Welcome to a thrilling journey through the chilling world of HBO’s iconic horror anthology series, Tales from the Crypt. This episode guide delves into the early 90s television phenomenon, offering a comprehensive look at select episodes from Season 2. Instead of relying on Crypt Keeper puns, we aim to provide an insightful exploration of what made this series a standout in horror television. This guide is perfect for both longtime fans and newcomers eager to discover the dark humor and terrifying tales that Tales from the Crypt delivered each week.
Season 2 of Tales from the Crypt boasts an impressive lineup of talent both in front of and behind the camera. Expect to see familiar faces and acclaimed directors bringing these twisted stories to life. This guide focuses on three standout episodes from the season: “Cutting Cards,” “‘Til Death,” and “Three’s a Crowd,” examining their unique contributions to the series’ legacy.
Season 2, Episode 3: “Cutting Cards”
Director: Walter Hill
Original Air Date: April 21, 1990
Walter Hill, known for his visually striking and gritty style, returns to Tales from the Crypt with “Cutting Cards.” This episode, set against a backdrop of neon-lit streets reminiscent of his earlier works, quickly establishes a tense and darkly comedic atmosphere. Adding an intriguing layer for fans, Roy Brocksmith reprises his bartender role from “The Man Who Was Death,” potentially suggesting a shared universe within the Crypt anthology.
“Cutting Cards” is a masterclass in minimalist storytelling, clocking in at under 20 minutes but packing a powerful punch. The narrative centers around an escalating rivalry between two impulsive gamblers, Reno Crevice, played with menacing charm by Lance Henriksen, and his equally stubborn adversary, portrayed by Kevin Tighe. Their conflict unfolds as a series of increasingly dangerous and absurd challenges, pushing the boundaries of a mere “pissing contest” into the realm of self-mutilation.
The episode’s strength lies in the intense performances of Henriksen and Tighe. Both actors, veterans of Walter Hill films, bring a palpable sense of antagonism and dark humor to their roles. Henriksen’s Reno Crevice is a volatile cowboy type, while Tighe embodies a grim determination that borders on self-destructive. Their on-screen chemistry fuels the episode’s gripping tension, making their twisted game of one-upmanship utterly captivating.
“Cutting Cards” can be seen as a darkly comic variation on Roald Dahl’s “Man from the South,” amplified with the signature Tales from the Crypt excess. Hill’s direction maintains a taut, noir-ish tension, even amidst the outlandish premise. James Horner’s score, while not his most memorable work, effectively complements the episode’s tone. The Crypt Keeper’s closing pun is a highlight, perfectly encapsulating the episode’s darkly humorous spirit.
Key Takeaways:
- Walter Hill’s signature direction brings a gritty, noir-ish feel.
- Lance Henriksen and Kevin Tighe deliver standout performances as rival gamblers.
- The episode’s minimalist runtime enhances its intensity.
- Dark humor and escalating stakes are central to its appeal.
Season 2, Episode 4: “‘Til Death”
Director: Chris Walas
Original Air Date: April 24, 1990
“‘Til Death” dives into the pop culture fascination with voodoo that was prevalent in the late 80s and early 90s. This episode marks Tales from the Crypt‘s first venture into full-fledged supernatural horror, a departure from the more science-fiction or human-driven terrors of previous episodes.
The story revolves around an opportunistic gold digger who seeks to exploit a Caribbean island. His scheme involves marrying a wealthy woman for her land and disregarding the local customs and people, including a voodoo priestess he once scorned. In a misguided attempt to secure his plans, he requests a love potion from his former flame, unaware of the dark consequences that await.
What sets “‘Til Death” apart is its embrace of overt supernatural elements. Unlike earlier episodes where horror often stemmed from human actions or scientific anomalies, this episode introduces zombies and voodoo curses. This shift aligns with the EC Comics roots of Tales from the Crypt, which frequently featured supernatural themes.
Chris Walas, a special effects maestro known for his work on Raiders of the Lost Ark, Gremlins, and The Fly, directs this episode and unsurprisingly, the makeup and creature effects are the standout features. The zombie bride is genuinely gruesome, and the episode boasts the series’ first decapitation, executed with a satisfyingly macabre flair.
While the special effects are commendable, the episode’s narrative pacing is uneven. The first half is slow-paced, weighed down by exposition and somewhat uninspired dialogue. The cast, including D.W. Moffett, Aubrey Morris, and Janet Hubert, deliver solid performances, but they are somewhat hampered by clichéd lines and predictable plot points. However, once the zombie element takes center stage, the episode ramps up the gore and horror, delivering the gruesome comeuppance that Tales from the Crypt is known for.
Key Takeaways:
- Tales from the Crypt explores supernatural horror for the first time.
- Chris Walas’ direction emphasizes impressive zombie makeup and special effects.
- The episode taps into the voodoo craze of the early 90s.
- Pacing is uneven, but the gore and zombie horror deliver classic Crypt thrills.
Season 2, Episode 5: “Three’s a Crowd”
Director: David Burton Morris
Original Air Date: May 1, 1990
“Three’s a Crowd” takes a different turn, focusing on psychological tension and paranoia rather than overt horror. Starring Gavan O’Herlihy, known for his role in Death Wish 3, the episode delves into the mind of a jealous and insecure husband.
O’Herlihy plays Manny Fraker, a man consumed by suspicion that his wife is having an affair with a longtime family friend. Fueled by alcohol and paranoia, Fraker spirals into a state of delusion, convinced of his wife’s infidelity despite a lack of concrete evidence. His over-the-top performance, reminiscent of Harvey Keitel in Two Evil Eyes, is both captivating and unsettling.
David Burton Morris, director of the acclaimed indie film Patti Rocks, helms this episode. “Three’s a Crowd” adopts a more grounded and claustrophobic atmosphere, primarily set within a cabin where Fraker’s paranoia intensifies. The episode builds tension slowly, creating a sense of unease as Fraker’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and threatening.
While the episode aims for a more serious and suspenseful tone, it retains a dark undercurrent of Tales from the Crypt‘s signature cynicism. However, some critics found the ending, involving the death of an innocent character, to be excessively bleak and mean-spirited, even for this series. The lack of typical Crypt humor and the downbeat conclusion may divide viewers.
Despite its darker tone, “Three’s a Crowd” is notable for O’Herlihy’s committed performance and Morris’s direction, which effectively creates a sense of mounting dread. The episode explores themes of jealousy, paranoia, and the destructive nature of unfounded suspicion, offering a different flavor of horror within the Tales from the Crypt anthology.
Key Takeaways:
- Focuses on psychological horror and paranoia, a departure from typical monster fare.
- Gavan O’Herlihy delivers a memorable, intense performance as a paranoid husband.
- David Burton Morris’ direction creates a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere.
- Darker, more grounded tone may appeal to some viewers, but the bleak ending is divisive.
Conclusion:
These three episodes from Season 2 of Tales from the Crypt showcase the series’ versatility and enduring appeal. From the noir-infused gambling thriller of “Cutting Cards” to the supernatural zombie horror of “‘Til Death” and the psychological unease of “Three’s a Crowd,” each episode offers a unique and chilling viewing experience. While opinions may vary on individual episodes, this selection highlights the range of storytelling and directorial styles that made Tales from the Crypt a landmark in horror television. This episode guide serves as an entry point for exploring the vast and terrifying world of the Crypt Keeper and the twisted tales he has to tell.
