‘Tales from the Darkside’ Retro Recap: ‘It All Comes Out in the Wash’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Whether we like to admit it or not, we are all capable of some supremely dark acts. For mankind has yet to fully shed its ugliest tendencies and more primal instincts and we can call upon those at any time to do the unthinkable if we so choose. But what’s fascinating, is that more often than not, we actively work to keep that darkness at bay, regardless of the satisfaction it might bring us. Because we thankfully harbor a conscience and a logical and analytical brain. One that informs us of what could be if we took the time to indulge in that darkness and of the lasting impact of those consequences, and that does a fine job of keeping the evil at bay and keeping the peace in our lives and the world. 
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But that barrier is of course… thin in nature. Which is why we still see people ignore that more logical side and of course, pay the price in doing so. Because consequences are always there, it is just a matter of when we pay the piper for our actions. But of course, when one considers how easy it is for some to shed the logic to commit to their demons, one does have to wonder… if that barrier can hold forever in a climate where tension runs rampant, and for that matter… when one considers how many people flirt with the darkness, one has to wonder if the barrier even matters anymore. But it does. Because we are better than our darker instincts, and thankfully… there are plenty of good people working to maintain the barrier, regardless of those who try and collapse it or work around it.

If anything, trying to get around the barrier is a topic that is of note today, because it just so happened to pop up in the next episode of Tales from the Darkside. For ‘It All Comes Out in the Wash’ is the story of a businessman named Carl Gropper, who would do anything to avoid the rules and his conscience to really get what he wants in life, and he thinks he’s found a way to make that happen. For the discovery of a man named Chow Ting, who supposedly can wash away sins via his laundromat, should give Carl the perfect avenue in which to be a ruthless businessman and still be able to sleep at night. And he is more than happy to pay Mister Ting’s high prices to gain that ability. But shortly after Carl agrees to terms on this washing of his soul and enjoys the spoils of a life with consequence, the lack of communication with Mister Ting, leaves him concerned that something has gone terribly wrong with the deal and that his sins… will soon overtake his fragile ego and mind.

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Which is a plot that really does a fine job of exploring the struggle our world deals with often regarding those who wish to break the rules and those who wish to keep the order in place. Since we see quite the power struggle take place between Carl and Chow. One where Carl goes the extra mile in both obtaining his moral freedom and in indulging in the darkness, since he truly lets loose with the special brand of evil that only businessmen seem to understand. But he is reined in neatly by Mister Ting. Who uses silence and the specter of freedom to keep Carl in check and force him to ponder upon his actions and that leads to one fascinating journey. One where Carl basically gets played by an unsung hero, pointing out the duality of man, and that while this struggle never ends, good does tend to conquer evil. 

Not to mention… there is a lot of powerful subtexts here regarding race relations in American and White Privilege as well. Because Carl’s deep desire to use an Asian American’s supposed ‘power’ to solve his problems, speaks volumes to appropriation of culture and how Caucasians tend to indulge in that often in America and how they believe they are entitled to such acts because of the color of their skin. Which adds depth and gravity to an already powerful story, since it echoes our current times and current struggles, while serving to remind us that perhaps we aren’t are far along as we might like regarding race relations, since this kind of crap happens every minute of every day. And kudos to the show for adding that depth to this story and for speaking on this kind of topic well before it became a regular discussion.
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However, what truly makes this story impressive, are its fascinating horror elements. Because there is no traditional monster to be found here, and Chow Ting’s supposed ability to wash away sins is never proven. Instead, we are simply left with the worst monster of all, man. Specifically, a man that is greedy and power hungry and cares little about anyone or anything but himself. Which leads to some genuinely terrifying moments for certain as we watch Carl indulge in the darkest recesses of his soul and kudos to the show for going that route with the horror elements, since those always resonate through and through and well, it would seem that this episode’s decision to ponder upon our darker elements, inspired the writer’s room to go one step further. Since the next episode, examines a wholly different kind of evil that resides within our souls. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.

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