‘Goosebumps’ (2023) Recap: ‘Reader Beware’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Isa Briones as Margot in Episode 105 of ‘Goosebumps’ (2023) – ‘Reader Beware’. (Photo Courtesy of Katie Yu/Disney.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Goosebumps’ (2023). To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say that there are two key questions on the minds of every fan of the new Goosebumps series on Disney+ and Hulu. In that, everyone wants to know what the heck happened between Harold Biddle and the parents of our intrepid heroes. Because that is clearly the source of everyone’s woes in this tale, and also… what on earth is Biddle searching for? For he’s been eagerly after something over the past couple of episodes, something he cherishes and is deeply upset about not having in his possession anymore and well… it turns out… that the next episode in this fascinating series, served as the perfect time to answer one of those questions for the audience. 
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For ‘Reader Beware’ finally explored the sorted past of the town’s parents, in the most unique way possible. By outright making it seem as though we weren’t going to get any answers here. Because Margot’s mom, Sarah, was a no-show to the meeting Margot set up, and that meant no answers and no direction for the group. Who were on edge and worried about what horrors awaited them. In fact, the show went so hard into this that there were even moments that featured confrontation and honesty regarding the affair that Margot’s dad was having and there was even a hint of a budding relationship between Lucas and Margot. Since he was staying at the Stokes residence, while his mother, Nora, tried her best to heal in that mental health facility nearby.

But making us comfortable and eager to see an artifact of the week was part of the plan. One that involved surprising us with the answer in question. For out of the blue, while Margot was minding her own business… Biddle/Bratt decided to drop by and give her quite the gift. Specifically, a haunted journal that would show her everything that happened back in the day. Because he wanted his story told, post haste and well… that led to some incredible revelations for certain. Such as the fact that Harold and Sarah were friends in the 1990s. To the point where Sarah made a point to hang out with Harold and learn about his hobbies and his likes. But alas, that friendship wasn’t designed to last. Because the rest of the parents, had cruel plans for Harold. The kind that involved Sarah whether she liked it or not, and brought about the dark day in question.

One that all of our heroes were able to witness. For they joined Margot in the strange state the book put her in, outside the Biddle house no less, so they too could properly understand and what they saw… was a prank gone horribly wrong. For an attempt to scare Harold and swipe something in a large case, led to the fire in question, and that fire of course… spread out of control and brought Harold Biddle to his end, and sadly… rather than do the right thing and call for help and take responsibility for their part in this, the parents to be let Harold burn. Informing us precisely why Harold wants revenge, because he was treated with great cruelty and indifference and well… that was a hard answer to face. But at last, we know, and it makes sense now why Harold is so furious, since he was robbed of life by ignorance and worry.

All of which made for a sobering tale. One that spoke to how the wrong call doomed generations in this town and oddly enough… there is a chance that more truth is on the horizon. After all, Bratt/Biddle was nearby for the final vision, and made a point to wait for the group to return from it with a goal in mind. Specifically, to invite them inside his house to tell them what he’s been searching for and to fill in the blanks regarding the rest of his story. Which seemed to be a sincere gesture and offer, but in this story, who knows… it could be a trap. But while we wait to see what his intentions actually are, we really can celebrate one solid story, that gave us the answers we seek, and that’s both good and bad for the audience. On the plus side, we know, and we have a better understanding of this madness. But also, revealing so much this early, could mean that bigger and more shocking moments are on the horizon. The kind that could stun us and scare us like never before, and it will indeed be interesting to see what lies ahead, now that so much truth is in hand. Until next time.

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