Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Firebite’.
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We often tend to associate the abandonment of a dream, with failure and understandably so. After all, said dream should have brought the one that leaves it behind, joy and peace and fulfillment, and coming to understand that one cannot perform the duties asked of that dream, really is the only reason out there to walk away from what calls to us. But that is in fact, the wrong way to look at such a decision, simply because a great deal of factors can go into walking away from a genuine dream and it just so happens, that the AMC+ series, Firebite, takes the time to look at those specific reasons in its next episode, and that made, ‘We Don’t Go Down’, a fascinating and moving story. 

One that finally examined exactly why Tyson decided to walk away from the prospect of being a Bloodhunter, but not before showing us at his lowest. Because shortly after he and Shanika successfully beat down and defeated the vampires that the King left behind for them to face and buried the Last Bloodhunter… Tyson made it clear he wanted to run. A decision that confused and infuriated Shanika because the dearly departed made it clear, they could make a difference and that there was a chance her mother was alive and when faced with the reality that Shanika might go down below on her own, Tyson stepped up the plate and worked to prepare the both of them for an all-out assault on the vampire nest.

In fact, he even went so far as to work with Shanika to steal his old friend’s trailer, to get at all the weapons and intelligence present within it. But alas, just when it seemed as though Tyson was ready to step up and fight at last, he chickened out at the last possible second and instead buried himself in booze and girls and sorrow. All while Shanika managed to capture a blood sucker on her own and interrogate him and well, coming to learn that the girl he called daughter was that brave and that strong, alongside owning up to the fact that there were a great deal of demons hiding within his soul… motivated Tyson to finally open up and explain why he didn’t become a Bloodhunter, something we came to learn was a lifelong dream. 

But alas, coming to find that the Bloodhunters weren’t exactly the most noble of chaps, since Tyson was basically told to abandon Shanika in her hour of need while Tyson was training to join the troupe, changed his outlook on everything. In that, he really thought there might be a better way than how the Bloodhunters handle business, the way he operates in fact. And that, combined with a genuine understanding of how important life is and the need to have people there for us, motivated Tyson to walk away and try a go of it on his own. But alas, his admission on such matters fell upon the void, since Shanika was making her way into the depths of the nest, on her own, with a resurgent King pacing the tunnels. 

But while we wait to see if Tyson is going to finally answer the call and head down there with her and defend her from the wily and strong King Vampire, we can revel in the wonder of a magnificent tale. One that really did make it clear that sometimes… discovering the dream isn’t what we thought, alongside other priorities arriving, such as parenthood… can be fine reasons to walk away from what we want, provided we are okay with it, and that made for quite the incredible examination of the human condition and an oddly relatable tale. Since it really did provide us with some honest and raw humanity and well, this exploration definitely leaves us eager for more. So, we can finally see if Tyson is about to become a hero and forge his own path and happiness now that he’s confronted the skeletons in his closet. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that the Sundance Now/Shudder series, A Discovery of Witches, has been one of the most transformative and refreshing monster themed shows to hit the airwaves in the past few years. Since it has completely and utterly shattered every trope revolving around the monsters it features, by offering us a realistic and relatable tale that leaves the viewer hanging on every word and moment it has to offer. But while we have indeed enjoyed incredible brilliance and moments that move us in a world where vampires and witches and demons live and work side by side, all good things must come to an end and we are in fact, marching closer and closer to the grand finale of this revolutionary and transformative series.
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For the third season of this wonderful saga will indeed be its last and that revelation is undoubtedly putting fans through the wringer, emotionally. To the point where we are all experiencing joy that another season is headed our way, alongside sorrow over its ending. But all emotions aside, curiosity is what we've experienced the most regarding this final season. For Sundance Now and Shudder have done a wonderful job of keeping secrets revolving around this final season under wraps so that we can experience everything organically and that is precisely why, we are going to do something quite special for you today. For we here at Nerds That Geek have had the opportunity to see the first two episodes of season three of A Discovery of Witches, and we thought it would be best to preview season three in a spoiler free manner of course.

So that you can indeed experience the wonder this final season has to offer, firsthand. But we also know, you’re dying to hear something about this new season and well… we have nothing but good news to send your way today because the first thing we want to inform you about regarding season three; is that the storytelling is top notch. For there is not a moment wasted in these opening two chapters and they are filled to the brim with engaging storylines and epic moments that take your breath away and leave you hungry for more. Making it clear that the writers’ room and the production team decided to go big for the show’s farewell tour and the wonder of these opening chapters, doesn’t end with quality pacing and moments that will have us frantically texting our friends. 

For season three also wastes little time in answering several of the burning questions that were left unresolved at the end of season two. Which ones exactly, we won’t say or hint at in the slightest. But we can tell you, that these are some satisfying answers for certain, the kind that also engage you through and through and that definitely elicits a grand sense of hope and excitement for that matter as well. Because by dropping all kinds of answers our way this early in the season, that means there is a fair chance that every last plot thread introduced over the past three years will be brought to proper resolution and… we might be in for some epic treats as well. For if the show is digging into big answers now, who knows what awaits us as we close in on the series finale.

But what matters most about this final season, is that it has not lost sight of what matters most regarding this series… it’s humanity. For the relatable nature of this show is on display here once again and having that present here in a sometimes-amplified manner, only adds gravity to the big moments and the answers and of course, all of these elements set the stage for what is shaping up to be a phenomenal final season. One that will satisfy fans to no end and leave all of us both happy and melancholy when the end finally arrives and the best news of all is, we don’t have to wait that much longer to reunite with Diana and Matthew, for the third and final season of A Discovery of Witches will air on Sundance Now and Shudder and AMC+ on January 8, 2022.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Firebite’.
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Something that is genuinely difficult to predict when one starts a new television show… is what the pacing of the story is going to look like. Because these days shows love to surprise us at every turn in order to provide us with a unique storytelling experience and one way to accomplish that, is to stun us with said pacing. Which means that shows we think are going to be a slow burn in nature, might kick it into overdrive to wow us, and vice versa, and this is a question that was definitely top of mind for this writer and fans everywhere when it comes to the new vampire series on AMC+, Firebite.
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Because the opening chapter of this particular show, was a world-building tale that knew precisely when to ramp up the tension and when to slow things down. And it also informed us of the rules and let us get to know the characters while injecting some horror elements into the mix. Which indeed left us wondering, was this how the show was going to go? Was it going to keep the ebb and flow feel present? Or was something different waiting in the wings and well, it would seem… that ebb and flow is precisely where this series is going to reside and that’s a wonderful thing. Since it means that spooky stuff can take place, alongside world-building and the quiet spots will help us to process the amazing revelations that pop up in this series, such as the fact… that the ancient order of Bloodhunters is in trouble.

For shortly after Shanika and Tyson rescue the mysterious Bloodhunter from the vampire caves of Opal City, they come to learn that he is in fact, ‘The Last Bloodhunter’. For the vampire war has claimed the rest of his kind and he has come to Opal City for one reason and one reason alone, because if he is successful here… he could end the vampire scourge for all time. But alas, there is one big problem when it comes to his mission. In that, the blood sucker that is the key to his plan, is in fact… the Vampire King. Who just so happens to be the last of his kind as well and sadly, he is fully prepared to go to great lengths so that his kind and his reign continues along.

Which means that the more action packed and horror themed sequences in this story, revolved around this particular monster. As he and his brood did their best to blend in and feed and try to figure out the location of the hunter in question, all while preparing for the future, by stealing medical equipment designed to keep blood pumping in a patient. Making it clear that he plans to keep his food alive, and his people fed and happy long enough to rebuild what the vampires have lost and there’s a chance he might be successful in his endeavors. For at the end of this tale, he and his brood make their way to Tyson’s place to deal with the Bloodhunter and in his weakened state, there’s a fair chance they will defeat him and win the day.

Unless of course, someone steps up to the plate and hopefully Tyson will do just that. Since he clearly has the knowledge and the know how to fight and win against the vampire scourge. But while we wait to see what comes out of that ending, we can celebrate another brilliant episode of this show. One that once again used the perfect balance of tension and chill to flesh out this unique world and the horror elements here were simply top notch and well, all this wonderful episode does it leave us hungry for more. Because this really is shaping up to be an epic vampire story, one that will outright satisfy its viewers, thanks to its wonderfully balanced structure. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season four finale of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’.

Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked at length about how the Shudder series, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, has done a phenomenal job of upending just about every trope that reality competition television makes use of. For the last few episodes have been devoid of manufactured drama and the push to move the narrowed down field of competitors to their breaking point. Instead, this race to the finish line has been a relaxed marathon, one that has allowed for us to really reflect upon the competition itself and what motivated the monsters to go on this incredible journey, and why this fight to be crowned the biggest drag superstar in the world, mattered to them.
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Thankfully, this more intimate and real approach to the finish line, didn’t let up in the show’s season four finale. For ‘Grand Finale’ could have easily transformed into a chaotic battle royale, one full of drama and ego and a push to bury other competitors. But instead, this was hands down, a beautiful and moving finale. One where the final four took a moment to genuinely appreciate the opportunity they’d been given, to the point where each one of them were gracious and kind to one another and boosted each other up and this was just amazing to see. Since it was devoid of the usual bitter rivalries present in reality themed competition shows and well, that brought about something quite special. Specifically, some of the best costume work we’ve ever seen on this series.

But we will get to that in just a moment. Because first and foremost, we need to talk about the fact that this finale… really expanded upon the ‘getting to know you’ aspect that ‘The Last Supper’ championed. For Drac and Swan took the time to interview each of the finalists for their Children of the Night podcast and this really exposed the monsters in a healthy and wonderful way. Since we were able to really learn what this competition meant to them, and why they should be crowned the new Dragula and honestly, this had ten times more value than drama or rivalry, and this writer utterly hopes that what the Boulet Brothers did here, becomes the standard for reality television because this was genuinely moving and engaging.

However, while it was incredible to really get to know the final four… there was a still a competition to be had and only one person could be named Dragula and well, that brings us back to the incredible work the monsters put forth. Because the floor show was nothing short of stunning and we truly did get the finest work that HoSo and Sigourney, and Dahli and Saint had to offer and the latter two… deserve recognition for how hard they went into the Filth category segment… since that made for some disturbing moments for certain and we would also be remiss to not point out, that everyone’s costumes paid perfect tribute to the genre. Since there was commentary and history to be found amongst the final four’s stellar work.

Which are elements that made the final decision for Drac and Swan quite difficult, since there were so many highs to be celebrated, but once the dust settled… a new Dragula was crowned, and it just so happened to be… Dahli! Who will now join the Boulet Brothers’ and other monsters from this season on the Dragula world tour and well, Dahli definitely earned their victory and we offer our congratulations to Dahli for winning this prestigious title and well, in the end… that’s all there is say about season four. For the journey has indeed come to end and all this finale does, is leave us hopeful and eager for season five. Mainly because the Boulet Brothers pushed the envelope this year and turned reality television upside down with their bold decisions on how to conduct this competition and we here at Nerds That Geek cannot wait to see what the future holds for this magnificent and important series. Until next year.

To learn more about Dahli and Saint’s journey to the final four, check out the interview we recently conducted with them.

Back in the olden days, people would depend on getting an inheritance from their parents or grandparents, it was just the way things went. But as time has gone by, the tax man wants to get as much money as he can out of you whether you are dead or alive, and you are lucky to get anything, after all is said and done. It seems like the birthright of being wealthy has been taken away from so many people and being able to leave anything for your children is next to impossible with how expensive it is to live these days. Hopefully you are good with your money and are able to take care of what you need to in life, and if you are able to leave a little something for your kids when you pass on, then you have done something right.

John Carter and his young love Ingrid have made their way to the old Butler house and John is ready to make a deal on behalf of his client Jeffrey Butler. With the tattered history that surrounds the house and the death of Wilfred Butler twenty years ago, his grandson wants nothing to do with the property. Offering it up to the leadership of the town for fifty thousand dollars, John believes that this will be the best Christmas weekend he and his mistress will ever have. Knowing that he will get his commission for the sale very quickly, what he does not know is that there is a madman in the house that does not want it to go to the wrong hands.

Getting a call from the Butler house, Tess hears a name that she has not thought about in years and tries to get the rest of the town brass to get up to the house as soon as possible. With the circumstances surrounding how Wilfred Butler passed away, being burnt alive and all, the town's leaders are not concerned about anything strange happening in the house, but as each one shows up, they are killed by the madman who is searching for an ultimate prize. Not being able to get into his own house, Jeffery Butler stops by the mayor’s house and meets his daughter. Talking with Diane about what could be happening in the town, as well as how he can get into his house, he finds out that there is some sort of history surrounding the property that he knew nothing about.

While Jeff is out trying to locate any of the town's leaders, Diane gets a call from the Butler house as well and she starts doing a little digging on her own.  Finding out that the house used to be an insane asylum and knowing that an inmate has escaped from the new nut house on Christmas Eve, she fears that he/she might be on the hunt for anyone that makes their way into the house. While waiting to hear from anybody, Jeffery is able to enter the house and finally gets some answers of his own. 

Finding his grandfather’s diary, he finds out that the house was being used as an asylum, but not in the traditional sense at first, since his unknown Aunt was being treated there exclusively. Opening the house up for more patients, Wilfred Butler spared no expense on getting these people help, but when he saw what his money was really going towards, he lost his faith in humanity and put a stop to it right there. Finding Jeffrey in the house, Diane finds out that there was a tragedy in the house many years ago but has no clue what kinds of horrors about this awful place she is about to uncover.

They really don’t make movies like this anymore and it is kind of a shame. Being a more story driven horror tale, you have to pay attention and make sure you have not missed the little clues to find out what is really making the story so frightening. Without your common jump scares, this movie plays more with the unknowns surrounding the house and the characters and of course, the killer. Then just when you think that you have it all figured out, the rug gets pulled out from beneath your feet. With a great storyline, a little bit of blood and the truth about a town coming to light, you might need to take a step back and make sure you know enough about your family history before stepping into a situation that could leave you more scarred than you were before. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Firebite’.
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It really is quite the amazing time to be a horror fan. Because not only is the genre at an all-time high popularity wise and beloved by the masses, but its monsters are also undergoing great change. So that they can become relevant to the times and forge a path ahead for the next century of storytelling and that is leading to some incredible storytelling for certain. The kind that is experimental and bold in nature as these creatures work to find their footing and it just so happens, that AMC+ is now host to a vampire series, that qualifies as a bold attempt to reinvent the vampire, and that makes Firebite quite the fascinating ride for several reasons.
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First and foremost, because it plunges us into a part of world that one wouldn’t think would be host to a vampire stronghold/nest… Australia. Yes, that’s right, the series premiere of this brave story, ‘Pest Control’, takes us down under to tell its tale, to the Opal Fields/Mines of Australia to be specific and it makes use of this somewhat desolate place… to give vampires a new place to live. For Opal City is home to a bevy of abandoned mines. The kind that vampires can use to hide from the sun safely, or easily escape to when they are spotted and/or have a fresh meal, and this is… a supremely refreshing idea. Since vampires living underground and using the vast network of tunnels surrounding to them function, really isn’t something we’ve seen in the genre before and the reinvention of this type of story, doesn’t end there.

For the heroes of this story, a man named Tyson and his adopted daughter, Shanika… fight these creatures in quite the unique manner. Because while they do indeed know of the vampires that live in this part of the world and do their best to combat them by laying traps and hunting them at night when they’re active… they do so of their own accord. Which means there is no Catholic church funding to back them, nor is there someone they report to. They’re just everyday people that have taken it upon themselves to be decent and fight a genuine threat to the good people of this land, that haven’t a clue of the true evil that lives in the mines and that too… is quite inventive. Since it adds depth and humanity to this story, the kind that we really haven’t seen in the genre all that often and it doesn’t hurt either that Tyson and Shanika are as normal as they come, making them supremely relatable. 

But where this story truly shines, is in its commentary regarding the modern world. Because for the most part, vampire stories stick to explorations regarding love, and they are eager to invoke the power of mysticism and history in telling their tales. But this story takes a page from the George Romero playbook and uses the vampire to represent and examine some of the societal woes of our current world. Since in many ways here the blood-suckers invading Opal-City remind us of the gentrification that is running rampant in our world right now and of course… they also speak to the class divide that is growing every single day and the racial strife and struggles that continue to plague the world in 2021, and all of that commentary and the plucky characters and overall setting, really do make this quite the brilliant premiere when all is said and done.

Simply because there is no other vampire series like this one on the air right now, and it really is quite wonderful to be plunged into a place where they thrive that is free of castles or bustling cities and the other trappings of the vampire story. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this series knows when to inject comedy into the mix to keep it lighthearted and that there is a greater story brewing here as well. Since a great deal of this episode is also dedicated to setting the stage for the rest of the season, courtesy of the arrival of a blood hunter in Opal City for reasons that are likely related to something big and the only way to know what that is… is to continue this fascinating and unique journey. One that is likely going to continue to surprise us in just about every way imaginable. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season finale of ‘Ragdoll’.
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The old phrase, ‘everybody loves a happy ending’, exists in our vernacular today… because there is so much truth to it. Because people still flock to and demand stories that feature that perfectly joyous ending. Wherein the hero is triumphant in their goals and evil is vanquished at last and we love it… because it truly gives us hope and it is a perfect escape. For deep down we know that happy endings are rare in this life because the world is such a chaotic place and what’s wild… is that the storytelling landscape is changing in regard to this concept. Because the line between fiction and reality is beginning to blur as more powerful stories that reflect the grey the world operates within, hit the market. Which is allowing for grittier stories with more realistic endings to come to life and for proof… look no further than the next episode of Ragdoll on AMC+.

For the season finale of this phenomenal series, offered up quite the gritty and realistic end to the Ragdoll Killer case and really, the first real world lesson that it reminded us of… is that sometimes the bad guy gets away. Because despite the fact that Baxter and Edmunds and Rose worked together in a very unhealthy and chaotic manner in this tale, they eventually figured out how to corner the Ragdoll Killer and completely and utterly rattle him like never before. A feat that both Rose and Baxter accomplished by disobeying his orders and desires. Which put him out of sorts and bought them enough time for him… to escape. Since Edmunds was their only backup and that helped him Massey slip into the night, hammering home the fact that evil escapes good’s clutches now and again.

As it turned out, that wasn’t the only lesson revolving around evil that this episode sent our way. For we also came to learn that evil… can inspire. Because while Thomas was working to complete his list, Joy was quickly learning of the thrill that comes with being a twisted individual. For she found great joy in lying to the police and in playing the victim, since she was able to stave off any of Edmunds’ suspicions about who she might be by making it seem as though Thomas harmed her so, and well, this cat and mouse game had such an impact upon her psyche, that she decided it was time to take the darkness she discovered within, to a whole new level. How exactly, we won’t spoil here because the pinnacle of her dark desires has to be seen to believed but rest assured… it was obvious that her final act was inspired by Thomas, and the freedom he found by embracing evil.

But while it was fascinating and somewhat rough to see the bad guys win the day, there were some sour moments to be found for the heroes of the story as well. Since Edmunds’ journey in this tale served to remind us… that no good act or projection of honor can put our past transgressions to bed, and they will eventually find us when we run from them and of course… Rose’s story here reminds us, that sometimes… we stumble and fall and stay down. Since he fully embraced his trauma and his madness and let it control his actions and his future and it will be quite interesting to see if a future season of this series… will address whether or not he will ever face his own demons and his trauma, since that is the key to Nathan finding himself again and how he will move forward in life, and truly, this writer hopes a second season is in the cards.

For this is simply a brilliant show through and through. One that really did dig deep into concepts and notions that aren’t being examined in the slightest on television these days, and another year of storytelling could expand further upon everything explored and introduced here and of course, it would give our flawed heroes a new case to handle. But while we wait for that news, we can revel in a satisfying finale, one that truly brought everything together in a realistic and gritty manner. Because the world rarely offers us complete resolution and absolution, and this story encapsulated that perfectly and for now at least… the Ragdoll Killer case has come to a close. But it might not be long before it is reopened, since a curious party out there… might want to finish what Thomas Massey, started.   

It is definitely safe to say that we are living in some tumultuous and scary times. For there is a raging pandemic still sweeping over the globe, and there is grand uncertainty surrounding what the climate and our world is going to look like in the near future. Plus, there is political and civil unrest everywhere to be found and to top it all off, there is a grand rift now forming between the haves and the have nots and governments seem disinterested in doing anything to fix that before it truly gets out of hand. Which are ugly realities that have us wondering some days… if mankind will make it to the 22nd Century and if we wish to, what kinds of changes it would take to get us there.
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Because at the moment, it appears as though a grand upending of the system is the only way to change course and these questions and concerns are so important that popular media is working to explore how we might change things, with mixed results. Since no one really has a clue as to how exactly to get the world on a path that is far more hopeful. But perhaps in this moment, answers aren’t what we need. Instead, we might be in need of reassurances and comfort and reminders… about what it means to be human and why our species is indeed worth saving, and it just so happens that a new movie on Hulu… explores those positive concepts in a terrifying manner in Mother/Android.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a young couple named Georgia and Sam, who are going through quite the wild time in their lives at the height of the holiday season. For they have just discovered that they are going to have a child and are unsure of how to proceed with this news. But sadly, circumstances make that concern a low priority. For one fine night during the holidays, the androids that make up America’s new workforce… revolt and collapse the modern world. Forcing Georgia and Sam into the wilderness for months on end until they decide that the time has come to return to civilization to have their baby and potentially escape the hellscape that America has become. Provided of course, they can survive the roving armies of androids and do what must be done to survive in a bold new world.

Which is a plot that seems more grounded in where we are now and where we might be going and there’s definitely a lot of commentary on our modern world in this story for certain. Since obviously, the androids speak volumes to our reliance on and love of technology and how our endless desire to consume and own will eventually backfire upon us. But once you get past the commentary and the echoes of today, and the bleak and devastating nature of this tale, there are some genuinely beautiful concepts to be found. For instance, this story serves to remind us… that we are in fact survivors and can weather ugly storms when we choose to buckle down and do so. But of course, just knowing we can handle the tough stuff doesn’t exactly bring inspiration or comfort, since so many of us are doing that right now. But thankfully, there are more uplifting messages to be found in this film.

Because it eventually takes the time to point out… that we are a divided species right now. For politics and fame and stupid ideologies have helped us to lose sight of the fact that what makes the human condition so wonderful and powerful, is our ability to unify and accomplish wonders. A feat we’ve shown ourselves we are capable of time and time again, because we understand the importance of sacrifice deep down and we know that when we lift each other up, hope springs eternal and nothing can stop us. And the time has come to put that top of mind now so that we can finally solve our problems and give mankind a fighting chance at the better tomorrow we’ve all dreamed of. Which is something that some viewers might see as a super saccharine message to inject into a story filled with terror and disaster and the potential end of mankind, but it is the right message to find in a story such as this and it is a message, we need right now.

Because that’s the kind of stuff that reminds us that we’re better than political parties or silly thought, we’re human beings. We’ve been to the moon because we believed we could, and we could save our world from strife if we banded together like that again. But make no mistake about it, it takes a lot of darkness to bring that epiphany forth. And this movie deserves praise for really taking us on quite the bleak and powerful journey, one designed to remind us that we’ve endured enough darkness and need to wake up and it is also anchored by solid performances from Chloë Grace Moretz (Georgia) and Algee Smith (Sam) and it is one you absolutely need to see. Since it really does offer the audience so much to ponder upon and the good news is, you don’t have to wait much longer to catch it, since Mother/Android will be available to stream on Hulu, tomorrow.  

It is always hard to know what to get someone for the holidays, especially if they have been naughty.  Even if they try to be nice for a certain part of the year, in an effort to show everyone what a ‘good’ person they are, it does not replace what they do the rest of the time. It can be difficult for someone to change their stripes, no matter how hard they try to, and their true nature can wind up hurting them in the long run. During the season of giving, it is easy to overlook these things, but once you have been marked for being bad in one way or another, it is almost impossible to get rid of that label.

Being different is something that Zoe has been getting used to her entire life. With her friends not wanting to be around her since she is more fascinated with death than they are, she tries to entertain herself back at the house, but that is not a safe place for her either. Trying to watch something on television while her foster mom is listening to music in her headphones, Zoe is reamed for changing the channel. Going to her room and hearing her foster parents starting to get busy in the bedroom, Zoe takes a quick peek and is shunned back to her room, but this time the door is locked from the outside. The only option in her room is to play with her dolls, so she pulls out her favorite one and removes the chains that keeps the secret of her favorite one at bay.

Getting a call from a neighbor, the police are called in to find out what has happened at the Hoelzer foster house. With two burned bodies in the driveway, young Zoe has nothing to say to anyone about what really happened. Being taken to the hospital for further evaluation, Zoe keeps her mouth closed to the doctors, but when Doctor Rachel Stewart makes it on the scene, the young girl opens up just a little bit. Only being able to get Zoe to say that her foster parents were not nice people, Rachel wants to get more information and makes a promise to bring back the dolls that are hidden in her bedroom. With a police escort to the crime scene, Rachel sees how unhappy the house really was, but when she finds the young girl’s dolls, she is in for a story that she will never forget.

Being a child psychologist, Rachel believes that she will be able to help the young girl, but even after handing the dolls over to Zoe, the girl still refuses to open up. With strange nightmares starting again, Rachel is dependent on her own medication to keep her mind at bay. But that is not enough as her friend, Detective Miles, is looking to become more than a friend and her foster child Lamaar is focused on things other than his family. Rachel's hectic life is starting to take its toll, and when word of another burned body comes across the wire it only gets worse, because she now knows that there might be something wrong with Zoe and checks the girl’s history. Finding another set of foster parents that Zoe lived with, Rachel is in for the shock of a lifetime when she finds out how old the little girl really is and that she might be harboring some sort of power.

When it comes to making a decent horror movie, you have to remember that kids are not immune to being the baddie and this movie proves that fact. I must admit that I was feeling bad for young Zoe when seeing how she was treated early on, but once I found out that she has the power of Krampus on her side, then she became a little scary. Rachel had demons of her own, but not remembering her childhood really put a damper on her being able to work through them and instead of getting help for it, she tries to better the world with her work. This really was a noble cause and being a foster child herself, she never wants to see a child suffer when going into the system. But that proves to not be enough when someone knows who she really is, and the Krampus will have his way. With some Christmas music, burning bodies, distorted flashbacks and a killer Krampus, this is quite the fun little Christmas flick. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 409 of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’.
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​Normally, the penultimate episode of a fashion competition reality show… is filled to the brim with drama and tension and it makes sense as to why. After all, this is it, the moment when the finalists are named and well… let’s be honest… that drama is often turned up to eleven in these episodes. For we are watching a television show, and having the competitors shed some tears and push themselves on camera should wow the audience and put them on the edge of their seats as they wait to see if this dramatic and emotional leg of the journey will end in joy or sorrow. Or at least, it used to do that. Because this formula is so widely used now by shows in this vein, that it has become a baseline staple that rarely offers surprises anymore. 

In fact, it is so borderline cliché that some shows that feature this type of competition are looking to break free from it and find new ways to introduce their finalists in a manner that truly engages the audience like never before and one show that is leading the way in reinventing the finalist reveal is The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. Because for the past four years, Drac and Swan have skipped a stressful setup for the season finale and have opted instead to bring everyone back for ‘The Last Supper’. An episode where everyone involved with the competition gets to reunite and speak about their experiences and the drama that might have played out over the course of the season and well… this was simply brilliant to watch through and through.

Because reality shows never address the drama or interpersonal conflicts, they let them play out for the sake of drama. But this, this allowed for Merrie and Sigourney to address their differences and their disagreements, and it also helped Bitter Betty and Jade Jolie come to understand their falling out and why they took respective sides. Plus, we were also able to learn how important this competition is to the monsters and what it means to them to be part of such a revolutionary show, and it was just so refreshing to have this series remind us that reality shows are populated with people, not scripted product. People that make mistakes and have real goals they’re chasing after and that added depth and gravity and meaning to this season… and what’s wild is that this episode still found a way to inject a little fun into the mix as well.

Which came courtesy of the ‘commercial breaks’, where everyone took five, and that allowed for the cameras to capture the monsters and the Boulet Brothers in the raw as they let loose and had more wine and goofed around and that brought about some genuinely hilarious moments and honest admissions. But while it was wonderful to really get to know the monsters on a whole new level, the show must go on and the final three had to be named and well, it turns out the Boulet Brothers had another surprise up their sleeves regarding that. Because Sigourney and Dahli, and Saint and HoSo have done such a phenomenal job with their work, it didn’t make sense to send anyone home at the end of this episode. So rather than go with three finalists, Drac and Swan went with all four of them, in honor of season four of course.

If anything, that decision is going to make for one incredible finale. For these four monsters are genuinely talented and creative and it will be amazing to see what they come up with next Tuesday when the finale airs. But while we wait to see what they bring to the table one last time, we can revel in one of season four’s best episodes. Simply because it was wonderful to really get to know the monsters and going this route speaks volumes to how the Boulet Brothers want this show to be unlike any other drag/fashion competition out there, and it was also a wonderful farewell to the wonderful people we rooted for earlier this season and now that we’ve said our goodbyes, it is time to brace ourselves for the ultimate finale. Where four ridiculously talented artists will bring Filth, Horror, and Glamour to life one last time... in their quest to be crowned, Dragula. Until next time.