‘Shining Vale’ Recap – ‘Chapter 12: Smile’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Courteney Cox and Greg Kinnear as Patricia ‘Pat’ Phelps and Terry Phelps in Episode 204 of ‘Shining Vale’ – ‘Chapter 12: Smile’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 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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The true beauty of the horror genre in modern times, is that it can truly serve as a platform to help people process the horrors of the world, and the horrors of life. For nothing is off limits for this genre and the stories it creates and the monsters that roam its worlds, can serve as an allegory for anything that ails us. Which is why we see so many stories speak to our modern problems and our fears. But what’s fascinating about this, is that most stories in this genre, rarely focus on both. It’s one or the other, as though there is a concern that perhaps putting too much into a tale of terror might too be much for an audience to process, which is a cautionary decision that isn’t always correct.

Because audiences are savvy and smart and want as much as possible to process so they feel as though they are getting their money’s worth and that’s why the STARZ series, Shining Vale, continues to be of note. Because as it continues to tell its fascinating story, it is making sure to offer as much commentary as possible, on our world and our personal experiences and for proof… look no further than last night’s episode of the show. For ‘Chapter 12: Smile’ took the time to examine some very personal and real things. Such as how our actions have grave consequences and how sometimes… we bury ourselves in toxic surroundings and haven’t a clue that we do, and all of that was handled in this story by way of Pat and Terry. 

For Terry came to learn in this story that Pat was the one that had the affair, and all he dealt with was a stolen kiss, and when confronted about this, Pat finally fessed up to what really happened and learned about consequences. Since Terry decided he needed to leave and heal and find a new path in life. Which he attempted to do with Kathryn, only to learn that leaving did nothing for him. If anything, being away from Pat made him talk about her more. Because he was tied to her, and her toxic actions and if he wanted real change… he needed to confront that and of course… Pat needed to own up to her own actions better and that was some fine commentary on the human condition. The kind that all of us can find something worthwhile within. 

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Courteney Cox and Harriet Samsom Harris as Patricia ‘Pat’ Phelps and Doctor Louise Siffer in Episode 204 of ‘Shining Vale’ – ‘Chapter 12: Smile’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

As for something a touch more global, well that was handled by way of Pat’s other journey in this tale. Because the dreams were back and wilder than ever, and they… oddly enough offered commentary on how we treat women in this world and explored the stupid decisions men have made for women throughout the years to control women and make women feel as though the problem lies in gender and not in misogyny. As evidenced by the strange acts from the past that Pat experienced as she met another familiar face in her dreams, and much of what we saw here… felt pretty damn relevant. Especially discussions about Pat’s need to smile more to feel better, and that was some fine commentary on the current state of affairs when it comes to equality in our world and the majesty of this tale didn’t end there.
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Because it featured some powerful moments for Gaynor, wherein she was forced to confront her decision to leave school and the conflict she’s currently experiencing about returning and finishing what she started and of course… the horror elements this show is known for were everywhere to be found as well. Since those dreams offered more than commentary. They spoke to a Pat Phelps that was caught between worlds, one that extended well beyond our knowledge and was doing its best to have one its citizens make its way into our own, through Pat. Because uh… the implication was strong that a night of passion with Terry, and a strange dream about a sexual encounter with that beastly being, combined with the return of Pat’s youthful nature… might mean that a baby is on the way. Which are some classic horror elements for certain, akin to hints of Rosemary’s Baby.

But before we ponder further upon whether or not that is the case, we can celebrate, one stunning tale. One that packed more commentary and observations into a half hour of storytelling than some horror franchises hope to accomplish over decades. But that speaks to the brilliance of this series and its quality writing, and this episode deserves a round of applause for going this route. Because it does prove, audiences can handle a plenty and hopefully other scary stories follow suit. But that aside, the stage is definitely set for one wild episode next week. One that might see Pat become a momma once again, courtesy of a neighbor that clearly cannot be trusted, and the potential for that kind of surprise… does begin to lean this story toward something supernatural after all, and that means… next week’s tale might change everything and take us down a bold new path. Until next time.

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