‘Creepshow’ Episode Two Review: Monsters, Madness and Blood, Oh My!
It’s been a week since Shudder‘s original series Creepshow premiered. The show has received rave reviews from critics and horror fans alike. With such wide spread acclaim and viewer appreciation, usually comes the enviable let down.
However, what the series does with this episode is effectively change story-telling gears. Episode two features two new stories that are both set in different times. This may seem odd at first glance. But once you settle into the shift, you’ll find yourself enjoying two twisted gory tales.
“Bad Wolf Down”
This WWII story was written and directed by Rob Schrab (Monster House). A platoon of American soldiers are forced to hide out in a dilapidated police station. They soon find that they have more than just Nazis to worry about. Something more sinister than war has been unleashed inside the building: a werewolf. Starring Dave MacDonald, Callan Wilson, Kid Cudi, Nelson Bonilla, Kate Freund, and Jeffrey Combs.
“Bad Wolf Down” is a gritty, dirty tale of war-time and it stays true to form. The slash’n dash style of story telling works very well. Especially with its practical use of the comic book horror to move the story forward quickly.
[Related] Shudder’s ‘Creepshow’ Series is Horror Anthology TV at its Best
“The Finger”
“The Finger” tells the story of Clark (DJ Qualls), who has a passion for found objects. One day, he finds something very odd: a finger, which he takes home. After some time the mysterious finger grows a second finger, then an arm, then a whole creature.
Clark names him Bob, and they get along great. But all good things come to an end when Bob starts murdering. This fun, and gory tale was written by David J. Schow (The Crow) and directed by Greg Nicotero. Starring alongside Qualls are actors Antwan Mills and Jake Garber.
Back to the Comics
Both of these stories are very different than the two from the first episode. While this can seem jarring at first, the shift into a different sub-genre actually works. Episode one focused on the tension and subtlety of horror. However, episode two heads straight in creature feature territory.
With the sub-genre shift also comes shift in the visual storytelling. This episode features more artistic callbacks to the original 1982 film. Along with different and creative uses of the comic book framework. The new stories feel fresh yet familiar with great use of comedy, gore and monsters.
Episode two of Creepshow is currently streaming on Shudder. You can check out the trailer below. Leave us a comment below and let us know what you think about the latest episode. Be sure to follow ScaryNerd for more of all things horror!