Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘SurrealEstate’. 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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It is definitely safe to say that horror stories about hauntings, carry with them familiar concepts. In that, a restless spirit is often tied to a location or harbors its power from some kind of inanimate object that held great importance for them when they were alive. And that object is the only way to put them at rest or stop their reign of terror. Either by using the object to give them peace through burial or by destroying it and well, those concepts stick around because they work. They offer logic and power to the afterlife and give the story something solid to work with in order to end the haunting and bring forth joy to those who are tormented by the spirit.
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Which is why the SYFY series, SurrealEstate, is such an important show. Because it has from the very beginning, pondered upon what would horror and haunting stories would look like if they took more chances and strayed from formula from time to time. Which has given rise to refreshing stories and refreshing challenges that feature different types of hauntings, where the ghost needs something more than its teddy bear and/or its precious mirror to be smashed to find peace and well, it just so happens that the next episode of this storied series, took those explorations to a whole new level. For ‘Art & Science’ posed the possibility that perhaps ghosts can be tied to things that go far beyond our understanding. For instance, what if… the only way they could find release was through something creative?

Which was what Luke’s journey explored in this tale. Because an artist named Aurora, who moved to a lovely house by the sea to restart her life, was suddenly under fire from a terrifying spirit. One that left her messages and threats and even trapped Luke and Aurora in the house one fine night. And all of it seemed tied to an object, a painting in fact, but that was designed to fool us. For in reality, the spirit in question was the ignored soul of a bad artist’s late wife, and since she died long before a woman could have her agency… she needed Aurora to give her agency, a voice, and power… through art. Which Aurora was eventually able to do and that brought peace to the house at last, and a vastly different kind of ghost story for certain. Since this writer is hard pressed to think of a story where art inspired spiritual release. 

Yet there was more that this episode was eager to explore. Since August was summoned to the offices of his former employer. In part to be offered his old job once again, but also because… something weird was happening with an old project. For the Erebuster machine was designed to explore the mysteries of the universe and the afterlife and use math and science to see if there was one and if so, what it entailed and well… it was ready to report back to its master. And it was ready to cause trouble if it didn’t get to share what it discovered, so August settled in to hear its report and what it offered him… was powerful for certain. Since the machine basically figured out what August already knew, but also that what lie beyond was vast… and confusing. And that man does not need to think about such matters because it was too complex and for the dead to use to eternity to explore. So, instead, man should live and enjoy the less complex moments.

Which brought forth, a fascinating storyline, wherein a machine managed to touch what lies beyond and leaves us curious and that too was quite refreshing and original in nature. Since computers and science so rarely play a part in these stories, but this show found a way to make that work as well. In more ways than one thanks to that Susan surprise. But all of that serves as a reminder that this really is the most original ghost story to hit the airwaves in years, and this episode was simply brilliant. Courtesy of the refreshing concepts it sent our way. Since we really haven’t ever seen such explorations in this subgenre of horror, but they are welcome for certain and it will be interesting to see what other explorations await us in the weeks to come, as season two of this incredible show continues along. Until next time.

Please enjoy this super-sized sneak peek of Episode 204 of Shining Vale, which is available to stream on STARZ, tomorrow, 11/3/23!

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the Season Five Premiere of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’. To revisit the Season Four Finale, click here.
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One would think that after five years of educating fans regarding the wonder of horror, the Boulet Brothers would run out of topics to explore and showcase for their loyal fans. After all, there’s been forty episodes of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, and ten of Titans, and one epic movie, and Drac and Swan have truly left no stone or skull unturned regarding the genre. They celebrate it all, and teach us in the process and yes, in the hands of anyone else, that might be enough. But the fact of the matter is, Drac and Swan, are genuine horror experts, who are students of the genre and every single corner it represents and never was that more evident during the season five premiere of Dragula, which debuted on Shudder last night.
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For a new cycle of this wildly and rightfully popular drag competition show/horror education hour, brought forth another incredible examination of the genre and the various monsters and subgenres that populate horror. For ‘Terror in the Woods’ took the time to move the audience and the new monsters into the forest worlds of horror. Where Jason Voorhees loves to roam, alongside fabled beings of yore and even serial killers such as Angela Baker from Sleepaway Camp. And well, this was a brilliant way to kick off season five. Since it allowed for the competitors to get a taste of things to come by being forced to trudge through the woods in drag outfits to a safe space where they were informed of the details regarding this episode’s theme.

Wherein the group had to tap into the primal fears that outdoorsy and woodsy horror films provide us with, all while showcasing their talents as drag artists and well, that type of set up meant we were in for a learning experience, and so were the monsters and the first thing we learned… was that this group is the show’s most unique to date. Mainly because they come from a very diverse background in the world of drag, and their skill sets are simply amazing. Which meant that the tea that is usually served early in the competition wasn’t present here. Sure, there was sass, and ribbing upon one another and that confidence we love from the monsters… but they were ready to work first, and really impress through and through and well, that brought about some fascinating costumes for certain. The kind that mostly met the challenge when all is said and done. 

For we were treated to horrible marshmallow nightmares courtesy of Blackberri, creepy crawlies by way of Orkgotic, and individuals and monsters that absolutely made us think of what scares us in the woods when we’re camping or spending time with friends in nature, and to really educate us on the importance of how those fears are/were expressed through drag and the films that inspired the costumes, Drac and Swan brought in some heavy hitting judges. For Mike Flanagan, the master of deep psychological horror was on the stage, as was Angela Baker herself. For Felissa Rose stopped by to speak upon the matter since it is near and dear to her heart, and the hearts that Angela literally stole out of people’s chests, and that brought about… an amazing education and an amazing floor show.

One that saw the judges hit the ground running with their patented honesty and hard truth so that everyone understood the standard and what was to come, and well… that’s all we will say on the finale of this episode. Because this year, we don’t want to discuss who won the day or who went home, we want you to experience the gravity of those moments. So, we will close this recap out, with praise. Because it was just great to have this show back on the air and meet a fresh set of brilliant competitors that are going to interpret the best parts of horror in a unique and dynamic manner. One that will allow for us to learn lessons untold from two genuine horror experts and icons, as every contestant puts their best nightmare forward to be crowned as The World’s Next Drag Supermonster. Until next time.

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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It really is quite amazing how much of a renaissance the witch is enjoying in popular culture right now. Because for a long, long time, the witch has been nothing more than an afterthought. To the point where there were little to no stories involving them on the silver or small screen, but that is quickly beginning to change. For Sundance Now reminded us of their majesty and their mystery through the brilliant series, A Discovery of Witches, and of course, Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, continues to intrigue a new generation of viewers about witches. So, it should come as no surprise, that another witch story is on the horizon.

For recently, Sundance Now and  AMC+ let it be known that Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale will make its debut in 2024, and it will of course, feature another engaging story about witches with a fascinating twist, and well… you simply cannot go wrong with another witch story coming to the airwaves from a pair of networks that have nurtured these stories and helped them find success once again. And well… to properly celebrate this new Season of the Witch, here are all the details on this new series, including its release date and some first-look photos for you to enjoy as you prepare to enter the world of Sanctuary when the New Year rolls around.

‘Sundance Now and AMC+ today released the premiere date and first-look images for the seven-part drama series, Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale, written and created by Debbie Horsfield, and adapted from the novel by V.V. James. The Sundance Now original series debuts with a two-episode premiere on Thursday, January 4, exclusively on Sundance Now and AMC+, with new episodes airing weekly. The series will be available on applicable platforms in the USA and Canada.
 
Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale is set in a contemporary world where witchcraft is real. It takes place in the idyllic English town of Sanctuary, where for hundreds of years witches have lived peacefully, as valued members of society. Until now…
 
At the heart of the story is Sarah Fenn (Elaine Cassidy), Sanctuary’s resident witch, on whom the town relies to solve their problems when conventional remedies have failed. When local teen rugby star, Dan Whithall, dies tragically in an apparent accident, his death exposes a terrifying undercurrent of suspicion and fear towards Sarah and her teenage daughter, Harper (Hazel Doupe). Mother of the dead boy, Abigail (Amy de Bhrun), once Sarah’s closest friend, is wracked with grief, and to avenge her son’s death, launches a modern-day witch-hunt to get “justice”, no matter what the cost.
 
Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale stars Cassidy, Doupe, and de Bhrun, along with Stephanie Levi-John, Valerie O’Connor, Kelly Campbell and Stephen Lord. The series is executive produced by Monumental Television (Mrs Sidhu Investigates, Harlots) and is directed by Lisa Mulcahy and Justin Molotnikov.
 
About AMC+ 
AMC+ is the company’s premium streaming bundle featuring an extensive lineup of popular and critically acclaimed original programming from AMC, BBC America, IFC, and SundanceTV and full access to targeted streaming services Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited, which feature content such as A Discovery of Witches, Creepshow, and Boyhood. The service features a continually refreshed library of commercial-free content, with iconic series from the AMC Networks portfolio including Mad Men, Halt & Catch Fire, Hell on Wheels, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Rectify, Portlandia, Orphan Black and series from The Walking Dead Universe, among many others. The service also offers a growing slate of original and exclusive series including Gangs of London, Dark Winds, and the first two series in a new Anne Rice universe, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches. With new movies released every Friday, AMC+ is the newest destination for exclusive film premieres direct from theaters all year long. AMC+ is available in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain and is available in the U.S. through AMCPlus.com, the AMC+ app, and a number of digital and cable partners. 
 
About Sundance Now 
AMC Networks’ Sundance Now offers cross-genre escapism for insightful viewers seeking fresh perspectives, thought-provoking experiences and transportive journeys to far-off places. With a rich selection of engrossing dramas and romance, imaginative fantasy, gripping mysteries, to riveting true crime and intelligent thrillers, Sundance Now programming features empowered characters telling one-of-a-kind of stories from around the world – all streaming commercial-free. Sundance Now houses critically-acclaimed and award-winning original and streaming exclusive series including popular supernatural thriller A Discovery of Witches (Matthew Goode, Teresa Palmer), multi-Emmy winner State of the Union (Rosamund Pike, Chris O’Dowd; Patricia Clarkson, Brendan Gleeson), recent breakout dark comedies SisterS (Sarah Goldberg, Susan Stanley) and Totally, Completely Fine (Thomasin McKenzie), glamourous coastal drama Riviera (Julia Stiles), British true crime thriller Des (David Tennant), French spy drama The Bureau, Australian psychological thriller The Secrets She Keeps (Laura Carmichael), acclaimed Swedish drama The Restaurant, Motherland (Anna Maxwell Martin, Lucy Punch, Joanna Lumley), and Total Control (Rachel Griffiths, Deborah Mailman), to name a few; alongside riveting true crime series including Dating Death, The Heiress and the Heist and the True Crime Story franchise. Sundance Now can be enjoyed for $6.99/month or $4.99/month with an annual membership. No cable subscription is needed.
Facebook: @SundanceNow – Twitter: @sundance_now’

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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It is definitely safe to say, that grown-up horror fans in the world, all harbor a similar origin story as to how they came to love the genre. One that involved trips to the video store on the weekends and some begging and pleading for mom and dad to let them rent the video with the scary monster on the cover, only for them to endure regret and terror, and eventually, wonder, the kind that stems from when they enjoyed the rush that the film gave them, and the safety it provided them with to work out some deep rooted fears of the dark or more. And if by chance that wasn’t how it went down, then good old-fashioned cable did the trick since it was easy to find horror there, and if all else failed… Saturday nights were the way to go.

Because everyone’s town had a late-night block of horror programming, from epic B-movie horror features to Tales from the Darkside, and those 90s horror fans got their start hanging out with the Crypt Keeper while watching Tales from the Crypt. But regardless of how horror fans uncovered the majesty of horror, the bottom line is that there was no easy or safe path for them to explore horror’s wonder. Just a push into its world and all of its gore, but that particular truth about horror is beginning to change before our eyes. For those young horror fans are now adults and they want anyone young and curious about the genre to ease their way into it, and it just so happens that Apple TV+ is now home to a story that accomplishes just that.

For Curses! is a brand-new animated family show, that is quite frankly… a gateway horror story. One that introduces us to the Vanderhouven family. Which is made up of Alex, his wife Sky, and their two kids, Russ, and Pandora. And they are a family of intellects and explorers and they… are dealing with quite the crisis in their lives. Because Alex is aware of quite the secret regarding his family. In that, a generations long curse hangs over them and it is about to take root in this latest iteration of the family, and sadly… while he works to solve it and lift it so his children will never have to deal with it, it takes hold of him. Forcing his family into unknown sections of their vast house to discover terrors and secrets untold, all in the name of lifting the curse from the family for all time.

Which at first glance feels akin more to an adventure story over horror but make no mistake about it; this is a gateway horror story. For in the dark, and in the forbidden sections of the Vanderhouven estate are incredible elements of horror. Not monsters that induce nightmares a la Pennywise the Clown, mind you, but horrors for certain. Courtesy of unique beings that are quite off kilter, and scares and dangers untold, and that makes for a brilliant series. One that really does allow for children to confront the core elements of horror, and overcome them in a safe environment and learn that horror is fun, and that it can offer an individual a lot and the wonder of this story doesn’t end with its ability to introduce the next generation to the genre that kept the last generation staring at the shadows in their room at two in the morning.

For this is still a family entertainment show at its core, and that means there are wonderful messages to find within the story. The kind that informs the children watching, that they are stronger than they carry within them an incredible skill set, and that they should be brave when needed. And those are critical lessons to learn for someone young, and ones they need to hear, and well, all of these elements make this series a true delight. For it really does introduce kids to a genre that parents aren’t eager for them to watch in a safe manner that will allow them to properly transition to the darker stuff when the time is right. All while providing them with an engaging and fun story, that is unique in every way imaginable, including its visual presentation, and the best news of all… is that your kids can start watching this right away. For Curses! is streaming on Apple TV+, and we certainly hope you give it a look, since it is a refreshing show, filled with wonder and the right amount of terror.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 808 of ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. 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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Forgiveness is a concept that human beings struggle deeply with, and understandably so. Because when someone has wronged us, we hold onto that tightly, and use it as fuel to gain revenge in some form or fashion, and we use it to pursue a form of justice as needed and well… if the option comes forth to forgive the person that harmed us, that means… we have to let go of all of that. That which defines us, that which fuels us and gives us strength and that is a tough reality to accept. Because who will we become if we let that darkness go? So, we tend to say we will never forgive, and we forge ahead, oblivious to the consequences that not accepting forgiveness will send our way. 
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Because to not forgive can create all kinds of problems for us. It can poison our soul for instance and push us down a dark path where we think we are making progress, when in fact… we are going backwards and falling to pieces in the process. Not to mention, it can prompt us to lash out if we ever see the person that wronged us and push us to create a vicious cycle of emotional violence. Wherein we try to harm them as much as they harmed us, and that isn’t healthy and can be problematic… when they have taken the time to do what we have not, and healed and reconciled their actions. If anything, the problem with not opening up to forgiveness is top of mind today, simply because it served as the central theme of this week’s episode of Fear the Walking Dead.

But… not right away. For ‘Iron Tiger’ opened up with a journey to one of the fueling outposts that P.A.D.R.E. used in the past to keep its motorboats and other vehicles running. And Madison and her coalition of the willing were hoping to find fuel to prepare for the fight ahead. Instead, what they discovered was an old friend in Luciana. Who as it turned out, took this job under some difficult emotional conditions. For she still felt awful about what she did to Daniel in season seven, and since Shrike and the others wanted Daniel gone for being too old, she took this gig in exchange for his freedom and stepped away for atonement and that… set the ball in motion regarding the deeper theme. Since in some ways, Luciana had not forgiven herself for her actions and that needed to happen.

However, a larger surprise relating to this arrived at the outpost… in the form of Charlie. Who Luciana wanted to keep away from Madison and rightfully so, since Charlie did indeed pull the trigger on Nick and ended his life in the process. And well, sadly, Luciana was unable to keep the two of them apart and the truth quickly came out and that sent Madison into a rage. One where she wanted to inflict harm and find justice through more toxic means than the forgiveness she should have offered. Because Charlie did express remorse and a willingness to atone for her mistake. But Madison ignored all that. She instead wanted blood for Nick’s blood, and she guilted Charlie into finding Troy and killing him to make things right, by using the same skill set she used to get into the baseball stadium.

A move that Charlie agreed to, to give Madison that peace, only to have the plan backfire. Since Troy spotted the tanker truck of fuel Charlie was driving into his stead quickly, and sadly… her cover was blown and that gave Troy… everything he needed for leverage. For he knew Madison would come for someone associated with P.A.D.R.E. and he knew he could use Charlie as a bargaining chip, especially since he overheard Madison pleading with her to return to base. Because he knew his old ‘friend’ well and that helped him to prepare a trap for his old crew, but alas, that plan literally went up in flames. For Charlie set that tanker on an explosive timer, and once it went, chaos ensued and the nearby dead were alerted and well… that complicated the showdown that Madison and Troy endured, because it was rushed and careless and desperate.
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But the most heartbreaking aspect of that showdown, came forth because Madison learned about the importance of forgiveness far too late. Because it turned out that Charlie and Luciana went back for Nick’s remains somewhere down the line, and they cremated what was left in the hopes of giving him better when the time was right. Which Madison would now be able to do, and learning about how remorseful Charlie truly was, and understanding that she had learned from her mistakes, is what changed Madison’s mind, and brought forth that pleading, and this rescue mission, to try and save a life and offer Charlie absolution. But alas, Charlie understood the situation and the danger of being the bargaining chip. For Madison was ready to risk everything to save Charlie, including handing over the location of the island, and Charlie could not live with that, so she took matters into her own hands, regarding her own life.

Which left everyone… devastated really. Because Charlie’s end was needless and avoidable, had there been forgiveness. But now, an innocent that managed to survive radiation poisoning through her new home and their medical stores… was gone forever and the emotional fallout was great. Since Daniel no longer wanted to stand with Madison, not in this state, and he also did not want to follow her path. So, he forgave Luciana, who offered her own forgiveness, giving them peace and a chance at being the close friends and chosen family they once were before heading off, and well… that revelation and the reality that she had to be better, prompted a powerful decision from Madison as well. In that, she could no longer lead, and she had to find peace and figure out how to perhaps make real peace with Troy as well. So, she left Strand in charge and stepped out, into the rough and tumble world.

All of which, made for a supremely somber and dark episode. One that truly explored the power of forgiveness and why we must embrace it, regardless of how difficult an act that can be. For had Madison listened, processed, grieved, and let go, Charlie would still be alive and needless violence would have been avoided. But alas, that kind of lesson and clarity only arrives by screwing up and letting our stubbornness take charge and well, it will be interesting to see where this story goes now. Because just like that, this conflict means less than it did a week ago, and everyone appears to be a more reflective place regarding who they are and what they want out of life, and what their future should look like. Leaving us to wonder… will the finale indeed be the bloodbath that’s been hinted at? Or is something deeper and more philosophical about to come into play? Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Shining Vale’. 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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Something that stories across all genres rarely cover, is what families do after a traumatic experience has entered their lives. Sure, they’re happy to show us the moment itself and the love they share and the healing they try to take part in, but beyond that… we don’t see people pick up the pieces, and we don’t know how they cope with the realities of what happened and how one heals from that. Which is why Shining Vale is such an important horror series on STARZ. Because it is taking the time to not only creep us out and offer all the black humor that makes the show great, but it is also really exploring what the Phelps family must do to recover from the painful events that happened in their new home, as evidenced by this week’s episode.
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For ‘Chapter 11: The Goat’ saw some peace settle into their lives. For Pat’s book was out and people were buying it, and there was finally some honesty in the household regarding what happened that fateful day, and that honesty… went a long way. Because it gave Terry clarity and potentially a way forward to heal his memory. Wherein he would return to work and get into a routine and hopefully have so much unlocked in the process. Which both hindered and helped Terry unfortunately. Because while there were echoes of the past, and familiar moments, there was confusion too. Mainly because he experienced a strong pull to Kathryn, and that left Terry worried about his standing as a husband in the relationship.

Which eventually helped him to learn, that he and Kathryn shared a moment and a stolen kiss and that broke Terry to a certain extent. Because he couldn’t stand the thought of being the bad husband, especially at such a precarious time. Which prompted him to go the extra mile and work to impress Pat and make her feel special and loved and hopefully he could rekindle everything. Granted, there were missteps there, since he absolved Pat of her own sin, without knowing said sin existed and of course… he tried to feed her food that was dangerous from an allergy and recovery perspective. But the underlying ties to the theme were clear. This was a storyline about forging bonds in dark times and healing, and forgiveness goes into that, and it was lovely to finally see a story explore those steps in detail.

Not to mention, this story also explored how the end of a crisis can bring about second chances. Since Gaynor faced quite the surprise in this tale. In that… she took her ACTs while mom and dad were healing, just to see what she would score, and as it turned out… the test results, reaffirmed her intelligence and her potential. Because she got every single question right, and she realized that if she chose to go to college, she could be free of the events of the past few months and could enjoy a new beginning, and she pondered deeply upon doing just that during this tale. But alas, she was deeply worried that things might go south again, and she couldn’t stand the thought of leaving Jake and her dad behind in the midst of a new crisis, and that created great conflict within her about taking advantage of freedom.
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Which… were valid feelings. Because all healing aside, there were more chilling moments to be found in this tale. Since Pat was also being haunted often by terrible dreams. The kind that brought old memories and ghosts to life and spoke of a deeper evil lurking in this house. One that wanted badly to be near her. Which she ignored for a time and shook off as nothing more than being related to the tea that seemingly healed everything about her and revitalized every aspect of youth possible. But eventually those dreams took a worrisome turn. Since they pushed the envelope and saw that evil potentially get as intimate with Pat as possible. Giving rise to new risks in a place where darkness thrives.

All of which brought forth, another amazing episode from an outright amazing series. Because this was the perfect blend of humanity and horror. Since we were indeed treated to a rare sight in storytelling regarding how we pick up the pieces, alongside some scary and spooky visuals. The kind that evoked echoes of Rosemary’s Baby, and were unsettling in nature, and they of course… set the stage for an ugly journey ahead. One that will once again question the reality of this nightmare or if we are bearing witness to a haunting for the ages and well, all this does is leave us eager for more. To see which is the case and how this intrepid family will deal with the new crisis brewing within their broken home. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven 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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For the most part, horror stories follow pretty standard formulas when the hero or heroes of the story are trapped in a place that could bring them great harm. In that, they either find a way to lure the monster into where it trapped them so they can trap it and escape, or they figure out the weakness of the trap that surrounds them. So, they can get out with the monster being none the wiser and fight back and bring the story to a glorious close, and well… those formulas work, and that’s why they stick around. Because they entertain and engage and add chills and thrills. But every once in a while, you run into a horror story that wants to break those conventions to surprise us and up the ante, and Goosebumps (2023) on Disney+ happens to be one of those stories.
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For ‘Give Yourself Goosebumps’ took us in a vastly different direction regarding this old problem. For the kids came to discover that Biddle had trapped them within the pages of the journal by telling them the story of how he came to hurt, and that in turn, meant they had to figure out how to escape the horrors of this place, this void. Which at first, didn’t go well. Because every single exit, led to darkness or nothing, and that left them all wondering how they could escape, and their spirits were lowered further on the matter by the arrival of Mister Bratt’s consciousness. Which was trapped here as well, and since he hadn’t escaped… well it seemed there was no hope for them ever seeing their families or their lives again. 

But Isabella came to learn that they needed to watch the darkness carefully, for it had its own clues and secrets and that helped her to discover, a light. One that seemed to lead to a way out of this nightmare, and that made it seem as though… formula was in play. But when she arrived in this other world, it turned out to be nothing but a disaster. For it was just an echo of Port Lawrence High when Biddle was a student there, and in its darkened halls, were all the souls that Biddle and Slappy claimed in the name of evil. Which meant, there was no escape here, just darkness and worry, and that prompted a rescue from her friends and sunk them further. For it really seemed as though, Harold had them through and through, and getting out would be impossible.

Thankfully though, a mistake during the rescue, sparked hope again. Simply because Mister Bratt discovered that pain here, let him roam about the world in his body briefly. Which gave everyone the idea that perhaps inflicting great pain, meant he could take control of his body long enough… to write the kids, and himself out of the journal, giving them all freedom and a chance to stop Biddle before it was too late. But despite being able to gain more control and see what was happening in the world, Bratt kept losing control since Biddle had so much power. Which led to more beatings and more slivers of hope, all for naught. Because just when it seemed that Bratt could save them all, Biddle through the journal out of the car both minds were driving, into a puddle no less. Which might destroy the world our heroes are trapped in.

All of which made, for a lovely and unconventional horror tale. Where the heroes made minimal progress and found themselves in deeper trouble, and that was refreshing to see. Because it truly tossed those tropes out of the window and informed us of how long Biddle has thought about his plans and how best to execute him. Making him a formidable and strong opponent that has assets everywhere and he will be tough to beat. But what mattered more, is that we were treated to a story filled with surprises and truly… we are left worried regarding our heroes. Because no good can come of their current situation and we will now be waiting with bated breath to see if they can escape the hell that Biddle has made for them, or if more unconventional surprises await us. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 403 of ‘Creepshow’. 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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Some unfortunate truths about our world that none of us like to talk about, is that there are bad people in this world, and they rarely find themselves accountable. And that isn’t something we enjoy pointing out, because it bothers us to no end… that they don’t face the justice they deserve. Because they do bad things, and they hurt people… and they tend to be unsavory individuals themselves, and it just isn’t fair that they don’t face hardships and are continued to allow to do the horrible things they do. So, in order to cope, we simply chalk it up to the fact that we live in a cruel world and there’s little we can do about it but make the best of our lives, and that does indeed seem to bring us comfort. 
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But what we often forget about… is the sheer fact that karma is something of a reality. Granted, it may relate more so to causality and time, but karma is out there none the less, and eventually the darkness these individuals put into the world tends to find them and hold them accountable in its own special way. Which means that we might not see how they suffer and atone for their sins, but we should take comfort in the fact that eventually, the lies will be exposed, and justice will indeed be served and well, karma is top of mind today, simply because the next episode of Creepshow on Shudder puts the wonder of karma on full display. Courtesy of two twisted tales of terror that feature… some woefully horrible people that deserve a taste of what the universe has to offer. 

For ‘Parent Death Trap’ introduces us to a young man named Lyle, who while he has been born into money and everything he could ever want, is miserable. For his parents are insufferable jerks and they consistently tear him down and abuse him emotionally, and that suffering doesn’t end until the day he snaps… and kills them. Of course, he gets away with it, even when a long-lost love comes into his life, giving rise to the audience wanting to see some karma come his way, because it takes a real crappy guy to act like that. Whereas ‘To Grandmother’s House We Go’ introduces us to a gold digger named Marcia, who has fallen upon hard gold digger times. For the family of the man she married, to inherit his fortune, has denied her any funds, outside of what her stepdaughter needs, and she is miserable and eager to make some money. And it would seem a voyage to see grandma will accomplish that. For she is ill and once she dies, the money is in hand, and well… this too frustrates us because Marcia is straight trash. 

But what matters more… is that karma does indeed come into play for these a-holes. But not before we really come to hate them. Because Lyle really is a manipulative little jackass, who is eager to use the pity dear Violet sends his way to enjoy her love in every possible way. And of course, he makes sure to handle the money just right so most of it stays away from the IRS and the police, who are curious about his parent’s transactions, and that is why the ending of his tale is so satisfying. Since we learn that Violet is just as bad as he is, and out to grab his fortune because of the sins of her own trash parents and that brings about… sweet karma. Where Lyle finally pays the piper for hurting his parents and for letting wanton death be his legacy and that does indeed remind us that while it might take years, since it took four for this to happen… eventually the tax man of the universe comes calling.
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Whereas Marcia’s karma is a bit more straightforward. Because she hurts a lot of people in this tale, and truly makes every effort to piss off and insult anyone that isn’t on her side or isn’t eager to pay her lazy butt a dime, and she of course treats little Ruby akin to an indentured servant, so it brings forth great satisfaction when we see her encounter great trouble on the road to collect her money. Because a werewolf finds her and Ruby in the middle of the road in the middle of the night, and she is forced to endure great fear and find survival skills she never knew she had. Which shockingly makes her victorious and safe when she figures out how to fight back against the horrible threat that surrounds her. But eventually, she gets hers in the most satisfying way imaginable when it is revealed that Ruby has werewolf blood flowing through her veins, and that too hammered home the wonder of karma.

If anything, this was just a solid episode through and through. One that reminded us that while evil does flourish and thrive in this world, its machinations don’t last forever. Which offers comfort and catharsis through a pair of episodes that also offered so much more than fine lessons. After all, the trademark dark humor that permeates this series was present in both tales’ courtesy of those ghostly parents and their fine one-liners and Marcia’s outright disdain for anything outside of herself, and the special effects were a true treat here as well. Since the ghosts were a marvelous blend of computer and practical effects and the werewolves were the stuff of nightmares, and well… once again, this is a set of stories that leave us hungry for more. Because this season of storytelling is just top-notch and engaging and smart, and that really is something we crave. Until next time, kiddies.

Please enjoy this super-sized sneak peek of Episode 203 of Shining Vale, which is available to stream on STARZ, today!
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Also, this sneak peek was assembled/written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.