Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘SurrealEstate’. To revisit the Season Two 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 lose a skill that we deeply cherish, we tend to believe that our life is over, and understandably so. Because that skill in many ways defines us. For it is what people know us for, and it is likely what we made a living from and all of that brought us joy. So, to no longer have that in our lives, due to an accident or other unforeseeable circumstances, truly is terrifying for certain and we do indeed find ourselves at a crossroads. Where we aren’t sure how we will go on. But the fact of the matter is, that skill likely didn’t completely leave us. For skills are learned and engrained within us, and if we lose our primary course of action to use it… that doesn’t mean we are utterly screwed and at the end. It just means we need to learn how to pivot and find ways to compensate for what we lost, so that which defines us… never goes away.
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If anything, that particular truth about our skills is top of mind today, simply because it is a lesson that Luke Roman learned during this week’s episode of SurrealEstate on SYFY. For ‘Truth in Advertising’ saw the team be split this week. Wherein August and Susan handled a unique set of spirits in a Bed and Breakfast, while Luke, Zooey, and Father Phil had to contend with the filming of a reality television show about ghosts at a haunted property they were working to sell. Which at first, offered no lessons to Luke, just irritation. For the show’s host, Kit Rampart, was quite the egotist, and truly believed that he was doing something special. When in fact, his show was nothing more than theatrics and nuisance and that caused he and Luke to clash often and well… these little tussles happened often enough that both men began to communicate with one another more about who they are and what they want out of life, and they found common ground.

For Kit lamented his path and wanted to go back to something spiritually pure, despite his fame, and of course… that resonated with Luke. Because he too wanted to be in the thick of it again and find ways to help spirits and well… that inspired him… to think outside the box and think about what else went into his work when his gifts were readily available. Which helped him to realize, that what really made him successful, was understanding what a spirit needs and knowing how to speak to them with a level of bravery and honesty that no one else attempted. Which motivated him… to learn about this ghost and offer her the honesty and the peace she needed and for his efforts, he was rewarded with a successful cleanse of this house, and renewed confidence. For now, he could still get in the thick of it and give the spirit what they wanted, it would just require a little bit of work, but the satisfaction he would receive for freeing a spirit and saving a house… would not change. Which was a beautiful message for Luke to learn and it gave him newfound focus and direction.

But of course, we’d be foolish to not discuss August and Susan’s mission in this tale. Because they were struggling to find anything out about the spirits that were apparently tortured and angry. For they screamed loud, they wailed even louder, and lashed out physically against the walls. But there was no dark history here, no evil to be found. But what they did find by finally going to the source of the noise… was a secret room where two amorous spirits met every Saturday night for a spiritual sexual awakening. The kind so pure, that Susan and August, recommended that the owners of this Bed and Breakfast do nothing from a cleansing standpoint. Since it was just two forbidden lovers, getting it on. So instead, they offered advice, wherein the owners should pivot and lean into that aspect of their hotel and they even had Kit come along to help advertise the spicy and spooky nature of this little getaway, since Luke did find a way to help Kit’s show thrive after all.

All of which made, for a supremely satisfying tale. One that was… heartfelt in nature for the most part. Since Luke’s journey helped him to grow and find purpose during a tough time, and it also offered up a different kind of ghost. One that while angry, wasn’t evil, just misunderstood for certain. Plus… that sexy ghost plot line was just hilarious. Since there were little clues to the audience that the need for a little hunka chunka was the real reason for a haunting and well, you really cannot go wrong with a horror story that offers growth, meaning and some laughs to keep things fun, and this episode just serves to remind us, of how versatile this series can be. And now that we’ve reached the end of this delightful and thoughtful tale, it will be interesting to see what lessons and what scares await the Roman Agency as season two of this wondrous series continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 302 of ‘Chucky’. To revisit the Season Three 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 enjoy the SYFY and USA Network series, Chucky, one grandiose question was left upon our minds. Specifically, what is Chucky’s long-term plan? Because a guy/doll like that, doesn’t waltz into the White House to occasionally satisfy their blood lust by popping the top of a Secret Service Agent. Oh no, this is the kind of monster that has big aspirations hidden in that little body and well, it would seem that we won’t be waiting too long to learn the exact plan for certain. Because the next episode in this delightfully devilish series, took the time to reveal some more tidbits regarding Chucky’s plans for the future, and well… they do indeed involve a lot of purposeful, calculated and targeted deaths.
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For ‘Let the Right One In’ saw Chucky… well let loose with the killing. Because when given the chance, he brutally took down the president’s secretary and with good reason. Because he needed to sow chaos in the White House. Primarily because a cleaner of sorts was poking around to ascertain how a Secret Service Agent fell in the most secure house on the planet, and killing a few folks at random would help to throw him off the trail so he could in the meantime… properly begin to execute the plan he really wanted to take part in. Which it would seem… is to eliminate anyone that might stand in his way and prevent him from the larger plan that he has yet to reveal. Which meant, Devon, Jack, and Lexy were in a lot of trouble in this tale. For they may be the last people that can stand between Chucky and his bloodlust. 

In fact, they ran into some real darkness here, because surprisingly, Miss Fairchild came to realize that Chucky was in the White House and that only this trio could stop him. Which brought them to the nation’s capital to begin to figure out a path to get inside the White House. As it turned out, Grant was their first and best and only hope really, because he managed to attach to Lexy and was willing to have Miss Fairchild meet his mom to facilitate entrance for the trio into the White House. But alas, that meeting brought forth some serious pain. Because while Miss Fairchild was waiting patiently for final word on whether or not access would be granted to hunt Chucky, the little monster found her. In fact, he managed to wrap her in the American Flag and slowly and painfully choke the life out of her. Before taunting the trio of course… because that’s what Chucky does. But more importantly… both of those kills… did as he hoped and brought about great chaos.

Because Lexy, Devon, and Jack… were besides themselves and unsure of what was to come next for them without their legal guardian at their side to help them sneak into the White House. Not to mention, chaos was now reigning supreme in the White House. Because there was a killer loose, and old secrets were out in the open. Such as the president’s affair before he reached the Hill, and of course… First Lady Charlotte Collins had to keep quiet about this whole thing, despite the fact she did not want to. Because to do otherwise would devastate her husband’s administration and more or less send the whole family packing in disgrace. And all of that was made possible by dear old Chucky. Who settles for nothing short of success, and now he can execute the next phase of his twisted and master plan, one that we all cannot wait to learn about… because it will undoubtedly be diabolical and amazing.

But while we wait to learn all that, we can revel in one intense and twisted tale. One that really did bring forth some utterly horrific murders. Because it was just horrifying to see Miss Fairchild go down like that, and the length of her end made that scene so uncomfortable. Not to mention the whole end of the president’s secretary was some next level splatter. The kind that would definitely give someone pause if they made the mistake of eating dinner and/or strawberry shortcake/anything while watching this. But… that is what this franchise does best. Shock us, captivate us and leave us eager for more, and we are most certainly counting down the minutes to next week’s tale. To see what more we will learn about the plan and to see how our heroes operate without the safety net of their beloved Miss Fairchild. Until next time.

Please enjoy this super-sized sneak peek of the season two premiere of Shining Vale, which debuts on STARZ tomorrow, 10/12/23.

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.

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, the horror genre really isn’t all that accessible to children and pre-teens and teens, and understandably so. After all, this is a genre of storytelling that goes to some supremely dark places with its characters and its concepts, and it features moments and visuals that well… aren’t really appropriate for kids and young adults. Which is why so many horror stories feature ratings and warnings for parents, to help them decide when their young ones are ready for the horrors that horror harbors, but as mentioned before… there have been moments where the genre has made attempts to reach a younger audience and get them interested in the genre… with mixed results. Since some of those movies and shows just couldn’t find the balance or really a focus. But there were a few that impressed.

Take for instance, Goosebumps. For this 1995 series, based off of the work of author R.L. Stine, was lightning in a bottle. For it featured stories that were filled with relatable characters for kids and young adults, and stories that outright impressed by offering up the right number of scares and creepy moments to keep kids and teens engaged and never overtly traumatized, as some horror can do at that age, and it did such an amazing job… that this series became nothing short of iconic. For so many remember it fondly and remember it as their gateway to the genre and potentially what brought forth a love of horror for them, and well… truly what this series accomplished back in the day, has yet to be replicated and likely never will be again. For it truly was the right series, at the right time.

Yet what’s fascinating… is that Goosebumps is in fact, returning from the dead. For Friday will see the debut of a new series from the world of R.L. Stine debut on Disney+ and Hulu and well, that likely will raise red flags in everyone’s mind. As though a cash grab is taking place, and a subpar product will debut that is but a shell of what was once was. But we here at NTG had the distinct honor of seeing this new series early, and well… we are happy to tell you, this isn’t a cash grab or an attempt to capitalize on nostalgia. This is a new iteration of the franchise, one that is quite impressive in nature, and we’d like to take a moment today to explore what makes it so great, in a spoiler-free manner of course… starting with that structure.

Because the brain trust behind this new chapter in the Goosebumps saga really did understand that lightning in a bottle is impossible to replicate, so instead… this series is nothing short of a delightful updating of what once was. One that is designed to reflect the times and the audiences out there. After all, horror is now mainstream and audiences have tuned into prime time shows that feature real terrors, regardless of age or ratings, and that allows for this iteration of the show to be a touch edgier than its predecessor, so that new audiences don’t feel as though they’re being patronized or handled with care. But at the same time, the scares never overwhelm or go too far, giving the show the perfect creepy vibe that it is known for, a move that will perfectly introduce new horror fans to the genre with ease and prepare for them for the hard stuff if they choose to explore horror further, while pleasing the nostalgic viewers that loved this show dearly back in the day.

But where this show truly shines… is in its overall structure and plot. Because not only did the overall feel and look of the series get a remodel, so did how the stories are told. So, gone are the days of pure anthology storytelling here. Instead, this show is centered on a group of teens and their families and schoolmates, as they encounter the twisted elements of evil that lurk in the shadows of their town. Which allows for a wonderful hybrid to come to life, where the show offers anthology elements, but an overreaching story that ties everything together. So that the viewer is vested and quite frankly, eager to binge to see what awaits them next. Which adds new thrills to this series and compels one to continue to the journey for certain, and it also doesn’t hurt… that some big names are in this series as well.

Since Rachel Harris and Justin Long are a part of this show and use their acting talents to keep things light when necessary and serious when the spooky stuff rolls in and well, all of these elements combine to bring forth, a magnificent revival of a beloved series. Since it doesn’t tread upon what came before it, it respects it and grows the saga before our eyes in a dynamic new manner that you cannot get enough of, and the best news of all, is that we are indeed days away from enjoying a great deal of the first season of this show. For Goosebumps debuts on Disney+ and Hulu this Friday, October 13th, with five deliciously devilish episodes, with new ones to follow on both networks on Fridays following, and we here at NTG cannot wait to geek out with all of you over this magnificent revival of a true horror classic.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘V/H/S/85’. 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 really is quite amazing, how nostalgia is being transformed into a critical analysis tool in this day and age. Because more and more, we are hearing less about how a certain era of time was better or more magical in nature, and more about how… most decades were rough in nature. Wrought with ugly days and moments that nostalgia sought to wipe out. A reality which could be attributed to the current political climate, since cries of taking America back to ‘better days’ has made so many critical of that notion, and allowed for folks to point out how the good old days of Americana were wrought with the worst parts of us and filled with sorrowful acts that we should be ashamed of cannot erase and really… those discussions and those truths are spreading like wildfire into every corner of nostalgia, including popular media.
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For stories are now looking at the past with a critical eye and celebrating the good whilst pointing out the bad and of course… horror films that are turning their eyes toward the past… are holding nothing back in their examinations of what other eras really looked like. Allowing for horror to really lead the charge in deconstructing nostalgia and its power, and one particular franchise that is leading the way in such matters is the V/H/S saga. Which is surprising since it started out as a hardcore anthology designed to celebrate both the subgenre and the era in which it first appeared, but the advent of V/H/S/99 changed all that. Since that film dug deep into how the 1990s were not the cuddly years we remember. No, that decade of boybands and TGIF had a lot of societal issues, the kind whose foundation were laid down in the 1980s and for proof… well then look no further than the latest intelligent entry in this saga, V/H/S/85.

For this brand-new Shudder release, does precisely what the prior film did, by giving us multiple vignettes set in the 1980s that explore the downs of the decade and the problems that we created then that we are still dealing with today. For instance, there is a set of vignettes entitled, ‘No Wake’ and ‘Ambrosia’ that examine how the gun violence that leaves us in fear for our children today, more or less found its genesis point in the 1980s and would serve as the prelude to shocking moments in our history. Such as Waco and Ruby Ridge. Courtesy of a story that speaks to how Americans’ constant need to be in conflict, led to heinous acts of gun violence that made more gun violence acceptable and the powerful commentary doesn’t end there. 

After all, there are vignettes here that speak to how the 1980s was an era when technology exploded upon the market, and moved so quickly that it stirred up all kinds of worry and unrest about technology. The kind that we still suffer from today since simple technology innovations are seen as world-ending or can somehow bring forth physical changes. Which makes ‘TKNOGD’ and ‘Total Copy’ very poignant pieces. That speak to how those fears come to life and how the push to create upgrades and technology at a rapid rate created trouble with those that needed time to adjust and lost themselves in the mix of it. All of which provides us with some fine reminders that the 1980s were not just filled with bitchin’ music and big hair, they were uncertain times that were filled with fear and what’s even more impressive… is that this anthology offers up so much more.
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Because this motion picture also just served to remind us that the turbulence of the era was also attributed to natural disasters and the surprise discoveries we made about the human condition. For ‘God of Death’ takes place during the great earthquake that hit Mexico City in 1985, and while it adds a delightful and amazing supernatural twist to that moment, it serves to remind us that Mother Nature was a touch aggressive in the 1980s, since Mt. St. Helens erupted in that era as well. Of course… the 1980s were also when Serial Killers rose to prominence in the news and opened up a new world of worry for us and ‘Dreamkill’ takes the time to explore the fears that generated, and how hard it was for us to cope with the reality that seemingly everyday people were eager to cause harm… to satiate a bloodlust that few understood in that era.

All of which brings together, the angriest and best chapter in this franchise. Because in addition to the incredible commentary and observations about how the 1980s were not the charming years we want them to be… it holds nothing back with the scares and the gore and offers us moments that resonate and feel familiar in every uncomfortable way imaginable. Making this a powerhouse horror anthology, one that takes the medium to new heights and keeps your attention every step of the way. Courtesy of quality writing, quality performances and surprises left and right that you don’t see coming in the slightest and well, hopefully this really is the beginning of a bold new era for this franchise. Where it will continue to showcase the best parts of horror by removing our rose-colored glasses, so we can see the truth about eras we hold near and dear to our hearts.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Exorcist: Believer’. 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 The Exorcist franchise is one of horror’s most important and controversial, and storied franchises out there. After all, it was met with incredible fanfare and resistance when it debuted back in the 1970s, courtesy of a story that took a taboo topic in the midst of a staunchly conservative era in American history… and put it on display in a raw and terrifying manner. But in the end, the potential of this story and the scares it provided allowed for it to win the day. To the point where sequels and prequels for this franchise came forth throughout the years. Some of which were well-received, while others were not… but regardless of the reception… this story and its concepts continue to endure and fascinate us, and with good reason.
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After all, it pokes about in territory we still don’t talk about all that often, since few are comfortable with pondering up on the possibility that there might be a real evil out there, waiting to enter humanity and wreak havoc, especially with technology proving so many myths to be just that. But the potential, does leave us curious as to what that might look like. And of course… there is the fact that just settling in for one of these stories also adds a real air of uncomfortable anticipation. Since we are eager to know if it will scare the hell out of us as the original and the third films managed to do, and well the allure of this franchise is so great that it should come as no surprise that new stories from within its realm continue to pop up, and it just so happens that a new entry in the saga is in theaters now, one that works to shake up the mythos in a bold new manner in The Exorcist: Believer. 

Now this is a motion picture from the world of Blumhouse and Universal Pictures, and writer/director David Gordon Green that works to serve as a direct line sequel to the original. Bypassing the events of everything else to plunge us into a world where Regan MacNeil’s ordeal is long forgotten and surely cannot come to light again in an age of technology and information. But the unique choices of two teenagers named Angela and Katherine, to contact the dead, brings forth trouble for their families. For something dark has indeed found them and possessed them and it will be up to a community that harbors conflicting views upon faith to figure out how to come together to save them from an evil that has not been seen on this earth since Regan MacNeil’s exorcism incident.

Which is… a plot that works well when it comes to the story’s overall goal to shake up the mythos for modern times while paying respect to the core tenants of the franchise. Since we get some lovely commentary on how the relationship between the church and the average American has changed greatly since the 1970s, which perfectly explores how in this modern age of medicine, people would react to the reality that evil was real and could infest a body in a unique and surprised manner, and that brings forth some fascinating scenes for certain, and of course… some genuinely unsettling ones. Because a lack of knowledge and belief in the supernatural, also brings forth raw confusion and fear, the likes of which we rarely see in horror features these days, and that leads to some quality scares for certain, moments that harken back to the original story in a respectful and organic manner, and a tense finale that truly tests every single character in this film like never before. 
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But you’ll note that the world ‘quality’ is used to describe the scares and there is good reason for that. Because you see, while this motion picture does an amazing job of adding to the mythos of the franchise, especially by bringing Ellen Burstyn back into the fold as Chris MacNeil, there is a spot where it is lacking… and it is a problem that plagued most films in this franchise. In that, this story holds back from what it can really accomplish from a scare standpoint. For the original and the third film, were eager to push the envelope and really dive deep into our fears of the afterlife and what evil might exist there. Whereas this film, plays it a bit safe. Yes, there’s evil, there’s tension and gore. But it doesn’t take risks and it doesn’t just unleash a terrifying volley of scares that are as otherworldly as the ones Father Merrin and Father Karras encountered ages ago.

Which is a shame. Because the foundation of this film is sound, and the acting is simply top notch across the board, since every actor in this film brings their A-game to the table, and real scares, the kind that go all out… would have made this film legendary in nature. But alas, it is instead, nothing more than a decent entry in the franchise. One that is creepy and thoughtful but won’t generate the kind of buzz as the original. Which isn’t a bad thing by any means. It just underwhelms at times when the audience is hoping for something more, but it is still a solid way to enjoy an hour and a half, and it does indeed leave the viewer with plenty to ponder upon when it comes to our relationship with religion in this modern era. And it of course does leave one wondering… what other struggles modern man would run into if by chance we discovered evil was real in an era where such matters are no longer held in such high regard.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five 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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If there is one particular burning question that fans of the AMC series, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, have yet to have answered regarding the show, it would have to be, how Daryl Dixon made his way to France. Because that is… one hell of a journey. One that likely was not easy and likely was not of his own volition from the hints we’ve been receiving over the course of the first season of this show, and this is a question that the show has made great efforts to not address, and rightfully so. After all, Daryl is indeed in the midst of some important work. Because keeping a child safe and keeping others moving forward is something that Daryl has always done well in his time in this franchise. But of course, this is a franchise that always answers our questions when the time is right and well, it just so happened that this week’s story was the right time to have Daryl reflect upon the journey that brought him to an old country with very modern problems.
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A feat that ‘Deux Amours’ accomplished, by giving Daryl a little downtime to think and ponder. For he and Laurent were heading toward The Nest aboard that cozy little boat and that brought forth a lot of silence. The kind that allowed for Daryl to reflect deeply upon what happened. As it turned out, while he was out and about searching for others to bring to the Commonwealth and his own internal peace, he ran out of gas in Maine, near the coast, and stumbled upon quite the wild opportunity. For there was a small ragtag community nearby, one that was eager to collect walker samples for heaven knew what. But they were in fact, offering fuel and other various goods as a reward for bringing in samples that were of the fresh varietal and of course… Daryl made some quick enemies in this place. Not because he caused trouble, but because… he was too damn good at the job.

Because day in and day out, he was loading up trailers with the freshest of the dead and enjoying the best spoils this community had to offer. To the point where an important moment took place in this story. Because the good will that Daryl engendered, allowed for him to make use of the crude radio setup present in this place, and that allowed for him to contact home. Which in turn, brought about a unique cameo from Melissa McBride as Carol, wherein she and Daryl were able to talk for a bit, reconnect and remind us of how much their BFFL-ship healed them and how much they cared for one another. That is… before a bombshell arrived in this sequence since Carol may have hinted that this story takes place well after the events of the upcoming series The Ones Who Live and that… Rick Grimes and Michonne might be home at last.

But that aside, that wonderful moment did not inform us as to how Daryl made it to France and well, that was the result of the bad blood in the camp. Because one fine day, a guy that was just trying to get by and get home to his girl so they could go west, turned up with the day’s haul from a group that was picking on the decased, and that was more than Daryl could bear, and that led to an ugly fight. One that went against the rules of this community and put him on that boat. For apparently, troublemakers were to be used as food for some of Genet’s specimens. But of course… Daryl Dixon wasn’t one to sit back and wait to die, and with a little guile, he escaped, caused trouble, and encountered his first variant before heading into the water to find his way toward France. Which gave us… the answers we’ve been waiting for, alongside a little extra depth for that matter as well. Because Daryl hasn’t quite been himself this story, despite heroics, and it would appear that the cruelty, he saw on display on the boat and in that camp, combined with being away from good and decent people, helped him to lose hope in humanity, in his cause and well… that’s important to note.

Because that is what Daryl needs to find in France and this episode also made it appear as though he was moving back toward hope at last. But not before really reaching rock bottom with frustrations regarding his predicament. For a short stop to rest, led to the boat being sent adrift and the death of their escort. And the former problem was a result of Laurent oddly enough. Because he feared being alone and feared his future and wanted to find a way to spend more time with Daryl. Because he did look up to him as a father figure and went the extra mile to show him that they were bonding, as evidenced by the ugliness that took place on the road. Since Genet and Codron’s forces found the both of them in the middle of nowhere, and when given the chance to run to The Nest, Laurent stayed by Daryl’s side… to show him that there was still good and loyalty in this world and that people still believed in one another. Elements critical to finding hope in a dark time. 
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However, we’d be remiss to not discuss what Isabelle was up to in this story since she too was in the midst of a soul-searching moment back in Paris. Simply because Quinn locked her away and played with her emotions and her future. Because he wanted nothing more than to have her submit to him. In the name of love of course… but in reality, it was his need for control and his need to make her atone for abandonment through ‘love’ that drove this desire, and she wasn’t sure she could handle that. Because she worked so hard to leave that life behind and be a new and better person that had faith in something more. But eventually some contact from old friends outside the walls of her bougie prison, prompted her to realize she should use this moment to her advantage and use Quinn’s fawning over her to gather intelligence and to find a way to perhaps delay whatever Genet had in mind for Paris since Quinn was working with her now and it is a wonderful thing that she did.

For this story also had quite the surprise in store for us in the finale. Wherein Isabelle and Laurent, and Daryl were reunited in Genet’s palace of horrors. For Genet was gathering a fair chunk of the city, to make it clear she wanted to unite France under one flag again, and she expected Laurent to be part of that unity and stand by her side at this gathering, after a powerful show for the crowd. One that saw Daryl marched out into an arena of sorts, to battle it out with a walker that was… different from the rest. For it was doped up with whatever serum Genet has been toying with all of this time, and it was… hyper aggressive and ready for combat and well, that left us with a cliffhanger as well. One where Daryl was prepared to face off against this new variant/walking nightmare and well, in the end… all of these elements brought together one delightful and incredible episode of the show. 

Because it reminded us of the humanity this franchise resides within, and how we as a species ebb and flow between great moments and sorrowful ones externally and internally, and how easy it is to lose our way when we see our worst. But it also informed us, that, we can come back when that happens, we can be better. All of which was expressed through some of Norman Reedus’ finest work as Daryl Dixon here. Since he expressed all of those thoughts and emotions through subtle or powerful moments. But above all, we now know how Daryl came to France, and why he is so eager to return home. Because he knows he is losing himself, and knows he needs something positive to keep him focused, and hopefully this mission can help him find that and hopefully… Daryl can accomplish wonders in doing so. Because there is indeed something evil brewing in Paris and it needs to be addressed before more dark days befall this city, and its people. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven 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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If there is one word, or a variation of that word that has come up often in our discussions of the Apple TV+ series, The Changeling, it would have to be… unconventional. Because nothing about this story has felt akin to anything we normally see on television. After all, it is in many ways, a twisted and horrific horror story, one for adults and one that resembles the horrors of everyday life and how we use imagination and storytelling to escape those horrors. Plus, we simply don’t know if Apollo and Emma encountered something supernatural or if everything that happened to them is related to mental health and post-partum depression. And well, the unconventional nature of this story is showing no signs of slowing down as we barrel toward the story’s finale, as evidenced by this week’s tale.
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Because instead of returning to the island, to reunite Emma and Apollo and begin to have our questions answered, ‘Stormy Weather’, opted to take the story down a vastly different path. One that explored different questions whilst exploring a topic we don’t discuss all that often. A feat it accomplished by having us spend some time with Lillian, as she wandered the streets of Manhattan with a destination in mind, the Elk Hotel. The famous hotel, or infamous depending on how one views it, so that she could answer questions about what happened to Apollo’s father, Brian, all those years ago… through a confession to her son. Which of course, allowed for this tale to explore ‘the sins of our parents’, and how we don’t really think about the fact they are flawed individuals that falter often and make grave mistakes like the rest of us and well… her confession and that exploration went hand in hand. 

Simply because, we came to learn as Lillian grappled with the pseudo-silence of this hotel, that she… didn’t really love Brian the way he loved her, briefly. Because she spoke to a rocky marriage, one filled with cold moments and pain, the kind that so many parents take part in out of the belief that love and marriage are elements we must find in this world, and the same goes for having children. But she came to learn that marriage with a man like Brian wasn’t for her. Motherhood, yes, for she declared her love of Apollo. But Brian was no big deal to her, and she wasn’t sad to see him go when he decided to move onto greener pastures. Because it was all about Apollo for her… until Brian returned on a fateful day. The one that haunted Apollo’s dreams, because it was real, and traumatic, and Lillian made sure to end it.

A move that spoke to the greater theme. In that, there are a great many things our parents have done they are not proud of, and they have indeed crossed lines to keep us safe, and we… never find out about them. For they are the secrets that go to the grave and haunt mom and pop until the day they take their last breath. Which served to remind us… that they are not the heroes we see them to be, nor are they villains. Just people. People that make fascinating choices in the name of their children seeing a better tomorrow, and while what Lillian did was obviously illegal and cannot be forgiven or endorsed, it stands with that concept and the unconventional nature of this story, one that went above and beyond to help Lillian sort out her actions and her confession, so that she could find catharsis and move forward without that guilt. 

Courtesy of haunting visuals from within that hotel room, the kind that brought past, present and future together in a unique manner, and reminded us of a mother’s capacity for love regardless of whom is hurting in front of her. As evidenced by how Lillian handled the final moments of a man that rented a room to die beneath the neon lights of this part of town. All of which made for a supremely human story. One that was powerful, moving and off the beaten path, and of course, still found a way to infer its mystical game. Since there was implication, the sins of the mother, set this entire nightmare in motion, in order to keep her act a secret. As to whether or not that is the case, time will tell, but while we wait to have those questions answered, we can revel in one amazing tale. One where Adina Porter (Lillian) put on an acting clinic, and where we were taken on quite the emotional ride, one that shattered the façade of the superhero parent. 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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Over the course of the past few years, the Shudder series, Creepshow, has managed to accomplish wonders for the horror anthology. Because this series is, hands down, a revolutionary anthology. One that knows how to pay tribute to what came before it and its own roots by offering up stories that horrify and leave us nauseous with quality gore and intense scares. But at the same time, this is a horror anthology, that isn’t afraid to experiment with what this subgenre can do. Since we’ve been privy to comedic stories that push the boundaries of what the horror-comedy can accomplish, alongside stories that are both eerie and experimental. But above all, this series has made sure to remind us that horror is just plain fun and well… there’s good reason to reflect upon what this series has accomplished.

Because we are in fact, a week away from the long-awaited debut of the fourth season of the show, and considering the ambitious nature of season three, which included a wondrous blend of the elements we mentioned a moment ago, alongside growing the mythos of George Romero’s Living Dead Universe, we are all quite curious as to what Greg Nicotero and his creative team are going to bring to bear for this new season of storytelling. And well, since we here at NTG had the distinct honor of seeing season four of Creepshow early, we thought it best to take a moment today and break that down for you, in a spoiler-free manner of course. Because there are some amazing moments, we do not want to ruin for you in advance of next week’s premiere. But what we can tell you, is that this is the show’s boldest season to date. 

Simply because, this season’s stories… dig deep into a pair of staples of the horror genre. Specifically, explorations regarding the human condition, and commentary on our world. Which are elements that Creepshow has featured before since Greg and his team understand their importance to storytelling. But here… the stories go harder than ever on such matters. Allowing for some powerful explorations to come into play, the kind that explore the horrors of our modern world, of the human mind and what kind of impact that has upon others and ourselves. Which brings forth some cerebral and powerhouse stories that truly leave you with plenty to think about, and that of course… is what great horror does. It challenges us, it examines us and there’s plenty of that to be found here and that brings forth a bevy of incredible episodes that truly blow your mind, and the wonder of this new season doesn’t end there.

Because Greg and his team make sure to not abandon all the elements that helped us to fall in love with the show in the first place. Which means, there are still incredible monsters and nightmarish creations to be found here courtesy of KNB EFX, alongside top tier gore and of course, the trademark dark humor that the franchise is known for, is still here. But make no mistake about it, while there are familiar elements, it is obvious that this season is designed to really wow us, and the writing reflects that, as to do the diverse nature of the episodes/vignettes. Since they really do offer up some bold and ambitious stories that outright scare us through and through. Making this quite frankly, the best season of the show to date. One that shows that Greg and his team have found their groove and ready to really take this show to a whole new level. 

Plus, while this season is indeed ambitious, and pioneering for certain with some of the powerful commentary and concepts it explores, it also makes sure to offer up something for everyone. So that no horror fan feels excluded from the party that the Creep is hosting this year, and the best news of all… is that you don’t have to wait that much longer to enjoy everything this magnificent horror show has to offer. Because this fun, twisted, and downright intelligent season of storytelling will be making its debut on Shudder and AMC+ on Friday, October 13th, 2023, with a linear premiere on AMC that same night at 10:00pm EST, with subsequent episodes to follow in that vein, and well… we simply cannot wait for you to see this ambitious new season. Because season four really is something special and it truly lives up to its mantra of providing us with the most fun, we’ll ever have, being scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Premiere of ‘SurrealEstate’. 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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We like to believe that everything we enjoy and love in this life, will last forever. For we are creatures of comfort, and routine, and that deep rooted desire to have consistency really does fool our brains into that belief. Because sadly, nothing lasts forever in this life, and the world is constantly growing and changing around us… and we either adapt to that… or suffer the consequences. But that… is also easier said than done. Because change is hard to understand and accept, especially when something we’ve been used to for ages on end is robbed from us. If anything, that particular struggle is top of mind today, simply because it served as the central theme of the season two premiere of SurrealEstate on SYFY, and that made ‘Trust the Process’ quite the powerful tale. 
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For when we returned to the Roman Agency in this story, change was everywhere to be found. Because Luke was still on hiatus after losing his powers and someone had to step up and keep the business rolling and that someone… was Susan. Because she knew the value of this business and the importance of keeping it going. So, she introduced great changes. The kind that made the agency, a powerhouse real estate firm regardless of whether the house was spooked or not, to make the company a trusted commodity in the community, and she also figured out how to handle the core business without a psychic in the house. All by making use of detailed research on the houses that were haunted, along with asking August to assemble devices that might be able to communicate with the dead, and well… this brought forth some struggles for Luke.

Because eventually… he came back, and immediately found himself in a place where he no longer fit. For everyone rallied behind Susan and that kind of change was a lot to process. As was not being the guy in the spotlight and of course… he struggled with the fact that Susan had enacted wonderful policies and procedures to make this business thrive and sadly, that pushed Luke to do what most people that are used to being the center of it all do, and make some unpleasant waves. Courtesy of off the cuff comments that were rude, and by picking apart some of Susan’s great policies. All of which, sowed division on the team and of course… pushed Luke to try and be the hero again to feel some sense of normalcy at a time where change was all around him. Because his powers had not returned and well… that desperate need put him in quite the dangerous place at the end of this tale.

Wherein he attempted to solve the big spiritual mystery on his own. As though immersion therapy would bring his powers back and give him what he craved. But instead, he found himself near death thanks to the spiritual desires of a former serial killer, and had it not been for the team, and their research… he might have perished. And as an added bonus… Luke’s salvation pleased a client and well… one would think that would have brought a little consistency to the change. But Luke continued to fight, and push and be the tough guy… all because he is hurt and scared regarding the change in his life. Which doesn’t make him bad or a villain here, just a broken man that has to find a new way forward and hopefully he can. Before his fears and worries send Susan, packing and break up the team, and well… in the end, that concept and Luke’s actions here, made for one engaging and delightful season two premiere of this show.

Because it served to remind us that the characters are what matter most in this show, and they are as human as they come. Since they’re filled with flaws, and some amazing gifts. But this really was the best way to bring Luke back into the fold and settle us into season two. Because now, Luke has something to work toward, something to earn really, and not having his powers will force him to choose some interesting paths this season. And well, it is definitely safe to say that the fans are here for it. Because we want to see him succeed and find peace, and we want to see this business thrive and see his associates succeed alongside with him, and truly, it will be fascinating to see what lies ahead for Luke and his intrepid team as everyone works toward embracing change and new horizons in the weeks ahead. Until next time.