Review: Creepshow Just Keeps Getting Better with Episode Two; ‘Skeletons in the Closet’ and ‘Familiar’

A new episode of Creepshow premieres every Thursday night only Shudder. Reader Beware Spoilers!!

After a strong start to the third season, Creepshow keeps the momentum going with two tales of fright that will surely delight. I think I channeled my inner Crypt Keeper in that last sentence, which is fitting because this week’s episodes are some of the strongest yet in the EC Comic-inspired series. With Skeletons in the Closet and Familiar the series, created at Shudder, just keeps getting better and better.

First up is Skeletons in the Closet, directed by the man himself Greg Nicotero, and penned by John Esposito (From Dusk till Dawn, Walking Dead). I think this may be a new favorite of mine, as it pulled on the horror heartstrings, ligaments, and innards that make being a horror fan, or movie fan for that matter, such an endearing trait.

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The Hollywood Prop Museum is having its grand opening in a few days. Curator Lampini (Victor Rivera) is doing everything he can to make a hallowed ground for lovers of horror and science fiction, and to pay tribute to his late father, with the reopening of his exhibit.

With the help of his muse, Danielle (Valerie Leblanc), the two have created a gallery they can be proud of, that is until rival collector Bateman (James Remar: The Warriors, Dexter) decides to blackmail the couple out of a prized display, and a few other items for good measure. Maintaining that their props are family, the two let their rival know just how far they’re willing to go to protect their procurements.

A true love letter to horror fans, and just fans of film in general, the episode is a Where’s Waldo? of memorabilia from such beloved franchises such as Phantasm, Nightmare on Elm Street, Evil Dead, and Indiana Jones. Rife with pop culture lines, recreations of classic scenes and even a tip of the cap to legendary stop motion guru, Ray Harryhausen, this installment to the series is one you’ll want to revisit over and over just to gaze at all the beloved items on display. Like the show says, “Props are magic, and they never die”.

The second tale is “Familiar”, written by Josh Malerman and directed by Creepshow alumni Joe Lynch (Mayham). Following a night of excess, soon-to-be lawyer Jack (Andrew Bachelor) and girlfriend Fawn (Hannah Fierman), stumble into Boone’s Third Eye, a local Psychic reader oddities shop.

During the reading of Fawn’s palm, Boone (Keith Arthur Bolden) slips Jack a note reading “Something Bad Followed you in here”. After several terrifying visions of a demonic presence, Jack makes his way back to Boone’s shop and discovers he has a ‘familiar’ who once attached, will do anything to stay that way; Sneak, cheat, and even kill. It can even inhabit the host’s longtime friends to trick him.

Learning of a way to capture it, Jack sets off to make sure he’s rid of the creature for good. That is if he can catch it first, and not get caught off guard by its deception. I enjoyed this one as well, as it’s more of a straightforward narrative with a what, and a how-to end it storyline. This episode feels more like the classic tales of Creepshow and I was all for it. The creature effects and atmosphere were strong, and I dug the design and the lore of the monster.

A strong second act to the new season, I think this week’s episode will be a fan favorite. More of this to come one hopes. Looking forward to the rest of the season and where the creators will lead us next. Creepshow premieres every Thursday night on Shudder. What did you think of this week’s episode? Leave a comment below and let us know! Be sure to follow ScaryNerd for all things horror, sci-fi and more!

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