Review 'Chucky' Premiere: The Deranged Doll is Back in All His Violent Glory

A new episode of Chucky airs every Thursday on Syfy and USA. Reader Beware Spoilers!!

The premiere episode of the Syfy/USA series Chucky kicked off last night and welcomed the possessed doll with a bang! Not only did the episode introduce us to the new faces to the Don Mancini Child’s Play universe, but we also, as promised, get a glimpse of a young Charles Lee Ray.

Chucky follows young Jake (Zackary Arthur: Mom and Dad) as he eyes a mysterious Good Guy doll at a yard sale in his town of Hackensack, NJ. Jake wants to use the doll for pieces of a sculpture he is working on and after buying the doll he returns home to his father, played by Devon Sawa (Final Destination). Having lost his mother a few years prior, it’s clear Jake and his father are at odds. His dad is also less than happy with Jake’s artistic direction which is taking apart dolls for his artwork.

The first episode did a really great job of setting up Jake’s story and the world around him. It also had things for long time fans of the franchise but in places where new fans could easily figure out what was happening. Like hearing the voice of Andy (Alex Vincent) from the original film, as a caller interested in buying the doll. He also gives some urgent warnings to the teen about his recent purchase and tells him to check the batteries.

Jake’s is a loner that faces bullying from everywhere, not only his father, but also everyone at school, including his cousin Junior (Teo Briones) and Junior’s mean-girl girlfriend Lexy (Alyvia Alyn Lind). Luckily for Jake, Chucky is ready and willing to help the poor bullied teen. It takes very little time for the doll to reveal what he really is, leaving Jake caught between not wanting anyone to get hurt and watching those around him get what they deserve.

Chucky really shines when he shows up unexpectedly at the school talent show and forces Jake to take him on stage. While there he unleashes his classic foul-mouthed humor onto those who have wronged the teen. All the while Jake stands there in horror and confusion as to what is happening. Brad Dourif‘s voice, quickness and ability to deliver the lines so seamlessly is why the possessed doll has been so loved all these years. Now him and his laugh are back in all the best ways in the new series. After they return home, Jake discovers that the school called his drunk father, who in a fit of rage hits him.

Even after being hit Jake tries to keep his father from taking the doll and explains that theres something wrong with it. But he ultimately fails as he is forced to his room alone. What follows is a death scene that made me both, marvel at the ingenuity and laugh at how silly it was. Making the first episode actually feel like the old Chucky was back! It gave me the joy that only a horror lover can feel after watching such a scene. Much like how Bride of Chucky reinvigorated franchise and added new faces and storylines to bring in a new audience.

The first episode of the series seems to have figured out the perfect balance between fun and horror. With the violence, obscenities and inspired deaths, the first episode of Chucky delightfully brings back the world of Child’s Play and Charles Lee Ray. Which is why many of us have loved the murderous doll for all these years. Hopefully in the coming weeks we will see more familiar faces as the teens and town figure out what is about to descend on them. But for now, we can say that we are very excited to see where Chucky heads to next.

A new episode of Chucky airs every Tuesday on Syfy and USA networks and stars Brad Dourif, Zackary Arthur, Teo Briones, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Björgvin Arnarson, and Devon Sawa. Be sure to follow ScaryNerd for all things horror, sci-fi and more.

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