Tales from the Darkside: “A Serpent’s Tooth” (S3E08)
“A Serpent’s Tooth” is one of those Tales from the Darkside episodes that sneaks up on you. What begins as a quirky, mildly comedic look at family dynamics slowly unfurls into something far more unnerving—and, by the end, delightfully twisted. This episode walks a fine line between satire and horror, blending an old-world folk tale feel with very modern anxieties about family, control, and toxic hospitality.
Plot Summary
The story introduces us to the Dalliford family—Harold, the bumbling father; Nettie, his neurotic wife; and their angsty teenage son. Life is already tense in their household when Nettie’s cousin, the overbearing and oddly mystical May Dusa, arrives for an extended stay.
May Dusa isn’t your average houseguest. She claims to be there to help and brings with her an antique tooth—a so-called “serpent’s tooth” that she insists can grant wishes and good fortune. All you have to do is suck on it and make a request.
At first, her suggestions seem harmless, if not a little eccentric. But as Harold and Nettie begin to rely on May Dusa’s wisdom—and her sinister relic—their lives begin to spiral into increasingly disturbing territory. The tooth grants their wishes, yes, but always at a cost. And May Dusa, who was once an unwanted guest, starts to become the de facto ruler of their household.
What Works
A Strong Dose of Satire
At its core, this episode is a dark satire of familial obligations and passive-aggressive social niceties. May Dusa is the archetypal unwanted houseguest, taken to a supernatural extreme. Her quiet manipulation and moralising tone are both hilarious and chilling. We’ve all had that guest who overstays their welcome—A Serpent’s Tooth just takes the scenario to a grotesque conclusion.
The Tooth Itself
As a horror object, the serpent’s tooth is simple but effective. It has that talismanic quality often found in folklore—a strange item that comes with old-world rules and an air of menace. The way it’s used here is almost comical at first, but its underlying menace becomes more apparent as the episode progresses.
Eleanor Gonville as May Dusa
Gonville’s performance as May Dusa is the linchpin of the episode. She plays the character with just the right mix of smug condescension and eerie calm. It’s never clear if May is a con artist, a witch, or something worse—but her presence warps the entire environment. She’s the kind of villain who never raises her voice, but whose influence is terrifying all the same.
What Doesn’t Work
Unclear Mythology
The serpent’s tooth is never fully explained. Is it magical? Cursed? Sentient? Some ambiguity is good, but in this case, a little more backstory could have elevated the stakes. As it stands, we never really know what we’re dealing with, and that vagueness slightly dulls the tension.
Tone Whiplash
The episode oscillates between sitcom-style comedy and creeping dread, which can be jarring. While this is a hallmark of Tales from the Darkside, not every tonal shift lands smoothly. At times, it feels like you’re watching two different versions of the same story.
Abrupt Ending
Like many Darkside episodes, “A Serpent’s Tooth” builds nicely but ends a bit too quickly. The climax arrives just as things start to get genuinely unnerving, and the resolution doesn’t fully explore the consequences of the characters’ choices.
Themes: Family, Control, and the Cost of Convenience
This episode digs into themes of familial resentment and the hidden costs of taking the easy way out. May Dusa’s offers of assistance seem generous, but they slowly erode the family’s independence and morality. The serpent’s tooth becomes a symbol of shortcuts—each wish granted leads to another compromise, another step away from personal responsibility.
It also plays with the idea of parasitic relationships. May Dusa doesn’t just live off the family—she feeds off their fears, insecurities, and laziness. By the end, it’s hard to tell who the real villains are: the manipulative guest or the weak-willed hosts who keep handing her the reins.
Final Thoughts: A Subtle, Sinister Entry with a Wicked Grin
“A Serpent’s Tooth” might not be the scariest episode of Tales from the Darkside, but it’s one of the most slyly unsettling. It’s the kind of story that leaves you laughing at first—and squirming by the end. May Dusa is a fantastic addition to the show’s roster of creepy characters, and the premise is clever, even if the execution occasionally stumbles.
Who Would Enjoy This Episode?
- Fans of dark comedy and satirical horror
- Viewers who enjoy slow-burn, character-driven stories
- Anyone who appreciates folklore-inspired supernatural objects
Who Might Not Enjoy It?
- Those looking for traditional monsters or scares
- Viewers who prefer clear-cut mythology and endings
- Anyone put off by tonal inconsistencies
Final Verdict: Passive-Aggressive Horror with Bite
“A Serpent’s Tooth” may not bare its fangs until the final minutes, but it’s got plenty of venom. A sharp and offbeat episode that uses discomfort as its main weapon—and proves that sometimes, the scariest monsters are the ones who smile sweetly and overstay their welcome.
