Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Puppetman’. 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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One unfortunate truth about our lives that we are only now beginning to learn about… is that generational trauma is a very real thing that has impacted a great deal of us, and it is hard to recognize and hard to shake off. And we are only now beginning to learn about it, because we are only now looking into the human mind and psyche and we’re starting to recognize odd behaviors that we never thought much about. Specifically, how we tend to echo the abusive behaviors of our parents to an outright tee. Which is attributed to the fact that they were taught such behaviors by their own parents and so on, and so on. Which has in fact, created generational trauma that we pass on in a vicious cycle and well… it’s hard to detect because… we never knew it was there.
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After all, we trust our parents implicitly and expect them to impart their wisdom upon us, and we mimic and mirror their behavior as part of that. But alas, some of it really isn’t healthy and it takes a dark moment for us to realize that, and some hard work to shake it. Which is no easy task. Since we have to recognize the root cause point of this behavior and unlearn years of behavior through therapy and guidance. But the end result is worth the work, because we will in fact, break decades of toxicity and give the next generation in our family a fresh start, free from those burdens. But sadly, this is something so difficult and so new, that not all will find their way and some will falter and it is important we recognize why that is the case so we can continue to learn how to fight this problem, and one such way we can do that… is through storytelling and it just so happens that a brand-new horror film on Shudder, ponders upon how we could falter in the fight to remove this, and why. 

A feat that ‘The Puppetman’ accomplishes by introducing us to a woman named Michal who finds herself at quite the emotional crossroads when we meet her. Because she is a survivor of a harrowing past, one where she was locked away by her serial killer father, who happens to finally be facing his final days of justice on death row. And with his name being back in the news, she is forced to reflect upon her youth and her life, and well… that is no easy task. For there is a lot of trauma hidden in her soul over such matters, and despite her best efforts to resolve it all, it hangs heavy over her… as do some strange occurrences. For she is sleepwalking all of a sudden, and soon after that becomes a constant… her friends begin to die in a manner reminiscent of how her father claimed his victims. A move that will force Michal to face the past and the potential evil that is now driving two generations in her family to deal with horrors untold.

Which at first glance, is a story that appears be grounded deeply in supernatural elements and there’s merit to that. Since much of Michal’s quest to be free of the darkness hanging over her, involves a detailed investigation into an ancient spirit that has seemingly taken hold of her, courtesy of the work of her father and mother, who worshipped this being in their youth. Not to mention, this also allows for the horror elements in the story to come into play, since every time the power of this spirit is put on display, horrible things play out on screen. Which does bring forth some creative kills and some uncomfortable moments, kind that set up the incredible and poignant commentary in question. Because in between the gore and the scares, are a bevy of intimate moments with Michal. Who speaks often about the difficulties of facing the dark past that hangs over her, and how hard it is… to let go of it.
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For it has given her strength and sustained her and driven her forward and that… explains why generational trauma is so hard to shake. Because it is indeed engrained in us, and it becomes all we know and to change and let go of it, is downright terrifying. Not to mention, some can find it empowering in a way. As though the anger and fury present from such traumas can in fact offer strength to a person in a time of need, and they will feed off of that, and let it, and the rush it provides, guide them, and Michal is definitely someone who falls into the latter here, since she uses that ‘power’ with abandon because of what it can accomplish for her. Which speaks to how there are some people who simply cannot let go of the darkness and will in fact embrace its comfortability. Which means they will require more support and more kindness to help them along if the world is indeed ready to make a push to really break this cycle of generational trauma. 

For to do otherwise, and let it persist, will indeed result in horrors worse than the ones put on display here. Where children will continue to learn the worst about humanity and perhaps embrace it, and that is indeed a bleak message to leave the viewer with, but it is the right one for certain. For that is the point of this film, to offer caution and guidance so we can be better, and it truly does accomplish its mission in getting its message across in an impactful manner. For Michal’s journey here is indeed harrowing and tragic and ugly and this film deserves a round of applause for tackling a new concern in our world and in the realm of mental health in a no-holds barred manner. One that really does hammer home, the importance of finally dealing with this long-standing problem in our world. So, we can finally move forward and make stories such as these… nothing more than fictionalized accounts of distant memories.

Night time challenges can be some of the scariest challenges you can ever take part in, but some people thrive on doing them. With the lights off and saying something that is supposed to summon the spirit of somebody in a mirror, don’t these people know what they are getting themselves into? While I am not one that believes that bringing a spirit back from the dead is that easy, you will never find me saying Bloody Mary in front of a mirror in the middle of the night, mainly because I am sleeping, but I also have a fear of what could be trapped in the mirror itself. Knowing some of the histories of some mirrors and seeing ‘Boo!’ written on one that gave me the chills, you need to understand the history behind the mirror itself and if it could really be holding onto someone’s soul.

​With the lights off in the apartment, a woman stands before her bathroom mirror and whispers the phrase Bloody Mary three times. Seeing that nothing has happened, she pulls out her cell phone to record her doing it once again, since her friends will not believe that she did this midnight challenge.  Saying Blood Mary three more times and showing that there is nothing happening, she is shocked when a loud knocking echoes through her home and she needs to find the source of it.

Hearing the knocking getting louder at the door, the woman is concerned at who may be standing outside of it. Taking her time at even trying to reach for the handle, the woman knows that it could be anyone, but with the fear of possibly bringing Bloody Mary into her home, she is very hesitant. Opening the door to darkness and waiting for her candle to reveal her husband standing in the hallway, the woman is relieved and goes back to mocking the challenge for her friends. But while chatting with her camera, she gets a call from her husband that will change her ideas on the Bloody Mary Challenge forever.

Not a bad way to show the Bloody Mary Challenge panning out. I really liked the woman proving to herself and her friends that she is not afraid of the challenge, especially after doing it once and having nothing happen. The sheer fear that she shows once a violent knocking starts at the front door is just fun and while the scene might have been a little bit longer than needed, it did indeed serve its purpose of making the viewer wonder who was waiting for her to open up. While you might not find me participating in the Bloody Mary Challenge anytime soon, there might be some folks out there that need to take note that there might not be Bloody Mary waiting for you, but something more sinister hiding out in your mirrors. Stay Scared.

Watch ‘Bloody Mary’ here.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Goosebumps’ (2023). To revisit the Series Premiere, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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When we last settled in to discuss the creepy new Disney+ and Hulu series, Goosebumps, we talked at length about how this newest iteration of this classic franchise… was offering up a supremely unique structure for the show. For gone was the pure anthology format original fans of the show enjoyed back in the 1990s, replaced instead with a singular setting and characters that would continue week to week, and they would grapple with an underlying story that would connect everyone together. And this time around, artifacts and monsters-of-the-week… would become part of each respective episode, giving this story some anthology elements to explore while evil gathered steam behind the scenes and well, it’s important to revisit this new normal for the show… because it is not going to abandon it in the slightest, as evidenced by the next episode in this saga.
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For ‘The Haunted Mask’ featured all of those elements, in a refined manner no less, and that made for quite the entertaining and engaging tale. One that saw the underlying story gain some serious steam here. Since Mister Bratt finally came to after being infected by Harold Biddle’s evil and angry spirit, only to learn that he was no longer in control of himself. For Harold was taking over and he was beginning to poke about the town and greet those who apparently hurt him back in the day, and well… Biddle’s attempts to dig up the past through old acquaintances and everything that happened to poor Isaiah, prompted Nora Parker to push for everyone to band together and be vigilant against a resurgent evil. Which was met with skepticism, but what Isabella witnessed while they met, might change that.

All of which, really did speak to how this show is building toward something big by season’s end and it also showcased how strong that evil is since Biddle is indeed everywhere and scheming behind the mask of Mister Bratt. But while it was amazing to enjoy this new format and this new story, there was mention of the fact that the show clearly intends to integrate anthology elements into the overall story, and Isabella’s journey helped to hammer that wonderful reality home. For we came to learn in this story that she was the troll that was picking on Allison. Not because she was cruel, but because… she was a nobody. For no one paid her mind or paid her respect and that prompted her to resort to drastic acts to feel recognition and feel something, really.

But of course, the evil that emanated from the Biddle House, saw an opportunity to help her have what she wanted, while benefitting its needs of course, by giving her a powerful mask that offered her confidence and strength to stand up for herself and say what needed to be said or do what needed to be done. Which made her drunk with joy and the rush of being in charge and seen for a change, and the mask fed upon that and pushed her to dark limits to enjoy its spiritual meal. All by having her harm others violently and by having her nearly harm her family to get what it needed. But thankfully, her little brother kept her grounded and kept her away from that mask. Giving Isabella a reprieve and a better understanding of what she actually needs in this life, to find the meaning and recognition she so desires.

All of which added some intelligence and depth to this tale. For Isabella’s journey really did speak to the toxic things we resort to when we are desperate to be seen, and how self-worth is the only way out of that mess and how we cannot let our anger over how others perceive or don’t perceive us, control us. Since it can lead to all kinds of destructive behavior in this life, and it was wonderful to see this show offer up some top-grade commentary on the human condition, all while growing the Biddle threat in a wonderfully organic manner and it also offered a shoutout to the original series along the way. Since the Haunted Mask was featured in the original show, giving rise to a little love for what came before and well, all of these elements, were so wonderful that we are left eager for more. To see what Biddle’s plan is, and to see what other shout outs await us as this wonderful revival of a true horror classic continues to unleash all kinds of evil upon Port Lawrence. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Premiere of ‘Shining Vale’. To revisit the Season One Finale, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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For the most part, horror stories on the small and silver screen, come to a quick or abrupt end once the monster/evil has been defeated, and understandably so. After all, the audience has just endured one incredible emotional roller coaster ride. One that left their hearts racing and well… seeing the darkness be vanquished really was the pay off, so there’s no need to see how the main characters handle winning the day after going through hell… so… fade to black. Which is a formula for horror that has worked well for as long as the visual iteration of the medium has been around, and few have ever fussed about it. For it is satisfying and if by chance there needs to be any kind of follow up, it can wait for the sequel. Wherein we can briefly catch up with the characters that survived the last chapter, shortly before they die.
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Because that too… is a thing that often happens in horror stories, so a next generation of heroes can take on the monster and take us on another rollercoaster ride. But as the years have progressed, there are some creatives that are starting to wonder… what if by chance… horror stories took the time to ponder upon the aftermath of such nightmares? Because it might actually be worthwhile and fascinating, and potentially fun, to see how people who had brushes with evil and things that go bump in the night, get along after dealing with that. For the possibilities are endless there since they could… handle it fine or suffer from trauma to overcome or perhaps struggle if they must face the evil again, if the story injects a sequel-esque twist. Which has indeed brought forth a bevy of new stories that ponder upon such matters, and that is providing us with some fascinating new stories, and it just so happens that the season two premiere of Shining Vale on STARZ, took the time to explore this as well.

For ‘Chapter Nine: Homecoming’ picked up a mere four months after Patricia ‘Pat’ Phelps was locked up in a mental health facility for well, attempting to murder her husband and bring harm to her family and well… that set the stage for a perfect exploration of what life might look like for people that had that kind of brush with evil. The kind that only Rosemary’s angry spirit could provide and as it turned out… this story postulated the possibility that life would be terribly, terribly sorrowful, and rough for everyone involved in such chaos. Terry for instance, spent some time in physical rehab following that dark day. Because that hit to his head and the damage to his body was a lot for him to bear and he needed time to heal, physically and mentally, and the kids… well they too struggled mightily to move forward with such darkness in their lives. Because someone had to step up and take care of the family and Gaynor took on that role at great cost. Since it forced her to drop out of school and join the workforce and take care of her baby brother, Jake. Who was doing his best to find stability.

Which brought forth some fascinating follow-up to such an event, one that posed the reality that perhaps the many heroes out there who have faced evil in the horror universe fell upon hard times and dark days as they tried to recover, and while that alone would have carried this episode from beginning to end… there was still more that this story wanted to ponder upon regarding its central theme. For it also wanted to know… what would happen to a character in a horror story that served as vessel for evil if they were freed from the madness and went back to their regular lives. Which was handled through Pat here. Since she ran out of insurance money and in true American Health Care fashion, was sent packing accordingly. Which brought her home and while she was eager to put the pieces of her life back together, by reconnecting with her family and making amends… that was going to be no easy task for her. Primarily because… life back at Casa de Phelps was a mess in every sense of the word.

After all, Gaynor could only do so much from a cleaning perspective and she of course… had some deep emotional scars from her mother that she was not willing to address. Not to mention Terry was still fighting tooth and nail to reclaim his memory after that slam to his head and that made reconciliation tough. And of course, Jake was sticking to a pattern to find stability in this life. Which forced Pat into isolation. Where she had to reflect upon her journey and everything that happened and that put her in a dark place mentally, to the point where her mother and her agent had to step in and offer support and point out… that it is easy to tear down what we cherish in life, but putting it back together takes a great deal of time. Which in turn, pushed Pat to do her best to begin to mend fences, and there was progress there. The kind that sadly, might be threatened by something quite evil. For despite receiving incredible treatment, an old friend by the name of Rosemary happened to be hanging about. Giving rise to the wonderful question that season one leaned in upon often. As to whether or not Pat is actually suffering from mental illness… or if an unholy ghost is indeed haunting her rustic home.

But while we wait to see if that is the case or not, we can revel in the majesty of one intelligent season premiere. Because this was that rare horror story that dug deep into the potential emotional and physical damage that would come forth with a battle against the supernatural or the darkness of humanity. Since people would indeed see their lives change and they would be forced to heal in dynamic and unique ways. Not to mention, this story deserves a massive round of applause for exploring Pat’s journey here as well. Because horror stories usually kill off characters like Pat or leave them in a devastated mental state to move onto a new hero. So, to have Pat heal, and face the consequences of the evil that was in control, be it real or be it through a break, made for a powerful story, that offered some refreshing perspective on such matters. But that is what this series does, it shakes things up, keeps things fresh and it is just wonderful to have it back on the air so we can continue to be surprised by a quality horror tale that goes places other scary stories simply will not. Until next time.

This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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There was a time, where introducing children and teenagers to elements of horror through television, was nothing short of taboo. For such elements were considered to be dangerous to children and so many believed that such concepts should not be introduced into their lives until their age was appropriate enough for them to understand the fictional nature of such stories. But as the years rolled on, it became apparent that introducing young minds to horror in the proper manner, i.e., not trauma bombing them with gore and hardcore scares… could in fact be beneficial to a young mind. To help them comprehend fear and perhaps process it in a healthy manner with a little supervision and discussion with their parents.

Which of course brought forth stories that blended kids’ themed storytelling and scary stuff together, and the seamless nature of those stories and their outright success, paved the way for a new generation of spooky centric storytelling aimed at kids to come to life, and it just so happens that a special show in that vein is heading our way. For 10/27/23 will see the debut of Curses! on Apple TV+. A spooky animated adventure series that will offer up a grandiose and engaging plot, that is grounded in somewhat heavier horror elements than we usually see for this type of show, as evidenced by today’s gift from Apple TV+. For earlier, they released the trailer for this show to prepare families everywhere for quite the spooky treat, and to give you an idea of how far this type of hybrid story has come and how epic, and flawless, this series is going to be… here is that trailer and a synopsis for all of you to enjoy, as we countdown the days to what should be, a true Halloween delight.

‘Apple TV+ today released the trailer for the new animated, spooky adventure series for kids from DreamWorks Animation, “CURSES!,” premiering just in time for Halloween on Friday, October 27.
 
When a generations-long family curse turns Alex Vanderhouven to stone, it’s up to his two kids, Pandora and Russ, along with his wife Sky, to return artifacts stolen by their ancestors to their rightful homes and finally lift the curse for good.
 
The family-oriented series is created and executive produced by Jim Cooper (“DreamWorks Dragons”) and Jeff Dixon (“The Hurricane Heist”). John Krasinski (“A Quiet Place” Parts I & II) also serves as executive producer and Allyson Seeger (“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”) as co-executive producer. Leo Riley (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Tron: Uprising”) is supervising producer, with Chris Copeland (“Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts”) and Justin Copeland (“Wonder Woman: Bloodlines”) serving as creative consultants. 
 
The series features the voice talents of Emmy Award nominee Gabrielle Nevaeh (“Monster High”) as “Pandora,” Andre Robinson (“The Loud House”) as “Russ,” Emmy Award nominee Lyric Lewis (“Waffles + Mochi”) as “Sky,” SAG award winner Reid Scott (“Veep”) as “Alex,” Rhys Darby (“Our Flag Means Death”) as “Stanley,” James Marsters (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) as “Larry,” Emmy Award winner Rhea Perlman (“Barbie”) as “Margie,” Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad (“A Raisin in the Sun”) as “Georgia Snitker,” and Robert Englund (“A Nightmare on Elm Street”) as “Cornelius.” 
 
Apple TV+’s all-age offerings now streaming globally on Apple TV+, include the BAFTA Award and Humanitas Prize-winning “El Deafo,” BAFTA Award-winning “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” “Get Rolling with Otis,” Spin Master Entertainment’s “Sago Mini Friends,” GLAAD Media Award nominated “Pinecone & Pony,” “Frog and Toad,” The Jim Henson Company’s Emmy Award-winning “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,” “Harriet the Spy” and “Slumberkins,” Sesame Workshop’s “Helpsters,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment’s “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory,” Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero’s Emmy Award-nominated “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” Peanuts and WildBrain’s Emmy Award nominated “Snoopy in Space,” “The Snoopy Show,” and Scholastic’s “Eva the Owlet,” and Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series “Stillwater.” Live-action offerings include Bonnie Hunt’s DGA and WGA Award nominated “Amber Brown,” DGA Award winner "Best Foot Forward," “Surfside Girls,” WGA Award winner “Life By Ella,” Sesame Workshop’s Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter” and Scholastic’s “Puppy Place.” 
 
Also included is “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times best-selling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including Emmy Award nominee “It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” “Lucy’s School,” Humanitas and Emmy Award nominee “To Mom (and Dad), With Love,” “One-of-a-Kind Marcie,” Emmy Award-winning “Who Are You, Charlie Brown?” and “For Auld Lang Syne.”  
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have earned 376 wins and 1,570 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL, and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $6.99 per month. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free. For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.
 
*New and qualified returning subscribers only. $6.99/month after free trial. Only one offer per Apple ID and only one offer per family if you’re part of a Family Sharing group, regardless of the number of devices you or your family purchases. This offer is not available if you or your Family have previously accepted an Apple TV+ three months free or one year free offer. Offer good for 3 months after eligible device activation. Plan automatically renews until canceled. Restrictions and other terms apply.’

This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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Truly one of the most difficult challenges that await the creative team of a spin-off of a wildly popular show, is figuring out how to get said spin-off to properly honor what came before it while finding a way to offer the audience something fresh and original. Because that is the point of the spin-off, to give everyone something new and enjoyable while giving rise to familiar feelings, and a great many spin-offs have failed at that venture throughout the years. But some, have risen to the challenge and provided fans with something quite incredible to say least, and one such series that fits that particular mold, just so happens to be Fear the Walking Dead on AMC.

For this first spin-off in The Walking Dead Universe, truly blended together elements we loved from the flagship series while finding a way to do its own thing. Courtesy of stories that were darker and devastating now and again, while also making sure to dig deep into the characters and the impact this world would have upon people. Something that has been handled so well here, we are starting to see it pop up in the new spin-offs. Because this show really did trailblaze in the world of zombie storytelling, and well… as it nears its conclusion, each of us are wondering what kind of bold moments await us in the farewell tour and well, we here at NTG had the distinct honor of seeing some of the final episodes of this incredible spin-off, and we want to take a moment today to discuss, in a spoiler-free manner of course… how this show will indeed offer up some big and bold moments as it barrels toward its ending.

Part of which will be handled by answering some of our biggest questions regarding some of the characters. After all, we were curious as to why Victor Strand and Luciana were absent from the events of the first half of season eight, and here… we get those answers, and they are… quite incredible in nature. Simply because some of the paths that people took in their away time are not what we expected them to be, and they lead to powerful character moments that stand with the legacy and the vibe of this series, and there are other big reveals that pop up early that also are bold and dynamic in nature and set the stage for some potentially tear-jerking moments. The kind that only this series knows how to pull off, and the majesty of this final leg of the journey, doesn’t end with some bold decisions from a character standpoint.

For what truly makes the final six worth our while, is the sheer fact that a grand question posed at the start of the season is revisited in this farewell tour. For this show opted to go further regarding The Walking Dead’s examination of why humanity is worth salvation… by pondering upon whether or not we can be saved. Or if the mistakes and darkness we let infect us at times… will forever be our undoing. And that question is pondered upon heavily in these final stories in a manner that is quite powerful and insightful and that adds wonderous depth to these episodes, and it will undoubtedly be answered in the series finale. Which should be epic in nature, because of that philosophy lesson, and also because… there’s quite the threat to be found here.

For it is no secret now that Troy Otto has returned to the show as well, since no one is gone until they’re gone, and his desire to find his own fulfillment only adds to the epic nature of these final six episodes and helps to set the stage for a grand showdown between Madison’s camp and his own. All of which will provide us with one incredible farewell tour, one that is indeed trending toward a thoughtful and meaningful conclusion for these characters that we’ve come to know and come to love. But alas while it is wonderful to know that depth and quality is to be found in this last leg of the journey, this preview piece does end with some bittersweet news. For the beginning of the end of a series that has moved us, shocked us, and outright captivated us, gets underway this Sunday, October 22, when Fear the Walking Dead returns to the airwaves on AMC and AMC+… and we here at NTG cannot wait to geek out about this series for a little while longer before we finally say goodbye to one bold and brave spin-off series.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’. 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 series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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When we first joined the enigmatic Daryl Dixon on his unexpected voyage to the nation of France, it became quickly apparent that The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, was going to focus on some supremely unique concepts regarding the human condition. For this AMC series was obviously about hope, specifically how we regain it when we’ve lost it and how we find purpose at the same time since having hope fall out of our lives… tends to give us a lack of purpose and direction as well. But what was fascinating about having that expectation set, is how the show explored such matters. Because a few episodes in, it also became clear that finding such fulfilling elements in life, is no easy task.
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Because life is a journey, and discovery is part of that journey, and it may take us some time to really figure out what will give us hope, and what will give us purpose and never was that truth more evident than during the season one finale of the show. For ‘Coming Home’ should have given Daryl the purpose and hope he so desperately sought. But it did not. It forced him to deeply face what we actually need to find within ourselves to obtain sustainable hope and direction. That is of course, after resolving last week’s incredible cliffhanger. For if you recall, it was Dixon v Super Variant Walker in the closing moments of that tale, leaving us to wonder how Daryl would fare and as it turned out… he did just fine against this super powered monster. 
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For he remained as clever and as thoughtful as ever and was able to handle that walker with minimal fuss. But alas, that was not good enough for Genet and Codron, she wanted submission, and he wanted revenge and that brought Quinn into the fold, and some chains and restraints, and more hyper walkers to up the odds in Genet’s favor. But alas, some of the walkers turned upon one another and these men did figure out how to bring down the last of the walkers. Which of course, angered Genet. But thanks to Fallou and his surprise weapons fire, everyone was able to escape, and some left Genet’s palace in the most harrowing ways imaginable. Mainly because Quinn did take a bite along the way, and that of course meant doom, and it also meant… that Daryl found himself in a difficult spot where he had to save Isabelle from afar and inspire Laurent to put down a reanimated Quinn. Which he did, and that put them on the road to the Nest and their voyage there… led to what should have been the beginning of the spark for hope for Daryl.

Because they once again encountered Codron. Who was sent out to find them under the pretense of bringing them back to Genet to pay for whatever silly crime she believed they took part in. But instead, he was tasked with instilling fear in the group and was expected to murder Laurent, and all of them, in cold blood. Which did not sit well with Codron. For he truly believed that such an act was unnecessary and cruel, and rather than follow orders… he killed the men he traveled with and gave Dixon and his crew a reprieve. One that cost Codron greatly. Since Genet knew he had done something awful, and of course needed him to pay the piper accordingly. But the kindness of any person on this planet, one full of grace, should always bring forth hope. As should what Daryl found at his final destination. Because they did all arrive at the Nest in one piece. 

Within its walls, was nothing short of a utopia. A place where people were kind to one another and truly worked toward a better tomorrow. Where perhaps at last, the folly of the past would be laid to rest and where good ideas and kindness and unity would be the way forward. Which was much of what Daryl knew from back home, since that was now the Commonwealth’s goals, and that should have brought Daryl deep hope and a sense of renewal and purpose. Wherein he could return home and spread this kind of word around the countryside and help others to realize that the world could be a better place. Not to mention, he was able to watch over Laurent and Isabelle, and share knowledge with others in this place. Giving him the useful nature, he has always desired. But alas, something was amiss here.
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For despite having peace and believing in something more, Daryl still felt lost. Still felt hopeless. Which he attributed to being so far from home. Because the Commonwealth and those he loved were still on his mind. So, he worked to head back home post haste, only to learn that even that… wasn’t quite as fulfilling as he expected. Because there was also history for him here, and unfinished business he struggled to understand. Because there was a deep connection forming between, he and Laurent and even Isabelle and that was new for Daryl. For he was used to sharing a deep connection with only a few and re-energizing that connection when his soul needed it so. So, to be thinking about others and what it would mean to know them and help a different cause, put him at a crossroads at the end of this story, where he was unsure as to which path, he should take.

Which doesn’t really seem to be grounded all that much in concepts of hope and purpose and how we find it, but it is. Because often times, storytelling uses hard plot devices to show us how we should find hope or purpose when in reality… how we find those elements in a sustainable manner goes far deeper than seeing the good in others. It’s more about… seeing the good in ourselves. In understanding the difference, we can make and how we influence and inspire others. Which Daryl has never considered. He’s only known moving forward, he’s only known helping others without helping himself and now… he must look inward and have faith in himself because we cannot believe in anything greater until we believe in ourselves. Not to mention, we cannot find purpose until we understand who we are and what we want and that… is the most powerful ending The Walking Dead Universe has ever sent our way.

Because this is a horror story that rarely explores such matters in such a realistic light. But here, we were treated to six episodes that explored how we get to the point where we need to reassess our lives and our path and that just goes to show, the franchise and the subgenre of zombie themed horror are maturing before our eyes and looking at intimate concepts that neither have ever explored before. And it would also seem… Daryl will have help in season two regarding how to find himself. Since Melissa McBride returned to the franchise here as Carol Peletier, and she is on the hunt for her bestie and will undoubtedly find her way to him and that will make for some powerful television down the line. But for now, we can bask in the wonder of a brilliant tale. One that put Daryl Dixon and the whole TWD Universe in a bold new light, and it will be interesting to see what other powerful explorations regarding the human condition await us, when we return to Daryl, and Carol and the shores of France in season two. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Finale of ‘The Changeling’. 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 series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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Whenever a creative mind sets out to tell a powerful story, in any particular medium, they always have a deeper meaning or message in mind that they wish to convey and explore through the story in question. Because that’s the point of storytelling, to explore the human condition, to ponder upon the nature of our world and maybe even explore the meaning of life. And that is why stories are important and why they resonate with us. For they open our eyes to so much and connect with us on a level we never thought possible. And it is important to remember that that is the point of a story, because sometimes how we get to the deeper stuff… can be a touch unique in nature. For no two stories are the same and no creative accomplishes that goal the same way. 
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Take for instance, The Changeling on Apple TV+. For this story has been unconventional from the get-go, by offering us a fairy tale for adults that is grounded in horror, specifically the horrors of life and the fears we face on our journey and how we use imagination and storytelling to cope with them. But also, by giving us a story that blurs lines and has left us wondering if by chance what Apollo and Emma have encountered is actually real, or the products of that coping mechanism. But what we’ve all wondered deep down about this series, is what it truly wants to accomplish from a messaging and exploration standpoint. Because it has at times, stepped away from those horrors to play deeper into the mystical narrative and its even pondered upon the remorse that parents feel for the actions they take part in, to parent.

But regardless of the unique manner of this story, and the stunning visuals it provides us with, it was always planning to give us something more to latch onto, to give us something to explore and chew upon. We simply had to wait to get to the ending of the tale. For ‘Battle of the Island’ was a fast-paced waking nightmare that saw William Wheeler and Kinder Garten be unleashed upon the island and attempt to kill every man, woman, and child on the island. Which brought forth a powerhouse final battle. Wherein Cal lost her life in saving Apollo and the children and where Apollo headed out to meet his wife in Central Park, where it seemed the spirit of Brian awaited. All of which appeared to be nothing more than a happy ending that brought forth a reminder that the dark times we fear don’t last. But when one takes a moment and lets that ending sit… does so much more come to light.

For in essence, this is a story that was in part about the horrors of life and what a pain they can be. But Lillian’s journey last week, and the fight to save children from an evil that wished to consume or corrupt them… speaks to a story that all-along, has been about the fears that parents harbor. How they are terrified of the health of their child when they arrive and want them to grow into a great person, and how the world around new parents concerns them and scares them. Since there are forces that corrupt and forces to move people down dark paths. And that… is all tough to navigate, and there is no proper path to do so. There’s only the drive, the effort, and the love, that a parent can give that accomplish those goals and that… made for a powerful story indeed.

Because we don’t talk about those fears when it comes to parenting. We simply believe that finding the one we love and becoming a parent is a magical process free from fear and free from worry. Where the one we love will anchor us, support us, and help us through the worst moments. And of course, where our child will give us strength we’ve never known. To the point where no bad will ever arrive again, and that’s just silly. But this series made sure to point out otherwise and really help us to understand what the process of becoming a parent will look like, and how it will be scary, and it will be a fight, and it will take sacrifice untold to assuage those fears and raise our little one right. Which means, our magical views of love, marriage, and the baby carriage, is the horrific fairy tale we need to forget as adults. So, we can be prepared for the work ahead that accompanies bringing life into this angry and chaotic world.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Goosebumps’ (2023). Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say, that we live in an era where universes now rule the day from a storytelling standpoint. For so many shows, and books and movies, now operate in an outright encapsulated universe. Where everything is connected and where every moment has critical impact upon future stories and well… that is in fact, a good thing. Because it is giving rise to rich stories that captivate us and keep us in a familiar world that we adore, and it just so happens, that a brand-new series on Disney+ and Hulu, is working to bring together a series of beloved horror stories in a manner that creates a new storytelling universe. Which makes Goosebumps quite the fascinating watch.
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For this series, one that is indeed a revival of the highly beloved 1990s series that was based upon R.L Stine’s incredible work, ponders upon one particular question. In that, what if the amazing stories that we enjoyed from this show back in the 1990s… just so happened to be connected in a manner that goes beyond the book series? And the answer to that question is… we would be treated to a horrific universe filled to the brim with moments that are spooky, scary, and dangerous, alongside characters that we get to know and care about. Vesting us deeper into this story than ever before and it accomplishes this incredible feat… by plunging us into the world of Port Lawrence, and by introducing us to a bevy of kind teenagers that make up part of the population of this isolated berg.

Who sadly, manage to do something awful in ‘Say Cheese and Die’. But not from ill intentions. For Isaiah, the town’s star quarterback, wants to ensure that an upcoming party hosted by his beloved Allison is a true smash. So, he and his friends head to the old Biddle House. A place where tragedy once took place and is currently under renovation by Isaiah’s father for its new tenant, which allows for everyone to sneak in and host the party of a lifetime. But there is quite the problem in doing this. In that, deep within this home is an evil that none of them know about, and they have managed to unleash it. First through a camera that informs its owner that bad things will befall people they care about. Which sadly becomes Isaiah’s responsibility when he takes that camera home with him from the Biddle House, prompting him of course to fight with all of his might to prevent its premonitions from coming true with mixed results. But also, through the fact that something dark from within this house begins to roam about the town, and infect the right individuals, such as the new owner of the home.

Which informs us… that while the nightmare of the week will indeed be resolved as it was in the classic, life in Port Lawrence will continue along, with consequences in place from the horrors these teens will encounter, and that… is freakin’ brilliant. Because at last, it gives Goosebumps a true universe to operate within, where horrors untold are everywhere to be found and where the characters will have to work toward more than just outwitting an evil camera and other horrors on the horizon. Giving this series real depth, real gravity and it really does feature wonderful characters that are relatable and real, and that we want to see succeed. But most important of all, the decision to create the GBU so to speak, invests the viewer into this universe like never before. Because now… you must know what this evil is and how it will be put down, and the wonder of this story doesn’t there.

For that really is… perfect balance. Since that gives fans of the original, the anthology style of storytelling they crave, while offering them something new to enjoy and new fans of the show… can now understand why their folks loved this series and why it means so much to them. Through exciting stories that also happen to offer up… some solid scares. For this iteration of Goosebumps has evolved for certain, and now features some of the red stuff that the prior one shied away from, alongside visuals that are nightmare inducing. Making this, a perfect premiere, one that was clearly forged in love and a desire to let this iconic franchise live on, and truly, it will be fascinating to see where this amazing series is going to take us as darkness continues to wash over Port Lawrence in the weeks to come. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Four Premiere of ‘Creepshow’. To revisit the Season Three Finale, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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If there is one particular piece of advice our family, friends and other people close to us offer when we are dealing with something that upsets us in this life, something that is sticking with us and eating at us… it would be that we need to move on. Which isn’t the worst advice out there. After all, we are obsessive creatures at times, who love to pour over every moment and every possibility as to what went wrong and how we might have fixed it. So, letting go and moving on isn’t a bad thing by any means. Not to mention… sometimes what we think is problematic and worth worry, is in fact, something that can easily be moved on from. So, we should, for our own mental peace. 
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But the only real issue with this advice, is that we treat it as the blanket solution to all of our problems. As though it can indeed serve as cure-all for our emotional ailments, and that is where we go wrong with this advice. For so many will see their traumas and their grief and other such emotional issues, as something they can easily move on from and they attempt to do so, with ugly results. For the fact of the matter is, we cannot just ‘move on’ from death or stunning moments in our lives. We have to deal with them and confront them and resolve them. Otherwise, what we tried to move on from will come back to haunt us and impact our lives in ways we never thought possible, as evidenced by the stories featured in the season four premiere of the Shudder series, Creepshow.

For instance, ‘Twenty Minutes with Cassandra’, showcases… how our traumas and our past transgressions can in fact be toxic to others, especially when we do our best to project them onto others or lash out with our pain in a desperate attempt to relieve the pressure building up within us. While ‘Smile’ outright explores how trying to hide from our past and our sour transgressions that result in trauma, can and will come back to haunt us and damage what we’ve built, and oddly enough… that commentary is found via stories that seemingly have nothing to do with such topics. Since ‘Cassandra’ revolves around a woman named Lorna, battling a monster that a woman named Cassandra brings to Lorna’s doorstep while Lorna is trying to enjoy a nice evening at home. Whereas ‘Smile’ introduces us to a loving couple composed of James and Sarah Harris, who find themselves dealing with a twisted stalker on a night when James is honored for his photographic work.

But there is indeed deeper meaning in both of these stories. For as Lorna begins to deal with the horror that did indeed follow Dear Cassie to her doorstep, does she come to learn… that IT, is the personification of Cassie’s traumas and guilt over past transgressions, and it has grown so large and so overpowering that Cassie can no longer connect with people. She can simply greet them, express that evil and let it destroy the new friend/relationship and that… is indeed a powerful way in which to hammer home the central theme of this tale, in a manner that reflects how the work to put our past to bed pays off, and how exhausting it is to let it persist. Since it perfectly showcases how all of those sour emotional elements manifest and grow into something so awful, we cannot control it. Which makes for quite the thoughtful and powerful tale, one that is wonderfully complimented by the deeper message found in ‘Smile’.
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For that story, which appears to be nothing more than a revenge tale, turns out to be so much more. For the audience comes to learn that James did something awful in the name of getting that award winning photo. In that, he let a man and a child drown, and they could have been saved if he put down the camera. But rather than own up to how the photo came to be, or use a different one, he chose the one with the most emotional impact and profited deeply upon their passing, and that stayed with him and created incredible guilt and darkness within him. To the point where such matters begin to haunt him and prompt him to do horrible things to give his own soul peace. Hammering home, the central theme in a powerful and devastating manner, and all of this gives rise to one incredibly intelligent and thoughtful series premiere to one top-tier horror series.

Because this is… everything we expect from world class horror. Since it features stories that are dark and twisted and demented, that reflect the worst parts of us, so we can learn from them in a safe and secure manner. And of course… this story featured so many other incredible staples of the genre that we adore. Such as incredible tension, courtesy of ‘Smile’, since the darkness following James and his family put us on the edge of our seats, and the monster in ‘Cassandra’ was simply top-notch, as was the gore present in that tale. Plus, there were even moments that feature the dark humor this series is known for. But above all, the commentary on the human condition is indeed what stands out the most. Because it is raw, and pertinent, and it does leave one to wonder if season four of Creepshow is going to spend more time reflecting on us. Simply because, now would be the perfect time, since we are emerging from a period in time when we all had to look in the mirror and deeply reflect upon what we saw in our own eyes, and it will be fascinating to see how the relevancy of the world and recent events continues to influence this brilliant horror show as season four continues along. Until next time, kiddies.