Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 503 of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

Something that is interesting regarding the many discussions we all have about the horror genre with our horror friends, is how so many sub genres we forget to celebrate. For some, that’s likely out of disrespect but normally, it’s not. It’s just somehow, certain subgenres get overshadowed by other stories and concepts that immediately come to mind. Take for instance, ghost stories. For when we think of those, we think of movies and shows about haunted houses and the spirits that roam them, and we often talk about our favorites there, downright forgetting… that’s there an entire subgenre of horror movies and shows and books that focus on a unique type of haunting. Specifically, haunted hotels. For there are some stunning stories out there about isolated places that harbor the worst spirits possible, and it’s shocking that we don’t talk about them enough.

After all, The Shining is all about that, and it is one of the most beloved iterations of that type of tale out there, yet it doesn’t come up in conversation enough. Nor does its haunted brethren. Which is why, we must once again celebrate the Boulet Brothers and their incredible work through The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. For this series continues to bring the most important aspects of the horror genre to the forefront of discussion and well, ‘Ghosts of the Gatehouse’ just so happened to bring those types of stories into the spotlight again, through another amazing competition. One that had the monsters create ghostly guests and employees from a haunted hotel. To showcase how these stories pick upon our darkest fears, and well… once that and a powerhouse opportunity at immunity or damnation were handled, we were treated to ghostly delights, and some tea.

But the not the tea we often expect from this show. No instead, the construction phase of this week’s show was deeply grounded in respectful strategy. For so many competitors this week spoke to their weaknesses, their worries, and their hopes for the fight ahead, and who might be of concern in besting them and how to outmaneuver them to win. Giving rise to some real strategic tea in this episode, informing us of how much the competition matters to everyone this year, and how badly they want to win and that was inspiring to say the least. As were the more intimate moments here too. Since we saw competitors being honest with one another and supporting each other and even opening up deeply about what the competition means to them, and their lives in general, and their powerful stories were put on display as well. Which made for a very moving and engaging lead up to a very amazing floor show.

Because the message was indeed received this week, and ghostly beings floated across the stage with ease. In fact, the makeup and costumes and outright drag this week were so in line with what Drac and Swan requested, that they gave rise to a need for something of a tiebreaker via something we haven’t seen a ton of this season. Specifically, a good old fashioned performance routine. Which was perfect for this particular competition. Since it allowed for everyone to really sell their ghostly costumes and establish who will go far in the competition. After all, performing is key to becoming the Next Drag Supermonster and that did indeed help Drac and Swan and guest judges Landon Cider and Tananarive Due decide who wasn’t cut out for the competition, after another horrifying extermination round. One that played on different fears.

Since the bottom looks were strapped to a bed and covered in cheese so rats could feed upon their favorite delight, and that too… sealed the deal for someone. But that is sadly how things go, and their exit served as an exclamation point to a powerhouse episode. One that truly reminded us of the majesty of the haunted hotel and how it really is a perfect type of horror story. Since the outfits here reminded us of the fact that such stories and spirts prey upon our fears of the unknown and our fears of being wounded or harmed in isolated places where there is no real safety. And hopefully that re-energizes interest in those stories so others can celebrate in the wonder of these majestic tales of terror, and now that this leg of the competition has come to a close, it will be interesting to see what other lessons and what amazing drag awaits us as season five continues along. Until next time.

It is the hope of every parent out there, that the lessons they teach their child, resonate to the point… where they become psychological gospel. So that the child can be molded in one’s image and carry on a family legacy and there is some beauty to that line of thinking. After all, it allows for family mantras and lessons to carry on, creating a fascinating legacy through and through. Plus, it can indeed allow for one’s child to follow a solid path in life, one that gives them structure and direction. But at the same time, this particular push from parents, carries with it real risk. Because some of the lessons we teach our children… shouldn’t be so rigid in nature.
 
Because it is impossible for the next generation to see the world in the same manner we do, for the world evolves minute by minute and the next generation cannot be locked into the trappings of the past or lessons that no longer weight. Which means, to hold to our thoughts and words only… can confuse them, startle them, and put them at a disadvantage when they set out into the world and find their journey and their experiences do not align with our lessons and experiences. Which means, in order to truly help a child grow, we must teach them what we learned… and then open up our lesson to interpretation they can relate to. For to do otherwise really does invite failure and struggle and in the case of today’s reflection upon the best episodes that Fear the Walking Dead sent our way… outright danger.
 
For Episode 312 of the show, ‘Brother’s Keeper’ more or less explored that very problem in a supremely subtle manner. For this is the story that more or less saw Troy Otto completely and utterly collapse mentally. To the point where he led a massive herd of the living dead to the very home, he swore to protect and helped build with his family. Which, make no mistake about it… made for amazing terror television. Since the visuals in this particular story, are the true stuff of nightmares. To the point where the only way to properly express the horror of a mega herd walking through the desert, prompted AMC to make use of the ultra-rare F bomb, and well… the scares don’t quite end there. After all, the herd did indeed find the ranch.

Which brought about some nauseating visuals. The kind that saw walkers go to extremes to enjoy a meal and feast they most certainly did. Giving rise to carnage reminiscent of Dawn of the Dead, and more terror for the audience. For this also ended any hope of safety for the characters since the dead were now everywhere and this bastion/oasis of wonder was nothing more than a living cemetery when the dust settled. Filled to the brim with everything the Otto family hoped to keep out. But therein lies the lesson in question. Because all of this was made possible, by a supremely confused and broken young man. Who was made this way, because of conflicting lessons in life, and a poor understanding that he needed to interpret and learn about the world in a manner that clicked with him.
 
Because in reality, Jeremiah Otto taught his children to trust no one, and to believe only in the cause that this family was putting forth. And he reinforced that by demanding loyalty from his boys, and by bringing the gullible into his camp, since so many only held to his teachings. Which meant that when Madison and her camp arrived, and Troy saw the world as it actually happened to be, he found himself deeply confused, and unable to understand how a promise of destruction and salvation could produce people that didn’t need the ranch and his father’s teachings and a sanctuary. And that, combined with his exile broke him. Prompted him to try and reconcile the world as he saw it, by mixing everything he had learned from his dad and from reality into one waking nightmare that would create suffering and apocalypse, and control, in a desperate attempt to comprehend the reality of this new and disturbing world.
 
Which made for one brilliant and horrifying tale. One that gave rise to a villain that the franchise had never seen before. One that wanted the best of both worlds because of a lack of understanding. Not to mention, the scares were top notch here and this was in fact, a bleak episode when all is said and done. But it was also one, that really did offer up a fascinating character study, some fine lessons on the lessons we provide our children with, and it really did set the stage for a broken future for Troy. Where he would spend his days using dark acts to justify and reconcile this day, and for that reason, this really is the best episode that season three has to offer. Since it serves as both a keystone story, and damn fine horror, the kind that showcased the potential of the worst monster of all in this franchise… man. Until next time.

Zombie fiction has been around long enough, that certain tropes have found their way into its structure. For instance, if someone who is unsavory, or an outright a-hole gets bitten… they will do everything within their power to hide the bite. Because they know they are doomed and they want every ounce of life, regardless of the cost because their ego means more. Not to mention, every group of survivors out there in these stories that the main characters encounter is either straight up evil or have this incredible sense of survival. For they represent the human condition and its ability to endure for better or for worse and well… those tropes stick around because they offer enjoyment and drama and keep us from having to face some hard truths about the potential end of the world.
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In that, not everyone in this life is eager to rise to the occasion and do what must be done to survive, for we’ve seen people turn their backs on the hard work in real life when the going gets tough, which infuriates us to no end and well… let’s be honest… that kind of attitude would exist in the world of zombie fiction. Where neighbors would hide away and do nothing but exist to ‘ride out the storm’, which is a very dramatic and passive way of handling the end. One that guarantees a hollow existence. Not to mention, some… might turn their backs on survival altogether and just give up. For various reasons that might seem shocking to others, but that is a real possibility during an apocalyptic event. Since some may not want to see the horrors and hard days that lie ahead. Which is why, Fear the Walking Dead on AMC… deserves our awe.

For this particular series has always leaned into the dark ‘what ifs?’ that might occur during the end of the everything. Such as what might happen if a mad man gained a following and gained control of nuclear weapons or in the case of season two’s finest episode… what might happen if heroes that were driven to see tomorrow, ran into survivors… that had no desire to see the sun rise ever again. Which made ‘We All Fall Down’ quite the harrowing and powerful tale. For that is what Madison and Travis and the survivors of the Abigail encountered… in the most surprising manner. For in this story, the ship was forced to dock to avoid unsavory characters and in doing so, it was discovered that the remote island used for refuge was home to a family, the Geary Family.

Who were the perfect, pre-walker American family. 2.5 kids. Good dad, good jobs. In fact, old George made it seem as though catching their breath was going to pay off in spades. Since he was able for the first time ever, to break down Operation: Cobalt for the audience and explore its inconsistent impact upon the American landscape. Giving rise to world-building and for a brief moment… hope. Since families were working together to make this little sanctuary safe and people were bonding. Making it seem as though, better days were ahead for everyone, and well… that’s when the story took its dark turn. Since Nick discovered drugs that would and should kill a person no problem and some begging from the mother of the family to take her kids away from this place, made it clear what was on George’s mind.
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In that, he spent his time during this crisis observing from afar, and during that time he realized that this had the potential to be humanity’s extinction-level-event, and that even if man survived… a new dark age awaited, and well… that scared him. For that meant people would suffer, he and his family might suffer, and he truly thought it better… to skip that. To check out and see what waited on the other side and that was… a shocking revelation. For it really did go against everything we see in this subgenre, but it was also… bold. Because it worked, and it added a fascinating sense of realism to this story because that would happen if the dead were to walk in our world. It doesn’t make it right, especially here since it claimed two children, but it does it make it clear that at the end of the world… all bets are indeed off and survival of the fittest does come into play.

Which is why we consider this episode to be, the finest that season two of this show has to offer. Simply because… it set the tone for the season ahead and informed us that this show would hold nothing back in presenting how hard the first days after the end would be for people. Plus, it added a unique air of horror to this story, and really informed us… that the end was nigh. Which made for an immersive and sour experience, which is what good horror does. Not to mention, it let the cast shine as they put in their two cents regarding these events, and that decision made the return to the water for our heroes, all the more frightening. Because just like that…they were in a hopeless world where anything could happen, and that’s a very powerful epiphany for everyday folks from Los Angeles to endure in the early days of the zombiepocalypse. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 810 of ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one particular truth about trauma and the past that we all learn when we encounter such matters, it would have to be that we need to confront it and resolve it. For to do otherwise, results in suffering both external and internal. In the respect that the darkness and fire that comes from such unresolved emotions, pushes us to push away people and isolate. Wherein we are left alone with our dark thoughts, which can consume us and push us to take part in self-destructive acts in a desperate attempt to deal with what haunts us. So… we eventually, hopefully, deal with our demons and start to put our lives on the right path.

In fact, this is such an important aspect of our lives that it pops up often now in storytelling. But what stories often forget to cover regarding this process, is what motivates the decision to finally deal with such matters. Because no one comes to that decision just out of the blue one day. It takes some rock bottom moments for a person to finally flip the switch and make the call to change and that is why the final season of Fear the Walking Dead on AMC is so supremely important. For it is showing us what rock bottom looks like, and how arriving there can help a character heal, and clearly… it has more to explore regarding this, as evidenced by this week’s tale.

For ‘Keeping Her Safe’ was a story that pondered deeply on two character’s journeys toward the bottom… in a supremely unique manner. But not before, having Strand pay the piper yet again for his short-sighted survivalist thinking. Because everyone arrived back at P.A.D.R.E. and of course, they knew what he had done with Troy’s daughter, Tracy, and they wanted her in hand immediately to make an important deal. One that Strand, did not like of course. For June wanted to give Tracy back to Troy in exchange for leaving the island alone. Because there was no need for combat if Madison had gone off on her own, but that… was a deal that Strand could not stomach. Because he needed something more here… he needed… everyone to be present and together.
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In large part because of his promise to Alicia, and that prompted him to free Tracy, help her spot the path to the island and take her to the one person that could immediately help them, Madison Clark. Who as it turned out… was hiding in the woods and popping zombies like there was no tomorrow, in the hopes of finding Alicia and laying her to rest. Which Tracy agreed to help her do, in exchange for peace and a return to her father. Which was a deal that was hard for Madison to pass up, and after getting a car from Luciana’s fueling dock and bringing Daniel along… the story finally shifted to its deeper thoughts regarding rock bottom, courtesy of several surprises.

One of which, involved finding ‘Alicia’, who as it turned out… was not in the place that Tracy claimed. Because Tracy just wanted revenge for the death of her mother, which she deeply blamed on Madison. Not to mention… Troy’s forces opened fire at Luciana’s dock because he could and was eager to inflict pain and that’s just it. This is a story that wanted to point out that sometimes… the journey toward the bottom isn’t always quick and pretty and filled with epiphany. Sometimes it can be downright ugly and violent and hurt people deeply along the way. Because at that point, the wounded only see the endgame they want, they only believe in their agenda and that really is where Troy and Madison are.

Because neither of them can reconcile perceived failures in their journeys, nor can they seem to resolve them. For they truly believe that holding onto their anger and their need for revenge is the only way to function and move forward and find peace and well… that’s both dangerous and scary. Because a person in the midst of that, won’t listen to reason and will bring forth suffering and damage, and their bullheaded nature… keeps them from getting near rock bottom because they keep finding ways to move the goal posts to never address what needs to be addressed. Which in this instance, is resolving grief through the trauma of loss and well… that sets the stage for a very different kind of series finale.

One that is grounded less in powerful battles to save a community or put down an evil entity and is grounded instead… on the battle within. On our fight to find peace when we seemingly cannot and how those that love us, have to make hard choices to help us. Wherein they stand at our side or step aside because of one’s toxic nature and Madison has seemingly split her camp down the middle regarding that. Since some were pleading with Madison to stop her needless quest to make Troy pay for what was an inevitability. For we all die, and it is a guarantee in this world, and we don’t know how we are going to go. While others… seemed ready to retreat to the island and see what comes next now that Troy has lost a fair chunk of his army as well, in his own quest to make Madison pay for his own nonsense that he refuses to own up to. 

Either way, all of these elements made for a psychologically complex episode. One that offered no answers, just bad stuff in the raw. The kind that was relatable, since we’ve either been Madison or known folks like her, and well… the only question that remains now… is how Strand and anyone else that wants to step in, helps a mother that has lost so much since the beginning of the end, understand that none of it is her fault. For that… is how she reaches rock bottom and begins the climb back into the light. And it will be interesting to see if Strand can find it within himself to really help someone without an agenda, if Alicia’s disciples can aid in showing Madison that she did right by her daughter and to use that to find peace in her heart. Or if… this bold series is about to take another swing for its finale, one that will inform us that not everyone in this world can be saved, even though we are worthy of it. For salvation… requires a choice.

In the middle of summer in 2015, something quite amazing happened to the world of The Walking Dead. In that, AMC Networks debuted the first spin-off in this popular franchise, entitled, Fear the Walking Dead. A story that was designed to introduce us to new characters in this harrowing universe and show us important unseen moments in the universe as well. Such as how humanity crumbled before the rotten hands of living death and what the earliest days after the end of everything as we know it, would look like for the lucky few that managed to escape the horrors of the cities and Operation: Cobalt, and well… what followed the show’s intense pilot episode, one that introduced us to the Clark and Manawa families… was nothing short of incredible.
 
Because we were treated to eight stunning years of stories from this saga, the kind that took risks and released main characters from the show in shocking and stunning ways. Which allowed for this series to break new ground in the zombie subgenre, and it even allowed for characters from the flagship series to come aboard and continue their journeys and grow in fascinating ways. But alas, all good things do indeed come to their end, and come next Sunday, we will bid farewell to this popular and brave series when its powerhouse series finale airs. But before we close the book on Madison Clark and the friends and family, she met along the way… we here at NTG thought it would be worthwhile to reflect upon the show and spotlight its finest episodes, starting with the best that season one has to offer.
 
Which believe it or not, is not the pilot. Granted that episode has a lot of merit and did some bold things but truly… the gem of season one was the episode that followed the pilot, ‘So Close, Yet So Far’. For several reasons. Such as the fact… that this episode was nothing short of a hardcore horror story. After all, the dead were growing in number in this story, and were a silent threat surrounding two families that now had some knowledge that the world was about to change and that led, to some powerhouse tension. The kind that had us wondering as to when exactly the Clark and Manawa families would see their next walker, since they had so many close brushes, and that made the moment Madison finally had to fight one both scary and exhilarating, and the wonder of this story didn’t end there.

​Because this was in many ways… a prophetic story. One that briefly but impact-fully explored the real-world tensions that were growing between everyday citizens and the police, and also how their power was of concern. Which was welcome commentary to find here, the kind that does get overshadowed… by the rapid collapse of humanity here. Because the terror in the city, the threat of the dead and the exhaustion of the populace leads to some outright collapse, the kind that is understandable but also heartbreaking. Simply because we the viewers know that all that had to happen, was communication and unity and then the dead could have been driven back or controlled. But instead, fear and confusion ruled the day in this episode and that led… to some of the chilling moments and visuals present in the franchise.
 
After all, when you think about it… this episode is the last time we see the civilized world in one piece. For after this, the dead begin to grow in numbers, basic social services break down and the end arrives. Making this the beginning of the end and there’s a real horror that accompanies that. In part because it is handled in such an intense manner here, but also because now… it has echoes of our own lives. Of the confusion and the rapid nature of the world’s shut down a mere three years ago. The only difference here… is that the lights won’t be coming back on and there will be no vaccine. Just death, suffering and changed lives and psyches and that makes this quite a powerful episode, one that ends… in a chilling and uncomfortable manner.
 
For that last shot, of Griselda standing over her candles before blowing them out is shockingly symbolic. For in many ways, that candle represents the light of humanity and just like that… it is about to be snuffed out and that… is the perfect way to end a perfect episode. One that truly instilled terror and a sense of doom into our hearts and let us know how bleak this series was going to be. And none of that is an easy task from a cast and crew perspective, but everyone here did their part to make that feel authentic and that is why this particular episode, serves as the finest that season one has to offer. Because it was a tone setter through and through and gave zombie fans something they’ve craved for ages on end, a genuinely terrifying look at the beginning of the end. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Shining Vale’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one particular question that has been hanging over the hit STARZ series, Shining Vale, it is whether or not Pat Phelps indeed suffers from mental illness, or if her wild experiences are related to something supernatural residing within her home. And that question continues to have gravity here, simply because… there has been no answer. For every single time we think the story is learning one way or the other, the story flips the script and keeps us guessing. Which isn’t a bad thing by any means. Because it’s made this series fun, and engaging, and has prompted us to look closely at clues to see if we can figure out.

But as we continue along in this journey, it is becoming more and more apparent, that the supernatural is at play, as evidenced by the show’s next episode. For everyone but Terry dealt with something spooky in this old and creepy house in ‘Chapter 13: The Miracle’. For instance, poor Jake, whilst drowning his sorrow in the basement was nudged by his game buddy and Roxy to step into the super structure of the house. Wherein he oddly found joy, thanks to some nudie mags, the kind that kept him busy for days. But for the viewer, there were concerns. Simply because… clearly something horrible happened in this wing of the house, and it WANTS people to know about it.

Plus, the mysterious and handsome stranger that has seemingly been following Gaynor around finally stepped forward and explained his presence. In that, his name was Ennio, and he was actually from the Vatican. Simply because the family’s dead neighbor, sent a lot of letters about the house to the House of the Pope, and he came to investigate and see if by chance a real evil was present here. However, his initial inspection, didn’t exactly offer any answers. Which might be related to the fact that he and Gaynor hit it off on a fundamental level. The kind that had the two of them ready to burst with passion. But he did promise to monitor and take any emergency calls, and well… those storylines were indeed spooky in nature and the supernatural nature of this story, did not end there.

For Pat’s journey was filled to the brim with some eerie moments as well. In fact, her dreams were getting scarier by the day. For she suffered through a Thriller-esque dream here where something within her demanded flesh and gave her the tools necessary to hunt and get that flesh. Which concerned her greatly, as did the morning sickness that was surging through her and well… that prompted her to get tested and discover, she was indeed pregnant, and shockingly enough… the baby was healthy. For at her age, as everyone and their sister pointed out, such a pregnancy should be an impossibility. But everything about it checked out and well, that allowed for Pat and the story to break away from the spooky stuff for a brief moment.
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Mainly because, the thought of having a child allowed for Terry and Pat to ponder upon why they fell in love in the first place, and what they actually enjoyed about their marriage. Which was the family element and being part of something bigger. So, that prompted them to reconcile and unify as a couple again. To raise this child right. A move that pissed off the kids of course, because they wanted the separation and their two Christmases. But Pat was determined to make this work and moved ahead and well… that’s when the spooky stuff returned. Because at the end of this tale, she was able to see into the place where Jake was enjoying skin rags, and well… something horrible was waiting within the shadows.

All of which really does make it seem, that something evil in this house is growing in power and manipulating the family along the way. Especially through that baby, for it remains quite the miracle, and defies the odds regarding biology, and it really does appear that the house has something specific in mind for the child, something evil no doubt. The only question is what, and sadly… we will have to wait to find out. But in the meantime, we can celebrate one great tale. One that once again offered up the perfect balance of comedy and horror and continued to deeply engage us. For it seems dark answers are indeed upon the horizon, and it will be fascinating to uncover the truth as season two of this brilliant series continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Goosebumps’. (2023). To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Disney+ and Hulu series, Goosebumps (2023), we pondered upon what lie ahead for the good people of Port Lawrence. After all, two generations, tied together by the death of Harold Biddle, put his soul to rest and defeated the evil that is Slappy. Giving rise to an early end to a harrowing story. Which opened up some fascinating possibilities for the remainder of season one of this show. Wherein the story could either move in a bold new direction, since everyone was now free of the darkness, and/or give the evil that is Slappy a new unique way to return to prominence and well… as it turned out… ‘Night of the Living Dummy: Part 2’ opted to surprise us, by taking us down both paths in a single episode.

For when we caught up with the group in this story, they were enjoying life without terror in their hearts, and they were getting back to their normal routines, exploring new love and new opportunities and they were finally living again. The same went for the parents, and of course… living again means thinking about the future and for Margot, that meant making a decision about where she was going to live next. Because her mother offered her a chance to move to Seattle for her senior year, and her friends tagged along on a weekend trip up there to see what it was about, and help Margot decide if this was right for her. Which brought about moments of bonding, and moments of heartbreak, since it became clear that not everyone saw the move as good.

Which really did bring forth, a unique path for the characters post battle royale, one that let them grow and inch closer to adulthood and independence and well, it was wonderfully complemented by exploring, the life and times of Mister Bratt. Because we also came to learn in this tale, that he was in a dark place before this incident put him in an even darker place. Because he wanted to be a writer and do something special with his life, but instead just kept stumbling and taking losses before his move to Port Lawrence, and well, let’s be honest. He took an L after the move, too. But surviving that incident… was what he needed to find the creative spark, and he wrote a book about his experiences, and wouldn’t you know it? The spooky story of Slappy caught the eye of a publisher and Bratt was oh so close… to finally having what he wanted.

But alas, his publisher informed him, that the ending needed a punch up, and that Slappy was a little two dimensional. So, he was tasked with putting together a little more meat on the page regarding Slappy and the ending, and that put Bratt in a tough place. Because just like that… he was on the cusp of everything he ever wanted in this life, and yet… he could not get into the head of the monster because he knew little of him. Which he could have likely invented and refined to seal the deal. But Bratt wanted his story to be perfectly authentic, and he wanted this sale, badly. Bad enough to cut corners and do what he needed to do in order to know thy enemy. Which prompted him… to go out into the woods and bring Slappy back home. Wherein the evil was awakened and where… it evolved. For Slappy convinced Bratt to finish the spell his ancestor would not, and that gave life to a new evil, one that set out into the night the first chance it received.

Which made… for a brilliant episode really. One that did more than just fade to black at the end of the monster. It gave us a chance to see what comes next for those who survive such harrowing events. Not to mention, it reaffirmed that evil loves to prey on weakness, as evidenced by how it enticed Bratt to bring it back to life in the name of comfort and self-worth, with awful results. For now, the town is in real danger. Courtesy of some bold moves from this show. The kind that allowed for the story to move in an amazing new direction while finding a way to bring evil back in a creative fashion and now… we are forced to wait until next Friday, to see how this tale of terror comes to a close. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 405 of ‘Creepshow’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We live in an amazing time when it comes to the horror genre. After all, this genre is now part of the mainstream pop-culture landscape, with spooky shows ruling the airwaves and scary stories are quite the draw at the multiplex and that’s allowing for horror to do things it’s never done before. Such as explore more intimate realms of the human condition, the stuff we fear about ourselves and our lives. Not to mention, popularity has allowed for the genre to lean deeply into social commentary more than ever, and help the masses understand the brilliance and intelligence of this genre. But alas, while it is indeed the salad days of horror, there have been some drawbacks to its popularity, as is expected with massive growth.

For instance, there is a touch of copycatting of stories as some seek to replicate the success of horror’s juggernauts and at times… the genre does forget that there is one core tenant of these stories that fans need now and again. For instance, there are times that a horror fan doesn’t want to walk away from a story with deep meaning in hand. They just want blood and guts, and good scares and great twists, and that can be hard to come by. But thankfully, the true titans of the industry understand what the fans really need and really want, and for proof, well then look no further than what Greg Nicotero and his writing team assembled for the next episode of the highly acclaimed, and beloved Shudder series, Creepshow.

Because this week’s vignettes… were good old fashioned horror stories filled with familiar and satisfying concepts. For instance, ‘Something Burrowed, Something Blue’ introduced us to a woman named Allison who received some awful news in the mail. In that, her father, Frank, was dying and wanted to spend time with her and her fiancé, Ryan, to make amends before his passing. And what upset her, was the fact that he wanted to talk to her again. Because her dad was an a-hole through and through, and despite offering her the world before his passing, she wanted no part of it. But pops was able to convince Ryan that they needed to accept his offer to host their wedding and his gift of the estate. Simply because the property was neatly housed atop a horrible and ancient secret. One that was hungry and would need a new generation of caretakers to offer it the sacrifice it required

Plus, there was ‘Doodles’. A sorrowful story about an artist named Angela, who was at her wits end. Because despite being a talented cartoonist, she simply could not get her break. In fact, her best shot at landing a lucrative publishing deal, fell to pieces when a different artist stole her work. Which pushed Angela to her lowest point and prompted her to put sour vibes out into the world. Wherein she was able to surprise herself, and manifest dark karma for those that crossed her. Something she initially believed was nothing short of a coincidence. But a second attempt to right a wrong through her art, made it clear… she could quite literally manifest her own destiny through her drawings. Provided of course she could stomach the carnage and sacrifice that would accompany doodling one’s way to the top of the ladder.
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Both of which… were good old fashioned horror tales about people doing bad things and getting their just desserts, and that was nice. Because there’s always value to be found in watching mean rich people get theirs, especially when there are monsters involved, and look, broken soul or not, Angela made a choice to cause harm and got what she deserved. But despite those being some straightforward scares, the writing here is so good, that if someone wants to find something a little more from these stories in an era where depth rules, one could glean some big lessons here. Such as being true to oneself and never compromising our morals, and perhaps… the importance of finding the strength to fight back against generational trauma and to resolve it. So that one doesn’t let that destroy them or allow for them to be eaten by a giant and ancient monster. Depends on the region, really.

But the important thing is, there’s no major brain power that needs to be exerted to pull those lessons, and you can simply kick back and enjoy the gory and wild ride. One that featured some genuinely fun stories and some great acting. In fact, a massive round of applause is in order for Tom Atkins, who played Frank in the first vignette. Because Tom did what he does best and just let his acting chops loose, and we reaped the benefits of his delicious turn as the heavy in this story, and let’s be honest… it was also just a treat to see him back in the Romero fold, since this is his fourth Romero story appearance and his second turn in the Creepshow franchise since the 1982 original. Plus, Anja Savcic plays the tortured nature of Angela to a tee, and her and Tom’s acting was complimented by some wild writing and some amazing gore and well… all this does is leave us eager for next week’s tale. So, we can see what other storytelling wonders Mister Nicotero has saved up for the season four finale. Until next time, kiddies.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘SurrealEstate’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that experimental storytelling is the name of the game in season two of the hit SYFY series, SurrealEstate, and that’s a wonderful thing. Because it’s brought forth some bold moments for certain. Where Luke Roman now works to function and solve hauntings without his gift, and where his best agent is now missing from the central story. Not to mention, unique cases are the norm by going the experimental route. Ones complete with refreshing monsters and stories that pose some philosophical questions, and the show is showing no signs of slowing own regarding swinging for the fences, as evidenced by this week’s brilliant tale.

For ‘Set Your Flag On Fire’ forced Luke, and his team, to ponder upon the very real possibility, that they were about to deal with a genuinely human problem. One where it seemed there would be no fix. Because Luke was contracted to sell the house of an everyday American family, simply because they could not get along with their neighbors. In fact, the Hasan family’s problems with the Massey family, were getting downright scary. For physical violence was coming to bear, and that meant Luke had to move post haste to stop this before it got out of hand. But as he worked to seal a sale, he couldn’t help but notice that the anger these two neighbors harbored toward one another… made little, if any, sense.

Simply because, there was no foundation for it. Because each side’s complaints were stupid in nature, and aside from a few blow ups, they tended to stay out of one another’s way. Which didn’t jibe with people just having a fundamental disagreement and that prompted Luke to dig deeper. Which meant August and Zooey needed to spend time with each family to learn more about the genesis of this madness, only to find that they in turn, gave into the hate and bickered with each other upon finishing their respective investigations. Which meant, a spirit HAD to be the cause of all this chaos, but even then… there was no evidence to support that. For the house had no suspicious owners or ghostly history.

Instead, it took a very long and slow slog through history to finally understand what was happening here. One that came forth while Father Phil was dealing with some personal family matters regarding the family plot. But in between that, he finally found something critical to the investigation, and as it turned out… there was something spiritual here. Just not what anyone expected. Because in the end, it wasn’t a ghost… but an impression of negative emotions. One born from two feuding families that hated one another way, way, wayyyyy back in the day. And the fence that was erected between these houses, was erected by those families, atop blood no less. Giving rise to a haunted artifact that spread that hate amongst any two families that lived in proximity and well, the cure to this was simple.

Wherein… the fence had to come down, and it did… and peace was made, and we were left, with an amazing story. One that really did offer up a vastly different type of supernatural element to keep things lively and unique, and that really did make for a refreshing and original story that leaned into the power of the hate we produce, something that is relevant now. And of course, it offered more quality character growth courtesy of Phil, and Zooey as well, since she decided real estate sales were not her theme song. But above all, this episode informed us that season two will continue to be a playground of sorts. One where amazing stories will be told, and new ideas will be posed, and it will be interesting to see what other experiments await us as season two rolls along. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of Episode 205 of Shining Vale, which is available to stream on STARZ, tomorrow, 11/10/23!