As Halloween approaches, I can't help but be reminded of all the spooky and scary things that appear on TV this time of year. Halloween can be fun and I do enjoy dressing up in costume.
 |
| Mr. Incredible |
Although, that was in the middle of the summer.
In celebration of Halloween, here are some spooky TV shows and memorable Halloween episodes.
Shows to feed your inner demon...
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)
This one feels like a no-brainer. It has vampires, slayers, witches, werewolves, and every other demon you could never even imagine. Of course, Buffy had moments where it could be campy and a bit cheesy, but that doesn't mean it couldn't bring the scary. Particularly, episodes like "Halloween" and "Hush." In the former, a spell turns the residents of Sunnydale into whatever their costume is - Xander becomes a real soldier, Willow becomes a real ghost, and Buffy becomes an 18th-century maiden who is less than helpful when the bad guys attack. For those of you who haven't seen it, "Hush" revolves around the arrival of a group of creepy demons called The Gentleman. They steal the voices of everyone in Sunnydale and it is beyond unnerving to watch someone attempt to scream for help when not a single sound escapes their lips.
Fringe (2008)
Fringe is a lot more than just the best network drama on TV right now. It's a crime drama that mixes science fiction with the supernatural and keeps on going. For the Halloween season, it offers the likes of shape-shifters, a mad scientist, and unbelievably strange ways in which people get killed. What Fringe does best, however, is emotion. Olivia, Walter, and Peter have some of the most emotionally dynamic relationships on television. I could continue to go on and on about this series and how much I love it, but I will leave you with the knowledge that if you are looking for a great show with some mind-boggling and goosebump-inducing situations, look no further than Fringe.
The Walking Dead (2010)
This series always has me on the edge of my seat, face contorted in fear. It makes me want to cover my eyes while simultaneously forcing me to keep them open. I have to watch The Walking Dead during the day, unless I want nightmares. Every moment of each zombie encounter has me frozen until the commercial break. The episodes, of course, contain a lot more than zombies, but, trust me, the zombies are what you will be thinking about when the show ends. The Walking Dead is perfect for the Halloween season, especially for those searching for an unwavering case of the heebie-jeebies.
American Horror Story (2011)
I have yet to actually watch this new series - the episodes are piling up on my DVR - but I have heard that this is a new go-to for seekers of the creepy-scary-weird. Reviews I have seen range from the good side of weird to the bad, but I think everyone agrees that this new series is strange in its own right and definitely has a place among the spooky. I'll have to let you know what I think once I finally get around to watching it.
And for those of you who would prefer more laughs than screams this year, here are some of my favorite Halloween episodes of comedies...
The Big Bang Theory "The Middle Earth Paradigm"
Penny throws a Halloween party and Leonard wants to go to help ingratiate himself into her social circle. The rest of the gang comes along so that they can dress in costume. At first, they all show up dressed as The Flash. Not wanting to match, they change into new costumes - Leonard as Frodo, Raj as Thor, Howard as Robin Hood, and Sheldon as the Doppler Effect (yes, you read that correctly).
Freaks and Geeks "Tricks and Treats"
Nothing goes as expected on this Halloween. Lindsay wants to hang out with her new friends, but may not be totally okay with their choice of activity. Sam thinks he's too old to go trick-or-treating, but then changes his mind. And Jean (Mrs. Weir, to you) just wants her kids to stay kids a little longer. This comedy also has a lot of heart, but the Halloween spirit is definitely still present. Also, Bill dresses up as the Bionic Woman.
The Office "Halloween"
Michael is forced to fire someone by the company, which is not exactly conducive to a fun office Halloween party. There are fun costumes galore and in this season two episode, The Office humor we all know and love is in high supply.
How I Met Your Mother "Slutty Pumpkin"
Kids, in the fall of 2005, Ted Mosby attempted yet again to re-connect with the Slutty Pumpkin. Years earlier, Ted had felt a connection with a Halloween party-goer known only as the Slutty Pumpkin. Here, he tries to find her at the same party he had attended before, in the same "hanging chad" costume he had worn before. Barney toys with Ted's mind, trying to break his obsession with the Slutty Pumpkin. Lilly and Marshall put their effort into winning a costume contest as they double-date with Robin and her new boyfriend. This episode is packed with costumes. Just recently, the creators of HIMYM announced that the Slutty Pumpkin would return, played by Katie Holmes.
Community "Epidemiology"
Happy Halloween, everyone! It's time for me to schedule my annual viewing of Hocus, Pocus. Do you have any film or TV-watching traditions? Maybe a favorite Halloween-themed show or episode? Let me know below.
Until next time, I'll leave you with this...
Buffy rocks, and so do you! What about scary movies, though? I know you like talking about TV, but throw in some love for those who like movies too!
ReplyDelete