‘The Creep Tapes’ Recap: ‘Brandt’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Peachfuzz and Mark Duplass as Peachfuzz and Josef in Episode 105 of ‘The Creep Tapes’ – ‘Brandt’. (Photo Courtesy of Shudder/Duplass Brothers Productions.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Creep Tapes’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Shudder series, The Creep Tapes, we talked a bit about quite the surprise present in that story. In that, Josef was a bit more open than we’ve seen him be before, and he potentially offered up some nuggets of truth about his origins as a killer, alongside an understanding about what drives him to kill in this format and that was just… fascinating. Because up until that moment, we’ve never known much about his madness or much about what finally brought him to such depths of depravity. But we had a sampling at last and we were definitely left wondering… if this was the bare beginning of more. If this series was going to further explore the man behind Peachfuzz’s mask.

Well at it turns out, that just so happened to be the case with the show’s next episode. For ‘Brandt’ allowed for us spend to spend a lot of one-on-one time with Josef in a hotel room while he waited for his prey to arrive and during that time… something unique took place. In that, Josef decided it was time to part ways with Peachfuzz. For he felt their relationship, while nonexistent, was toxic and codependent in nature. So, tonight was the night to purge the monster and go solo and kill without those teeth glimmering over his shoulder and well… that led to a unique exploration of Josef’s madness. Since this first, informed us of the fact that he uses Peachfuzz as an alter ego of sorts. Of the manifestation of the desires, he carries within to kill, and that somehow… purging that would add a purity to what he does.

But separation was just not possible. For so many killers are synonymous with their alter egos and their schtick. After all, Bundy had to offer up that nice-guy persona to complete his work, and Gacy was all about having that damn clown outfit, and the list goes on and on. Because these men outright need such things to create structure, that semblance of comfort and normalcy since they’re immersed in disgusting acts that do elicit a twisted emotional response. Which meant, Peachfuzz returned, and that led to some fascinating and uncomfortable moments that truly showcased how broken Josef is and how the concept of an alter ego helps him to cope and fuel his darkness. Courtesy of wild conversations between the two of them, and some murder role-play.

All of which informed us because of this unity, without satiation of the bloodlust at hand, the darkness in Josef will clash with the rational part of him that he uses to mess with his prey, and who knows? That might someday lead to Josef’s end. But for proof that murder is the only way to give peace to both entities, look no further than the ending of this tale. When they became one to launch an axe at the heart of the Brandt, ending his life and giving them what they need. Which made… for a fascinating story. One that on a larger level, really explored the duality of serial killers and the conflict they struggle with mentally because of their broken nature and how their twisted quirks help them to cope, but on a smaller level… this really did teach us a lot about Josef and what makes him tick and what drives him to kill.

Which brought forth the show’s best episode to date. Because this was just ridiculously engaging. To the point where the twenty-four minute runtime of the episode flew by and left us eager for more. Because this offered the answers we’ve never had when it comes to Josef, and it also… allowed for Mark Duplass to turn in some of his best work as the character, and that’s saying something. Since he’s chilled us to the bone as Josef for a decade now. But this was next level, and Mark truly showcased the shattered psyche of an outright monster. One that clearly is beyond salvation and immersed in a passion that few of us will ever understand, and it will be fascinating to see what the revelations from the last two episodes bring forth in the season finale of this brilliant series. Until next time.

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