There was a time, where holiday themed horror films were rare and looked down upon. Sure, there were outliers that explored terrors untold on say, Valentine’s Day and even Christmas. But for the most part, there was a real sense of disrespect that accompanied putting together horror features revolving around a particular holiday. As though the collective understanding was that audiences did not want to see people die during a celebration of something special, and so… many a filmmaker stayed away. But as the years rolled along, it became inherently clear that there was a grand demand for horror movies that explored the various holidays that make up any given year.
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Just because, holidays, especially THE holiday season, can be quite stressful in nature. And being able to settle in and see a scary story play out revolving around the worst parts of the season can be cathartic in nature. Which in turn, began to bring forth more and more holiday horror features. The kind that were low budget in nature in the beginning, but quickly evolved into something more polished and powerful as the demand grew and grew. In fact, after many years of waiting, one has finally come to bear that offers catharsis regarding one particular holiday that stresses everyone out. One borne from the archives of Grindhouse and the imagination of Eli Roth, and that makes Thanksgiving, a dementedly delectable delight. 

For this is a story that sends us into the heart of Plymouth, Massachusetts on Thanksgiving Day, so we can be privy to an outright disaster. For on this particular Turkey Day, the ‘value’ of a Black Friday/Thanksgiving shopping deal at the town’s biggest store, has whipped the town into a frenzy, and one unfortunate decision from the store owner’s daughter, Jessica, leads to a Black Friday Massacre. Wherein greed leads to lost lives and of course… zero accountability since no one rich ever faces that, leaving Jessica’s dad high and dry. But one year after the events of that horrific Thanksgiving, something sinister has found its way into the town of Plymouth. A bloodthirsty stranger who identifies only as John Carver, and he wants nothing more than justice for those who lost their lives on that unfortunate night. And he will stop at nothing to carve up every last one of the guilty, and now it is up to Jessica and her friends to uncover the true identity of this monster and stop him, before he makes their guts the next centerpiece at his dinner table. 

Which is… a perfect plot, through and through. One that we did not know the original trailer/concept from Grindhouse was capable of supporting since it leaned so heavy into the gore and guts. But hey, that was a sizzle reel in the end, and giving this time and giving this care, brought to life one epic plot that truly is as smart as they come. After all, there’s a lot to hate about Black Friday, and Thanksgiving in and of itself, is an extremely stressful time. Which can be filled with anxiety and dread over the dinner that awaits and the people we sometimes have to deal with. So, those elements and that plot perfectly encapsulates those feelings, and gives rise to real catharsis Since we get to work out our disdain for the holiday and Black Friday through the awful events that play out here, which are by the way… top notch moments of horror.
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For John Carver is ruthless, and genuinely eager to hurt others. Which means we are treated to some incredible kills. The kind that are creative and inventive and at times, downright terrifying. Because Mister Roth clearly wanted to do more than just offer up a well-polished slasher, he wanted to offer the complete package. A movie that satisfied the gore hounds of the genre, the folks that want to be utterly terrified and horrified, and those who want intense and splattery kills, and it really is mission accomplished regarding that. Since you’ll find all of those elements here and you’ll be satisfied with the intensity of the scares and of course… the finale of the film is nothing short of brilliant. Since the killer’s true identity is quite the shocker and everything that leads up to the reveal of their identity in the third act is pure gory and uncomfortable madness.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this motion picture features an amazing cast. For Patrick Dempsey, yes… Patrick Freakin’ Dempsey… shines as Sheriff Eric Newton and adds a realistic gravitas to this film that helps to suck us into this world. Plus, you can never go wrong with a dash of Gina Gershon, and the fear that comes forth from teenagers being chased by a masked killer, is sold by some phenomenal performances as well. With Nell Verlaque leading the charge as Jessica, and well, in the end, all of these elements make for an amazing horror film. One that was worth the wait and one that absolutely satisfies. Because this one really has it all, and it absolutely engages you and keeps you hooting and hollering as you wait to see who is behind the mask, and learn why exactly they are so eager, to carve up the flawed but decent citizens of Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘SurrealEstate’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about how season two of the SYFY series, SurrealEstate, has been revolutionary in nature and rightfully so. Because every episode this season has been filled to the brim with either powerful commentary on the human condition, or it’s offered up experimental and trope-busting storytelling regarding the ghost subgenre of horror. Since we’ve been treated to spirits that are unlike any other in the subgenre and well… it would seem that as we inch closer and closer to the season two finale of the show… the series is going to go all out in providing us with non-traditional ghost stories that ask fascinating questions about the purpose and meaning of hauntings in this type of story, as evidenced by this week’s tale.

Well, that is… after ‘Gods & Monsters’ offered up a little misdirection of course. Because it initially opened up with an introduction to a man named Morris, who had a tough life, thanks to some prison time and some other painful moments in life, and Morris… had returned home to sell his family home. A place that deeply scared him. For in this house was a spirit that tormented him as a boy, one that was waiting for him after all these years. So of course, he needed the Roman Agency to help him exorcise that spirit. However, while August and Luke were able to confirm its existence and that it did indeed have an attachment, they could not confirm that it was evil and eager to cause harm. Which prompted Luke and Morris to have a more intimate chat about his life and this spirit.

Wherein Luke learned that the nasty words from this spirit, more or less scarred a young boy that was already hurting from other family events and that there was a good chance that additional ethereal abuse pushed Morris down a dark path. Which prompted Luke to ask Morris, point blank, if perhaps he needed to worry less about kicking the monster out, and more about confronting his choices and confronting the evil. An approach that Morris hadn’t considered yet, and he outright followed it because it was far better advice than hiding away, and well… for his efforts… he came to learn that the spirit wanted nothing more than to see Morris be strong and not give into fear, and it scared him in an effort to strengthen him. Which brought about peace and understanding between them, and a purpose for the monster that is rare in this type of story.

But more on that in a moment because we also need to recap the other fascinating journey this story provided us with. Since Luke did ask Lomax to join the firm for a minute while he figured out who the next agent would be, and she was tasked with helping a squatter remove herself from a development project and while there… she came to learn the squatter, was some kind of immortal god. One that was lonely, hurting, and downright scared and rather than chastise her and belittle her, Lomax used kindness to just… make her feel normal, wanted, and not as some kind of monster. Giving rise to a vastly different kind of interaction between man and deity and that just put an exclamation point on what this amazing episode wanted to accomplish really.

In that, it clearly just wanted to explore if spirits can be helpful or not or if the unusual can be reasoned with and be humanized and this episode made it clear… yes, that can be the case. Granted, the kindness/helpful aspect went poorly here… but it was coming from a being that was once human and we are indeed flawed. And in the end, it was just amazing to see these different kinds of spirits and creatures on display and see them be more than just misunderstood and hurt entities that need to take part in revenge. Giving rise to a fascinating episode, one that also set the stage for more trouble with Susan’s house. Since everyone is starting to wonder if it’s a safe space, or a terrifying place, and it will be interesting to see what other surprises await us as the Roman Agency inches toward a fated final showdown to save Susan. Until next time.

​If there is one thing that Fear the Walking Dead on AMC is known for, it’s big and bold and storytelling decisions. Simply because this series leaned hard into the fact that it had no storytelling restrictions related to the comics that inspired this franchise. Allowing for it go wherever it pleased, do whatever it pleased and that led to some stunning decisions over the past eight years. The kind that would see principal actors make stunning decision based upon their emotions, see them go down dark paths that made them as powerful a villain as they were a hero and of course… it also brought about some controversial deaths throughout the years as well.
 
Which one would think wouldn’t be controversial, since this world is filled with living death and suffering, and there is the expectation that people die. But alas, some characters mean too much to us, and we want them to see the end and others… well while we may not have that attachment, we want them to have the chance to go out like a champ. So, when the character in question doesn’t get either in this franchise, we find ourselves polarized and that has happened often here. Take Travis’ death in season three for instance. Because so many felt the sudden and shocking nature of his passing wasn’t the right way to send him off. Not to mention, a ‘death’ from today’s episode spotlight, is one that also split the fanbase down the middle. Since this is one that involves a character that everyone thought should make it to the end.
 
Because ‘No One’s Gone’ featured the initial exit of one Madison Clark. Who much like Andrew Lincoln, was the star of the show and the overall emotional glue to the story as well, and yet… this episode took the time to bid farewell to her for a little while. Courtesy of a mission of truth that finally prompted Alicia Clark and her rag tag family to explain why they succumbed to revenge and hurting people on the road. Because of the fact that they lost Madison in a heroic act that no one thought was a meaningful or proper way to go out. Granted, there’s really no great way for anyone to die in reality or fiction, regardless of what we want to control… or think of regarding these shows… but she did disappear here, and she did in fact, go out in a blaze of epic glory, saving so many lives in the process.

​But still, it did offend and surprise because of how important she was, and while there is license to discuss how this might have been a poor choice, since having a lead exit is no easy thing to swallow… without this decision… so many important moments to come would not exist. For Madison’s exit and powerful speech before then, really was designed to begin to move the survivors of Los Angeles and their new friends in a better direction. Because up until this point, all of them… had been suffering and aching and seeing nothing but horrors untold. Plus, they all dealt with heavy loss and the darkness of this world and well… in essence everyone here lost sight of what they were fighting for. Which was… a better tomorrow, community, and a chance to being again.
 
A move that Madison’s sacrifice gave them, and while that wasn’t easy to swallow in the moment, everything else that happened here, helped to reinforce that. Since Althea and Morgan all helped Alicia find meaning in her grief and purpose again, and the same went for those that fed off of her sorrow and fury. Which in turn, would lead to a quest to find peace, one that would last multiple seasons in fact. But what matters most about that sacrifice is that… it really did hammer home… the precious nature of life, of its gift and how quickly the people we think will be around in our lives… can leave us. Making this a supremely poignant episode for certain, one that the audience can take a great deal away from, and let’s be honest… regardless of which side you stand upon regarding the decision to have Madison step aside… this was a moving tale.
 
In large part, because of the performances. After all, everyone here just turned on their acting skills and let them rule the day, and the end result was a sense of genuine realism regarding grief. Because you felt Alicia’s pain, you felt the frustration and anger from everyone regarding their circumstances. Yet… you also felt hope. Real hope that they could turn this all around and really do something special and magical with this second chance that Madison gave them. A hope that we want to see fulfilled when the series goes off the air this Sunday. But that aside, all of those moments are precisely why we consider this to be the best that season four had to offer. For it was bold, moving, and shocking. Which are staples of this series, and well… it wasn’t all bad in the end since Madison did indeed return. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 503 of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

Something that is interesting regarding the many discussions we all have about the horror genre with our horror friends, is how so many sub genres we forget to celebrate. For some, that’s likely out of disrespect but normally, it’s not. It’s just somehow, certain subgenres get overshadowed by other stories and concepts that immediately come to mind. Take for instance, ghost stories. For when we think of those, we think of movies and shows about haunted houses and the spirits that roam them, and we often talk about our favorites there, downright forgetting… that’s there an entire subgenre of horror movies and shows and books that focus on a unique type of haunting. Specifically, haunted hotels. For there are some stunning stories out there about isolated places that harbor the worst spirits possible, and it’s shocking that we don’t talk about them enough.

After all, The Shining is all about that, and it is one of the most beloved iterations of that type of tale out there, yet it doesn’t come up in conversation enough. Nor does its haunted brethren. Which is why, we must once again celebrate the Boulet Brothers and their incredible work through The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. For this series continues to bring the most important aspects of the horror genre to the forefront of discussion and well, ‘Ghosts of the Gatehouse’ just so happened to bring those types of stories into the spotlight again, through another amazing competition. One that had the monsters create ghostly guests and employees from a haunted hotel. To showcase how these stories pick upon our darkest fears, and well… once that and a powerhouse opportunity at immunity or damnation were handled, we were treated to ghostly delights, and some tea.

But the not the tea we often expect from this show. No instead, the construction phase of this week’s show was deeply grounded in respectful strategy. For so many competitors this week spoke to their weaknesses, their worries, and their hopes for the fight ahead, and who might be of concern in besting them and how to outmaneuver them to win. Giving rise to some real strategic tea in this episode, informing us of how much the competition matters to everyone this year, and how badly they want to win and that was inspiring to say the least. As were the more intimate moments here too. Since we saw competitors being honest with one another and supporting each other and even opening up deeply about what the competition means to them, and their lives in general, and their powerful stories were put on display as well. Which made for a very moving and engaging lead up to a very amazing floor show.

Because the message was indeed received this week, and ghostly beings floated across the stage with ease. In fact, the makeup and costumes and outright drag this week were so in line with what Drac and Swan requested, that they gave rise to a need for something of a tiebreaker via something we haven’t seen a ton of this season. Specifically, a good old fashioned performance routine. Which was perfect for this particular competition. Since it allowed for everyone to really sell their ghostly costumes and establish who will go far in the competition. After all, performing is key to becoming the Next Drag Supermonster and that did indeed help Drac and Swan and guest judges Landon Cider and Tananarive Due decide who wasn’t cut out for the competition, after another horrifying extermination round. One that played on different fears.

Since the bottom looks were strapped to a bed and covered in cheese so rats could feed upon their favorite delight, and that too… sealed the deal for someone. But that is sadly how things go, and their exit served as an exclamation point to a powerhouse episode. One that truly reminded us of the majesty of the haunted hotel and how it really is a perfect type of horror story. Since the outfits here reminded us of the fact that such stories and spirts prey upon our fears of the unknown and our fears of being wounded or harmed in isolated places where there is no real safety. And hopefully that re-energizes interest in those stories so others can celebrate in the wonder of these majestic tales of terror, and now that this leg of the competition has come to a close, it will be interesting to see what other lessons and what amazing drag awaits us as season five continues along. Until next time.

It is the hope of every parent out there, that the lessons they teach their child, resonate to the point… where they become psychological gospel. So that the child can be molded in one’s image and carry on a family legacy and there is some beauty to that line of thinking. After all, it allows for family mantras and lessons to carry on, creating a fascinating legacy through and through. Plus, it can indeed allow for one’s child to follow a solid path in life, one that gives them structure and direction. But at the same time, this particular push from parents, carries with it real risk. Because some of the lessons we teach our children… shouldn’t be so rigid in nature.
 
Because it is impossible for the next generation to see the world in the same manner we do, for the world evolves minute by minute and the next generation cannot be locked into the trappings of the past or lessons that no longer weight. Which means, to hold to our thoughts and words only… can confuse them, startle them, and put them at a disadvantage when they set out into the world and find their journey and their experiences do not align with our lessons and experiences. Which means, in order to truly help a child grow, we must teach them what we learned… and then open up our lesson to interpretation they can relate to. For to do otherwise really does invite failure and struggle and in the case of today’s reflection upon the best episodes that Fear the Walking Dead sent our way… outright danger.
 
For Episode 312 of the show, ‘Brother’s Keeper’ more or less explored that very problem in a supremely subtle manner. For this is the story that more or less saw Troy Otto completely and utterly collapse mentally. To the point where he led a massive herd of the living dead to the very home, he swore to protect and helped build with his family. Which, make no mistake about it… made for amazing terror television. Since the visuals in this particular story, are the true stuff of nightmares. To the point where the only way to properly express the horror of a mega herd walking through the desert, prompted AMC to make use of the ultra-rare F bomb, and well… the scares don’t quite end there. After all, the herd did indeed find the ranch.

Which brought about some nauseating visuals. The kind that saw walkers go to extremes to enjoy a meal and feast they most certainly did. Giving rise to carnage reminiscent of Dawn of the Dead, and more terror for the audience. For this also ended any hope of safety for the characters since the dead were now everywhere and this bastion/oasis of wonder was nothing more than a living cemetery when the dust settled. Filled to the brim with everything the Otto family hoped to keep out. But therein lies the lesson in question. Because all of this was made possible, by a supremely confused and broken young man. Who was made this way, because of conflicting lessons in life, and a poor understanding that he needed to interpret and learn about the world in a manner that clicked with him.
 
Because in reality, Jeremiah Otto taught his children to trust no one, and to believe only in the cause that this family was putting forth. And he reinforced that by demanding loyalty from his boys, and by bringing the gullible into his camp, since so many only held to his teachings. Which meant that when Madison and her camp arrived, and Troy saw the world as it actually happened to be, he found himself deeply confused, and unable to understand how a promise of destruction and salvation could produce people that didn’t need the ranch and his father’s teachings and a sanctuary. And that, combined with his exile broke him. Prompted him to try and reconcile the world as he saw it, by mixing everything he had learned from his dad and from reality into one waking nightmare that would create suffering and apocalypse, and control, in a desperate attempt to comprehend the reality of this new and disturbing world.
 
Which made for one brilliant and horrifying tale. One that gave rise to a villain that the franchise had never seen before. One that wanted the best of both worlds because of a lack of understanding. Not to mention, the scares were top notch here and this was in fact, a bleak episode when all is said and done. But it was also one, that really did offer up a fascinating character study, some fine lessons on the lessons we provide our children with, and it really did set the stage for a broken future for Troy. Where he would spend his days using dark acts to justify and reconcile this day, and for that reason, this really is the best episode that season three has to offer. Since it serves as both a keystone story, and damn fine horror, the kind that showcased the potential of the worst monster of all in this franchise… man. Until next time.

Zombie fiction has been around long enough, that certain tropes have found their way into its structure. For instance, if someone who is unsavory, or an outright a-hole gets bitten… they will do everything within their power to hide the bite. Because they know they are doomed and they want every ounce of life, regardless of the cost because their ego means more. Not to mention, every group of survivors out there in these stories that the main characters encounter is either straight up evil or have this incredible sense of survival. For they represent the human condition and its ability to endure for better or for worse and well… those tropes stick around because they offer enjoyment and drama and keep us from having to face some hard truths about the potential end of the world.
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In that, not everyone in this life is eager to rise to the occasion and do what must be done to survive, for we’ve seen people turn their backs on the hard work in real life when the going gets tough, which infuriates us to no end and well… let’s be honest… that kind of attitude would exist in the world of zombie fiction. Where neighbors would hide away and do nothing but exist to ‘ride out the storm’, which is a very dramatic and passive way of handling the end. One that guarantees a hollow existence. Not to mention, some… might turn their backs on survival altogether and just give up. For various reasons that might seem shocking to others, but that is a real possibility during an apocalyptic event. Since some may not want to see the horrors and hard days that lie ahead. Which is why, Fear the Walking Dead on AMC… deserves our awe.

For this particular series has always leaned into the dark ‘what ifs?’ that might occur during the end of the everything. Such as what might happen if a mad man gained a following and gained control of nuclear weapons or in the case of season two’s finest episode… what might happen if heroes that were driven to see tomorrow, ran into survivors… that had no desire to see the sun rise ever again. Which made ‘We All Fall Down’ quite the harrowing and powerful tale. For that is what Madison and Travis and the survivors of the Abigail encountered… in the most surprising manner. For in this story, the ship was forced to dock to avoid unsavory characters and in doing so, it was discovered that the remote island used for refuge was home to a family, the Geary Family.

Who were the perfect, pre-walker American family. 2.5 kids. Good dad, good jobs. In fact, old George made it seem as though catching their breath was going to pay off in spades. Since he was able for the first time ever, to break down Operation: Cobalt for the audience and explore its inconsistent impact upon the American landscape. Giving rise to world-building and for a brief moment… hope. Since families were working together to make this little sanctuary safe and people were bonding. Making it seem as though, better days were ahead for everyone, and well… that’s when the story took its dark turn. Since Nick discovered drugs that would and should kill a person no problem and some begging from the mother of the family to take her kids away from this place, made it clear what was on George’s mind.
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In that, he spent his time during this crisis observing from afar, and during that time he realized that this had the potential to be humanity’s extinction-level-event, and that even if man survived… a new dark age awaited, and well… that scared him. For that meant people would suffer, he and his family might suffer, and he truly thought it better… to skip that. To check out and see what waited on the other side and that was… a shocking revelation. For it really did go against everything we see in this subgenre, but it was also… bold. Because it worked, and it added a fascinating sense of realism to this story because that would happen if the dead were to walk in our world. It doesn’t make it right, especially here since it claimed two children, but it does it make it clear that at the end of the world… all bets are indeed off and survival of the fittest does come into play.

Which is why we consider this episode to be, the finest that season two of this show has to offer. Simply because… it set the tone for the season ahead and informed us that this show would hold nothing back in presenting how hard the first days after the end would be for people. Plus, it added a unique air of horror to this story, and really informed us… that the end was nigh. Which made for an immersive and sour experience, which is what good horror does. Not to mention, it let the cast shine as they put in their two cents regarding these events, and that decision made the return to the water for our heroes, all the more frightening. Because just like that…they were in a hopeless world where anything could happen, and that’s a very powerful epiphany for everyday folks from Los Angeles to endure in the early days of the zombiepocalypse. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 810 of ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one particular truth about trauma and the past that we all learn when we encounter such matters, it would have to be that we need to confront it and resolve it. For to do otherwise, results in suffering both external and internal. In the respect that the darkness and fire that comes from such unresolved emotions, pushes us to push away people and isolate. Wherein we are left alone with our dark thoughts, which can consume us and push us to take part in self-destructive acts in a desperate attempt to deal with what haunts us. So… we eventually, hopefully, deal with our demons and start to put our lives on the right path.

In fact, this is such an important aspect of our lives that it pops up often now in storytelling. But what stories often forget to cover regarding this process, is what motivates the decision to finally deal with such matters. Because no one comes to that decision just out of the blue one day. It takes some rock bottom moments for a person to finally flip the switch and make the call to change and that is why the final season of Fear the Walking Dead on AMC is so supremely important. For it is showing us what rock bottom looks like, and how arriving there can help a character heal, and clearly… it has more to explore regarding this, as evidenced by this week’s tale.

For ‘Keeping Her Safe’ was a story that pondered deeply on two character’s journeys toward the bottom… in a supremely unique manner. But not before, having Strand pay the piper yet again for his short-sighted survivalist thinking. Because everyone arrived back at P.A.D.R.E. and of course, they knew what he had done with Troy’s daughter, Tracy, and they wanted her in hand immediately to make an important deal. One that Strand, did not like of course. For June wanted to give Tracy back to Troy in exchange for leaving the island alone. Because there was no need for combat if Madison had gone off on her own, but that… was a deal that Strand could not stomach. Because he needed something more here… he needed… everyone to be present and together.
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In large part because of his promise to Alicia, and that prompted him to free Tracy, help her spot the path to the island and take her to the one person that could immediately help them, Madison Clark. Who as it turned out… was hiding in the woods and popping zombies like there was no tomorrow, in the hopes of finding Alicia and laying her to rest. Which Tracy agreed to help her do, in exchange for peace and a return to her father. Which was a deal that was hard for Madison to pass up, and after getting a car from Luciana’s fueling dock and bringing Daniel along… the story finally shifted to its deeper thoughts regarding rock bottom, courtesy of several surprises.

One of which, involved finding ‘Alicia’, who as it turned out… was not in the place that Tracy claimed. Because Tracy just wanted revenge for the death of her mother, which she deeply blamed on Madison. Not to mention… Troy’s forces opened fire at Luciana’s dock because he could and was eager to inflict pain and that’s just it. This is a story that wanted to point out that sometimes… the journey toward the bottom isn’t always quick and pretty and filled with epiphany. Sometimes it can be downright ugly and violent and hurt people deeply along the way. Because at that point, the wounded only see the endgame they want, they only believe in their agenda and that really is where Troy and Madison are.

Because neither of them can reconcile perceived failures in their journeys, nor can they seem to resolve them. For they truly believe that holding onto their anger and their need for revenge is the only way to function and move forward and find peace and well… that’s both dangerous and scary. Because a person in the midst of that, won’t listen to reason and will bring forth suffering and damage, and their bullheaded nature… keeps them from getting near rock bottom because they keep finding ways to move the goal posts to never address what needs to be addressed. Which in this instance, is resolving grief through the trauma of loss and well… that sets the stage for a very different kind of series finale.

One that is grounded less in powerful battles to save a community or put down an evil entity and is grounded instead… on the battle within. On our fight to find peace when we seemingly cannot and how those that love us, have to make hard choices to help us. Wherein they stand at our side or step aside because of one’s toxic nature and Madison has seemingly split her camp down the middle regarding that. Since some were pleading with Madison to stop her needless quest to make Troy pay for what was an inevitability. For we all die, and it is a guarantee in this world, and we don’t know how we are going to go. While others… seemed ready to retreat to the island and see what comes next now that Troy has lost a fair chunk of his army as well, in his own quest to make Madison pay for his own nonsense that he refuses to own up to. 

Either way, all of these elements made for a psychologically complex episode. One that offered no answers, just bad stuff in the raw. The kind that was relatable, since we’ve either been Madison or known folks like her, and well… the only question that remains now… is how Strand and anyone else that wants to step in, helps a mother that has lost so much since the beginning of the end, understand that none of it is her fault. For that… is how she reaches rock bottom and begins the climb back into the light. And it will be interesting to see if Strand can find it within himself to really help someone without an agenda, if Alicia’s disciples can aid in showing Madison that she did right by her daughter and to use that to find peace in her heart. Or if… this bold series is about to take another swing for its finale, one that will inform us that not everyone in this world can be saved, even though we are worthy of it. For salvation… requires a choice.

In the middle of summer in 2015, something quite amazing happened to the world of The Walking Dead. In that, AMC Networks debuted the first spin-off in this popular franchise, entitled, Fear the Walking Dead. A story that was designed to introduce us to new characters in this harrowing universe and show us important unseen moments in the universe as well. Such as how humanity crumbled before the rotten hands of living death and what the earliest days after the end of everything as we know it, would look like for the lucky few that managed to escape the horrors of the cities and Operation: Cobalt, and well… what followed the show’s intense pilot episode, one that introduced us to the Clark and Manawa families… was nothing short of incredible.
 
Because we were treated to eight stunning years of stories from this saga, the kind that took risks and released main characters from the show in shocking and stunning ways. Which allowed for this series to break new ground in the zombie subgenre, and it even allowed for characters from the flagship series to come aboard and continue their journeys and grow in fascinating ways. But alas, all good things do indeed come to their end, and come next Sunday, we will bid farewell to this popular and brave series when its powerhouse series finale airs. But before we close the book on Madison Clark and the friends and family, she met along the way… we here at NTG thought it would be worthwhile to reflect upon the show and spotlight its finest episodes, starting with the best that season one has to offer.
 
Which believe it or not, is not the pilot. Granted that episode has a lot of merit and did some bold things but truly… the gem of season one was the episode that followed the pilot, ‘So Close, Yet So Far’. For several reasons. Such as the fact… that this episode was nothing short of a hardcore horror story. After all, the dead were growing in number in this story, and were a silent threat surrounding two families that now had some knowledge that the world was about to change and that led, to some powerhouse tension. The kind that had us wondering as to when exactly the Clark and Manawa families would see their next walker, since they had so many close brushes, and that made the moment Madison finally had to fight one both scary and exhilarating, and the wonder of this story didn’t end there.

​Because this was in many ways… a prophetic story. One that briefly but impact-fully explored the real-world tensions that were growing between everyday citizens and the police, and also how their power was of concern. Which was welcome commentary to find here, the kind that does get overshadowed… by the rapid collapse of humanity here. Because the terror in the city, the threat of the dead and the exhaustion of the populace leads to some outright collapse, the kind that is understandable but also heartbreaking. Simply because we the viewers know that all that had to happen, was communication and unity and then the dead could have been driven back or controlled. But instead, fear and confusion ruled the day in this episode and that led… to some of the chilling moments and visuals present in the franchise.
 
After all, when you think about it… this episode is the last time we see the civilized world in one piece. For after this, the dead begin to grow in numbers, basic social services break down and the end arrives. Making this the beginning of the end and there’s a real horror that accompanies that. In part because it is handled in such an intense manner here, but also because now… it has echoes of our own lives. Of the confusion and the rapid nature of the world’s shut down a mere three years ago. The only difference here… is that the lights won’t be coming back on and there will be no vaccine. Just death, suffering and changed lives and psyches and that makes this quite a powerful episode, one that ends… in a chilling and uncomfortable manner.
 
For that last shot, of Griselda standing over her candles before blowing them out is shockingly symbolic. For in many ways, that candle represents the light of humanity and just like that… it is about to be snuffed out and that… is the perfect way to end a perfect episode. One that truly instilled terror and a sense of doom into our hearts and let us know how bleak this series was going to be. And none of that is an easy task from a cast and crew perspective, but everyone here did their part to make that feel authentic and that is why this particular episode, serves as the finest that season one has to offer. Because it was a tone setter through and through and gave zombie fans something they’ve craved for ages on end, a genuinely terrifying look at the beginning of the end. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Shining Vale’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one particular question that has been hanging over the hit STARZ series, Shining Vale, it is whether or not Pat Phelps indeed suffers from mental illness, or if her wild experiences are related to something supernatural residing within her home. And that question continues to have gravity here, simply because… there has been no answer. For every single time we think the story is learning one way or the other, the story flips the script and keeps us guessing. Which isn’t a bad thing by any means. Because it’s made this series fun, and engaging, and has prompted us to look closely at clues to see if we can figure out.

But as we continue along in this journey, it is becoming more and more apparent, that the supernatural is at play, as evidenced by the show’s next episode. For everyone but Terry dealt with something spooky in this old and creepy house in ‘Chapter 13: The Miracle’. For instance, poor Jake, whilst drowning his sorrow in the basement was nudged by his game buddy and Roxy to step into the super structure of the house. Wherein he oddly found joy, thanks to some nudie mags, the kind that kept him busy for days. But for the viewer, there were concerns. Simply because… clearly something horrible happened in this wing of the house, and it WANTS people to know about it.

Plus, the mysterious and handsome stranger that has seemingly been following Gaynor around finally stepped forward and explained his presence. In that, his name was Ennio, and he was actually from the Vatican. Simply because the family’s dead neighbor, sent a lot of letters about the house to the House of the Pope, and he came to investigate and see if by chance a real evil was present here. However, his initial inspection, didn’t exactly offer any answers. Which might be related to the fact that he and Gaynor hit it off on a fundamental level. The kind that had the two of them ready to burst with passion. But he did promise to monitor and take any emergency calls, and well… those storylines were indeed spooky in nature and the supernatural nature of this story, did not end there.

For Pat’s journey was filled to the brim with some eerie moments as well. In fact, her dreams were getting scarier by the day. For she suffered through a Thriller-esque dream here where something within her demanded flesh and gave her the tools necessary to hunt and get that flesh. Which concerned her greatly, as did the morning sickness that was surging through her and well… that prompted her to get tested and discover, she was indeed pregnant, and shockingly enough… the baby was healthy. For at her age, as everyone and their sister pointed out, such a pregnancy should be an impossibility. But everything about it checked out and well, that allowed for Pat and the story to break away from the spooky stuff for a brief moment.
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Mainly because, the thought of having a child allowed for Terry and Pat to ponder upon why they fell in love in the first place, and what they actually enjoyed about their marriage. Which was the family element and being part of something bigger. So, that prompted them to reconcile and unify as a couple again. To raise this child right. A move that pissed off the kids of course, because they wanted the separation and their two Christmases. But Pat was determined to make this work and moved ahead and well… that’s when the spooky stuff returned. Because at the end of this tale, she was able to see into the place where Jake was enjoying skin rags, and well… something horrible was waiting within the shadows.

All of which really does make it seem, that something evil in this house is growing in power and manipulating the family along the way. Especially through that baby, for it remains quite the miracle, and defies the odds regarding biology, and it really does appear that the house has something specific in mind for the child, something evil no doubt. The only question is what, and sadly… we will have to wait to find out. But in the meantime, we can celebrate one great tale. One that once again offered up the perfect balance of comedy and horror and continued to deeply engage us. For it seems dark answers are indeed upon the horizon, and it will be fascinating to uncover the truth as season two of this brilliant series continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Goosebumps’. (2023). To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Disney+ and Hulu series, Goosebumps (2023), we pondered upon what lie ahead for the good people of Port Lawrence. After all, two generations, tied together by the death of Harold Biddle, put his soul to rest and defeated the evil that is Slappy. Giving rise to an early end to a harrowing story. Which opened up some fascinating possibilities for the remainder of season one of this show. Wherein the story could either move in a bold new direction, since everyone was now free of the darkness, and/or give the evil that is Slappy a new unique way to return to prominence and well… as it turned out… ‘Night of the Living Dummy: Part 2’ opted to surprise us, by taking us down both paths in a single episode.

For when we caught up with the group in this story, they were enjoying life without terror in their hearts, and they were getting back to their normal routines, exploring new love and new opportunities and they were finally living again. The same went for the parents, and of course… living again means thinking about the future and for Margot, that meant making a decision about where she was going to live next. Because her mother offered her a chance to move to Seattle for her senior year, and her friends tagged along on a weekend trip up there to see what it was about, and help Margot decide if this was right for her. Which brought about moments of bonding, and moments of heartbreak, since it became clear that not everyone saw the move as good.

Which really did bring forth, a unique path for the characters post battle royale, one that let them grow and inch closer to adulthood and independence and well, it was wonderfully complemented by exploring, the life and times of Mister Bratt. Because we also came to learn in this tale, that he was in a dark place before this incident put him in an even darker place. Because he wanted to be a writer and do something special with his life, but instead just kept stumbling and taking losses before his move to Port Lawrence, and well, let’s be honest. He took an L after the move, too. But surviving that incident… was what he needed to find the creative spark, and he wrote a book about his experiences, and wouldn’t you know it? The spooky story of Slappy caught the eye of a publisher and Bratt was oh so close… to finally having what he wanted.

But alas, his publisher informed him, that the ending needed a punch up, and that Slappy was a little two dimensional. So, he was tasked with putting together a little more meat on the page regarding Slappy and the ending, and that put Bratt in a tough place. Because just like that… he was on the cusp of everything he ever wanted in this life, and yet… he could not get into the head of the monster because he knew little of him. Which he could have likely invented and refined to seal the deal. But Bratt wanted his story to be perfectly authentic, and he wanted this sale, badly. Bad enough to cut corners and do what he needed to do in order to know thy enemy. Which prompted him… to go out into the woods and bring Slappy back home. Wherein the evil was awakened and where… it evolved. For Slappy convinced Bratt to finish the spell his ancestor would not, and that gave life to a new evil, one that set out into the night the first chance it received.

Which made… for a brilliant episode really. One that did more than just fade to black at the end of the monster. It gave us a chance to see what comes next for those who survive such harrowing events. Not to mention, it reaffirmed that evil loves to prey on weakness, as evidenced by how it enticed Bratt to bring it back to life in the name of comfort and self-worth, with awful results. For now, the town is in real danger. Courtesy of some bold moves from this show. The kind that allowed for the story to move in an amazing new direction while finding a way to bring evil back in a creative fashion and now… we are forced to wait until next Friday, to see how this tale of terror comes to a close. Until next time.