‘Horror’s Greatest’ Recap: ‘Tropes & Clichés’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still from ‘Horror’s Greatest’ Courtesy of Shudder.

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the Series Premiere of Horror’s Greatest.

One thing that we can all agree upon, is that horror is hands down the hottest genre on the planet right now. For there are horror movies tearing up the box office left and right, and horror on television has never been more prevalent and everyone wants a piece of the genre in some form or fashion, and so many are discovering it for the first time ever. Because when something is cool, everyone wants in on it, but that doesn’t mean that getting into horror is an easy task either. For coming in cold while everyone seems to be well-versed can be an intimidating challenge, one where a newcomer feels lost and unsure of where to begin or what they might like.

But thankfully, the horror community is incredibly inclusive and has ways of bringing newcomers into the fold, such as by way of the new Shudder series, Horror’s Greatest. Which explores all the best aspects of horror and how they impact the genre for better or for worse. Which can easily serve as a springboard point for people eager to learn about horror and all it has to offer. Since such explorations can provide people with a better understanding of how the genre operates, what it examines and what films are of note, and for proof that this series is the best way to make that happen, look no further than last night’s series premiere of the show. Since ‘Tropes and Clichés’ examined the wonder and the follies of certain horror staples.

For instance, this hour of television really did a wonderful job of showcasing how tropes and clichés are created and used within the genre, and how their presence allows for a sense of familiarity. The kind that taps into our greatest fears. After all, the old school trope of having one’s car, not start, is a legit fear that we can relate to on some level, and it just so happens that horror expands upon that fear in the most extreme manner possible. Allowing for a newcome to the genre to understand how horror preys upon our most primal fears and connects them with everyday worries and everyday concerns. Plus, this episode even explored how sometimes… tropes and clichés can be fun in nature too, since the genre knows how to lampoon itself and send up what’s being overused, and it also knows… how to course correct.

Because this opening chapter also took the time to explore how horror has made some mistakes and put on display tropes and clichés that aren’t that savory and don’t age well. For instance, there’s the old standby that any Black character is basically doomed in these stories and first to die, and it was quickly pointed out how problematic that is, and how it reflects some ugly views. Plus, it also spoke to how sex is seen in a unique light in horror, since those who indulge in desire in so many horror films… die horribly. As though they’ve committed a sin, and that… is painfully conservative in nature and well, the genre is making efforts to fix all of these mistakes. Because horror understands that it can offer more than just mere reflection, but ways forward.
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All of which made, for a wonderful premiere. One that truly educated anyone new to the genre. Since it covered so many tropes, and so many clichés, and it explored every last one of them so thoroughly and so well, through experts and stars and legends of the genre, that one walks away from this with an amazing understanding of what these elements mean to horror. Not to mention, while we have spoken to how this episode will serve newcomers well, make no mistake about it… this is clearly designed to welcome everyone that’s a fan of horror. Since this kind of wondrous examination can serve as a fine refresher or help fans better understand the genre that brings them joy, and that makes this an important series. One that we cannot wait to learn more from in the weeks to come. Until next time.

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