Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’.
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Thus far, our journey through the second and final season of The Walking Dead: World Beyond, has provided us with some fascinating insight on the nature of revolution and what motivates people to rise up against oppressive powers, alongside some fascinating explorations on the nature of growing up, thrown in for good measure. And while that has indeed provided the audience with some fascinating insight on topics that some of us barely remember or don’t understand in the slightest, we’ve yet to really understand a bigger question hanging over this season’s storytelling. In that, what it is that motivates an organization or a political entity or military force, to desire and crave power in a manner akin to the Civic Republic Military? And as it turns out, last night’s episode of the show was the perfect time to explore the answer to that question.

But before we dive too deeply into the answer to that particular question, it’s important to follow up on an important plot thread that was left hanging a few weeks ago. Specifically, what was the fate of Silas? For the last time we saw him, he was surrounded by CRM forces with weapons drawn and thankfully, ‘Blood and Lies’ caught us up on that concern as well. And it just so happens, that Silas is okay after all, courtesy of his CRM badges and standing within his work facility. Which allowed for him to undergo some light questioning from Warrant Officer Stokes before being remanded back to the clearing facility and Dennis’ command, and it was quite lovely to see that Silas is okay and free from harm since it offered up a touch of peace and joy in an episode… that was devoid of it otherwise.

Because shortly after Silas returned to work, panic spread through the facility. For it was finally discovered that a vial of the super-secret green stuff went missing, which put the facility into lockdown and allowed for Jadis to begin to interrogate those who might be responsible for this mistake and that of course, meant that Leo was going to be interrogated hard since he had ties to this mess and was potentially compromised with his family being inside the facility. Which motivated Lyla, to take part in quite the incredible gambit. Wherein she revealed to both Hope and iris, what she was actually working on in the hopes of saving Leo and to bring a sense of normalcy back to the base and what she and Jadis revealed, over the course of two separate scenes, was nothing short of terrifying. 
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For it turns out that two years after civilization collapsed at the hands of the dead, Major General Beale and Lieutenant Colonel Kublek, founded a Project known as Votus. Which was designed to study reanimation and its origin so that a cure for living death could be found. An idea that is indeed grounded in nobility and hope, but also one that was quickly bastardized. Since it didn’t take long for the CRM to realize that traditional research on victims that were bitten or dying, took too much effort and time in an era where urgency was needed. Which in turn motivated twisted science to come into play. Wherein the green stuff, a chlorine-based bioweapon, one that contained a ‘cure’ that was designed to stop the reanimation process, was pushed into the testing phase in the worst way imaginable. Since it was deemed to be used on living test subjects to see which iteration of the cure would work.

Which was a horrifying revelation to say the least, one that made it clear that the Omaha campus became a grand science experiment in order to test the most hopeful iteration of this cure and that human experimentation was happening often, and well, that makes the CRM an utterly horrifying organization. One that is clearly motivated and driven by utter fear. Fear that the world as they knew it will be forever gone, and fear that they have no control over the future and it is that kind of fear that will indeed warp a government or a powerful entity into something terrifying and the parallels to the CRM here to the world we live in now, are quite chilling for certain. Since we’ve watched fear transform America over the past few years into something unrecognizable at times. But while that is indeed powerful and poignant commentary on our modern world, there were more powerful revelations to be found in this story.
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Because that fear and that desire to control everything and everyone, is forcing the CRM to make more terrifying moves. For it was also revealed in this tale that in order to consolidate its power and its grip on this fledgling new world, the CRM is fully prepared to end the alliance with Portland and destroy it in a similar manner as Omaha. Which means that our intrepid heroes are going to have to act fast to do something to teach the CRM a solid lesson in humility and how humanity cannot be controlled in this manner. And thus far… the plan is to rescue the scientists in this facility and their work, before finding a way to burn Project Votus to the ground, all while getting word to Portland that an attack from ally is imminent and if that doesn’t seem daunting enough, Jadis has inadvertently figured out how to make life even more difficult for the Endlings and their plans for a better tomorrow.

For she took the time to kill Lyla for revealing Project Votus to Leo and his girls and to clear the way to install a more easily controlled leader of the project. For a parent is quite the vulnerable being. One that will work hard to ensure their family is safe and sound, and that is of course her hope, now that she is going to promote Leo to the head of Project Votus. But while we wait to see how Leo will respond to his new role, and the forthcoming threats to his family, we can bask in the horror of one powerful tale. One that finally revealed the true intentions of the Civic Republic Military and just how awful an organization it truly is. For any entity that kills innocents in the name of the greater good and does experiments in this style, is disgusting and monstrous and that made for one bleak and hopeless tale when all is said and done.

One where we also came to learn that Jadis is beyond corrupted at this point, since she killed with impunity here and manipulated everyone as she saw fit and well… how does one rise up against a brilliant military officer that is clearly three steps ahead? But all darkness aside, this episode does deserve our awe. Because this one definitely raised the stakes for the Endlings and gave them a hell of cause to fight for, since hundreds of thousands of lives now hang in the balance thanks to their horrifying discoveries and truly, it will be quite interesting to see where the story takes us next and whether the Endlings can save the day or find some measure of hope. Now that we know that the Civic Republic Military is willing to do whatever it takes to keep its twisted vision of tomorrow, alive and well. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 705 of ‘Fear the Walking Dead’.

It is definitely safe to say, that season seven of Fear the Walking Dead has offered up a masterclass exploration regarding the darker side of the human condition. Because over the past few weeks, we’ve come to learn how extreme stress and duress can transform the human mind into something that is both dangerous and frightening. Since we’ve watched beloved characters transform into shells of their former selves before our eyes… and we’ve seen them crack under the pressure of living in a world where the dead walk and where radiation silently lurks in the sky. Which has allowed for some powerful and harrowing stories to come to life, the kind that quite frankly, have left us wondering if by chance, there will be any positivity to be found this season. 
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Well as it turns out, there will be. In fact, it was put on full display during last night’s episode. For ‘Till Death’ offered up a grand exploration on how perhaps we can find hope and positivity when the world is genuinely beating us down, and one way to accomplish that… is by creating it. Which is precisely what Dwight and Sherry are doing in the wasteland when we catch up with them here. For in the days following the nuclear blasts, they rebranded themselves as noble vigilantes known as ‘The Dark Horses’ and their duty in these trying and uncertain times… was to play peacemaker and hero to the underrepresented and teach lessons to wrong doers in a peaceful, nonviolent manner… if possible, and well, being heroes of the apocalypse did indeed bring them some measure of personal peace and purpose and fame.

For word of their services spread far and wide, to the point… where even Victor Strand became curious of their identity and their true intentions and that of course led to a meeting within the walls of Strand Tower wherein the well-dressed, and dynamic, and sometimes dastardly Victor; offered them quite the deal. In that, if they took the time to play the hero for Strand and used their purity and understanding of good to bring a woman named Mickey back to the Tower… they could join his strange community and find comfort and peace and safety at last. Which was of course, an offer that concerned the hell out of both of them. After all, being promised safety by an enigmatic and bold leader who lived behind the walls of a ‘Sanctuary’ was a song and dance they’d heard before and it was a sour symphony at that. 

Which in turn motivated them to at the very least, to go and find Mickey, so that they would have a little time to really decide what their future should look like and if this vigilante life was right for them and well… after spending a little time with Mickey and hearing about how her journey was a parallel of their own, they decided to stick with the hero’s lifestyle. Simply because they realized their story and their drive, really did inspire others to push forward and never give up, and the help they provided others with gave them much needed catharsis and attrition for their part in growing Negan’s empire and that is why they had no qualms with helping Mickey find her missing husband, provided of course… they could overcome the roadblocks they encountered along the way.

For the kind and loving family that accepted Sherry and Dwight into their bunker at the end of season six, were found dead when our heroes returned to the bunker to resupply themselves with weapons and food for their new journey and that hammered home the reality of how hard it was going to be to maintain hope in this desolate new world, and that reality, left Dwight full of doubt as to whether or not their mission could succeed. To the point where he stayed behind to ponder upon whether the cost was worth it and thankfully, he came to realize that it was. Thanks to the fact that Strand sent an assassin to kill that family. In the hopes of breaking Sherry and Dwight to the point where they would give up and return to the Tower and once, he realized that men like Strand would always try and rob others of hope to advance their plans… he shook off his worries and realized it was up to he and Sherry to be the counterbalance to that and then he was off… to be with his love once again and it is a good thing he found some clarity.
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Because Sherry and Mickey ran into a large horde of the dead when they reached their destination, a gym that Mickey and her love ran on the outskirts of town, and had it not been for Dwight’s arrival and assist, they might not have survived, and Mickey might have succumbed to the darkness and sorrow of this world. Since she came to discover, her love, her light… had died somewhere along the way and of course… turned into a member of the living dead. But Dwight and Sherry kept her spirits up and never left her side, as part of their resolve to spread hope wherever possible so that everyone suffering through this extremely dark time could find the strength to go on and well, after saving Mickey from the darkness, it would seem their biggest task awaits them. Since the mystery men in radiation suits summoned The Dark Horses and revealed to them, that they too are in need of hope of a better tomorrow and want Dwight and Sherry’s help in finding Padre. 

But while we wait to see what will come about from this super-sized quest to find a true oasis that may or may not exist in a world where radiation and living death reign, we can bask in the wonder of one positive tale. One that handled its overall theme in a super subtle but impactful manner none the less. For this one really did do a wonderful job of exploring how powerful we can become when we take the time to heal ourselves and our most critical relationships and what doing good deeds genuinely does for others and ourselves. Since The Dark Horses’ quest really did inspire hope in a world without it and brought real healing to Dwight and Sherry when it comes to their dark past and that definitely made this episode the most uplifting chapter in season seven to date and also its most entertaining and fun, believe it or not, largely thanks to the events at the gym.

Since the story took the opportunity to use Mickey’s backstory as a professional wrestler, to bring about a rip-roaringly hilarious slapstick sequence in the gym. One where every famous move in the industry was used to beat the crap out of or kill the living dead and that really did offer up some lovely levity and harkened back to the days of Romero, since that whole sequence reminded this writer of the pie fight scene from Dawn of the Dead. If anything, this was just a genuinely impressive episode when all is said and done, one that really did show us how far Dwight and Sherry have come and it is one that engrossed us to no end, thanks in large part to Lennie James’ masterful direction. Since he figured out how to make every scene and visual as compelling as possible, and well, all this episode does is leave us wondering as to whether we are headed into more positive territory, now that everyone is searching for Padre... or if more darkness awaits as we inch toward the midseason finale. Until next time.

​It is hard to know when you are going to snap and while we keep things buried in ourselves, I am surprised that it does not happen more often. There are many triggers for people, like mine is when someone starts repeating me for no reason, I let them have it with some vulgar words, but some people make it physical. While I do not agree with throwing a punch for something that is not really warranted, it has happened in the past and it is something that people need to know how to control. While you might be hurting on the inside, it is important to have someone that you can talk to, to get it all out, or you will find yourself having a battle over something that is not worth it.
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Watching as his mother passes away in front of his eyes, Evan has to figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life. Getting a drink with his best friend Tommy at the bar, Evan takes note of a young woman who is trying to get cigarettes from a machine that does not have any. Seeing the woman walk away, her boyfriend notices that Evan is looking and is ready to rumble. Trying to defuse the situation, Tommy steps in, but when Evan sees the stranger ready to make matters worse, he lays a beat down on the man and gets the cops called on him. Knowing that he will go to jail for the fight, Evan decides it is time for a change of scenery.

Packing a bag and calling the airport to find the next flight out of the country, Italy is the next available flight and it seems fine for Evan. Arriving and taking in the sights, Evan is quickly picked out by a couple of new friends in the hotel who are looking to have a good time. Taking a drive around the countryside with Thomas and Sam, the three men are having the time of their lives, but when arriving at their next hotel, Evan takes note of a beautiful woman in a red dress that is giving him the eye. While having some drinks and getting in a heated discussion about which nationality is more annoying, Evan spots the young woman having a drink alone at the bar, and he decides it is time to talk to her. Not being able to get a name, much less a promise to meet up for a date, Evan is not going to give up and decides to put in some more time trying to break down her walls.

But time is not on his side as the Thomas and Sam are moving on and Evan no longer has access to the hotel. Being able to get a job on a farm from the aging Angelo, Evan will have as much time as he needs to find this young woman again and at least get to know her before making their way to the bedroom.  Spotting Louise on her way to a museum, Evan invites himself along and gets to see some great pieces of artwork and while he is taken aback by what the woman has to say, he is dying to know more. As their first night ends and Louise is forced to leave before morning, Evan is able to catch up with her again and the two start to give in to a budding relationship. But Louise has something that she is hiding from Evan and after calling it off while dealing with her own issues, Evan decides he will not accept it. Finding Louise in her most vulnerable time, Evan has officially seen her at her worst and decides that there are worse things in life than seeing a monster come to life, but to keep the relationship alive, he must be able to get his new love to fall in love with him in a single day.

I know what you are thinking, this does not sound like a horror movie at all, but more like a romantic comedy and you are right. This is the first legit romantic comedy horror movie I think I have ever seen, and you know what, it was good. The chemistry between the characters is just so good and while Evan is starting to think that there is something different about Louise, he has no idea how different she really is. Needing to feed the beast inside of her throughout the movie, you get to find out everything you ever wanted to know about Louise and her two-thousand-year-old past. This is a very clever movie, that is just filled with jokes, some blood, bunnies, transformation, a lifetime of bad luck, a love story and plenty of great scenery. I did question what I was watching after turning this on, but once the characters took to their roles, it didn’t matter, because they made this the most adorable horror flick, I have ever seen. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Great White’.
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The summer of 1975 was a special one for the horror genre. For this is when Universal Studios released a shark-themed horror film in theaters, one that was helmed by an up-and-coming director named Steven Spielberg and well… the genre was never the same. For Jaws was a huge box office hit, one that some could debate, helped to begin the long journey that would eventually make horror the mainstream juggernaut that it is today, and it doesn’t hurt that the movie is also a top-notch horror flick. Since the tale of a great white shark tormenting an island community plucked upon fears that we didn’t know we harbored. But what truly matters most about this iconic motion picture, is its impact upon the genre for years to come.
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Because this is a movie that inspired generations of filmmakers and it helped to create a subgenre of horror that filmmakers wanted to take part in. Which is why shark themed horror films have been popping up for decades on end, because creative minds are eager to explore the horrors that accompany nature gone wild. But while there is plenty to celebrate about the shark-themed movie, there is also plenty to lament. Since a great deal of the movies that populate the genre now, are gimmicky, in an attempt to chase such movies as Sharknado. Which isn’t a bad thing since Sharknado offered up its own fresh take. But that’s just it. Audiences expect this subgenre to either continue to evolve or remind us of why we love it, and as it turns out, there are still filmmakers out there looking to preserve the purity of the shark film, as evidenced by the latest Shudder release, Great White.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a loving couple named Kaz and Charlie and they are in a bit of a bind. Because their airplane charter company isn’t doing that great business wise and the couple is hoping for a big score to enjoy a little breathing room and they get it, by way of a lucrative charter from a couple named Michelle and Joji. Who wish to be flown to a deserted island to spread the ashes of Michelle’s grandfather, who was once stranded on that very island, and while it seems as though this charter is going to go off without a hitch, a scary discovery changes the tone of this adventure. For the body of the victim of a shark attack is on this island, and the right thing to do is to find the woman he was with, since they discover pictures of his girlfriend on his phone. But alas, the hunt to save the girlfriend in question ends in disaster when a great white shark attacks and destroys their plane, putting this group in a precarious fight for survival, one where they have to use the current to find their way home, before the shark hunting them, figures out a way to sink their life raft.

Which is a plot that at first glance, appears to be nothing more than the standard sharky fare that is out there right now. Since a shark hunting people is nothing new, nor are people working to survive a shark attack. But what truly separates this film from the rest of the shiver, is that it returns to the genre’s roots. First, by taking the time to explore the raw fear that we experience when nature decides to just do its thing and it pulls off that particular feat by setting the majority of this film aboard the life raft. Wherein the group is forced to face their fears and their worries while the shark swims silently beneath them, waiting for an opportunity, and that leads to some powerful moments. The kind that reminds us that our fear of the unknown is strong and transformative, to the point where it makes us do foolish things.
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But while that makes for some unsettling moments for certain, where this movie truly shines, is by way of the villainous shark itself. Because in a true tribute to Bruce and his days of hunting the Orca, this sharky is a smart one. One that genuinely works out the situation at hand in order to obtain the meat it so desperately craves. Which allows for this monster fish to use guile to fool the characters into making incredibly bad decisions and that allows for some genuine surprises and jump scares to take place, and it also allows for a bevy of homages to the Jaws franchise to unfold as well, including quite a few to Jaws: The Revenge, the kind that improve upon some of the more dubious choices present in that motion picture. But most important of all, the cunning present in this shark’s mind, brings about some excellent and gory kills, the kind that are as savage as they come.

If anything, it’s best to just declare this shark-themed movie as nothing more than a quality emotional ride. Because we are treated to a straightforward tale of terror here. One that really does remind us of the fact that mother nature is always the one in control and all we can do when she decides to let loose, is get out of her way and hope for the best and well, this movie really does deserve a round of applause. Because it doesn’t try to outthink itself or inject some kind of powerful twist to wow us. It’s just a shark movie, in the raw, and it sticks to what makes this subgenre so great and it definitely entertains you and engages you. So, if you’re looking for a straightforward horror film that you can lose yourself within for an hour and a half, swing by Shudder when you have a chance and give Great White a look. You’ll be glad you did.  

Often times, stories that revolve around our darkest hour or a moment of weakness, tend to wrap up when the character that has been through hell, is facing the end of their difficult journey. In large part to express to the reader or the viewer, that what comes next for us, after stepping out of the darkness... is the unknown. The kind of fate that we decide and hopefully, we make it a good one and it makes sense as to why stories that feature this kind of journey of recovery stay in such vague territory. Because looking toward an unknown tomorrow with only anticipation and hope, inspires an audience through and through, to the point where they firmly believe that they will find the same when tough times invade their mental space. But while that definitely allows for some feel good storytelling… it honestly does the audience a great disservice. 

Simply because, while we do indeed find hope at the end of a dark tunnel, the road back into the light isn’t an easy one in the slightest. For the world is chaos and it sends more challenges our way whether we like it or not, which is why it is imperative that we remain strong in our recovery when that happens… so we don’t slide backwards or find ourselves back in the place we thought we left behind. Which is a vastly more powerful message to send to an audience and it is one that is starting to find its way into storytelling. Because audiences are asking for depth and writers are eager to provide just that, and it just so happens that the difficult side of what comes next, serves as the centerpiece of a brand-new series on AMC+ entitled Ragdoll.

Which is a surprise to say the least, since this is at its core, a serial killer story and therein lies the brilliance of introducing such a notion into a crime drama. Because that can in fact, allow for a person in recovery to be challenged like never before and boy oh boy, is that precisely what our main character goes through. For when we are introduced to DS Nathan Rose in this story, we find him in a tough place. Wherein he’s trying to come back from a nearly career ending mistake, since he snapped in a courtroom and attacked a murderer in front of everyone when it became apparent the monster was going to go free and well… after spending a little time in a mental care facility, he’s back on the job and working to move his career forward and thankfully, he has a solid support network in DI Emily Baxter and DC Lake Edmonds.

But one particular call, is what begins to challenge Rose in a powerful new way. For the discovery of the work of a serial killer, one where the remains of six separate victims have been stitched together to create one nightmare inducing corpse, forces Rose to face the darkest parts of his past and that is of course… no easy task and it is an outright stroke of brilliance storytelling wise. Simply because, mental health and the difficult and ongoing recovery that one must go through to maintain it after a break… is rarely shown on the silver or small screen. So, to find it here, in a police serial about a serial killer, makes this a bold story through and through, one that genuinely pushes Nathan hard and demands every ounce of effort from him and it sets the stage for quite the powerful journey. One where Nathan will once again face the darkest parts of the human condition, and the darkness in his own soul. Which nearly consumed him not that long ago and that absolutely compels the viewer to continue this powerhouse journey.

In part because, you want to learn more about the killer, since this story also makes a point to keep the monster and their true intentions behind this heinous murder… a secret from the audience. But more so because… you want to see how Rose is going to rise to the challenge and deal with his stumbles before ultimately reaching his goals of mental peace and balance and that draws you in, because you know deep down… that’s about as realistic a journey as it gets. One that truly informs us that what comes next is more work and a fight to keep what we have attained and at this point, you’ve likely noticed that this recap is super light on the spoilers and there is good reason for that. Because you need to experience the power of this journey firsthand, and the many surprises present in this premiere, and we certainly hope that you do and join us back here every week… to discuss the wonder of the most unique serial killer show on television right now. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Midnight Mass’.
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Over the course of its first two episodes, the Mike Flanagan Netflix series, Midnight Mass, has offered up some powerful commentary on the role that religion should or not should play in the 21st Century. That kind that has left all of us wondering as to whether or not religion needs to change course in regard to what it preaches and teaches, since this series has pointed out in a cerebral and quality manner… that the majority of what religion stands for in the 2021… is outdated and outmoded and horrendously hypocritical at times. But while that has brought forth some sobering moments and plenty of pause for the audience, what these observations haven’t addressed, is the root cause of the problem.
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Which is critical, because the only way that religion stays alive beyond this century, is by addressing what is really causing it to be so out of touch and as a courtesy to the various religions of the world… this series took the time to address those root causes in a powerful and somewhat terrifying manner and that made ‘Book III: Proverbs’ another poignant chapter in this adventure. One that basically made it clear that the root cause of religion’s current problems, relate to the arrogance of the church and its odd desire to interpret the Lord’s word as it sees fit. Especially when desperate times arrive. And it accomplished this particular storytelling feat, by having a revival take place on the island.

Because word of Leeza’s healing spread to every single corner of it, and that in turn brought people to church left and right and that… brought forth the arrogance in question. Since Bev Keane believed that the Lord’s work needed to be spread far and wide, respect for other’s beliefs be damned. Which is why she handed out copies of The Bible to the kids at school and defended her decision to do so when she was called to the carpet for it, by spewing the usual self-righteous crap that hardcore Christians often do and that… spoke to the first root cause in question. Since that kind of arrogance doesn’t make people feel welcome into something more, it makes them feel obligated to join or pushed to do so and that’s wrong, and that arrogance is indeed something that would need to change for religion to be seen in a more positive light by the masses.

As for the second root cause of the church’s problems in this modern world, well that was handled by Father Paul in this tale, since it was revealed… that he isn’t Paul at all… he’s John Pruitt. A younger one at that, and he came to be so youthful again by getting lost on his pilgrimage to the holy land. Wherein he encountered what is clearly an ancient, winged vampire that took pity upon John and fed him its blood to give him new life and to give the monster, new meals, since it was aware that John was dying and desperate and would be indebted, and well… therein lies the lesson. One that is painfully relatable to today and the beliefs of the hardcore evangelical. Since so many are desperate for their religion to be right at a time when prayers aren’t and were never being answered, that they will align themselves with the worst parts of our world, and declare it as interpreted gospel to further their religion’s goals and well… that too is driving people away in masses and must change in order to make religion great again. 
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But what’s amazing, is that perhaps the greatest mistake of all that organized religion is making in this day and age, is the sheer fact that it has forgotten what it stands for. Because at its core, it was always about empowerment and giving people just enough hope so that they can take charge of their lives and improve them and it reminded us of that fact, by way of Leeza and Joe’s respective journeys in this tale. Since a healed Leeza, visited the man that hurt her and said what was in her heart, before offering forgiveness. Signaling that she didn’t want to let darkness consume her in light of her gift and that… inspired Joe and gave him hope that maybe he too could find healing of some sort and that led him… to Alcoholics Anonymous with Riley and Paul/John. So, he could put his life back together and believe in himself, all because a moment of faith reminded him that he could be better. 

However, while it was wonderful to find a high note in this particular tale, make no mistake about it… the horror elements loom large over this one. Because now we one hundred percent know… that John brought a freakin’ vampire back to Crockett. One that played him like a fiddle and gave him just what he needed and well, things are undoubtedly going to get ugly now. Because if there’s a vampire on the island, there’s a good chance its blood is being used to heal more than John’s body and spirit, especially if the mixture that John was filling the communion decanter with, contains what we think it does, and of course… there’s the fact that John has now turned and will undoubtedly need blood to survive. And it will be incredibly interesting to see how this show is going to balance commentary and story going forward… since the plot is about to catapult forward in the worst way imaginable. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Behind the Monsters’.
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The creepy doll subgenre of horror is one that quickly became stale. Largely because, it was a one trick pony, one that reminded us of a fear that we overcame long ago once our brains came to realize that our imagination was running wild over whether the doll in the corner would come to life in the middle of the night. Plus, these stories offered little depth for the audience since they were devoid of the commentary that permeates the genre, and they were painfully predictable in nature. But back in 1988, all of that changed. For writer Don Mancini opted to put together a revolutionary creepy doll movie. One that was original and fresh and would become a true icon of the genre, and for proof… just ponder upon the fact that we are still talking and fawning over Chucky decades after Child’s Play hit theaters.
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In fact, Chucky is such a big deal and so beloved by audiences everywhere, that the Shudder series Behind the Monsters opted to make ‘Chucky’ the focus of the next episode of this dynamic documentary. In order to properly understand how this character has managed to resonate with audiences for so long and one key reason to Chucky’s success, is that his early stories, really did properly bring the creepy doll movie into the modern era. Since Chucky had a hell of a backstory, one that really added depth and purpose to the creepy doll that the spirit of Charles Lee Ray inhabited and as an added bonus, there was finally commentary to be found in a creepy doll story. Since Child’s Play leaned hard into the horrors of consumerism and its dangers, giving the audience plenty to chew upon once the story came to a close. 

But the wonder of Chucky’s legacy doesn’t end there. Because another big reason that he was able to endure the test of time… was a direct result of the franchise’s ability to adapt and evolve. Because this is a franchise that did indeed run the risk of going the route of repetition. But rather than continue to do the same ol’, same ol’, the decision was made to just… go for it and try new things storytelling wise and see if it resonated with the audience and it most certainly did. Because the camp and wild nature of Bride of Chucky really did serve as a breath of fresh air, and it genuinely allowed for the character to grow in a bold new direction. One that was so original that audiences loved every single second of it and that led to three more sequels… one of which, truly cemented his status as a horror icon.

Because Seed of Chucky not only offered up a family dynamic for Chucky to deal with since he and Tiffany had a puppet child in that particular tale… but it was also an incredibly progressive horror film. Since their child, Glen, also adopted a different gender as Glenda. A move that put a transgender character front and center in a horror film, in a light that was vastly different than how transgender individuals had been portrayed in the past in this genre and well… that immediately made this franchise, open to all. And in 2004 that was a huge deal and representation and diversity, became an outright staple of the franchise going forward. To the point where even the series that is currently airing, features an LGBTQ+ lead and this particular storytelling decision really did allow for Chucky to become beloved by even more fans out there. 

But what is also fascinating about Chucky, is the sheer fact that fans simply adore him. Largely because he is a different kind of villain, one that has wild things to say that oddly make sense and he is a monster that really does offer up some supremely cool one liners and kills and all of these elements… have made him a true treasure of the horror genre and well, Chucky is showing no signs of slowing down. For as it was pointed out in this episode, we are now at a point where he is being introduced to a new generation of fans, and they in turn will carry his legacy and keep his films alive and that likely means… more sequels will arrive down the line and we will continue to flock to them, for as long as Don Mancini continues to write them. Until next time.   

​Even though there are some things that the internet has ruined for people over the years, chatrooms are not one of them. Being able to voice your opinion and meet new people, it is a great thing to take part in when you cannot sleep. I wish that more people would take the time to check out some of these and have civil conversations in them, because it is just fun. Don’t let the Trolls keep you from chatting about things that you like since there are many other people that feel the same way as you and you never know, you may find some good people that are just trying to make some friends as well.
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While playing on her computer, listening to music and watching videos, a young woman gets a message from an unknown user who wants to play a game. Thinking that it is one of her friends, the woman plays along for a little while and a game of Peek A Boo seems harmless enough. Seeing that her friend is going to come over, the woman heads downstairs to see that her back door is wide open. Closing it up and getting a drink of water, she returns to her computer to find out that whomever she is playing with has seen exactly what she was doing, along with admiring her collection of stuffed animals in her room. 

Getting a little freaked out, the woman tries to stop the game by threatening to call the police, however her phone shuts off after it gets connected. Unfortunately, the game continues with only one rule, if she gets scared, the other player wins, and the woman is asked to look out the window to see who she is playing against. Seeing a woman dressed in white standing by the pool with hair covering her face, the young woman gets a message that she will regret for the rest of the game, that she left her doors unlocked. Trying to lock them before the stranger is able to get in, the woman sees her opponent coming into the house and that is just the beginning of a game that will change her life forever.

This is really a freaky situation that is put on the screen, as the young woman believes that it is a friend messing with her before finding out that the whole situation is much more sinister than she could have known. With her attempts to end the game not being accepted, I am sure that she wishes that she never responded to the stranger’s message. Knowing that the other player is keeping very close tabs on her, the young woman finds out that there is someone else in her home and why not when the game is designed to scare her, and she becomes witness to something that would drive a normal person crazy. With an unknown person wanting to play a game, simple rules, an easy way out, a stranger in the house, a distorted woman playing for keeps and a young woman who is not able to admit that she lost, this is just a frightening look into an innocent game turned ugly when you are not willing to admit defeat. Stay Scared.
 
Watch ‘Peek a Book’ here.

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for Episode 404 of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’.
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When we think of rock concerts, we think of a good time. Because who doesn’t enjoy spending a few hours with their friends, singing their favorite songs at the top of their lungs while moving their body to the beat? It’s simply a perfect experience, one that we firmly believe stands apart from the other things in life that we love, such as pop culture or more specifically horror and it makes sense as to why. After all, in our minds, rock music is about kickass vocals and tasty guitar riffs and drum solos that last forever, not monsters and gore and guts. But the fact of the matter… is that horror and rock music go hand in hand and have for quite some time and for proof… just look at some of the bands that have mixed it into their acts.
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Ozzy Ozbourne for instance was nicknamed the ‘Prince of Darkness’ for his dark antics on the stage and he wasn’t the only one to blend together horror and dark elements in his shows, since Alice Cooper was all about keeping things spooky during his shows to the point where got his own nickname, ‘The Godfather of Shock Rock’. And had it not been for these gentlemen, The Misfits and their creepy shows would never have come to life, and the same goes for GWAR and well, all these acts just go to show that horror is a part of so much of our lives and that’s precisely why the ‘Monsters of Rock’ event pops up on The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula every year. Because it is a fine way to pay tribute to another great corner of the genre and it just so happens that this week’s episode of the show, served as the perfect moment to bring this tribute once again to life.

Which meant that the monsters were tasked with a multi-layered challenge this week. One where they had to put together amazing costumes that paid tribute to horror in rock and where they also had to perform a rock and roll lip sync (complete with costumes for that as well) to Poppy’s ‘Bite Your Teeth’ in two separate groups that would be led by Dahli and Sigourney Beaver and well… this brought about some serious drama this week. Not for Dahli’s group mind you, because they came together quick and worked hard to put together a quality show for the Boulet Brothers and Poppy herself, since she was a guest judge this week. No instead, all the drama happened on Sigourney’s team. Because Merrie Cherry and Sigourney finally went head-to-head after weeks of chipping at one another and that led to more than just sassy sound bites and eyerolls.

In fact, it led to disaster on the stage. Because once Sigourney’s group got into the thick of their show, the lack of preparation showed and that of course, helped Dahli’s group sail to victory. All because chipping and sniping was the priority for Merrie and boy, did she pay the price for that. Since after the show, the monsters were asked who needed to go and everyone, and I do mean everyone… said aloud that Merrie wasn’t easy to work with among other things and well, that brought her and her group to another intense and unique elimination round. Wherein the band were strapped to chairs that allowed for every monster to zap the hell out of a monster of their choosing, which brought about pain and fury and revenge and of course, another farewell for a monster and as to who… well we haven’t named one yet and we won’t start that habit now.

Because once more, you need to see this elimination to believe it and the same goes for this episode, because the drama and the performances really do engage you in a compelling manner. Because both are simply top notch through and through. But all of that aside, we once again have to thank the Boulet Brothers for taking the time to remind us how much horror infects our everyday lives and the pop culture we enjoy, and how much it means to people, and now that this phenomenal history lesson and intense battle of the bands has come to a close, we are once again left wondering what powerful tribute/examination of the horror genre awaits us next. Because clearly, the Boulet Brothers will not rest until they’ve properly explored every single monster and trope and concept that horror has to offer, and that really is a wonderful way to keep this competition rolling. Until next time.