‘Hysteria!’ Recap: ‘Die Young’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

HYSTERIA! -- "Die Young" Episode 102 -- Pictured: (l-r) Emjay Anthony as Dylan, Bruce Campbell as Chief Dandridge -- (Photo by: PEACOCK)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Hysteria!’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that we are all supremely curious in this day and age, exactly how misinformation and fear spread so quickly in our world. Because it really does spread like wildfire, and truly does take root and when it does… we get the madness we lament. Complete with conspiracy theories and panic and outright conflict from those who want resolution on a lie. Well, it turns out, there are some simple things that help for such matters to spread, and one of which… is shock. Shock over something that seems unbelievable, since lies give us something to help us cope and give us answers to that which is impossible and how that comes to fruition was explored in the next episode of Hysteria! on Peacock and USA Network.

A feat that ‘Die Young’ accomplished by bringing forth a perfect storm for Happy Hallow. For while Dylan was headed to the station, a body was recovered. Ryan’s body in fact, and well… his passing and word that Dylan was arrested, brought about some real fear in this town. Because rumors spread fast, especially ones that revolved around Dylan carving a pentagram into his hand, and just like that… everyone was afraid, everyone was worried that something evil was happening in this town, and that worry only grew at a community gathering to discuss Ryan’s death. One where Tracy let the whole town know of the concert and that brought about great panic. The kind that Chief Dandrige worked hard to bring down, while still trying to solve the case, and that was no easy task.

Simply because fear spread fast, and everyone really wanted to believe that evil had infected the town, and that evil had been responsible for this, and that Dylan might be involved, and that fear boiled over at the worst possible time. For what should have been a somber and beautiful memorial service for the fallen, ended up being a celebration of chaos. Wherein Ryan’s parents demanded to see what happened to Dylan’s hand and that moment, combined with a falling cross… truly cemented that fear. All of which were moments that informed us that sometimes… moments happen in this world that are so heartbreaking and so shocking… that we cannot reconcile the cruelty of the world. So, we turn to conspiracies and lies and anything that gives us an answer to cope, and that happened here.

Which made for a smart episode that used that fear… to further build on the horror elements introduced in last week’s story. For once the dust settled, some uncomfortable realities came forth. Such as the fact that Spud discovered that there was no earthquake recorded in the town, and that’s eerie to say the least. Not to mention Judith offered up some cryptic words to Dylan. Specifically, about how she was eager to explore dark worlds with him, since she believed he was in a cult and of course, the return of Tracy’s daughter, also brought forth some surprises. Since Tracy hinted at some dark connections in regard to her daughter’s disappearance, courtesy of that unsettling phone call to an unknown individual.

All of which, made it seem as though the fear might be justified and that real evil might be lurking in this town. Which added to the fun of this story. Since it forces us to think deeply upon what’s real and what’s not, just like the good folks of Happy Hallow. Which is what great horror does. But it also, offers up parallels and commentary, and we definitely received that too. Since we learned so much about the origins of fear in this story and how rumors and conspiracies spread and how they heal those so desperately in need of healing. Granted, it’s the wrong way to do it, but an answer is an answer, and it will be fascinating to see what this fear does to Happy Hallow and learn if there is an evil here, as season one of this show continues along. Until next time.

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