‘Tales from the Darkside’ Retro Recap: ‘Djinn, No Chaser’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

While humanity has solved a great deal of the mysteries that have haunted our minds for thousands of years on end through science and logic and study… there are still some we are struggling to find the answers to. For instance, we still do not know what happens when we die. Is there an afterlife? Or darkness? And in that same line of thinking… if by chance we do survive, do we move on? Or stay on this plane of existence and create the odd moments that have allowed for us to believe in ghosts. Not to mention… we are still infatuated by myths and legends and are eager to know where they come from and if they are/were real... and if some of the ancient ones by chance… exist in present day.
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Because there has to be some reason why they still persist in an era of science and discovery, and the chance that we could find them with technology, only emboldens us further to discover them. But as of yet, those myths and legends still persist and the only real interaction we have with them and observations upon what it might be like to meet them… exists only in storytelling. Especially in horror. Because in that world we can examine their evil or examine how their myth relates to our modern-day struggles and sometimes… those stories can have a little fun with the possibilities, as evidenced by the next episode of Tales from the Darkside. Since ‘Djinn, No Chaser’ features an encounter with a genie in a lighthearted manner.

A feat that the story accomplishes by introducing us to a pair of newlyweds named Danny and Connie Squires, and they are working hard to figure out how to make ends meet as husband and wife when we catch up with them here. In fact, they’re so dug into what comes next for their apartment and their day, they miss the beautiful tent that seemingly appears out of nowhere. One that promises them beautiful décor for their home and well… they do indeed find something quite beautiful to take home… an actual genie’s lamp no less. But this genie is not the traditional type of genie in the slightest. In fact, he’s often angry and eager to cause trouble and the havoc he wreaks upon this couple… drives Danny into a mental health facility and Connie into despair. Proving positive that perhaps these beings of lore, aren’t something we want to meet.

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Which is… a very unique twist to inject into this story. Since genie’s are often benevolent and docile and eager to serve, and usually earn their freedom for doing so. So, to meet one here that is just plain salty about his situation, leads to just plain fun. Since he spits insults out left and right just because he can, since he knows he is a mystical being that has control over this couple and that sass leads to some quirky moments. The kind that sees this couple struggle with the wrath of a being that is not happy about his standing as a genie and wants everyone to suffer because he cannot escape his lamp and really… this wild and off the wall story, really does offer up a different kind of horror story. One that is both camp and quirky and really does offer up a wonderful spin on the genie concept. But it also… manages to offer a touch of depth.
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Because in many ways, this story’s fresh take on the genie, is designed to serve as a reminder that for the most part… our obsession with myths and legends likely still exists, because we really do view them as gospel, and that perhaps they persist in their form and their mystery, because we are unwilling to let them fade or grow into something new. But if by chance… we experiment with their personas and mythology and really have a good time with it creatively, wonders could be achieved and new ideas can come to life, and that’s an interesting message to send. One that clearly no one has listened to yet and that might be because of the comedy aspect of this episode. Because it leans HARD into the jokes and really plays up every goofy moment here, complete with a cameo from Kareem Adbul-Jabbar, and all that was likely a turn off for some viewers and some folks looking for inspiration. 

But it shouldn’t be, because this is a fine reminder that horror can be silly and that it can expand into other realms with minimal fuss, and this is one that folks should definitely revisit down the line and enjoy to the fullest. Because it really does some special things, and it absolutely lightens the mood and cleanses the palate after the last two heavy episodes, and it also goes to show… just how versatile a series this can be. Because up until now, it’s been straight terror or super smart horror and it is wonderful to know that this journey is going to surprise us at every turn and offer fresh ideas as often as possible and well, now that this simple and effective story has come to an end, it is time to turn our attention to a tale that leaves us guessing and also features some big names. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.

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