Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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We are living in quite the unique time when to comes to adaptations of videos games for film and television. Simply because, this particular genre of film, is finally garnering some respect. For gone are the days of half-hearted adaptations. Ones filled to the brim with slick moments and loud soundtracks to appear cool and kitschy. There’s real love going into these stories now, and creatives are working hard to really capture the essence of the source material, pay proper tribute to it, and grow the story. For that is what fans truly want, to see the game in real life and have it offer just enough of something more to make it stand out and that has been the norm lately, and it’s been delightful. 
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In fact, the success of this new wave of adaptations and the joy it is bringing the masses, has emboldened creatives to continue to tweak the formula. So that perhaps the real boundaries of the genre can be pushed and so fans of the adapted game franchise can discover wonders untold from a filmmaking standpoint and well, it just so happens, that a quality adaptation that accomplishes that is in theaters, and available on Peacock now. For Five Nights at Freddy’s is indeed the long-awaited adaptation of the wildly popular game franchise, and it does feature some amazing depth, but before we discuss that, we need to talk about how it makes the franchise proud. Thanks in large part to its setting and its plot, since this is a story that introduces us to a down and out man named Mike, who takes on quite the job to save what remains of his family.

A job that entails nights, and being away from his beloved sister, Abby, and also watching over an iconic place with a dark history. For Mike has been tasked with keeping what’s left of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza Place safe, a once proud children’s pizza joint/arcade that fell on hard times when a bevy of children went missing with its walls. Which of course, should be an easy job. But the old animatronics in this place, seem to have a mind of their own and so does the facility, since its secrets run deep and it is eager to reveal them, and well, it won’t be long now before the dark history of this pizza place is presented to Mike, and what it will show him will change his life forever. Which is a plot… that perfectly provides fans of this iconic game with everything they could want and more.

Since we are indeed plunged into the iconic world of Freddy Fazbear’s horrific pizzeria, and of course… so many of the iconic monsters are present here and really, iconography from the game is everywhere to be found. Not to mention, other elements from the game we won’t spoil here are present, giving rise to that respectful adaptation we crave, but what makes this movie so special… is what it does beyond the adaptation portion. Because in many ways… this is a movie that is designed to take fans of the game that have a casual understanding of horror or a curiosity about the genre… and introduce them to what it can accomplish for a viewer. Which means that while the scares aren’t as intense as some of the more hardcore fans might like, there’s a real creepy vibe to this movie, one that unsettles and enchants, and that is the essence of horror and why we love it.
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However, while those words do make it appear as though this is only a gateway horror film, make no mistake about it… there are elements present here for hardcore horror fans as well. After all, the story expands upon some already dark elements from the game and elevates them to a new level, adding some of the horrors of the world into the story, such as generational trauma, and the power of trauma in general. Not to mention, Freddy and his friends are indeed horrifying through and through and the movie even takes the time to pay homage to classic and contemporary horror stories. Since there are echoes of Stephen King’s Insomnia and The Shining, and there are hints of Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Doctor Sleep to be found here as well.

Not to mention, the story is anchored by some fine acting. For Josh Hutcherson is simply sublime as Mike Schmidt and brings the right level of ache to the role needed to trust and root for the character, and Matthew Lillard is simply amazing as Steve Raglan and steals every scene he is in. And their intense work is wonderfully counterbalanced by Elizabeth Lail as Vanessa and Piper Rubio as Abby since their performances add incredible depth to the story. And of course, we’d be remiss to not point out that Mary Stuart Masterson commands every scene she is in as Aunt Judy, and well… all of these elements combine to bring forth, one frightfully delightful horror film. One that really does offer so much and truly entertains, and most important of all… brings another iconic video game to life in a manner that is pleasing and respectful.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 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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We like to believe that entering a new chapter in our lives, will allow for us to do as we please and we can forge ahead with minimal concerns about anything and everything, because the new chapter is a fresh start in our minds. Wherein we’ve said goodbye to old haunts, and we can reinvent ourselves in the process and there is merit to that line of thinking. After all, if we are leaving old things behind, they’re in our rearview mirror and all that lies ahead is unknown open road. But we do need to exercise caution with that particular line of thinking when we start over fresh. Simply because… it does harbor concerns, and some missteps.
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Such as the fact that we often find ourselves doing the same things in life when we start over, which means we are approaching the same problem with a new attitude, one that can leave us vulnerable and one that carries with it an air of arrogance and well, that particular problem is top of mind today… simply because it was put on display in the next episode of SurrealEstate on SYFY. For ‘I Put a Spell On You’ was all about Luke Roman settling into a new routine. One armed with the confidence that he could outwit any ghost with a little bit of thinking, and since he and Susan weren’t exactly on speaking terms… he just pushed ahead to make some big deals and that… explored the lesson at hand, courtesy of quite the surprise.

In that, a client wanted to buy a cozy cottage in the woods to develop the property into his super mansion and that meant Luke needed to have the cottage’s owner, sell. But what he wasn’t prepared for, was the owner’s good looks and her powerful charms and well… that prompted Luke to try and see if by chance… he could find a little love along the way and really reinvent himself. For there was no ghostly danger here, surely, so why not just have it all and really dive deep into that fresh start. But… there was a slight problem. In that, Kay was a little TOO charming, and she made some of August’s new equipment freak out while she was in the office, leading him and the Padre to believe that she might be a spirit and Luke should exercise caution.

Which he did, for a short while. But that charm, that power, was too much for him to bear and well… his friends were right to tell him to not dive into a romantic fresh start without caution. For Kay was actually an ancient witch from overseas that needed to bathe in the blood of a man that she felt a connection with to stay young, and Luke was that man. But thankfully, August and Phil were a step ahead of Kay and were able to save Luke, and other innocents she was draining for her bath before putting her down and well… Luke learned plenty after this. In that, if we’re hitting the reset button and we stay the same course, we need to be cautious and humble… because a second chance is rare and to be treasured and it is an opportunity to enact change and turn things around… if we remain vigilant, and exercise caution when needed.

Of course, he wasn’t the only one that got a rude awakening about fresh starts and charging ahead without taking the time to exercise caution. For Susan’s desire to stay home and work, and of course… not do a proper check of the house, backfired. Since the house, claimed her. Giving rise to a need for the team to rescue her down the line. But while we wait to see how and when that rescue takes place, we can celebrate another human tale. One that continues to remind us that we will stumble and fall in life, and that doesn’t make us bad or dumb, just creatures that are trying to learn and find a little peace in our lives. And there’s real beauty in that lesson and all the moments this season has showcased in that vein so far, and it will be fascinating to see what other learning lies ahead as season two of this refreshing show continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 of ‘Chucky’. 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 season three of Chucky, on SYFY and USA Network, deserves our awe and a round of applause. Simply because… over the course of four episodes, this show has managed to captivate us, engage us and outright build tension in a minimalist manner. Which is no small feat, but this show accomplished it, and it answered all of the questions we had hanging over heads post season two and well… its wonder and majesty has continued beyond that. Simply because, last night’s story was nothing short of a midseason finale masterpiece. For it was the kind of tale that could have served as an outright season finale courtesy of its grandiose nature and scope and well, ‘Dressed to Kill’, accomplished such a feat… by getting the band back together.
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For this was it, the big White House Halloween Bash and all comers were invited. Mostly because this was a trap to catch the serial killer haunting the halls of this hallowed place, but also because… appearances needed to be kept up and that meant… our heroes and Chucky were set for a showdown at last. For the trio did arrive and Chucky was eager to see them and kill them, and well, sadly, the plan our heroes put into play… didn’t pan out the way they hoped. For while they were able to get into the residence using Lexy’s connections to Grant, Jake and Devon were unable to locate Chucky and Lexy had to get out of there to maintain some moral standards. For Grant saw this night as nothing short of a chance to get physically close to a pretty girl. Which meant the hunt was back on for the doll that made their lives hell.

Which was a sequence that did a wonderful job of building tension and worry on our part since Chucky made it clear he was out for blood, and that tension was so thick, that this story needed to break it up so we could have the trademark fun this show is known for. The twisted kind of course and that was handled by Jennifer/Tiffany. Who settled into jail and got her voodoo kit back and in doing so… was able to settle a score. Because she was treated quite rudely by her cooking hero and made her pay in blood and Bolognese and once, she got that out of her system, Tiffany turned her attention to getting the guards under her control, so she could make plans to escape and well… this sequence was just off the wall fun and filled with demented madness. Courtesy of some culinary themed gore and dark humor and the wonder of this tale didn’t end there.

Because we did in fact, get the showdown we desired. For eventually Devon, Jake, and Lexy came face to face with their tormentor and he of course… was so far ahead of them that they were unable to stop one of the most epic kills scenes to ever hit the small screen. For Chucky knew there was a chance he wouldn’t be able to isolate this trio of heroes, so he instead planned to kill as many people as possible, by squishing them with a grand chandelier. Which worked, and got the kids out of his hair, so he could finally, pray to Damballa and regain his life eternal. And therein lie quite the stunning twist. For Damballa cared not for this sacrifice and abandoned Chucky completely. To the point where he aged rapidly and faced the real possibility, that his death was at hand and well, it doesn’t get much more epic than that for a midseason finale. For that reveal regarding Chucky’s fate, is indeed a season ending cliffhanger. Not to mention that kind of carnage and that type of showdown, is the stuff you save for the end of a season as well.

But instead, this series opted to wow us with such surprises in the middle of the year, and it even wrapped up a bevy of plotlines in doing so. Making this a brilliant story for certain, one that had it all. Guts galore, dark humor and Jennifer Tilly just letting loose as an actor, and the same goes for Brad Dourif, who just tore it up as Chucky in every sense of the phrase and well… this was so good and so amazing, that the wait for the back half of season three will be nothing short of excruciating. Because season three of this show is hitting on all cylinders and we’re getting a top-tier Chucky story along the way and well… we need more. For we need to know what will become of Tiffany now that she’s immersed in the wonders of voodoo again, and we must know if Chucky can find the evil redemption he seeks, or if this is it… the end of the line for a horror icon that has haunted us and enthralled us for over thirty years. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Night of the Hunted’. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the motion picture being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that our world is a supremely angry place at the moment. After all, there are old ideological conflicts happening around the globe, and there are wars raging, and the chaos doesn’t end there. For in America, there is a grand divide likely not seen since the Civil War. Where certain factions of Americans have denied the very science, they use to function within their day, and now subscribe to conspiracy theories and lies, and outright insurrection and violence when they don’t get their way. Which has ripped apart the fabric of the United States and left many Americans, and other folks around the world wondering… what the heck has gone wrong in the Land of the Free. Because this wasn’t what the founding fathers envisioned, and it isn’t a way for a modern society to live.

But alas, there are now two sides in America. Those who subscribe to freedom and progressive movement that reflects the year present on our calendars, and those who claim to back freedom but do everything to deny it to others and are eager to set America back some fifty years in the name of stupid ideology. Which leaves all of us wondering… what it will take to end the divide and bring us together and how bad it will get before that day comes and well, that has all of us nervous and worried. To the point where we aren’t sure if we are safe out and about anymore since it all it takes is one bad day for someone to resort to violence to feel whole, and well, that’s why it should come as no surprise that horror is starting to explore those feelings.

For that is what the genre does best, and it just so happens that Shudder is now home to a violent and angry film that reflects the zeitgeist of America and the stalemate its citizens are enduring and that makes Night of the Hunted, quite the curious watch. For this is that rare horror film that offers no easy answers, just fascinating observations about the current state of the U.S. of A., and it accomplishes such a feat, by way of one bad night for a woman named Alice. For on her way home from a convention, she finds herself under fire from a mysterious sniper at a gas station, who will kill just about anyone that comes near the station… but he is eager to spare Alice. For he believes she is the genesis of his problems, and he wants to offer her a special death, one that is painful and terrifying for reasons unknown. 

Which is… the perfect way to reflect the divide in America and much of its problems. Because random shootings in public places are a thing here, as is gun violence in general, Not to mention, the sniper’s words about how he cannot stand being seen as a nut or how no one will listen to his thoughts, deeply reflect the corner of America that call themselves ‘The Silent Majority’. For they speak exactly like the sniper, talking about a country they think has fallen because it no longer caters to their understanding of Americana, and that talk exists because they despise change and despise those who lead it, for reasons no one understands. And of course, Alice represents the other side, and the desperate attempts made from more tempered Americans who want unity and peace and to move the country forward at long last.
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All of which brings forth, a raw and visceral and wicked horror film. One grounded in the cruelty of mankind and that makes for an uncomfortable viewing experience. Because all too often this movie feels as though it is ripped from the headlines or social media, and it echoes so much of what we hear on the news and lament, and that is scary. As is the fact that it more or less expresses a very bleak idea of what is come to regarding this problem. Nothing as terrifying as say, the end of everything, but the film does ponder upon the reality that this is now the norm, and we are now entering a vicious cycle of violence and rhetoric that will not end until someone finally stands up and says enough. Who will that be exactly? Certainly no one embroiled in the current fight for logic and supremacy. Because they’re all dug in. But the movie does offer one hopeful thought regarding this.

In that, perhaps it is up to the next generation to end this. Through voting and reforms so that the old guard and their old ideas are quelled and so that a new measure of tolerance can be instilled to ensure a generation no longer feels left out. But until that day, this is life, this is our world and perhaps a different approach is needed if we want to put an end to the madness now. But while we wait to see how we make peace; we can celebrate this brutal horror film. One that showcases the mess we are and the mess we will continue to be, and it deserves a round of applause for offering up an honest and angry look at American culture at the moment, in a manner that unsettles. Because we need to be unsettled by this, and not feel comfortable with it, for to do so… would in fact bring about the worst-case scenario, for apathy destroys everything.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 807 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 currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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If there is one particularly irritating lesson that we are forced to learn on several occasions in our journey through life… it would have to be… that we cannot escape our past. And what makes that so irritating, is that we often try to avoid that lesson, at any cost. Even though deep down we know it isn’t possible. But there is just that tiny part of our brain that believes that maybe, just maybe, if we play our cards right and we do our best to reinvent ourselves and bury the things we don’t want to think about… perhaps that will be the moment we can escape and start fresh and do right this time around. But alas, it is only a matter of time… before the past finds its way to us.
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It might take days, it might take decades, but one way or another… there comes a point where it is front, and center and we are forced to deal with it. And that is when we are once again forced to learn that yesterday cannot be escaped and eventually… we come to learn that making amends for our past and resolving it, will finally give us peace. If anything, this age-old lesson is top of mind today, simply because it served as the central theme of the season eight midseason finale of Fear the Walking Dead. A feat that ‘Anton’ accomplished, by finally answering one of the biggest questions that has been hanging over the final season of the show. Specifically, what happened to Victor Strand after the events of season seven’s penultimate episode?

Because he was absent from the battle that took place for control of P.A.D.R.E. and anyone who saw him on that fateful day when the lifeboats set out into the gulf, spoke to him going missing long ago. Well as it turned out, Victor, was deeply unsettled with what happened at the Tower, in every way imaginable. For he was sick over the man he became in the name of safety, and he was disturbed by his actions and what he put his friends through. So rather than pay the piper and properly apologize to each and every one of them, he ran. He ran far and he ran hard and eventually, he ran into a community that offered him hope, and a chance to perhaps reinvent himself and forget about the little dictator that almost killed every last person that ever mattered to him. 

For the community in question was big on offering refuge and second chances to people, and they had quite the self-sustaining community inside of a luxury resort. Wherein they grew food in gardens and lived a simple life where everyone took care of one another and brought the right people in and well… he wanted in on that. So, he declared himself to be a man named Anton and he made himself a useful member of this community. To the point where he fell in love with the leader of this place and even cared for his son, and just like that… Victor truly believed he was free of his past and had his long-awaited fresh start. For no one came looking for him and he was happy and in love and surrounded by peace and wonder. But alas, years later… the past came calling. In the form of Madison Clark.

Because she was out and about in the world and running from nefarious people and that brought her to Strand’s new place, wounded and out of air and well, that the put the fear of every God to ever exist into Strand’s heart. Because he knew she would speak up about his past and who he was, and that could potentially bring his perfect world and perfect life down and well… Strand did what Strand does best in a situation akin to this; he worked to survive. Which meant, he quickly offered Madison up on a platter when those nefarious forces came calling for her head, and he did everything and anything to make it seem as though Madison was out of sorts, and mixed her up for another man, one who was capable of such dark acts. But alas… the past won’t allow for such games to be played when it comes calling.
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Which was why, Madison kept pressing and eventually convinced Strand’s adopted son to follow her words and help her escape before trouble was to come. Which put Strand on the offensive, to find her and his son, and keep her away from the lie he had so carefully built… but it was no easy task. For the chase led him and his love all around the area, and raised more questions about Strand’s true identity, and well… eventually he had to begin the process of facing his past, through Madison no less. For he did find her, and he did send his family back home so he could sit with Madison and speak upon the past and the poor decisions he made, that she made, and discuss the reality… that like it or not… they had to own up to their pasts and find a way to resolve them or this was the horrible cat and mouse they’d play with their souls until the end of time. That prompted Strand to face it, own it, and well… that decision could not have come at a better time.

Because eventually, they were face to face with Madison’s enemies, and the wondrous community Strand helped to maintain was also under their weaponized thumb and that meant, his new family and friends needed Victor Strand. So, he admitted to his identity and his past and accepted his nature to help them, right as another blast from the past walked in. For it turned out that the people chasing after Madison, were doing so at the directive of a man hellbent on revenge. A man who believed that Madison destroyed everything his family worked to build and now wanted to destroy her world in kind. Which Troy Otto set in motion, by killing Alicia Clark after finding her in the wastelands, and stealing her weaponized prosthetic before letting her walk around the world as one of… them. And now, he would destroy P.A.D.R.E. and make Madison suffer.

Which was a stunning reveal, one that brought the whole theme home, and had it not been for Daniel and his troops, who knows what Troy would have done. But that aside for a moment, we absolutely need to take a moment today and offer up thunderous applause for one brilliant episode. One that truly did an amazing job of exploring its central theme through two key characters who have a lot to atone for regarding yesterday. But now they know the lesson at hand, and they have a chance to finally set their souls right and do something wondrous. And all it took was the return of one of the show’s most ruthless villains and it will be fascinating to see if everyone’s quest to heal from a broken past will be enough to overcome the fury and darkness that has consumed Troy Otto. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Shining Vale’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say that fans of the hit STARZ series, Shining Vale, are still debating whether or not what’s happened to the Phelps family so far is a result of mental illness in the family line or the power of a genuine ghost hiding within their rustic murder home. And this debate persists, simply because the show has yet to commit to one or the other. Because every single time we think the spirits are floating about and causing trouble, there’s evidence to show otherwise and well… that’s not a bad thing by any means. Because it has kept us engaged and looking for clues, and it has brought forth some amazing moments storytelling wise, and well… judging from this week’s episode, it would seem this show is showing no signs of preparing to settle this debate. 
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For ‘Chapter Ten: She’s Real’ once again left us guessing, courtesy of Pat’s firm belief that she was losing the positive results of her treatment and needed another shock therapy session to get herself to a sound state of mind. Courtesy of that meeting with Rosemary that she had at her front door. But the outright denial of those services, because only insurance money talks in America… left her deeply trying to figure out which was which and well… that’s when the story began to deeply play with us. For the next morning, Rosemary was once again in her kitchen, and as plucky as ever and making some food. Which put Pat into an outright and justified panic as she worked to figure out how to make this go away. But as it turned out… she did not need to make Rosemary disappear, for this wasn’t Rosemary.

In fact, this woman’s name was Ruth, and she now lived next door. And she was dropping in often to help Terry with his recovery and that left Pat feeling foolish and out of sorts and she wasn’t alone. For the family was suddenly at one another’s throats and that prompted therapy and some overall pondering upon the general mental health of the family. Especially since Gaynor was suddenly seeing apparitions and visions as well. Which left her worried that there was indeed something passed down from generation to generation in this household and that really did lean this story toward the possibility that Gaynor and Pat were indeed suffering from some kind of imbalance, and it only got worse from there… for Pat at least. 

Because the time had come to get back to work with her writing and promote her book and that went uh… that went awful. For once the cameras flipped on, Pat flipped out. In fact, she had one hell of a breakdown on camera, one filled to the brim with threats to the host and f-bombs galore. Which prompted Pat… to really think upon the logical cause of all of this. Which in her case, may have related to hormone changes from the onset of menopause, combined with stress, and she also came to realize… that Ruth looked so familiar because they met ages ago. Which meant she used Ruth’s face as the inspiration for Rosemary and that made everything seem as though mental illness was in play, and that the time had come to manage it accordingly.
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But that’s when things suddenly got spooky. Because Gaynor’s hallucinations were getting stronger and far too real, and they were related to parts of the house that no one had ventured to before. Not to mention… Jake’s VR headset kept popping up and calling to him. To the point where he put it on and was invited by that damn creepy kid to join him on quite the quest. Not to mention, an attempt to feel youthful via some herbal tea from Rosemary, led to quite the transformation for Pat and oddly enough. Ruth kept popping around difficult moments. Because an attempt on Pat’s part to apologize to that host for what happened on air, led to her untimely end, and it was an odd coincidence that Ruth was standing there… to see the carnage.

All of which, perfectly toyed with the notion, whether or not this family is under the thumb of a powerful ghost or if their rattled mental state is causing more harm than good and well… that made for an amazing story. One that also peppered in some real-world horrors and some wonderful homages. Because Terry appears close to recovering his memory and that will be bad for Pat, and let’s be honest, The Shining shoutouts here were just the best. In fact, this episode was perhaps the best reminder that this house is heavily influenced by the design of the Overlook Hotel to the point where one wonders if we will learn that the original owner of the place happened to be named Robert Townley Watson. But that aside, this episode was also quite funny, especially the scene where Jake tries to help his dad read the sex scene Pat wrote, and well… all of these wonderful elements leave us hungry for more. To see if the mystery will be solved and to also see, what lies ahead for this poor family as they continue to endure confusion and fear. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six 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 currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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One particular phrase that still holds weight in our modern world is… there are two sides to every story. And it holds that weight because it does offer us incredible understanding. Wherein we can learn everything we need to about a tough situation, by hearing truths from both sides. Plus, it can help us to better understand how said situation impacted either side and what kind of perspective and feelings it gave them, and that helps us to really react accordingly to the situation at hand. If anything, that particular truth is top of mind today, simply because we were reminded of its relevance in tough situations, courtesy of this week’s episode of Goosebumps (2023) on Disney+ and Hulu.
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For ‘Night of the Living Dummy’ saw Harold Biddle/Mister Bratt bring the group into his home to explain to them what was stolen on that night, and why everyone’s parents in essence, killed a teenager and well… everyone’s problems were tied to Biddle’s great-grandfather, Ephraim. Who was a fledging magician back in the 1920s and was near utter failure. But his discovery of a cheap ventriloquist dummy named Slappy, changed his life. For Slappy was magic, and sentient when the spell in his pocket was read, and in exchange for giving him what he wanted… something nefarious… he intended to give Ephraim the world. Which he did indeed, but his ultimate goals were quite ugly to say the least. In fact, they were so awful, that Ephraim broke the deal, and moved to Port Lawrence to live his life out as a collector of magic artifacts with Slappy buried in the wall… until the day he died.

Which brought Harold and his parents to this home, wherein we came to learn, that Harold was a victim of bad bullying before arriving in this tiny little berg. And he was desperate to make friends and was accepted by Sarah and the others. But the trauma he experienced at the hands of those other kids made it tough for him to trust and tough to be near his new pals, and well… the discovery of Slappy, complicated matters further. Because he empowered Harold to indulge in his darker side and stand up for himself in an unhealthy manner. Which at first, caused no trouble, but eventually… that anger took over and that darkness became malicious. To the point where he ended his parent’s lives, and deeply insulted people for no reason, and that prompted his friends to take drastic measures to save him.  

Specifically, by raiding the house late at night to pull Slappy away from him, but alas… that went south quick. Because while they snagged Slappy, that fatal fire started and ended Harold’s life, and left this group of future parents with quite the problem in front of them. Specifically, a sentient and evil dummy that wanted to cause more trouble. Which meant the burden fell to them to be rid of Slappy, and to hide him so his evil could never take over again, and of course… they were saddled with the burden of what happened to Harold. But what made this story so critical to the plot, is that it truly did offer us, both sides of the story. For if we went off of that journal’s initial viewings, we only would have seen how Harold viewed his pals, as murderers filled with wanton cruelty When in reality, they were trying to save their friend and keep him from a horrific fate. 

But sadly, all that context offers no solace to our heroes, just peace of mind. For Harold Biddle now stands before them and they are indeed inside of his house of horrors. Which means trouble awaits. But while we wait to see what comes next now that they are in front of the villain of this story, we can celebrate… one quality tale. One that answered the rest of our questions, and of course… brought one of the most popular characters to ever grace this franchise back into the fold. For Slappy has generated countless hours of terror for teens, and now a new generation has met him and his special brand of madness, and well… his return and the true arrival of Biddle… is going to make our wait for next week’s episode as difficult as can be. Because we simply need more and need to know what evil lies ahead for our heroes to face. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 402 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 currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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Before we set out into the world to conquer it, our parents teach us many valuable lessons. Such as what it means to be a good person, along with teaching us about three key elements that will make sure we are happy and successful in life. One of which, is to find a job that we love and adore and do whatever we must to be the best at it. Which means sacrifice and blood, sweat, and tears if needed. Plus, we also need to find a partner, someone we love and adore and are willing to stick with through thick and thin. Because love is hard and requires attention and truly, the third lesson relates to that. In that, we should never quit when we find those elements. We should stay with them to the very end because that’s only way to really see the fruits of our labor. 
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Which is advice we all hold to when we get out there, only to learn that there are some real problems with these lessons. Because sometimes, we will work hard and go nowhere, due to a toxic work environment or circumstances and timing. And while we may find someone compatible, sometimes that relationship can turn toxic when true colors are shown. Which puts us at a shocking crossroads since we expected better. One where we must decide… whether to change career paths or jobs to get ahead. And for that matter, we wonder if a lifetime of heartache and toxicity worth fighting for. Of course, the obvious answer to both of those questions is no, and that’s why a fair number of people will forget those lessons and jump ship. But some… some hold to them and do extreme things to make it all work. Which can lead to consequences, as evidenced by the next episode of Creepshow on Shudder. 

For ‘The Hat’ and ‘Grieving Process’ explore those consequences in great detail. Courtesy of a pair of plots that put two men at the crossroads in question. For in ‘The Hat’, Jay is desperate to be the next Stephen Bachman, the world’s greatest thriller/horror writer, but suffers from writer’s block and an imagination that requires care over pressure, and he comes to believe that using Bachman’s hat will give him the inspiration he needs… which it does, at quite the price. Whereas in ‘Grieving Process’, a renowned chef named Richard, who is ready to really start a family with his beloved wife April, struggles with that future when his wife is attacked and is never quite the same. Especially when he learns what it is that April truly needs to be healthy and wholesome again, from a food standpoint and well… those are indeed two perfect ways to explore the theme at hand. 

Because ‘The Hat’ really does ponder deeply upon how sometimes, we don’t get where we want to be right away through hard work. But we want that success, and we desperately feel we need it and well… sometimes we go to great lengths to get it. Granted, in this instance, it’s a brain sucking alien that helps Jay achieve his ultimate goals as a writer, but that is clearly a stand in for the dangers that come forth with that kind of want. Since one could say that Jay takes shortcuts to fame, and everyone eventually learns that there are no shortcuts to that, and any success in that vein is fleeting. Plus, the alien could also stand in for drugs and other substances, the kind that could aid a writer but costs them so much. As it does cost Jay here, and if he stuck with slow and steady and worked to grow his own voice, he would have been fine. But alas, the wrongness of the lesson mattered more.
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As for ‘Grieving Process’, well that absolutely explores the ugly nature of the toxic relationship and why we cannot let go of them and why we work so hard to make that which is worthless, work. Because while Alice is indeed a succubus of sorts, and does nothing but cause harm, Richard will not leave her side. He sees her as the greatest thing to ever happen to him, and somehow believes that being faithful to her and showing her love will heal her and bring her back. Which is the perfect allegory for the nature of those relationships because that is what we do within them. Hold to the lesson that love prevails, and that we cannot quit our partner, when they have quit on us, and that’s dangerous. Because it hurts us deeply, pushes us to do things we regret and makes us someone we are not. And the danger inherent here is that we will lose ourselves or find great harm that will be hard to heal, when in fact we should cut our losses and do some self-work and healing, so we never latch onto a toxic person ever again.

But alas, Richard too… held to the lesson as so many do, and well… both of those plot threads make this a cautionary tale. One that reminds us of what happens when we don’t listen to what our gut is telling us and stick to outdated and outmoded ideas that we pass from generation to generation. But powerful commentary aside, make no mistake about it… the horror here was top notch as well. After all, the weird little creative brain monster was gross and unsettling and definitely creepy for certain. And Richard’s succubus wife, was the stuff of nightmares, and what he did to keep her fed, definitely turns your stomach. But what matters most is that those horror elements and that powerful commentary, brings forth some incredible tales of terror. Ones that hold a mirror to the human condition and how we falter, so that others might not and well… these stories will stick with us for some time, that is… until next week’s episode gives us something new and powerful to ponder upon. Until next time, kiddies.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five 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 movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say that there are two key questions on the minds of every fan of the new Goosebumps series on Disney+ and Hulu. In that, everyone wants to know what the heck happened between Harold Biddle and the parents of our intrepid heroes. Because that is clearly the source of everyone’s woes in this tale, and also… what on earth is Biddle searching for? For he’s been eagerly after something over the past couple of episodes, something he cherishes and is deeply upset about not having in his possession anymore and well… it turns out… that the next episode in this fascinating series, served as the perfect time to answer one of those questions for the audience. 
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For ‘Reader Beware’ finally explored the sorted past of the town’s parents, in the most unique way possible. By outright making it seem as though we weren’t going to get any answers here. Because Margot’s mom, Sarah, was a no-show to the meeting Margot set up, and that meant no answers and no direction for the group. Who were on edge and worried about what horrors awaited them. In fact, the show went so hard into this that there were even moments that featured confrontation and honesty regarding the affair that Margot’s dad was having and there was even a hint of a budding relationship between Lucas and Margot. Since he was staying at the Stokes residence, while his mother, Nora, tried her best to heal in that mental health facility nearby.

But making us comfortable and eager to see an artifact of the week was part of the plan. One that involved surprising us with the answer in question. For out of the blue, while Margot was minding her own business… Biddle/Bratt decided to drop by and give her quite the gift. Specifically, a haunted journal that would show her everything that happened back in the day. Because he wanted his story told, post haste and well… that led to some incredible revelations for certain. Such as the fact that Harold and Sarah were friends in the 1990s. To the point where Sarah made a point to hang out with Harold and learn about his hobbies and his likes. But alas, that friendship wasn’t designed to last. Because the rest of the parents, had cruel plans for Harold. The kind that involved Sarah whether she liked it or not, and brought about the dark day in question.

One that all of our heroes were able to witness. For they joined Margot in the strange state the book put her in, outside the Biddle house no less, so they too could properly understand and what they saw… was a prank gone horribly wrong. For an attempt to scare Harold and swipe something in a large case, led to the fire in question, and that fire of course… spread out of control and brought Harold Biddle to his end, and sadly… rather than do the right thing and call for help and take responsibility for their part in this, the parents to be let Harold burn. Informing us precisely why Harold wants revenge, because he was treated with great cruelty and indifference and well… that was a hard answer to face. But at last, we know, and it makes sense now why Harold is so furious, since he was robbed of life by ignorance and worry.

All of which made for a sobering tale. One that spoke to how the wrong call doomed generations in this town and oddly enough… there is a chance that more truth is on the horizon. After all, Bratt/Biddle was nearby for the final vision, and made a point to wait for the group to return from it with a goal in mind. Specifically, to invite them inside his house to tell them what he’s been searching for and to fill in the blanks regarding the rest of his story. Which seemed to be a sincere gesture and offer, but in this story, who knows… it could be a trap. But while we wait to see what his intentions actually are, we really can celebrate one solid story, that gave us the answers we seek, and that’s both good and bad for the audience. On the plus side, we know, and we have a better understanding of this madness. But also, revealing so much this early, could mean that bigger and more shocking moments are on the horizon. The kind that could stun us and scare us like never before, and it will indeed be interesting to see what lies ahead, now that so much truth is in hand. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of Episode 202 of Shining Vale, which debuts on STARZ tomorrow, 10/19/23.

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.