wait for next week’s episode as difficult as can be. Because we simply need more and need to know what evil lies ahead for our heroes to face. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 402 of ‘Creepshow’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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Before we set out into the world to conquer it, our parents teach us many valuable lessons. Such as what it means to be a good person, along with teaching us about three key elements that will make sure we are happy and successful in life. One of which, is to find a job that we love and adore and do whatever we must to be the best at it. Which means sacrifice and blood, sweat, and tears if needed. Plus, we also need to find a partner, someone we love and adore and are willing to stick with through thick and thin. Because love is hard and requires attention and truly, the third lesson relates to that. In that, we should never quit when we find those elements. We should stay with them to the very end because that’s only way to really see the fruits of our labor. 
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Which is advice we all hold to when we get out there, only to learn that there are some real problems with these lessons. Because sometimes, we will work hard and go nowhere, due to a toxic work environment or circumstances and timing. And while we may find someone compatible, sometimes that relationship can turn toxic when true colors are shown. Which puts us at a shocking crossroads since we expected better. One where we must decide… whether to change career paths or jobs to get ahead. And for that matter, we wonder if a lifetime of heartache and toxicity worth fighting for. Of course, the obvious answer to both of those questions is no, and that’s why a fair number of people will forget those lessons and jump ship. But some… some hold to them and do extreme things to make it all work. Which can lead to consequences, as evidenced by the next episode of Creepshow on Shudder. 

For ‘The Hat’ and ‘Grieving Process’ explore those consequences in great detail. Courtesy of a pair of plots that put two men at the crossroads in question. For in ‘The Hat’, Jay is desperate to be the next Stephen Bachman, the world’s greatest thriller/horror writer, but suffers from writer’s block and an imagination that requires care over pressure, and he comes to believe that using Bachman’s hat will give him the inspiration he needs… which it does, at quite the price. Whereas in ‘Grieving Process’, a renowned chef named Richard, who is ready to really start a family with his beloved wife April, struggles with that future when his wife is attacked and is never quite the same. Especially when he learns what it is that April truly needs to be healthy and wholesome again, from a food standpoint and well… those are indeed two perfect ways to explore the theme at hand. 

Because ‘The Hat’ really does ponder deeply upon how sometimes, we don’t get where we want to be right away through hard work. But we want that success, and we desperately feel we need it and well… sometimes we go to great lengths to get it. Granted, in this instance, it’s a brain sucking alien that helps Jay achieve his ultimate goals as a writer, but that is clearly a stand in for the dangers that come forth with that kind of want. Since one could say that Jay takes shortcuts to fame, and everyone eventually learns that there are no shortcuts to that, and any success in that vein is fleeting. Plus, the alien could also stand in for drugs and other substances, the kind that could aid a writer but costs them so much. As it does cost Jay here, and if he stuck with slow and steady and worked to grow his own voice, he would have been fine. But alas, the wrongness of the lesson mattered more.
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As for ‘Grieving Process’, well that absolutely explores the ugly nature of the toxic relationship and why we cannot let go of them and why we work so hard to make that which is worthless, work. Because while Alice is indeed a succubus of sorts, and does nothing but cause harm, Richard will not leave her side. He sees her as the greatest thing to ever happen to him, and somehow believes that being faithful to her and showing her love will heal her and bring her back. Which is the perfect allegory for the nature of those relationships because that is what we do within them. Hold to the lesson that love prevails, and that we cannot quit our partner, when they have quit on us, and that’s dangerous. Because it hurts us deeply, pushes us to do things we regret and makes us someone we are not. And the danger inherent here is that we will lose ourselves or find great harm that will be hard to heal, when in fact we should cut our losses and do some self-work and healing, so we never latch onto a toxic person ever again.

But alas, Richard too… held to the lesson as so many do, and well… both of those plot threads make this a cautionary tale. One that reminds us of what happens when we don’t listen to what our gut is telling us and stick to outdated and outmoded ideas that we pass from generation to generation. But powerful commentary aside, make no mistake about it… the horror here was top notch as well. After all, the weird little creative brain monster was gross and unsettling and definitely creepy for certain. And Richard’s succubus wife, was the stuff of nightmares, and what he did to keep her fed, definitely turns your stomach. But what matters most is that those horror elements and that powerful commentary, brings forth some incredible tales of terror. Ones that hold a mirror to the human condition and how we falter, so that others might not and well… these stories will stick with us for some time, that is… until next week’s episode gives us something new and powerful to ponder upon. Until next time, kiddies.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Goosebumps’ (2023). To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say that there are two key questions on the minds of every fan of the new Goosebumps series on Disney+ and Hulu. In that, everyone wants to know what the heck happened between Harold Biddle and the parents of our intrepid heroes. Because that is clearly the source of everyone’s woes in this tale, and also… what on earth is Biddle searching for? For he’s been eagerly after something over the past couple of episodes, something he cherishes and is deeply upset about not having in his possession anymore and well… it turns out… that the next episode in this fascinating series, served as the perfect time to answer one of those questions for the audience. 
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For ‘Reader Beware’ finally explored the sorted past of the town’s parents, in the most unique way possible. By outright making it seem as though we weren’t going to get any answers here. Because Margot’s mom, Sarah, was a no-show to the meeting Margot set up, and that meant no answers and no direction for the group. Who were on edge and worried about what horrors awaited them. In fact, the show went so hard into this that there were even moments that featured confrontation and honesty regarding the affair that Margot’s dad was having and there was even a hint of a budding relationship between Lucas and Margot. Since he was staying at the Stokes residence, while his mother, Nora, tried her best to heal in that mental health facility nearby.

But making us comfortable and eager to see an artifact of the week was part of the plan. One that involved surprising us with the answer in question. For out of the blue, while Margot was minding her own business… Biddle/Bratt decided to drop by and give her quite the gift. Specifically, a haunted journal that would show her everything that happened back in the day. Because he wanted his story told, post haste and well… that led to some incredible revelations for certain. Such as the fact that Harold and Sarah were friends in the 1990s. To the point where Sarah made a point to hang out with Harold and learn about his hobbies and his likes. But alas, that friendship wasn’t designed to last. Because the rest of the parents, had cruel plans for Harold. The kind that involved Sarah whether she liked it or not, and brought about the dark day in question.

One that all of our heroes were able to witness. For they joined Margot in the strange state the book put her in, outside the Biddle house no less, so they too could properly understand and what they saw… was a prank gone horribly wrong. For an attempt to scare Harold and swipe something in a large case, led to the fire in question, and that fire of course… spread out of control and brought Harold Biddle to his end, and sadly… rather than do the right thing and call for help and take responsibility for their part in this, the parents to be let Harold burn. Informing us precisely why Harold wants revenge, because he was treated with great cruelty and indifference and well… that was a hard answer to face. But at last, we know, and it makes sense now why Harold is so furious, since he was robbed of life by ignorance and worry.

All of which made for a sobering tale. One that spoke to how the wrong call doomed generations in this town and oddly enough… there is a chance that more truth is on the horizon. After all, Bratt/Biddle was nearby for the final vision, and made a point to wait for the group to return from it with a goal in mind. Specifically, to invite them inside his house to tell them what he’s been searching for and to fill in the blanks regarding the rest of his story. Which seemed to be a sincere gesture and offer, but in this story, who knows… it could be a trap. But while we wait to see what his intentions actually are, we really can celebrate one solid story, that gave us the answers we seek, and that’s both good and bad for the audience. On the plus side, we know, and we have a better understanding of this madness. But also, revealing so much this early, could mean that bigger and more shocking moments are on the horizon. The kind that could stun us and scare us like never before, and it will indeed be interesting to see what lies ahead, now that so much truth is in hand. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of Episode 202 of Shining Vale, which debuts on STARZ tomorrow, 10/19/23.

Also, this sneak peek was assembled/written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘SurrealEstate’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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For the most part, stories that revolve around hauntings and ghosts, and the individuals tasked with clearing a house of those spirits, tend to stick to pretty specific formulas regarding how that all should go down. In that, the spirit in question needs to be removed through traditional religious means because they’re consumed with evil and a need for revenge or they need to be given justice and license to rest, and well… those formulas stick around because… they are in fact, quite engaging. For they lead to scares and epic moments and stuff that will have us buzzing. But… those are formulas that get a little repetitive now and again. Because there are other reasons that ghosts could be stuck to this plane of existence, and there have to be different ways to give them peace and that is why the SYFY series, SurrealEstate, is one to celebrate.
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Because it is that rare ghost-themed story that breaks from convention and finds new ways to move spirits into the afterlife, and looks at the many reasons that a person might find their spirit locked to our world and that variety is top of mind today, simply because it was featured once again in a powerful manner during last night’s episode. For ‘The Butler Didn’t’, featured quite the unique haunting for the Roman Agency to handle. Because the owner of a home, a man named Andrew, was concerned over the sudden surge in paranormal activity happening in his home. For a hanging spirit was appearing left and right and well… when Susan and Luke spoke to her, she accused Andrew of her murder and made it clear that she was going to bring justice into the fold if they didn’t offer a better answer. Which brought forth a fascinating investigation. One that was unconventional and quirky.

For the team came to learn that this spirit, whose mortal name was Genevieve, was a writer who was apparently murdered shortly after her third marriage. Which of course, pained the picture of a vengeful husband. But more digging and a weird interaction with her son, who took a strange liking to Susan, eliminated the hubby and the son. Mainly because every diary she kept and every bit of evidence they could find spoke to a broken life for Genevieve. One where she harbored no enemies, but yearned for deeper connection with someone that could send her spirits soaring. In fact, it seemed the only person that gave her peace and license to hope… was a mysterious man named Warden. Who was written of often as the bringer of joy, and was near her in dark times and seemed to be the lover she craved, and while it was nice for the team to be able to see her life and see her follies, they were no closer to finding out who took her life. 

Which was problematic, for the spirit was growing more aggressive by the day. But an epiphany on Father Phil’s part… opened up some new possibilities. Since Warden served as an anagram for Andrew, and some odd bits and pieces in the record books for Genevieve’s estate suddenly made it seem as though Andrew might be the party responsible, since he left town post haste after her passing, and perhaps returned out of guilt. Which put Susan in a tough spot, because she knew that someone had to stand up and confront him about this, and since she had the best rapport with him, it would be her. But the cosmic stars and what lies beyond… saved her the worry and stress of having to do that. For Andrew met her in a dream and explained to her, that he was indeed Warden, and he spoke to the dynamic of his relationship with Genevieve, and how she wasn’t murdered. Instead, his desire to end their relationship shortly after she tied the knot for round three, brought about an emotional battle between the two of them, one that involved self-harm and an unfortunate cascade of failures… that led to her end. But that didn’t stop him from loving her and feeling guilt and well… armed with that… Susan and Luke confronted Genevieve’s spirit one last time to ask for mercy and forgiveness, and she granted it… perhaps a bit too late.

For Andrew/Warden returned home sometime before Luke and Susan got there, and while there, his heart gave out. Giving his body rest, yes, but his passing before grace was given, raised the possibility that he would never know of the peace he was now granted. But perhaps, that little chat in the dream and the opportunity to see what lies beyond, helped him to understand he was free and forgiven. All of which brought forth, a vastly different kind of ghost story. One where a tortured spirit was grounded here, for refreshing reasons and where their release took a different path as well. Which brought forth a very emotional and powerful story about how matters of the heart can and will screw us up and well, that made for one amazing episode. One that captivated us and moved us, and made us laugh thanks to Genevieve’s son, Nathaniel, and even shook things up at the Roman Agency. Courtesy of Susan’s decision to step away for not being given the respect she is due and well, in the end, this episode just goes to show how refreshing this series is, and how brilliant it can be, and this kind of story absolutely leaves us curious as to what wonders await us as season two continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘Chucky’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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If there is one question that has been on the minds of every fan of the SYFY and USA Network series, Chucky, it would have to be… what is Chucky’s overall plan? Because he obviously is working toward something within the walls of the White House, and thus far… he’s only given us hints as to what that might be. By mentioning a countdown when he waxes some unlucky soul, and really the only thing he’s basically admitted to is that he seems eager for revenge. Since he keeps taunting the trio of heroes that have defeated him soundly before. But revenge isn’t enough to drive Chucky, he’s had plenty of that in his life. Well as it turns out, there is an intimate plan at play for Mr. Charles Lee Ray and at long last… it was revealed during last night’s episode of the show, in quite the unique manner.
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For ‘Jennifer’s Body’ took the time to fill in all the blanks for us, regarding what happened to Chucky after Season 2 and how he ended up in the White House and well, a lot of it related to Caroline Cross. Who as it turned out, kept Chucky safe shortly after his umpteenth resurrection. For he needed protection from the chaos that suddenly surrounded Jennifer Tilly/Tiffany. For the cops found her, courtesy of Nica no less and that brought her into custody and let Chucky and his new protégé enjoy the majesty of the world and murder. Wherein Chucky felt the need to prepare for a giant revenge run, that is until… a surprise came his way. For he suddenly discovered that he was aging in his Good Guy body. Something that should have been impossible, and well… that prompted he and Caroline to seek out a doctor that knew something about Damballa and his situation.

Which of course, delayed the answer we’ve been waiting for, for a little while, but that’s okay. Because what the show provided us with in the interim, was outright amazing. For the trial of Jennifer Tilly took place while Chucky and Caroline made that voyage, and it was… off the chain. Since Nica took the stand and that brought out old emotions and battles within the courtroom and Jennifer/Tiffany made a point to try and paint herself as legally insane and unable to stand trial… by telling the truth. Yes, that’s right, she told everyone the story of how Tiffany Valentine invaded the body and spirit of Jennifer Tilly and enjoyed her glamorous life. A story so outlandish to others, it certainly had to prove she wasn’t mentally well, but it was all for naught. Because the jury found her guilty, and the judge sent her to death row without giving it a second thought. Making it seem as though… at long last, Tiffany has reached the end of the line. 

Speaking of the end of the line… that was what Chucky learned about his condition. In that, Damballa had abandoned him for his role in that exorcism, and the only way to reclaim his immortality now, was to sacrifice six souls in the evilest place imaginable. Which brought him to the Amityville House in a crossover for the ages, but that didn’t give him what he needed. So, he decided, that the White House was the right place to be. After all, as he put it, millions of people died from orders signed in the Oval Office, and some shady things have indeed gone down within its walls, and some evil things as well, courtesy of the worst of the worst to ever serve as POTUS. So, what better place to make Damballa happy, than a house responsible for rivers of blood. Which was… quite the brilliant way in which to bring Chucky to the White House and all of these elements made, for a downright brilliant episode.

Because it gave the new season pure focus and pure direction, and now we know what Chucky wants and what Chucky needs and that… he is vulnerable at last. So, if by chance our heroes can strike… they could put an end to Chucky once and for all. Provided of course, he doesn’t get to them sooner. But while we wait to see how that plays out, there is more to praise from this episode. Such as the gauntlet of incredible acting that took place from Fiona Dourif and Jennifer Tilly since they let loose here and put on a show for the ages. Not to mention Brad Dourif really shined as Chucky here. For he added a real depth to the bad news Chucky received, and of course… we would be remiss to not take a moment and praise the Andy dream and the umbrella kill, because those were just ‘chef’s kiss’ moments for the franchise and well, it is definitely safe to say that the wonders that happened here, have us ready for next week’s midseason finale. One that should be as epic as they come since it would seem… old friends and old enemies are about to reunite in the middle of the most important home in America. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Goosebumps’ (2023). To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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For the most part, horror stories that cater to a younger audience in any capacity, tend to steer clear of deeper themes and explorations, and understandably so. After all, shows like the original Goosebumps for instance, were/are gateway shows. Designed to showcase the wonder of horror, through baseline scares that happen to be fun in nature. All so a teen will eventually check out what horror has to offer, and well… since that is all they want to accomplish, there is no need to go beyond the scares. But the times are certainly changing when it comes to matters such as that, as evidenced by the next episode of ironically, the new Goosebumps on Disney+ and Hulu. For ‘Go Eat Worms’ not only brought forth the scares but added some incredible depth to the story. 
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Because in this particular tale, we came to learn a lot about Lucas and his family’s past, and why exactly the daredevil lifestyle was top of mind for him. As it turned out, it related to the fact that his daredevil dad passed away ages ago. At a young enough age, and so abruptly, through a daredevil act no less, that Lucas was unable to process his grief, and honestly… nor could his mother. Which meant that Lucas was forced to figure things out on his own and he struggled with that and acted out accordingly to find peace and to be closer to his father in some capacity and well, his daredevil tendencies and pain were exacerbated in this story by way of the evil in question and quite the surprise regarding his mom. In that, Nora was taking part in an affair with Margot’s dad, and Lucas of course found out about it and that sunk him further.

For he could not stand the thought of his father’s memory being washed away by his mother’s emotional needs. Which pushed him to be the town daredevil even harder, to the point where he ate some of those weird worms that he found in the Biddle house and well, what they did for him… changed his outlook on a great deal of things. For they gave him super strength and healing powers, and that made him fearless and reckless and eager to conduct the biggest daredevil acts possible, including the one that killed his father. But thankfully Margot and his mother stepped in and stopped him and pointed out the reasoning for his behavior. Which led to one wild ending where a giant super worm collective left his body and chased him and Nora, and Margot and where Nora found herself committed for telling the truth at last about what happened.

But what mattered more here, was the depth surrounding Lucas’ storyline. Because in essence, Lucas’ journey spoke to the power of grief and loss and the trauma that comes from it, and how that trauma can prompt us to do foolish and hurtful things for a bevy of reasons. To feel something for instance or to fill the hole we feel inside of us and that made… for one powerful episode. Simply because that’s top-notch horror commentary right there. The kind that matches the zeitgeist of the genre right now since so many horror stories are taking that elevated route and looking at the impact of the darkness of life upon an individual and how that turns into its own horror story, and it was wonderful to see here and spoke to an evolution for the series.

For clearly, it is more than just gateway horror now, it’s full-on horror when it needs to be, and its wonders didn’t end there. Because Lucas’ behavior in this story was downright scary and unsettling, as was the whole worm thing, and the ending where they banded together. Not to mention, this episode deserves a round of applause for throwing in quite the twist regarding the messy past between Harold Biddle and the parents of our heroes… by having the one person willing to talk about it committed. For now, Nora is hidden away from the world, and so is the truth and it does leave us wondering how exactly the truth will come to light. And of course, the only way to know… is to hit play and watch the next chapter in this eerie tale. One that informed us here, that this franchise has grown up and is ready to terrorize us in new and exciting ways. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Goosebumps’ (2023). To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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The true beauty of the horror genre is that it can, create nightmares untold. For there are no limitations for the horror genre, and its adaptive nature to the zeitgeist of the times, and countless offshoots and reimagining’s from a monster perspective, really does allow creative minds to do as they please and wow us every step of the way. Because the only thing holding them back is their imagination and that is why when we run into a story that just goes wild and offers up sights and sounds and scares, we’ve never seen before… we should celebrate it. For it is embracing the spirit of the genre and doing something special, and that is precisely why the next episode of Goosebumps on Disney+ and Hulu is of note. 
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For ‘The Cuckoo Clock of Doom’ simply let loose and offered up a wildly dynamic and original horror story. Shortly after providing us with some familiar moments and some familiar tropes. For this story made sure to establish further how evil the Biddle house really is, by having James encounter yet another artifact in this place that brings forth nothing but trouble. Because the Cuckoo Clock in this house, was indeed a harbinger of doom. Since it locked James in a time loop from which there appeared to be no escape. Which is… something of a standard sci-fi and horror trope, one that usually results in a need for betterment of the person trapped or an epiphany must take place for them to escape its temporal clutches and James was seemingly barreling toward that here. Since all he wanted for Halloween was to get close to Sam on this night, and he used the loop to do so. 

But that’s where the tropes ended, and inventiveness won the day. Because when Sam asked James to leave the party with him, James did something bold and broke the clock to see if by chance that would end his troubles, and well… that worked… and that nightmare ended and allowed for a new one to begin. Because he wasn’t the only James that escaped the house that night. For the clock created a new James every time the loop was reset, ones that harbored evil in their hearts. Which prompted a flock of Jameses to take the original and throw him into the family’s mine… so they could taste the life of James Prime and enjoy it to the fullest. Which led to all kinds of trouble since these evil clones didn’t have to care about consequences or feelings and well, had it not been for Isabella and the slime incident at the end of the last episode, no one would have been the wiser.

But thankfully… she pointed out the truth about these monsters and that helped Margot and Isaiah stand by her side and help her find the real James. Which they did in an intense manner that saw a lot of slime fly into the sky and thankfully, they rescued their friend and were able to go on with their lives and well… this was just amazing. Because it was bizarre and out there and everything that is indeed perfect about horror. For this story just leaned into the endless possibilities that could come forth from having an evil version of oneself made and it truly let loose and showcased some of the ugly we are capable of in a manner that was inventive and engaging. But above all, it was just an original idea and a fun one at that and it was a true delight to see this series try something so bold and so imaginative.

If anything, this episode deserves a round of applause for making the bizarre worth our while and for also… expanding further upon the whole mess involving the parents of Port Lawrence and Harold Biddle. Because they are indeed hanging onto some dark secrets, the kind that perhaps only Margot’s mother is willing to bring to light and well, hopefully we get to learn the truth about what happened between all of them, and Harold, soon. Since Biddle/Bratt is gaining in power and fury and needs to be stopped and well, the only way to know for sure if the answers are around the corner… is to hit play on the next episode and continue this incredibly refreshing journey through one creepy little town. Until next time.