‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ Recap: ‘The Great Good Place’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor.'
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When something traumatic happens in our lives, we are faced with quite the decision in respect to how we heal the ache in our hearts, caused by that earth-shattering moment. In that, we can face everything head on and address the pain said moment caused us, or we can try and push ahead as though nothing has changed. All in the hope that time will help us heal, since we believe that putting a little distance between us and the moment in question will allow for us to face the pain on our own terms. A decision that rarely provides us with the outcome that we hope for. But while those are common behaviors in regard to traumatic moments, the kind that we have each indulged in from to time to time, they pale in comparison to the most extreme solution of all.
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In that, there are some who believe that they can wipe away the pain they carry in their hearts, by either finding a way to right the wrong that the universe has sent their way or by simply starting over. Or in some cases, by outright trying to do both at the same time, and what makes this particular option so ‘extreme’, is the sheer fact that this allows for the person that is hurting to let their pain consume them completely, which drives them away from a proper path to healing. Which of course can and will lead to more heartbreak and strife when things go south with their unique and outlandish plan to heal, and it just so happens that this particularly intense method of unhealthy recovery, serves as the focal point for the new horror series The Haunting of Bly Manor.

For ‘The Great Good Place’ makes it clear early on that our main character, a young woman named Dani Clayton, is going that more extreme route. Because something traumatic has recently happened to her and rather than sit down and face her pain, she’s opted to fly to London and start her life over as an au pair for the Wingrave family. All in the hopes of healing in her own way and righting this mysterious wrong from her past, and the children she is going to care for truly do seem like they will be able to make that happen. For they too have suffered through some traumatic experiences, which helps her to believe that perhaps they can all heal together. But there is one slight, possible complication to her plan. In that, stately Bly Manor is full of secrets. The kind that walk about in the darkness of night and they are eager to bring out the ghosts that Dani is carrying her heart, and that will likely lead to disaster. 

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Now, what is truly fascinating about this particular series premiere, is that the plot feels awfully familiar. Which is something that one doesn’t quite expect from a Mike Flanagan horror story, since he always finds a way to inject something fresh and new into the material he’s working with. But it turns out that such a move is all part of a long and winding master plan storytelling wise. One that is designed to make us feel familiar and comfortable. In part, so we can get to know the characters. Because everyone we meet in this opening chapter of the story is quite the dynamic human being, filled with hopes and dreams and desires and a good and noble heart that is filled with wonderful intentions. And it is quite lovely to be able to properly understand who they are and what makes them tick. But there is a trick to this particular storytelling decision.

Because by spending so much time with bright and cheery people, who fascinate us to no end, we drop our guard and immediately find a sense of safety within this grand exploration of good people that are looking for peace within their souls. Which is a touch problematic. For eventually, we come to learn that Bly Manor is indeed haunted by some powerful spirits and they are slowly beginning to awaken now that Dani has arrived to take care of the children and that allows for the scares to completely and utterly surprise you and this twist also allows for an incredible sense of dread to begin to build in the back of your mind. Because that slow burn approach informs you that this story is going to build to a horrifying crescendo. 

If anything, this really is quite the unique way to kick off this new chapter in the Haunting saga. Simply because you're expecting this to hit the ground running like its predecessor. But instead you're treated to a lovely character study, one that quite frankly, leaves you incredibly worried for these good natured characters when it comes it a close. For we simply don’t know if Dani can handle any further trauma in her life since she is already skirting with her breaking point. But the house cares not about such matters and will eventually challenge her in new and terrifying ways. Which means that we are going to be in for quite the powerful ride in the days and weeks to come. One that will move us and shock us as the secrets of both Bly Manor and the people that live there, are brought into the light in a perfectly splendid and perfectly scary manner. Until next time.  

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