‘Goosebumps’ (2023) Recap: ‘You Can’t Scare Me’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Justin Long and Rachel Harris as Mr. Bratt and Nora in Episode 108 of ‘Goosebumps’ (2023) – ‘You Can’t Scare Me’. (Photo Courtesy of David Astorga/Disney.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight 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 series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve been treated to some powerhouse horror storytelling, courtesy of the Disney+ and Hulu series, Goosebumps (2023). Because not only has this show taken the time to reinvent the classic series, we all know and love, giving rise to something fresh and original, and downright engaging… but it’s also given us so much more. Such as homages to the classic show and the books in an organic and chilling manner, alongside featuring bits of commentary on the human condition, and an immersive story full of mystery and answers. But while that has made for an incredible experience through and through, this is also a show that understands sometimes… you just need a scary story to scare you and well… that’s precisely what this week’s episode leaned into.

For ‘You Can’t Scare Me’ featured a mad dash to save Nora from Biddle and was devoid of deeper meaning and backstory. It was just one intense ride, one that got underway, after the show resolved last week’s cliffhanger. For the imaginary house Biddle built was melting and our heroes were in dire straits. Which forced them to move deeper into the book, and meet people from Harold’s past, including his parents. Who had kind things to say and wishes they wanted someone to express to Harold if the group escaped, and escape… they most certainly did. For Mister Bratt came through at the last possible second and drew an escape route for everyone to use before once again being claimed by Biddle. Giving rise to the rescue at hand.

Not a second too soon for that matter. For Biddle was indeed hot on Nora’s trail, who settled into the family cabin and went right to work in executing her all-important plan. Which was… to bury the bits of Slappy about the woods, so that no one would ever find him and so no one would ever assemble him again and let his evil thrive. Which he of course, tried to stop with minimal results. But what he did do, was distract Nora just long enough, for Biddle to make his way to the cabin and what followed… was some hardcore, Shining style horror. Wherein Nora was forced to run through the snow and the woods with Biddle nipping at her heels and at one point, it seemed as though he was victorious, since he managed to get Slappy back and wound Nora.

But what he did not count on, was everyone coming to her rescue, teenager, and parents alike. And now that everyone knew the story, they were able to confront Biddle and be honest with him, with a sense of urgency no less. Because Isaiah was separated during the search/confrontation, and Biddle could have caused him great harm. But kind words, a reminder of what his parents wanted for him… allowed for a miracle to happen. In that, Biddle finally came to see the error of his ways, and that Slappy wasn’t a friend, but an outright monster that had caused him more harm than good, and he needed to be free of that little wooden jerk. So, he tossed Slappy off of a cliff and relinquished his spirit to the afterlife. Freeing Bratt and allowing for everyone to go home okay, and that… was quite the ending.

Mainly because just like that, the heroes won, and a happy ending awaits and that is… out of place for an episode this far from the season finale. But it’s welcome here, because it was a pleasant surprise and leaves us wondering what is to come now that Slappy is defeated. But before we ponder further on what comes next, we can celebrate one scary tale. One that really did put Nora and Isaiah in real danger and let Justin Long shine as the heavy. Because he tapped into something terrifying as an actor and really made Biddle the stuff of nightmares. But at last, Harold is at peace, Slappy is defeated and undiscovered country awaits. The kind that will either take this story in a bold new direction or lean into an old horror trope. Wherein the monster, might not be as dead or as easily defeated as we are led to believe. Until next time.

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