7 Underrated Episodes of Tales from the Crypt

by

HBO fundamentally changed television in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Its shows weren’t just as good as, or better than, what was on regular cable – they were competitive with big-budget movies. Series like Oz, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, The Wire, and Deadwood all exemplified this shift. However, HBO also produced some excellent shows in the late 1980s and mid-1990s. While The Kids in the Hall and The Larry Sanders Show were popular, nothing from HBO’s early days was better than Tales from the Crypt, which unfortunately remains unavailable for streaming.

Like most anthology horror shows, Tales from the Crypt had its share of great and not-so-great episodes. Today, we’re focusing on the ones that fall in the middle – the episodes that might not be everyone’s favorites but still have a lot to offer. Specifically, we’re looking at episodes ranked 48 to 93 on IMDb’s list, proving that a lower ranking doesn’t always mean an episode is bad.

7) “Revenge is the Nuts” (Position 72 on IMDb)

Ever wish you could see Pamela Focker, from the Meet the Parents movies, facing off against the villain from Licence to Kill – the one with the exploding head? And imagine her teaming up with Isaac Hayes to get back at him using a cleverly designed, dangerous trap? Then this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

The story unfolds in a home for the blind, where Teri Polo plays Sheila, a new arrival. However, the home’s owner, portrayed by Anthony Zerbe, is a deeply unkind man who enjoys tormenting the residents. True to the style of the Crypt series, he doesn’t ultimately succeed in his cruelty.

6) “Till Death Do We Part” (68 on IMDb)

While not the most terrifying tale from Crypt, “Till Death Do We Part” is still highly enjoyable. The casting of John Stamos as a charming gangster was a brilliant move.

John Stamos stars as Johnny Canaparo, a gigolo controlled by the dangerous Ruth Sanderson. He falls for a waitress named Lucy Chadwick, but their romance will have deadly consequences. This installment perfectly illustrates how Crypt can lead you to believe a happy outcome is near, only to completely subvert your expectations.

5) “99 & 44/100% Pure Horror” (48 on IMDb)

While Crypt’s quality declined over time, the episode “99 & 44/100% Pure Horror” proved the show still had moments of brilliance, even in its sixth season (though it really lost its way in Season 7). The episode demonstrated that Crypt was at its best when it focused on villains behaving badly and ultimately facing consequences, simply for the sake of entertaining horror.

Bruce Davison, known from X-Men, plays Luden Sandelton, the hesitant president of a soap company. He’s forced to dismiss his wife (Cristi Conaway, from Batman Returns) from their latest ad campaign because her artistic vision is considered too dark. Now, she’s determined to use that unique style in a surprisingly inventive way – with soap itself, reminiscent of the iconic scenes in Fight Club.

4) “Judy, You’re Not Yourself Today” (74 on IMDb)

In the Happy Gilmore sketch “Judy, You’re Not Yourself Today,” Frances Bay plays a makeup saleswoman trying to sell jewelry to Judy (Carol Kane), a woman who seems unenthusiastic. Luckily for the saleswoman, Judy quickly becomes interested in a particular necklace.

Judy’s in a tricky situation: the necklace she picked out caused her to switch bodies with a saleswoman! Now, she needs to find a way to get back to her own body, before her family and friends no longer recognize her. While the story is good, the episode really shines thanks to a fantastic performance by Kane.

3) “Only Sin Deep” (50 on IMDb)

In the film Only Sin Deep, Lea Thompson, known for her role in Back to the Future, plays a woman working as a sex worker who is very focused on her appearance. After killing her exploiter, she attempts to sell his possessions at a pawn shop. The owner recognizes the items as stolen and surprisingly offers to buy her physical attractiveness instead.

She accepts the offer and attempts to befriend a rich businessman, hoping his wealth will eventually allow her to repay the pawn shop loan. However, the repayment deadline comes and goes, and the businessman doesn’t even remember her. Ultimately, she may realize she was better off before she ever took the deal.

2) “Lover Come Hack to Me” (59 on IMDb)

Tales from the Crypt often balanced comedy and horror, but the Season 1 episode “Love Come Hack to Me” leans entirely into horror. It’s a standout episode within the show’s more frightening installments and doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

The story is simple: a handsome man marries a woman who isn’t considered conventionally beautiful, but is very wealthy – which is likely the real reason for the marriage. However, this traditionally attractive man might have underestimated his wife, who turns out to be surprisingly capable, even dangerous. Amanda Plummer brilliantly portrays her, making us sympathize with her even if she’s a killer.

1) “Mute Witness to Murder” (57 on IMDb)

Feeling powerless is truly frightening, and the TV movie “Mute Witness to Murder” is as effective at creating that feeling as classics like “Abra Cadaver,” featuring Tony Goldwyn and Beau Bridges. It’s one of the strongest episodes from Tales from the Crypt, and having Patricia Clarkson as the lead gives it a significant advantage from the start.

This episode feels like a twist on Rear Window – imagine if Jeremy Clarkson was the main character and witnessing the crime left him unable to speak. But it doesn’t stop there. Instead of just watching the killer from a distance, the protagonist ends up being treated by him – he’s her doctor. It’s a fantastic episode, and Richard Thomas from The Waltons delivers a surprisingly chilling performance as a truly terrifying character.

What Tales from the Crypt episode do you feel doesn’t get enough attention? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/list/5-terrifying-tv-shows-all-1980s-kids-remember/embed/#

Read More

2026-02-16 04:11