Tales from the Darkside: “Heretic” (S3E07)

One of the more overtly philosophical and slow-burning episodes of Tales from the Darkside, “Heretic” stands apart for its focus on moral conflict and religious guilt over supernatural thrills. It’s less about jump scares and more about internal horror—the kind that stems from a haunted conscience. It doesn’t fully succeed in its execution, but it’s a thought-provoking entry that earns points for ambition.

Plot Summary

The story centres on Father Malone, a television faith healer who’s built a following on charisma, theatrics, and questionable sincerity. He’s not the first man of the cloth to exploit his platform, and we quickly sense that behind the halo is a man conflicted by doubt and regret.

One day, a mysterious man named Mr. Pence appears at the studio. He challenges Father Malone—not with accusations, but with unnerving philosophical questions and cryptic insights. Pence claims to have insight into Malone’s soul and past, and what begins as an interruption escalates into a confrontation that strips away Malone’s public persona and exposes his inner torment.

As their interaction unfolds, we’re drawn deeper into a psychological showdown. Is Pence the Devil? A vengeful spirit? A manifestation of Malone’s guilt? The episode never explicitly says, leaving viewers to wrestle with the same ambiguity Malone faces.

What Works

Dialogue-Driven Intensity

This is a very talky episode, and surprisingly, that works in its favour. The back-and-forth between Malone and Pence crackles with tension. It’s not a traditional horror narrative, but there’s an intensity in the way the two men spar—like a theological game of chess.

Moral Complexity

Unlike many of the more straightforward good vs. evil episodes, “Heretic” is steeped in grey areas. Father Malone isn’t exactly a villain, but he’s far from innocent. His wavering faith and recognition of his own hypocrisy add nuance to the episode, making it more of a character study than a morality play.

Atmosphere of Judgment

There’s a claustrophobic feel to the entire episode. Most of the action takes place within the sterile, artificial environment of a television studio—an apt metaphor for the façade Malone has built. The lights, cameras, and sets become a kind of purgatory, and Pence is its judge and jury.

What Doesn’t Work

Pacing Issues

This episode moves at a glacial pace. While the script’s dialogue is sharp in places, it also indulges in a lot of philosophical rambling. Viewers expecting anything remotely action-driven or visually dynamic may check out before the tension really pays off.

Underdeveloped Supernatural Elements

“Heretic” flirts with the supernatural but never commits. That can be a strength in subtle horror, but here it feels like the show is hedging its bets. If Pence is a force beyond human, it’s never made clear enough to deliver real dread or awe.

Lack of Visual Flair

This episode is about two men talking in a room. There’s very little to stimulate the eye, and that hurts its rewatchability. A few clever lighting or camera tricks could’ve added layers to the story’s symbolism and tension.

Themes: Hypocrisy, Faith, and the Horror of Self-Reckoning

“Heretic” trades monsters for metaphor. Its real horror is internal—the idea that we all construct versions of ourselves to survive, and sometimes those facades crumble under the weight of guilt.

There’s a heavy sense of judgment that permeates the episode, but not from God or the Devil. Instead, it’s about Malone judging himself. Pence could easily be read as a projection of that guilt, a punishing conscience manifesting to expose the rot beneath the robe.

Final Thoughts: Not Scary, but Intriguing

“Heretic” isn’t the most exciting episode, and for fans looking for ghouls, ghosts, or gore, it might even be a disappointment. But for viewers who appreciate cerebral horror, where the fear comes from within, it offers a haunting experience.

It’s a departure from the show’s usual structure, which is both its strength and weakness. It tries something different and almost pulls it off. Almost.

Who Would Enjoy This Episode?

• Fans of psychological or theological horror
• Viewers who like character-driven drama with supernatural undertones
• Those interested in the moral complexity of flawed characters

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

• Anyone looking for action or scares
• Viewers who dislike long monologues or abstract storytelling
• Those who prefer clear-cut supernatural reveals

Final Verdict: A Bold, Talky Detour into Moral Horror

“Heretic” isn’t your typical Tales from the Darkside story. It’s slower, quieter, and more introspective. Though it may not land with every viewer, it earns points for trying to do something deeper—and darker—than just scare you. It wants to make you question what’s under your own mask. And that’s horror of a very different kind.