Tales from the Darkside: “Miss May Dusa” (S3E12)

“Miss May Dusa” is one of the more conceptually ambitious entries in Tales from the Darkside, blending Greek mythology with gritty 1980s urban loneliness. It’s a character-driven piece that takes a big swing in tone and theme, giving us something closer to noir-tragedy than horror. While it doesn’t always stick the landing, there’s something undeniably unique about this moody, mythological tale.

Plot Summary

The episode opens with a young man named Jimmy stranded in a train station. He’s broke, tired, and on the edge of desperation. While waiting for a delayed train, he encounters a mysterious and alluring woman named May Dusa. She’s blindfolded, withdrawn, and clearly hiding something.

As the two strike up a conversation, it becomes clear that May Dusa is not just eccentric—she’s cursed. She suffers from amnesia and believes she’s dangerous to those who look directly at her. The more they talk, the more Jimmy becomes intrigued by her sadness and beauty, and the more her true identity begins to surface.

Yes, May Dusa is exactly who you think she is—a modern Medusa. And just like her mythological namesake, eye contact is a fatal mistake.

What Works

A Unique Premise

The episode scores points for originality. The idea of Medusa reimagined as a vulnerable, amnesiac woman in the middle of a grimy train station is undeniably creative. It taps into themes of isolation, fear of oneself, and the desire to connect despite danger. It’s not your typical Darkside setup, and that makes it stand out.

Atmosphere and Mood

Set almost entirely in a shadowy, empty train station, the episode has a strong noir vibe. The lighting is low, the shadows long, and the dialogue leans into the rhythm of classic character pieces. There’s a palpable tension throughout, heightened by the claustrophobic setting and the slow unravelling of May’s identity.

Subtle Performances

May Dusa, played with fragile intensity, is the heart of the episode. The actress portrays her as tragic, almost ethereal, and her performance gives the story emotional weight. Jimmy, as the sympathetic drifter, brings a grounded realism that helps balance the more surreal elements.

What Doesn’t Work

Slow Pacing

This episode takes its time. For viewers expecting horror or suspense, it may feel like it’s dragging its feet. Much of the runtime is devoted to dialogue and slow reveals, and while this can be engaging, it doesn’t offer the payoff some might expect from a horror anthology.

Underwhelming Climax

Without spoiling the final moments, let’s just say the ending doesn’t quite deliver the punch it could have. The episode builds toward a tragic or shocking finale, but it lands with more of a whimper than a bang. It’s poetic, yes—but some may find it unsatisfying.

A Bit on the Nose

The metaphor—being too dangerous to love, haunted by your identity, etc.—is pretty clear from the start. There’s a lack of subtlety in how the themes are presented, which can make it feel slightly heavy-handed. It’s a story that says exactly what it means, and doesn’t leave much to interpretation.

Themes: Identity, Danger, and Isolation

May Dusa’s journey is one of tragic self-discovery. She’s a woman afraid of herself—literally blindfolding herself from the world to avoid harming others. Her fear of connection, her self-imposed exile, and her deep loneliness all speak to real emotional truths.

Jimmy, on the other hand, is a man who feels invisible, seeking meaning and companionship in a world that has turned its back on him. Their meeting feels fated, and the tragedy lies in the fact that they may have found something real—only for it to be doomed from the start.

The episode explores how people carry burdens that make intimacy difficult or even dangerous. It’s about the need to be seen and the cost of letting someone in.

Final Thoughts: Ambitious, If Imperfect, Mythology Horror

“Miss May Dusa” isn’t a traditional Tales from the Darkside episode. It leans into dramatic tension and emotional storytelling rather than horror or the supernatural. But for those willing to go along for the ride, it offers a haunting, melancholy meditation on identity and isolation. It’s a strange little urban fable with heart and ambition—even if it doesn’t quite hit every note perfectly.

Who Would Enjoy This Episode?

• Fans of mythology or modern reimaginings of classic tales
• Viewers who enjoy slow-burn, character-driven stories
• Anyone who likes noir-style atmosphere and emotional storytelling

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

• Those expecting traditional horror, jump scares, or twists
• Viewers who prefer faster pacing or more action
• Anyone who wants a clear and impactful climax

Final Verdict: Myth Meets Melancholy in This Slow-Burn Urban Fable

It may not be scary in the conventional sense, but “Miss May Dusa” is a thoughtful and quietly tragic tale. Its unique concept and emotional core make it worth watching—even if it takes a little patience to appreciate fully.