Tales from the Darkside: “Deliver Us from Goodness” (S3E10)
“Deliver Us from Goodness” is one of the most unusual and satirical entries in Tales from the Darkside, flipping the horror anthology’s usual formula on its head. Where many episodes examine the dark consequences of human vice, this one takes a wildly creative turn by focusing on the opposite extreme: the curse of being too virtuous. It’s a darkly comic morality tale that explores the suffocating weight of sainthood with wit, irony, and just enough weirdness to keep things interesting.
Plot Summary
Margaret, the central character, is the epitome of goodness. She’s kind, charitable, patient, thoughtful—basically a living saint. Everyone in her life, from her family to the townspeople, regards her with reverence. But this universal admiration comes at a cost. Margaret has grown weary of being the community’s moral compass. Her good deeds have isolated her, leaving her feeling more like a symbol than a person.
In a moment of personal crisis, Margaret reveals that she no longer wants to be good. In fact, she’s desperate to be bad. She wants to know what it’s like to be selfish, to be flawed, to sin. She confides in a local priest, hoping for spiritual advice, but even he seems to revere her too much to take her seriously. Margaret’s mounting frustration leads to a confrontation with her own identity—and eventually, a decision to take her fate into her own hands, in the most un-saintly way possible.
What Works
Subversive Premise
One of the biggest strengths of “Deliver Us from Goodness” is its concept. It takes a trope we rarely see inverted in horror: instead of being punished for sins, the main character is punished for her virtues. Margaret’s arc—her yearning for imperfection—is both funny and surprisingly relatable. It makes us question whether goodness, when taken to an extreme, becomes another kind of burden.
Strong Lead Performance
Margaret is played with a great balance of warmth and desperation. The actress imbues her with the right mix of sincerity and disillusionment. Her frustration feels genuine, and her journey into moral ambiguity is oddly compelling. She’s not evil; she just wants the freedom to make a mistake, to have a bad day, to not be the one everyone expects to be perfect.
Sharp Writing and Tone
The episode plays with dark comedy and satire in a way that feels distinct from the usual grim horror tone of the series. The dialogue is clever, and the pacing moves briskly through Margaret’s emotional unravelling. There’s also something quietly horrifying about the way goodness becomes a trap—this is existential horror rather than supernatural thrills.
What Doesn’t Work
Low Stakes
Compared to other Tales from the Darkside episodes, there’s not a lot of external conflict or suspense. The story is more of an introspective character study than a traditional horror narrative. For viewers expecting a twist or scare, the episode might feel like it lacks payoff.
Ambiguous Ending
Without spoiling too much, the ending of “Deliver Us from Goodness” leans into irony but leaves some ambiguity about what actually happens. Some viewers might find that unsatisfying, especially if they’re hoping for a big, dramatic resolution or a clear comeuppance.
Underutilised Supporting Characters
Margaret’s family and community are mostly painted in broad strokes. While that’s understandable given the episode’s focus, it might have added more depth if we had seen more complex reactions from those around her. The priest, in particular, is a character who could have played a more active role in challenging her worldview.
Themes: The Tyranny of Perfection and the Desire to Be Human
This episode isn’t really about good vs. evil—it’s about the pressure of maintaining a public image, of living up to expectations, and the mental toll that takes. Margaret’s story speaks to anyone who has ever felt like they have to perform a role for others at the expense of their own authenticity.
The central irony is delicious: Margaret, who is seen as a saint, wants nothing more than to be ordinary. Her plea to “be released from goodness” resonates on a deeper level—it’s not just about wanting to sin, it’s about reclaiming her agency as a person. The horror comes not from the supernatural, but from the existential fear of being trapped in a version of yourself you didn’t choose.
Final Thoughts: A Clever, Offbeat Morality Tale
“Deliver Us from Goodness” stands out as one of the more original episodes of Tales from the Darkside. It’s less about jump scares and more about internal horror—the fear of being imprisoned by perfection. The story is smart, the performance is strong, and the twist is ironic in that classic Darkside way. While it may not satisfy every horror fan, it’s a great episode for those who like their terror served with a side of satire.
Who Would Enjoy This Episode?
- Fans of ironic or morality-driven stories
- Viewers who enjoy character-driven tales
- Anyone who appreciates subversions of classic tropes
Who Might Not Enjoy It?
- Viewers looking for traditional horror thrills
- Those who prefer external rather than internal conflict
- Anyone who dislikes ambiguous or quiet endings
Final Verdict: A Smart, Satirical Look at the Curse of Perfection
While it’s not scary in the traditional sense, “Deliver Us from Goodness” is clever, layered, and unexpectedly poignant. It’s a meditation on virtue, identity, and the human need for imperfection—told through the warped, wonderful lens of Tales from the Darkside.
