Review: ‘Creepshow’ Episode 304 Greek Myths and Demonic Plagues

Creepshow Episode 304 is now streaming only on Shudder. Reader Beware Spoilers ahead!

Creepshow begins to head into the final few episodes of this consistently stellar 3rd season. This week presents “Stranger Sings,” which was written by Jordana Arkin (Will & Grace, Fuller House) and directed by Axelle Carolyn (The Manor). The second story, “Meter Reader,” was written by Creepshow alumni John Esposito (Graveyard Shift, Masters of Horror) and directed by Joe Lynch (Mayhem). 

In “Stranger Sings,” we find ourselves in the local coffee shop where we meet Sara (Suenyla El-Attar) and Barry (Chris Mayers). An awkward introduction, followed by an even more cringe-worthy exchange while attempting small talk, makes it abundantly clear Barry has some women issues since his divorce. Despite his best efforts to send Sara running for the hills, she invites him to her place for some wine and conversation. Politely declining, all the while quietly cursing his cowardly behavior, he begins to walk away until he’s captivated by the beautiful singing voice coming from Sara’s apartment and takes her up on her offer.

When a horrifying discovery in the bathroom sends Barry sprinting for the front door, it’s the actual Siren, Miranda (Kadianne Whyte), who makes herself known and proposes a favor in exchange for his life. Knowing that she can make him do horrendous acts on himself with a quick tune, he reluctantly agrees to perform her task. But will she honor her word, or will he find himself dinner for this monster of Greek Myth?

“Stranger Sings” is a simple set-piece but with so much going on under the surface. By taking characters from Greek mythology and Odyssey (which cleverly makes an appearance) and modernizing it for today’s audience. Creepshow examines the effects of low self-esteem, lack of control, weight shaming and what one could do if offered a way to change all of that. The make-up and creature design are once again awe-inspiring and another welcome addition to the menagerie of monsters that inhabit the Creepshow universe.

[Related] Creepshow Episode 3 Brings Demonic Fine Art and Giant Spiders

With “Meter Reader,” we’re dropped into a society that mirrors much of what we’ve gone through these last few years. However, instead of a virus causing all the illness, it’s the release of hell upon the earth that’s perpetuating masks and social distancing. Humanities’ last hope lies with the “Meter Readers”, who, naturally immune to the plague, are just regular Joes, being heroes. Dalton is one such hero, and our story begins with him on a house call. 

Arriving at apartment 1408 (Nice), Mrs. Jones, fearful of her daughter’s behavior and that she might be infected, shows Dalton in. Upon entering Mercy’s room, she’s tied up, scared, and not the one possessed. With the bait and switch, we wonder what fate befalls our hero as the demonic mom appears in proper form. 

Back at home, his family awaits word of their father’s whereabouts as it’s getting closer to the cut-off time for him to return safely. When a figure appearing to be Dalton shows up on the security feed, his excited wife and son rush to the door only to be stopped by Theresa (Abigail Dolan), their oldest daughter, who reminds them of the rules. Relegated to the cellar until he can test at dawn, the family turns in to wait it out. When a nightmare wakes Theresa, she realizes that the cellar doors are open and her brother is missing.

 “Trust no one, Devil is the master of lies,” states her father. Theresa now must take all her father taught her, along with her custom machete, and decide if she wants to survive this test or become another head in a can waiting for curbside pick-up. 

An incredible sound design fills your ears with child cries, demonic giggles, and a series of disturbing sounds that put you on edge as you wait to see what devils await in the shadows. Homages to the original The Exorcist, Stephen King, and a world-building that feels like it could support a full-blown narrative. This Creepshow episode feels like the opening to a much larger story rather than the compact tales of karmic terror we’ve come to expect.

With only a few episodes left, Creepshow continues to show that it has no signs of slowing down or phoning it in. Tune in to Shudder every Thursday for new episodes of the EC Comic inspired anthology series. Don’t forget to follow ScaryNerd to see our review each week for Creepshow and all things horror, sci-fi and more.

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