Tales from the Darkside: “Levitation” (S1E19)

Levitation delivers a classic horror tale with a magician’s flair, mixing youthful arrogance, urban legend vibes, and a well-earned twist ending. Directed by John Harrison and based on a short story by Joseph Payne Brennan, this episode leans into the eerie mystery surrounding old-school stage magic, treating it less as sleight-of-hand and more as something possibly… otherworldly.

Plot Summary

Our story kicks off with two teenage boys, Frank and Ernie, wandering into a seedy carnival sideshow, lured in by rumours of an infamous magician: Kharma. Frank, the more aggressive and cynical of the pair, insists on seeing Kharma perform what is supposed to be his ultimate trick—the levitation.

Kharma, now a haggard and unsettling figure, hasn’t performed in years. Rumours swirl that his last levitation trick went horribly wrong, permanently scarring him. Frank mocks him and dares him to do the trick again.

Bad idea.

Kharma reluctantly agrees, and the episode builds toward a climax that’s equal parts atmospheric and chilling. Frank volunteers as the subject. The lights dim. The music swells. Kharma begins the trick.

And something goes terribly wrong.

In a genuinely creepy ending, Frank is never seen again. Ernie, horrified, flees. The implication: the levitation trick wasn’t an illusion. It was something real, something dangerous, and Frank was foolish enough to demand it.

What Works

Strong Atmosphere

The carnival setting, though simple, is perfect. There’s a sense of decay and danger, and the set design, lighting, and music all contribute to an oppressive, mysterious mood. It feels like a story whispered among friends that suddenly comes true.

Kharma the Magician

Kharma (played with excellent menace by Joseph Turkel) is a memorable figure. With sunken features and an intense presence, he’s like a washed-up wizard with secrets too big for the stage. He’s equal parts tragic and terrifying.

A Morality Tale with Bite

Like many Darkside episodes, this one is rooted in a lesson: don’t go poking the unknown. Frank’s arrogance and desire to mock something he doesn’t understand is his undoing. The comeuppance is swift and satisfying.

Practical Effects

The levitation itself is handled effectively with limited effects. It’s simple but unsettling, relying more on mood and suggestion than CGI (which didn’t exist in 1985 anyway), and that restraint works in its favor.

What Doesn’t Work

Flat Characterisation of the Teens

Frank is written as an archetypal punk kid: brash, dismissive, and unsympathetic. That works for the plot, but he feels one-dimensional. Ernie, the quieter friend, doesn’t have much to do besides react. A little more depth could have made their dynamic stronger.

Pacing Issues

The episode is very linear. It’s mostly a slow build to a single moment, and while that’s effective in terms of suspense, some viewers might find the journey a little thin on story until the climax hits.

Not Much Innovation

While creepy and well-executed, Levitation doesn’t tread new ground. It’s a traditional cautionary tale that sticks to familiar beats. It works well for what it is, but it won’t surprise genre veterans.

Themes: Arrogance, Mystery, and the Price of Curiosity

Levitation taps into classic horror ideas: don’t tamper with what you don’t understand, and some performances aren’t meant to be repeated. Frank embodies youthful recklessness, thinking he’s smarter than the world around him, while Kharma represents forbidden knowledge and the dark side of forgotten skills.

There’s also an implicit message about the death of wonder. Frank sees magic as a joke, not a mystery, and that disrespect ends up being fatal. Kharma, whether he’s truly supernatural or not, represents the old ways that still carry real danger.

Final Thoughts: Classic Simplicity with a Dark Punch

Levitation is a straightforward episode, but that’s also its strength. It doesn’t overstay its welcome or complicate its message. It’s like a campfire story brought to life, ending with the perfect note of dread.

While it lacks the visual flair or thematic complexity of some later episodes, it embodies the best of what Tales from the Darkside offers: eerie atmosphere, moral clarity, and the kind of ending that makes you glance over your shoulder.

Who Would Enjoy This Episode?

• Fans of carnival horror and creepy stage magic
• Viewers who love classic horror cautionary tales
• Anyone into stories of youthful arrogance meeting supernatural justice

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

• Viewers looking for complex characters or high-concept storytelling
• Those expecting action-heavy horror
• Anyone tired of “be careful what you wish for” endings

Final Verdict: A Trick with Real Teeth

Levitation isn’t flashy, but it’s effective. It tells a tight, spooky story with an excellent central performance and a well-earned twist. It’s one of the better examples of the show’s ability to do more with less—and a warning to never challenge a magician with nothing to lose.