‘Tales from the Darkside’ Retro Recap: ‘Lifebomb’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

One thing that we can all agree upon, is that death is something we collectively fear as human beings, and rightfully so. Because it is terrifying to know that someone we love, someone close to us, will one day expire and simply… disappear from our lives. For they mean the world to us, and they are such a huge part of our lives that a void of that magnitude is downright incomprehensible. Not to mention, the thought of not enjoying life and leaving others behind is quite chilling to say the least. Since there is so much to experience on this island Earth. But as the years roll along and we face death and its power, we eventually come to terms with it through a unique understanding that comes with life experience.
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But while the majority of us eventually accept our biological fate, there are some who never let go of this fear. For they see death as a challenge and something that must be fought and avoided, and they will stop at nothing to cheat it through various acts. For some, that involves ridiculous health care routines, the kind designed to keep their body at peak physical performance so they get the most miles out of life, while others… will take part in any and all options available to them from a medical or holistic standpoint to ward off aging. All so they can revel in keeping death at bay and maintain their status quo, and well, that’s dangerous behavior, the kind that can backfire horribly, as is explored in the next episode of Tales from the Darkside.

A feat that ‘Lifebomb’ accomplishes by introducing us to a mining tycoon/executive named Ben Martin who is at a unique stage in his life. Because despite the fact that he is inching near retirement after spending years of dedicating countless hours to his company, he is showing no signs of slowing down. A reality that bothers his wife and children since they want to see him enjoy his golden years instead of working himself into an early grave, and their concerns are indeed justified. For Ben has noticed that a heart condition is developing, and he is terrified of dying and leaving his company, yes, his company, without his dedication. But thankfully, a salesman named Harry has just the thing to help him out, the Lifebomb. A revolutionary medical device that can encase and provide life support to anyone that has it implanted their body until medical personnel can properly treat the user. Which seems to be the answer to all of Ben’s worries, until he comes to realize… that signing up for this program makes him a VIP of sorts. One that will receive incredible care needed to stay alive, regardless of how many times his Lifebomb goes off. Giving rise to a new normal that might be more than he bargained for.

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Which is… a storyline that gets incredibly philosophical in nature when all is said and done. Simply because it dives into so much regarding our fears of death and the dangers of trying to cheat it. Since we basically come to learn that Ben wants to avoid it at all costs… because he has no sense of self-worth. He only knows the worth his company and money have given him and leaving that thrill behind is a terrifying prospect for him. For deep down in his subconscious he knows he hasn’t found the kind of fulfillment and peace that is necessary to accept our biological fate. And that dying without finding that will make his final moments filled with regret and terror. But his pride won’t allow him to break that cycle, making him a tragic character really, one that suffers in every way imaginable here, and suffering is the other lesson present in this tale.
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Because that’s what we do when we try and cheat what we cannot escape. For all the treatments that people undergo to stay young or super fit, isn’t anything worthwhile. It’s punishment of the body and the mind, one that keeps the fear thriving, since they know they’re pushing themselves to escape the Grim Reaper. Which makes them, just like Ben, pushing toward goals that don’t make sense out of some foolhardy belief that their quest will be different than that of every human that’s ever lived on this planet. Which is a sobering thought, one that is designed to hammer home the greatest lesson of all. In that, none of us are getting out of this life, alive, so it’s best we accept our fate and turn toward what’s really important… living in the moment. For that is how we find the peace and tranquility needed to make peace with death. For when we’ve lived a full life, full of love and memories and joy, our final moments will be filled with gratitude and the knowledge that we will live on through those we touched along the way. 

Which makes this, a powerful episode to say the least, one that deserves a round of applause for hammering that message home. However, while it is wonderful to find a life lesson here, you’re likely wondering… where are the true horror elements? Well, not to worry. Because the Lifebomb is a horrifying and terrifying device. One that preys upon our fears of enclosed spaces and being kept alive during a major health crisis in a foamy cocoon cannot be pleasant in the slightest. Not to mention, being brought back from death’s clutches time and time again, would have to take a massive toll on one’s mental health, leaving that individual in a dark and hopeless and painful place. So, that’s where the scares are hiding in this episode, and they work quite well since that final image of a pale and broken Ben, will haunt you long after this tale has come to an end, and it truly compliments a powerful story that teaches us a great deal about our greatest fear. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.  

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