IR TV Review: CREEPSHOW - EPISODES 1-6 [Shudder-S4]
The aspect of "Creepshow" as a series, especially the way Greg Nicotero does it is that, like the best anthology series of lore, there is an essence of darkness, mysticism, archetypes, humor and participation from the audience. The new season is no different. Some stories are those that we might know. Some might play to humor. Some lean heavily into the irony of what they are actually showing. Some of these episode run a little longer while others find their sweet spot early on.
In Episode 1 with "Twenty Minutes With Cassandra/Smile", the first context speaks to the monster in all of us but with a lead that seems very in control of her facilities while trying to think out of a situation she already knows. The texture of the monster and what that means especially as a projection of the internal is quite interesting. While it goes on a little longer than one would expect, two specific exchanges, one with a pizza guy and the other one on a living room couch, definitely provide food for thought. "Smile" is a different approach and actually reflects the "reap what one sows" aspect through the use of details, photos and almost a maze. While it is less linear and based in the real world, it is much more succinct and clear in how it wants to show its antagonist who is both at fault and not because his survival is based on a deflected choice. 20 Minutes: B- Smile: A-
In Episode 2 with "The Hat/Grieving Process", the former speaks to writer's block but the essence of what can be gained by leaning into possibilities. Some people want fame so bad that they lose context of how they got to the point they with no context of the future. The author in play (with a nod to Stephen King) loses connection though the idea of soul sucking in not lost on the viewer. "Grieving Process" is a good companion story to "The Hat" because it takes that same idea from the opposite direction understanding that sometimes family is the key to survival, even if it is undeniably in the most fatal way possible. The use of make-up in this episode is quite good though the point of resolution is a little flimsy. Hat: B Grieving Process: B-
In Episode 3 with "Parent Deathtrap/To Grandmother's House We Go", the former is actually a really well done inference of time where the motivations and reponses of the characters are nicely layered with the horror not lumped on two heavily. The fact of a couple diffferent progressions moving in play and then switching lead to the best kind of ending where it is, in a way, open ended. It really gives this story, unlike ones thus far this season, a sense of place and reason. "To Grandmother's House We Go" uses a more conventional and traditional mythology which makes sense (and again puts makeup to good use).The relationships that are meant to push the story are, at times though, flimsy. The motivation and eventual rise of a certain character against her best wishes does feel earned but there is no empathy necessitated to it, which is part of the point. But like "Grieving Process", the McGuffin of the story seems tacked on as a reverse (more as a sense of irony). Parent: A Grandmother's House: C+
In Episode 4 with "Meet The Belaskos/Cheat Code", both episodes are working well at the same level but with different approaches. But what connects the both of them is heart in a very simple way. The former in "Belaskos" speaks to a new world where vampires do live among us but are able to mediate hunger and try to approach life normally. There is a day/night romance which pushes the story but works towards comeuppance. It works well because there is both social commentary and sacrifice without become too heady or schmaltzy. "Cheat Code" works in a similar way but in an aspect of friends versus a father/son bonding which was damaged due to a tragedy. Loclyn Munro, who isn't seen as much on screen anymore, gets what this is about but it also speaks to two generations and is, of course, a throwback to Twilight Zone culture. It is a simple story and is done well without overrelying on special effects. "Belaskos" needs a few more but it still keeps it under control. Belaskos: B+ Cheat: A-
In Episode 5 with "Something Burrowed, Something Blue/Doodles", there is an aspect of wishing for what one wants but both ignoring and embracing the consequences that comes with it. In the former ("Burrowed"), it follows a young couple, one of which is estranged from her father. He wants to know his daughter and have her married but there is a catch. The McGuffin of the story is an interesting one and the path is definitely warranted. Again the explanation is over-simplified but resoundingly relevant up to the last shot. "Doodles" works the exact same in a reverse structure but again speaks to the context of entitlement and what is considered good form versus comeuppance. The context of what evil means in a sense of undeniability is an interesting lesson, especially in the way it is realized. Burrowed: B+ Doodles: B+
In Episode 6 with "George Romero in 3D/Baby Teeth", the former uses the influence of the master (like it did with Stephen Bachman) but uses it within a dimensional structure between worlds. It an interesting reflective story which works since it relies on the basis of rules and what 3D means even in a 2D world. The reasoning and sense of how it works and the ode and humor of Romero itself plays to its strengths. Its final stab is almost not needed but has its point. "Baby Teeth" works in a different way though it tries too hard in many instances to get back to its start point. That said, the practical effects with a certain creature later in the episode is wonderfully and creepily done even though it doesn't quite fully explain the resolution. The character build does make sense but there is a certain lack of information, which doesn't diminish the enjoyment of what it is but would have made it more diametric. Romero: B Teeth: B+
