3 Most Underrated Episodes of Tales From the Crypt

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The television show “Tales from the Crypt” by HBO (1989-1996) can be likened to an R-rated version of “The Twilight Zone.” Much like Rod Serling’s iconic program, it had a chilling ambiance and each episode usually featured both notable actors and intricate plot twists. As with any anthology series, there were episodes that were much more successful than others. Unfortunately, “Tales from the Crypt” (a show no longer readily available without owning the DVDs) generally excelled when it struck a balance between horror and humor. However, when it attempted to be humorous, it often stumbled. This article aims to highlight episodes that, out of the 93 total, are commonly criticized but may not truly deserve such criticism. Essentially, these episodes were among the bottom third in terms of ranking on IMDb.

Among the episodes in the lower third of ratings, “The Thing from the Grave” from Season 2 and “Loved to Death” from Season 3 stand out as worthwhile watches. However, “Loved to Death” didn’t make the cut because a similar theme was executed better in the previous season with “Til Death”. Despite their lower ratings, these episodes are noteworthy, although they will never be confused with top-quality entries in the series.

“Judy, You’re Not Yourself Today” (Season 2, Episode 11)

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Judy’s Unusual Day”

This episode maintains a playful atmosphere that suits it perfectly. The story revolves around an elderly cosmetics saleswoman, portrayed by Frances Bay from the popular movie “Happy Gilmore”, who unexpectedly drops in at Judy’s (Carol Kane, known for her role in the Bill Murray Christmas film “Scrooged”) and Donald’s home. However, it turns out that this seemingly ordinary saleswoman is actually a witch! Using a magical necklace, she switches bodies with Judy and tries to assume control over her life.

In the movie “Judy, You’re Not Yourself Today,” the standout elements are the captivating performances by Bay and Kane. It was unexpected to witness Bay in such a prominent position, but she delivers an impressive portrayal of her character’s alluring charm as well as her deceitful side flawlessly. Similarly, Kane brings life to both Judy’s shallow and superficial traits and the cunning characteristics of the body-swapped “Judy.

“Seance” (Season 4, Episode 4)

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The story revolves around Benny Polosky and Alison Peters, a pair of unscrupulous individuals who aim to swindle Presco Chalmers, a wealthy old businessman. Posing as the lawyer for Chalmers’s late uncle Albert and his fictitious daughter respectively, they concoct a scheme to extort 10% of Albert’s ill-gotten inheritance from Chalmers under false pretenses. Initially, their ruse works smoothly, but their lack of competence soon leads to chaos, culminating in Chalmers’s untimely demise before he could fulfill his part of the deal. However, even in death, Chalmers refuses to let go of Benny and Alison, as the consequences of their actions continue to unfold.

In “Seance,” some viewers might find the humor too exaggerated, but overall, it’s not a significant issue. The comedy serves to drive the farce forward effectively. Notably, Cathy Moriarty’s powerful performance from “Raging Bull” elevates “Seance” to a highly enjoyable episode.

“Till Death Do We Part” (Season 5, Episode 13)

In the collection of ‘Tales from the Crypt’, the phrase ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ stands out as an uncommon choice. While the series had previously explored genres like Westerns, it had yet to delve into the world of mob movies. However, this changed during Season 5 with the episode in question, which introduced John Stamos, at the pinnacle of his ‘Full House’ fame, as Johnny Canaparo – a young charmer who catered to the affections of Ruth Sanderson, an influential older woman, marking the show’s first foray into the genre of mob-related stories.

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As a cinephile, I can’t help but be drawn to Lucy Chadwick, the waitress with the captivating smile. When I find out my girlfriend Ruth knows about this, she hands me a chilling assignment – we take Lucy out into the heart of the woods, strip her down to her undergarments, and I’m supposed to end her life with a bullet. But instead, in a twist that feels like a scene straight out of a movie, I turn the gun on Ruth’s henchmen and her luxury vehicle. Alas, the car manages to flee, forcing me and Lucy into a Bonnie and Clyde-like partnership to bring down Ruth and those around her. However, it turns out this entire scenario was nothing more than an illusion – a mind-bending trick that leaves me questioning reality. In the end, I decide to play it safe and carry out the execution of Lucy, returning to my life as a kept boy for a woman who’s twice my age. The episode is brilliantly acted and masterfully crafted, leaving the audience convinced they’re witnessing something real, only for the sudden cut to shock us all.

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2025-04-03 04:10