If there is one particular constant in the universe that applies to just about everything… it would have to be that when one door closes, another one opens. For life is constantly in evolution, and changes and new challenges and moments await when we leave something behind, and that genuinely applies to storytelling. For sequels, spin-offs, and stories in that vein, reflect that saying to a tee and never was that more evident than during tonight’s airing of the Series Finale of Fear the Walking Dead.
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For that was the closing of a chapter, one that meant so much to so many, and with its end… a new one begins. Because in the midst of our farewell to Madison Clark and her friends, family, and extended family… AMC Networks dropped a new teaser in our laps regarding… The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. Giving us a fresh look at the next chapter in this incredible saga, one that includes an official release date for the show and well… since you’re eager to know what is behind the next door in this saga… here is that teaser and all the details on the February debut of this series.

‘AMC Networks announced tonight that The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, the highly anticipated next series in the Walking Dead Universe, will premiere Sunday, February 25, 2024 on AMC and AMC+. A new teaser for the series, which stars Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira as beloved TWD characters Rick Grimes and Michonne, was also released during tonight’s series finale of Fear the Walking Dead.

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live presents an epic love story of two characters changed by a changed world. Kept apart by distance. By an unstoppable power. By the ghosts of who they were. Rick and Michonne are thrown into another world, built on a war against the dead... And ultimately, a war against the living. Can they find each other and who they were in a place and situation unlike any they've ever known before? Are they enemies? Lovers? Victims? Victors? Without each other, are they even alive -- or will they find that they, too, are the Walking Dead?

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is executive produced by Showrunner Scott M. Gimple, Lincoln, Gurira, Denise Huth and Brian Bockrath.’

When we think of bold decisions in storytelling, we tend to think of epic moments. Such as say, killing off or removing a lead character from the framework of the story or something outright incredible happens that changes the landscape of the story and the environment for the characters, and it makes sense why we gravitate toward that. After all, those are huge changes that take guts to execute, especially since so many stories, especially on television, rely on comfort and familiarity to keep the audience tuning in. But while those are big moments worth discussing and pondering upon, what we often forget is that sometimes… bold decisions don’t have to come from giant and grandiose acts. 
 
Sometimes… they can come forth by introducing say… snap decisions from a character that have an incredible impact upon their interactions with another character. Or… having a character deal with some very real-world problems and implications. For those can really shake up a story and change its course and its direction, and it is those more, low key bold decisions storytelling wise, that we are going to focus upon today, as we bring to an end to our spotlight of the finest episodes that Fear the Walking Dead has to offer. For in season seven, those exact moments took place, and that led to a powerful episode that really did go places most zombie fiction does not. 
 
Such as the fact that ‘Ofelia’ informed us, that Daniel Salazar, one of the sharpest minds on the show, was suffering from cognitive mental decline in this tale. The kind that impacted his memory and his decision-making skills, to the point where he was a danger to himself and others and well… that’s bold. Bold because… we don’t think about those kinds of problems in disaster set stories, we simply assume everyone will keep on keepin’ on. When in fact, this would be a real problem, one that would cause more harm than good in a world where hospitals and specialists designed to treat such issues no longer exist, and nothing could be done really but making hard attempts to keep that person comfortable. And yes, Daniel’s affliction did indeed bring forth trouble, and a troubling decision.

Since Luciana did come to understand that there was a way to provide Daniel with real clarity, which involved, giving him something to focus upon. Specifically finding his late daughter and she used to that her advantage and manipulated Daniel in the process. Which was equally as bold. Since that spoke to how this world was wearing our heroes down, and how they were letting fear take control. Which prompted them to go to new places in a negative manner to win, to survive. Which let’s be honest… is something that happens in our world now, and we’ve done it ourselves now and again, and that too was bold to find here. Since you just don’t see horror stories or stories in general point out how fear can bring us to our lowest and make us do awful things.
 
But perhaps most important of all. This is a story that explores the nature of ageism, and how problematic and prejudiced that can be. Because in so many ways, Daniel is seen as a worthless old man, when he is not. He’s just hurting, he needs treatment and support and so many are willing to turn their back upon him and dismiss him and that… really is the boldest aspect of all regarding this episode. For this is how we treat the elderly in our own world, because we fear old age and fear the possibility of losing our faculties as our own odometer climbs. So, we shun the old, make them feel as though they are now spoiled milk to be thrown out, all in an effort to not deal with our own fears, when as Daniel proved here… that’s simply not the case, and those of age can be so much more and be productive.
 
If anything, all of these elements made… for a brilliant episode through and through. One that tackled new problems and possibilities for folks living at the end of everything, and one that had a lot to say about the human condition and how easy it is for us to be shun our own morals when fear comes into play. Not to mention, this episode was nothing short of an acting clinic as well since Danay Garcia and Rubén Blades let loose here to wow us with emotional moments and Colby Hollman held his own as the moral center of the story and well… those themes, those performances and one great story, makes this the best episode that season seven had to offer, and this revisitation of that episode, signals that the time has come… to prepare ourselves emotionally. For all that lies ahead is the series finale of this amazing show, and our fond farewell to it.
 
To learn more about how the actors handled the themes in this episode, check out Post-Mortem Interview with Danay Garcia, Rubén Blades and Colby Hollman… here.
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​If there is one common trope that we find often in horror and in storytelling in general, it would have to be… the happy ending. For we firmly believe that good will conquer evil in any capacity, and we also believe that it will overcome great odds to do so, the kind that involves sacrifice and pain and a real dedication to giving life to a better world. Because in trying times, the best of us rises to the surface and that’s why we see the monster be vanquished in these stories, or people find a way to rebuild from devastation and soldier on. Because happy endings have to happen, and good days have to be on the horizon. But as time continues along, and stories lean harder into the truth about the world, we are seeing that trope fade.
 
Because the hard truth about that trope, is that it is escapism at its finest, for while happy endings are a thing in our world… they are not a constant. For sometimes, evil wins the day, the virus spreads and devastation remains, and people just leave it all behind and start over fresh without giving rebuilding a second thought. If anything, that trope is starting to die, simply because… we are coming to understand we learn more from failure, and we gain strength from real hardships that scare us and challenge us, and we need to focus on that. And one particular series that leads the charge in busting this trope continues to be Fear the Walking Dead. For it often has no qualms with bringing about a sour ending or a big loss for the characters, and it also has no issue with letting the bad guys… win the day now and again.
 
For the season six finale of this show, should have been filled the joyous stuff that we sometimes find within this franchise. Wherein heroes win the day and teach everyone those all-important lessons about unity and wonder. In fact, we’ve seen it happen in the TWDU before since the Alexandria Alliance, with Morgan as part of it, defeated Negan and the Saviors and worked toward a better tomorrow. But ‘The Beginning’ was a story… that offered none of that. In fact, this was nothing short of a bleak and devastating episode where evil really did rule the day, simply because it had time to get its claws into the minds of the broken and because of that… there were nuclear bombs high in the sky, making their way back to Earth to destroy the survivors and everything they’d worked for.

​Which allowed for many scenes to explore the fragility of morality, and the fear that would come forth if say the worst-case scenario arrived and nuclear bombs were about to rain from the sky. But more importantly… the heroes lost in this tale, and that was hard to watch, and it was even harder to watch them all scramble to just survive, somehow. Which led to one of the scariest episodes this series has ever put forth. Because despite having faced legions of the dead, and mad individuals with wild agendas in mind, this kind of threat… was a game changer and it truly gave rise to some amazing acting, some powerful moments, and some realistic observations as to how we genuinely find hope in our absolutely lowest moments. 
 
Which in the instance of facing a natural disaster, something we now all have experience with, is to find solace in survival. In being able to just breathe and know that we get a few more miles down the road. Wherein we can figure out a path that will make us happy when the danger passes. Not to mention, if evil is keeping us down, this episode reminded us that there are other ways to fight it, since sometimes turning the poison that a madman injects into a person’s mind against them can be quite impactful and powerful. But above all, we have to learn in those scariest of moments, that being the beacon, being the hero is sometimes the most important act of all. Because to know that others are depending upon us, need us… can give us what we need to stand up and take one step forward. 
 
Bu of course, those lessons were crammed into the end of a harrowing and horrifying tale. One where the clock was ticking, the tension was thick and where… darkness reigned supreme. Which made for a powerhouse episode, one that really did leave us wondering if anyone was going to survive this nightmare and what their future might look like in an irradiated world of the dead. But most important of all, it wasn’t a happy ending. Just an ending, where Teddy won the day and where the forces of good were left scattered to the wind and corrupted with fear, at least when it came to Strand and well… that’s a bold way to end a season and that is why this episode is outright the one we consider to be the finest that season six had to offer. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Shining Vale’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the magnificent hit STARZ series, Shining Vale, we talked at length about how the show might finally be moving toward answering its biggest question. Specifically, whether or not the ugly experiences that Pat Phelps had endured were related to mental illness, or if a real evil was in her home, and the show more or less informed us… that evil was at play. For others were seeing things, odd occurrences were everywhere, and even the Vatican was keeping an eye on things through a new desire of Gaynor’s. But alas there was no confirmation this was the case, and well… there was good reason for that. Because the show needed to set the stage for the truth, in order to provide us with the truth… as it did during this week’s tale.

That is of course, after ‘Chapter 14: What’s the Matter with Sandy?’ showcased the growth, everyone was experiencing. For this is where we came to learn that Terry and Pat really did put in the work to be better partners and better parents, and the end result of that work was quite lovely. Since they were working together as a team and were respectful and truly bonding once again, and they really were preparing for the new baby in a beautiful manner, and they weren’t the only ones just living again. For Jake found new solace in his wall hideout, and spent more time with his friends, and even explored new drug related frontiers in the process. And of course, Gaynor started to explore love again, with Ennio as he carefully watched over the house and well, growth is good. For it gives us strength, and they will need it. Thanks to the reveal of the truth.

For as Pat continued to settle into life and prepare for motherhood again… something strange continued to happen regarding her book. Not the fact that it was selling well, Pat definitely expected that, but more so… the fact that it was now related to a bevy of murders. Because housewives everywhere were picking up the book and enjoying it deeply before slaughtering their significant others with an axe, and while no one was raising any concern over this… when they should have… Pat definitely took an interest in it. Because it was downright awful and deplorable, and well… it led to her to believe that something sinister was happening in her household and that perhaps the house and Rosemary and all the weird events of the past year were related to this nightmare and that prompted her to seek out the answer to the all-important question.

In that, was she mentally ill or not? Which brought her back to the facility to see her medical files, an idea that Nellie that put into her head, since the files would tell her precisely what her diagnosis was, and well… what she uncovered was quite shocking in nature. In that, none of her paperwork actually included a real diagnosis. Just a bunch of poor misspellings regarding schizophrenia and well, the video files of her time in there, only confirmed a truth she’s been thinking about for ages. In that, while the chance existed that she did indeed carry some form of mental illness, passed down from her mother, none of that applied here. Because she WAS possessed at that time and well… now that we know for certain evil is involved in this story, all we can do is wonder exactly what it is up to.
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Because in many ways, everything that’s happened as of late, speaks to a grand plan on evil’s part. One where Pat and her family are nothing than pawns. Where they are somehow helping evil to lay down some sort of foundation. After all, it’s infecting the hearts and minds of everyday women around the nation and inspiring them to cross the ultimate line through Pat’s book, and of course… it may be using Pat as a vessel of sorts to give it a physical presence. Not to mention, the kids are feeding it by being curious about it. Especially since the paranormal activity in the house continues to grow in strength from that. But what matters most… is that the truth is now in front of us, and we know that Pat Phelps isn’t mad. 

Which is a move that gives this story renewed focus and engages us further. Since we need more answers to the questions we just posed. But while we wait to obtain them, we can celebrate one amazing tale. One that truly leaned into the horror aspect of the show hard and finally informed us of the truth. While at the same time, having a message in place regarding mental illness and mental health. In that, we blame it all of too often for our problems, and we don’t provide folks that have issues with it, with proper care. But messaging aside, make no mistake about it… evil is now on the horizon, and it will be interesting to see how this family of everyday folks stands tall against it. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Finale of ‘Goosebumps’ (2023). To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that horror stories that feature some kind of grand monster or elusive force, end in a supremely formulaic manner. Wherein those tormented by those entities must figure out their weaknesses and what makes them tick, so they can finally defeat them and give the audience the happy ending they crave. Wherein evil is vanquished as we hope for it for it be in this world by forces of good and well… those formulas are often served up in horror films because they work, and they do indeed give us what we crave. And for a while it seemed as though the season finale of Goosebumps (2023) on Disney+ and Hulu, was going to follow all of that to a tee. 

After ‘Welcome to Horrorland’ took the time to offer up a little backstory on the powerful being that Mr. Bratt unleashed in last week’s tale. For he turned out to be a being known as Kanduu. An immortal monster that could control minds and people with ease and he came to fruition, courtesy of war. For he inhabited a man named Rupert back in 1879 and well… the horrors of war and the evil that humanity projects, left Kanduu/Rupert wondering if there was a better way. A way where humanity would unite, and well… our villain believed he had figured out a way to make that happen… and was forcing people to submit to his power to bring his plan to life, before an old friend banished his soul into Slappy to stop his twisted plan from coming to fruition. 

One that was revealed after our heroes returned to Port Lawrence to discover… Kanduu had taken complete control of the town with his powers and used the hypnotized populace to build himself a grandiose tower. Where the citizens of this proud town would die within that tower, to bring about an age of darkness ruled by the monsters of lore. All so that humanity would no longer harm one another, and band together to fight the creatures of the night, giving rise to a better world, apparently. But of course, that outcome was unacceptable. So, the group used that knowledge and the knowledge of the spells that Kanduu took part in, to use his magic against him and eventually, defeat him by robbing him of the very power that gave him eternal life. Which was… a very by the numbers way to bring down evil, since it did indeed involve weaknesses and knowledge.

But therein lie a surprise. For it turned out that this series wanted to do something a little different with the ending of this tale and give us a twist to defeating monsters that was both surprising and lightly philosophical in nature. For in order to truly defeat Rupert/Kanduu, Isaiah had to sacrifice himself to help Margot complete the spell. But rather than let him pass, Margot, as a result of her newfound feelings for Isaiah, discovered by an honest talk between the two of them, opted to fire up the spells once again. Giving new life to Isiah and new life to Kanduu as well. All because Margot could not let go, and well… therein lies the philosophy. Since that moment speaks deeply to the real possibility that we as a society let evil persist because we are not ready to really sacrifice what is necessary to end it permanently.

But all philosophy aside, this is an ending that also informs us… the journey isn’t over yet. Since Kanduu is clearly eager to thrive and finish what he started, and he could use Isiah as that vessel or Mister Bratt since he appeared to him in a reflection. But before we ponder further on a second season, we must celebrate one delightful finale. Since this one, not only surprised us with that thoughtful twist, but it also… was scary and intense. Courtesy of the hellscape that Port Lawrence was transformed into and how Kanduu managed to pull such matters off, and his demented plan was equally as disturbing, as was whatever Fifi transformed into. And well, in the end, this was just a great season through and through. One that truly reinvented this saga in a dynamic and fun manner and left us eager for more and hopefully we get a season two announcement soon. So, we can see what lies ahead in the battle to stop Kanduu, and if our heroes can really do what must be done to stop him.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Four Finale of ‘Creepshow’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are a great many reasons that people tune in to watch horror anthology shows. In large part, because incredible care goes into the stories. To the point where the viewer is treated to a complete and epic tale of terror. Not to mention, since the creatives behind them know they have one shot really to impress, they tend to go hard and stun us with something powerful and worthwhile. But one reason that makes them worth our while and worth tuning into that we don’t talk about enough… is that the horror anthology also serves as a place of education. Wherein legends can come back to life and be explored in a manner that helps their stories find new life and well, that particular aspect of horror anthologies is top of mind today, simply because that’s what the season four finale of Creepshow on Shudder focused upon.

In fact, this finale explored legends both modern and old, and it’s best we start with the modern one first. For ‘George Romero in 3D’ was a delightful and plucky tale that featured a family at a bookstore that was facing great strife. For their jerk of a landlord, a dude named Cooper, expected Sarah and her son Martin to start paying some ridiculous rent. Rent so high that Sarah hadn’t a clue as to how she was going to pay it. But thankfully, Dawn, the other employee at this fine establishment, made a discovery in the basement of the store. In that, old Image Ten comic books that George A. Romero wrote were hiding in a crate down there. A find that would easily save the store, save for the fact… they were cursed. To the point where the living dead present within those pages, could come to life. Which meant it was up to Martin to figure out how to stop this onslaught of the dead, and who better to solve that puzzle… than the Godfather of the Dead himself?

Which is… the perfect way to showcase the important work that George A. Romero did for the genre. After all, there’s a fair chance modern anthology horror would not exist without him, hell, this show would not since Creepshow was his and Stephen King’s joint invention. But more importantly, horror wouldn’t be mainstream without George, and well… it was just a treat to see him be paid homage to here. By way of special effects that matched what director Greg Nicotero did with Tom Savini on Day of the Dead, alongside other special effects homages to Dawn of the Dead, and Night of the Living Dead even received a few shout outs, complete with a ringer for Cooper in both attitude and Karl Hardman’s likeness, and of course… you cannot go wrong a ‘cameo’ from George himself. But what mattered most, is that a true legend of the genre was paid tribute to, and the uninitiated to his work now understand its importance and will hopefully seek it out and enjoy it as so many of us do. 

As for the second vignette, well that was the story that looked at more classic legends. Specifically, the legends of Fae’s and Changelings. Which ‘Baby Teeth’ explored through some very modern ideas. For this particular tale introduced us Shelby and Miranda, a daughter and mother that well… lived in an icy manner at home. For their family history included a fair bit of trauma and well, the ultimate trauma for them was brewing in this story. For a dark family secret that Miranda worked very hard to keep away from her baby girl, had found them at last. For the Fae that haunted the family line, discovered a loophole in resisting the magics used to keep it at bay, giving it a chance to be near a new generation at last, putting Miranda on a collision course with a monster that she hoped to never have to face.
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Which really is a lovely way to explore an old legend. For we don’t think of the power of fairies and changelings and other such nightmares much anymore, and this story implies that perhaps we do not… because safeguards are now in place. Wherein generations of parents have worked hard to use magics and spells to keep such horrors at bay and that brought about… one engaging tale. One that really did ponder upon the legend at hand in a manner that was terrifying, because the arrival of the creature in question was just horrifying, but this vignette also offered up some intelligence to accompany the scares. By also exploring the horrors of generational trauma. Giving rise to a smart and sorrowful story really. One that should prompt people to explore those legends further to better understand their true horrors and unique origins. 

In the end however, those two stories really did make for one amazing season finale. One that did a fine job of bringing the past into the present through that creepy little toothy nightmare in ‘Baby Teeth’, and truly reminded us of why we are here, enjoying and discussing this show now. For George Romero really is an icon, and he did so much for the horror genre during his brief time on this earth, and he does indeed deserve the tribute he received here. If anything, the only complaint that one could write about regarding this particular finale, is that it is in fact… a finale. Which means we must impatiently wait for more from this majestic world, and hopefully we get some good news about season five soon. So, we can enjoy more brilliant tales of terror from this legendary saga, born from the minds of two of horror’s finest storytellers. Until next time, kiddies.

Often times when we discuss the bold decisions that the AMC series, Fear the Walking Dead, has made over the course of its glorious eight-year run, we talk about some dark stuff for certain. Simply because this series has no qualms about letting loose and doing something dark and powerful for the sake of incredible storytelling, and those moments are worth revisiting. Since so many shows on the air, even horror ones, refuse to go to the places that this particular show has gone throughout the years. But what we often forget, because of those moments, is that this series has also harbored great beauty at times. Along with concepts that are hopeful and joyous in nature, and that too, is bold stuff that is outright worth discussing.
 
Because finding hope in the world of The Walking Dead is no easy task, but this series made a point to inject it into the fabric of its stories, and in the fifth season, it was featured often. After all, helping people, building community, and doing everything possible to rebuild the world that was lost, was a big focus of the show at that time, and in many ways… going forward and well… that led to some amazing episodes. The kind that made us feel as though perhaps there would be a happy ending for these characters, and they would eventually find a home… and find peace. And while we still don’t know if that will be the case for certain, that hope we have runs strong and one particular episode from season five, truly sent our spirits soaring, courtesy of a mercy mission.
 
For ‘210 Words Per Minute’ brought some of the group to a remote mall where a man named Chuck begged to be put down, so as to not return as a walker and well… the quest to find Chuck led to some amazing moments. The kind that saw Grace and Morgan lay down their foundation for love to come and actually take time to do something we don’t see often in this Universe, just enjoy life. Because they had a little downtime in the mall and had fun and found joy and that… is something that gives us hope. For it is the little things in life that truly bring us happiness and peace, and when we take part in just recognizing them, we really do believe we can achieve anything. Because such an act just helps us to remember we are part of something special, and well, that really was quite refreshing to see here.

But what truly made this little courtship so powerful, is that it meant that despite their hardships, despite the horrors they’d seen and the ones that awaited outside, there was still beauty in this world. Still that which made us fight for community in the first place. And while this episode did have some downs to go with those ups, it was just wonderful to see that take place and it gave us something to root for. For now, we wanted desperately to see them all find community and happiness and push toward a better tomorrow, so they could enjoy more of those little moment and find peace. Which made this episode, critical to what was to come, and a story that really did celebrate what makes humanity so wondrous. 
 
However, this is an episode that also offered more than just moments of respite and beauty, it was also… a giant homage to the work of George A. Romero. After all, this is a story that took place in a mall, and while that is normally no big deal, a story influenced by Romero’s work, paying tribute to the setting of Dawn of the Dead is a big deal. And while it may not have replayed scenes from the original movie, just having zombies moving about in the mall, with neon and fluorescent lights glaring, alongside having Morgan and Grace enjoy the merry-go-round… really did pay tribute to that classic horror feature. And while Greg Nicotero often paid tribute to the zombies of the Romero Dead Universe, this was the first time TWDU offered up a proper nod to the setting of a true zombie classic. 
 
If anything, that homage, and the wonderous humanity and hope on display in this tale, make this the best that season five had to offer. In our opinion of course. But season five really was thematically about what brings hope to people, how we commit to it and how we find it ourselves, and this was a story that truly broke that down in the simplest and most beautiful manner possible. By just letting us know that now and again, we need to stop and appreciate the journey and the life we’ve been given. For that does indeed make one grateful and hopeful and ready to conquer the world, and this really is still a beautiful little episode that holds up well, and it is absolutely worth celebrating. Especially when one considers the difficult days that lie ahead for this group in their fight to build an oasis in the world of the dead.

There was a time, where holiday themed horror films were rare and looked down upon. Sure, there were outliers that explored terrors untold on say, Valentine’s Day and even Christmas. But for the most part, there was a real sense of disrespect that accompanied putting together horror features revolving around a particular holiday. As though the collective understanding was that audiences did not want to see people die during a celebration of something special, and so… many a filmmaker stayed away. But as the years rolled along, it became inherently clear that there was a grand demand for horror movies that explored the various holidays that make up any given year.
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Just because, holidays, especially THE holiday season, can be quite stressful in nature. And being able to settle in and see a scary story play out revolving around the worst parts of the season can be cathartic in nature. Which in turn, began to bring forth more and more holiday horror features. The kind that were low budget in nature in the beginning, but quickly evolved into something more polished and powerful as the demand grew and grew. In fact, after many years of waiting, one has finally come to bear that offers catharsis regarding one particular holiday that stresses everyone out. One borne from the archives of Grindhouse and the imagination of Eli Roth, and that makes Thanksgiving, a dementedly delectable delight. 

For this is a story that sends us into the heart of Plymouth, Massachusetts on Thanksgiving Day, so we can be privy to an outright disaster. For on this particular Turkey Day, the ‘value’ of a Black Friday/Thanksgiving shopping deal at the town’s biggest store, has whipped the town into a frenzy, and one unfortunate decision from the store owner’s daughter, Jessica, leads to a Black Friday Massacre. Wherein greed leads to lost lives and of course… zero accountability since no one rich ever faces that, leaving Jessica’s dad high and dry. But one year after the events of that horrific Thanksgiving, something sinister has found its way into the town of Plymouth. A bloodthirsty stranger who identifies only as John Carver, and he wants nothing more than justice for those who lost their lives on that unfortunate night. And he will stop at nothing to carve up every last one of the guilty, and now it is up to Jessica and her friends to uncover the true identity of this monster and stop him, before he makes their guts the next centerpiece at his dinner table. 

Which is… a perfect plot, through and through. One that we did not know the original trailer/concept from Grindhouse was capable of supporting since it leaned so heavy into the gore and guts. But hey, that was a sizzle reel in the end, and giving this time and giving this care, brought to life one epic plot that truly is as smart as they come. After all, there’s a lot to hate about Black Friday, and Thanksgiving in and of itself, is an extremely stressful time. Which can be filled with anxiety and dread over the dinner that awaits and the people we sometimes have to deal with. So, those elements and that plot perfectly encapsulates those feelings, and gives rise to real catharsis Since we get to work out our disdain for the holiday and Black Friday through the awful events that play out here, which are by the way… top notch moments of horror.
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For John Carver is ruthless, and genuinely eager to hurt others. Which means we are treated to some incredible kills. The kind that are creative and inventive and at times, downright terrifying. Because Mister Roth clearly wanted to do more than just offer up a well-polished slasher, he wanted to offer the complete package. A movie that satisfied the gore hounds of the genre, the folks that want to be utterly terrified and horrified, and those who want intense and splattery kills, and it really is mission accomplished regarding that. Since you’ll find all of those elements here and you’ll be satisfied with the intensity of the scares and of course… the finale of the film is nothing short of brilliant. Since the killer’s true identity is quite the shocker and everything that leads up to the reveal of their identity in the third act is pure gory and uncomfortable madness.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this motion picture features an amazing cast. For Patrick Dempsey, yes… Patrick Freakin’ Dempsey… shines as Sheriff Eric Newton and adds a realistic gravitas to this film that helps to suck us into this world. Plus, you can never go wrong with a dash of Gina Gershon, and the fear that comes forth from teenagers being chased by a masked killer, is sold by some phenomenal performances as well. With Nell Verlaque leading the charge as Jessica, and well, in the end, all of these elements make for an amazing horror film. One that was worth the wait and one that absolutely satisfies. Because this one really has it all, and it absolutely engages you and keeps you hooting and hollering as you wait to see who is behind the mask, and learn why exactly they are so eager, to carve up the flawed but decent citizens of Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘SurrealEstate’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about how season two of the SYFY series, SurrealEstate, has been revolutionary in nature and rightfully so. Because every episode this season has been filled to the brim with either powerful commentary on the human condition, or it’s offered up experimental and trope-busting storytelling regarding the ghost subgenre of horror. Since we’ve been treated to spirits that are unlike any other in the subgenre and well… it would seem that as we inch closer and closer to the season two finale of the show… the series is going to go all out in providing us with non-traditional ghost stories that ask fascinating questions about the purpose and meaning of hauntings in this type of story, as evidenced by this week’s tale.

Well, that is… after ‘Gods & Monsters’ offered up a little misdirection of course. Because it initially opened up with an introduction to a man named Morris, who had a tough life, thanks to some prison time and some other painful moments in life, and Morris… had returned home to sell his family home. A place that deeply scared him. For in this house was a spirit that tormented him as a boy, one that was waiting for him after all these years. So of course, he needed the Roman Agency to help him exorcise that spirit. However, while August and Luke were able to confirm its existence and that it did indeed have an attachment, they could not confirm that it was evil and eager to cause harm. Which prompted Luke and Morris to have a more intimate chat about his life and this spirit.

Wherein Luke learned that the nasty words from this spirit, more or less scarred a young boy that was already hurting from other family events and that there was a good chance that additional ethereal abuse pushed Morris down a dark path. Which prompted Luke to ask Morris, point blank, if perhaps he needed to worry less about kicking the monster out, and more about confronting his choices and confronting the evil. An approach that Morris hadn’t considered yet, and he outright followed it because it was far better advice than hiding away, and well… for his efforts… he came to learn that the spirit wanted nothing more than to see Morris be strong and not give into fear, and it scared him in an effort to strengthen him. Which brought about peace and understanding between them, and a purpose for the monster that is rare in this type of story.

But more on that in a moment because we also need to recap the other fascinating journey this story provided us with. Since Luke did ask Lomax to join the firm for a minute while he figured out who the next agent would be, and she was tasked with helping a squatter remove herself from a development project and while there… she came to learn the squatter, was some kind of immortal god. One that was lonely, hurting, and downright scared and rather than chastise her and belittle her, Lomax used kindness to just… make her feel normal, wanted, and not as some kind of monster. Giving rise to a vastly different kind of interaction between man and deity and that just put an exclamation point on what this amazing episode wanted to accomplish really.

In that, it clearly just wanted to explore if spirits can be helpful or not or if the unusual can be reasoned with and be humanized and this episode made it clear… yes, that can be the case. Granted, the kindness/helpful aspect went poorly here… but it was coming from a being that was once human and we are indeed flawed. And in the end, it was just amazing to see these different kinds of spirits and creatures on display and see them be more than just misunderstood and hurt entities that need to take part in revenge. Giving rise to a fascinating episode, one that also set the stage for more trouble with Susan’s house. Since everyone is starting to wonder if it’s a safe space, or a terrifying place, and it will be interesting to see what other surprises await us as the Roman Agency inches toward a fated final showdown to save Susan. Until next time.

​If there is one thing that Fear the Walking Dead on AMC is known for, it’s big and bold and storytelling decisions. Simply because this series leaned hard into the fact that it had no storytelling restrictions related to the comics that inspired this franchise. Allowing for it go wherever it pleased, do whatever it pleased and that led to some stunning decisions over the past eight years. The kind that would see principal actors make stunning decision based upon their emotions, see them go down dark paths that made them as powerful a villain as they were a hero and of course… it also brought about some controversial deaths throughout the years as well.
 
Which one would think wouldn’t be controversial, since this world is filled with living death and suffering, and there is the expectation that people die. But alas, some characters mean too much to us, and we want them to see the end and others… well while we may not have that attachment, we want them to have the chance to go out like a champ. So, when the character in question doesn’t get either in this franchise, we find ourselves polarized and that has happened often here. Take Travis’ death in season three for instance. Because so many felt the sudden and shocking nature of his passing wasn’t the right way to send him off. Not to mention, a ‘death’ from today’s episode spotlight, is one that also split the fanbase down the middle. Since this is one that involves a character that everyone thought should make it to the end.
 
Because ‘No One’s Gone’ featured the initial exit of one Madison Clark. Who much like Andrew Lincoln, was the star of the show and the overall emotional glue to the story as well, and yet… this episode took the time to bid farewell to her for a little while. Courtesy of a mission of truth that finally prompted Alicia Clark and her rag tag family to explain why they succumbed to revenge and hurting people on the road. Because of the fact that they lost Madison in a heroic act that no one thought was a meaningful or proper way to go out. Granted, there’s really no great way for anyone to die in reality or fiction, regardless of what we want to control… or think of regarding these shows… but she did disappear here, and she did in fact, go out in a blaze of epic glory, saving so many lives in the process.

​But still, it did offend and surprise because of how important she was, and while there is license to discuss how this might have been a poor choice, since having a lead exit is no easy thing to swallow… without this decision… so many important moments to come would not exist. For Madison’s exit and powerful speech before then, really was designed to begin to move the survivors of Los Angeles and their new friends in a better direction. Because up until this point, all of them… had been suffering and aching and seeing nothing but horrors untold. Plus, they all dealt with heavy loss and the darkness of this world and well… in essence everyone here lost sight of what they were fighting for. Which was… a better tomorrow, community, and a chance to being again.
 
A move that Madison’s sacrifice gave them, and while that wasn’t easy to swallow in the moment, everything else that happened here, helped to reinforce that. Since Althea and Morgan all helped Alicia find meaning in her grief and purpose again, and the same went for those that fed off of her sorrow and fury. Which in turn, would lead to a quest to find peace, one that would last multiple seasons in fact. But what matters most about that sacrifice is that… it really did hammer home… the precious nature of life, of its gift and how quickly the people we think will be around in our lives… can leave us. Making this a supremely poignant episode for certain, one that the audience can take a great deal away from, and let’s be honest… regardless of which side you stand upon regarding the decision to have Madison step aside… this was a moving tale.
 
In large part, because of the performances. After all, everyone here just turned on their acting skills and let them rule the day, and the end result was a sense of genuine realism regarding grief. Because you felt Alicia’s pain, you felt the frustration and anger from everyone regarding their circumstances. Yet… you also felt hope. Real hope that they could turn this all around and really do something special and magical with this second chance that Madison gave them. A hope that we want to see fulfilled when the series goes off the air this Sunday. But that aside, all of those moments are precisely why we consider this to be the best that season four had to offer. For it was bold, moving, and shocking. Which are staples of this series, and well… it wasn’t all bad in the end since Madison did indeed return. Until next time.