‘Slasher: Ripper’ Recap – ‘The Slaughterhouse’ & ‘The Painful Truth’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Five Premiere of ‘Slasher’. To revisit the finale of ‘Flesh and Blood’, click here.
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Truly, one of the finest horror television shows out there, is the Shudder series, Slasher. Simply because this is that rare television series that defies convention. For every single season of the show features a new and captivating story that is self-encapsulated and gory, and scary. Making each year an extended slasher feature and they also feature so much more than guts and blood. For they are intelligent tales of terror as well. The kind that features social commentary on our modern world and explore the depravity of man amongst so many other themes and thankfully, the series has returned to the airwaves after a yearlong hiatus.
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For yesterday saw the debut of Slasher: Ripper. A fascinating new entry in the saga that not only holds a flame to its predecessors but takes us on a vastly different kind of slasher journey. For this particular story is set in the 19th Century, in a town where suddenly, murder is everywhere. Which early on, makes ‘The Slaughterhouse’ and ‘The Painful Truth’ a pair of stories that appear to be grounded in homage over anything else. Since the 19th Century was home to the mysterious Jack the Ripper and the concerns of the good people of this town, reflect a world where it seems that a monster that is akin to ol’ Jack thrives. But once we see how this killer brings men down… the story shifts into something so much more.

Because just like that… it becomes a grand mystery. For everyone is wondering who ‘The Widow’ is in this town, since the killer appears to be a woman that is dressed in a dark veil, and that pushes Detective Kenneth Rijkers to go full bore into a case that takes us into a dark corner of this town. Where the desires of the wealthy elite in this world is put on display. For one of them, was the Widow’s victim and was brutally murdered in a place where more carnal pleasures are handled by workers trying desperately to have enough money to keep food on the table and well, the deeper Kenneth digs into the case, more fascinating moments come to life. The kind that indeed offers wondrous commentary… regarding hot topics in our world no less.

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Because in many ways, the uncomfortable rich people in this town, who want nothing more than for this case to go away, and resort to horrible acts to deflect attention from their own desires and actions, reflect the rich people of our own world and time. Since they don’t care about anything but their image and their money, and they are woefully out of touch with the common man. Giving rise to some reflective moments that still find ways to go deeper. Since this story speaks to the negative experiences of BIPOC individuals in the past and now, and the same goes for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Which makes this story shockingly uncomfortable at times since these moments and interactions seem ripped from everyday headlines.
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However, while it is wonderful to know that this series has depth and plenty for us to chew upon, make no mistake about it… the slasher elements are top notch as well. For the kills are as savage as they come, since the Widow really seems to enjoy making her victims suffer greatly, as evidenced by that first unwholesome murder that takes place. And of course… there appears to be more to her bloodlust than just a desire to kill. She is targeting people in this town, for reasons revolving around an injustice that took place twelve years ago. Which sets the stage for a fascinating story that will eventually solve the mystery that is perplexing our intrepid gumshoe, one grounded in violent revenge and secrets untold from the town’s elite.

Which will undoubtedly give rise to more commentary on the have and the have nots and the horrors of letting the rich live without accountability because of their standing. In fact, the series has so much rightful disdain for the filthy rich that it even explores how depraved one might become when money and standing truly separate a person from their humanity. Which makes this, a brilliant season premiere. One that features all the hallmarks of the series that we love. Since it has a well-thought-out story, thoughtful commentary, incredible kills, and dynamic characters… complete with former cast members from prior seasons, as is tradition. But above all, this premiere leaves us eager for more. Since we are now vested in the case as well, and desperate to know why these vengeful crimes are taking place, and it will be fascinating to learn the truth about the Widow and this town as Ripper continues along. Until next time.  

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