‘Creepshow’ Season 3 Episode 2 Review: ‘Skeletons in the Closet’ Recalls Horror Classics While ‘Familiar’ Sends Shivers
We’re back with a review of the second episode of Creepshow Season 3 with segments titled ‘Skeletons in the Closet’ and ‘Familiar.’ While the premiere episode got off to a bit of a shaky start, the second episode of the horror series quickly finds its footing.
‘Skeletons in the Closet’ is a blast from start to finish
The first segment of this episode is directed by none other than Greg Nicotero himself. It stars Victor Rivera (Zombieland: Double Tap), Valerie LeBlanc (Dynasty), Lucas Godfrey, James Remar (Black Lightning), Paul Kim (Concrete Savannah), and Casey Wortham. Shudder’s episode summary reads, “Lampini loves movies more than anything, and can’t wait to show off his prop collection to the world… but when a rival collector arrives, the machetes and chainsaws could become more than just props.”
While the acting was an issue in the premiere episode of Creepshow Season 3, there are no problems with this one. LeBlanc is the standout in the group as Danielle, the girlfriend of Lampini, but Rivera himself isn’t far behind. The quips between the two are enough to keep the campiness at a perfect level without ever really crossing the line over into cheesiness.
With handfuls of head nods to movies like Psycho, Scream, Poltergeist, and Dawn of the Dead, this segment has a lighter feel. Any movie lover will appreciate the Easter eggs hidden throughout, and the ending is the icing on the cake. Of course, we won’t spoil it for you, and you’ll have to watch it for yourself, but if you enjoy films like Army of Darkness, this segment should be right up your alley.
‘Familiar,’ the second segment, has a much darker tone
The second segment of this episode has a much creepier tone compared to ‘Skeletons in the Closet.’ This portion is directed by Josh Malerman, who also led Netflix’s surprise hit Birdbox. This portion stars Andrew Bachelor, otherwise known as King Bach, from his glory days on Vine’s now-defunct social media platform. Hannah Fierman and Keith Arthur Bolden star as well. Horror fans may recognize Fierman from the cult-classic V/H/S and Bolden from his stint on the award-winning HBO Max series, Lovecraft Country.
Shudder’s episode description reads, “A drunken visit to a psychic leaves Jackson on edge. As time goes on, he realizes he is being followed by a dark force… will the psychic’s advice help, or leave him worse off?”
Bachelor takes on the role of Jackson, with Fierman playing his love interest. Most of his previous work includes comedic performances, but no one should count him out from more dramatic roles. He plays Jackson to a perfect mix of worry and trepidation. It comes across in not only the way he says his lines but in his body language and facial expressions.
The story has hints of throwbacks to films like Tales from the Darkside, and even without the tongue-in-cheek we usually find in Creepshow segments, it still fits in well with previous stories told in the series.
Where can you watch the latest season of ‘Creepshow?’
Creepshow Season 3 premiered on Sept. 23, 2021, and releases new episodes every Thursday. You can find the current season and the previous two seasons on the streaming platform, Shudder.
