Tales from the Darkside: “Let the Games Begin” (S3E21)
If you ever wondered what it would be like if the devil dabbled in corporate contracts instead of pitchforks and fire, “Let the Games Begin” is your answer. This episode is part Faustian bargain, part courtroom drama, and part dark comedy—with a healthy dose of slick dialogue and a fittingly twisted ending. While not the most intense or frightening entry in the series, it stands out for its sharp writing and unique take on an old theme.
Plot Summary
The episode centres on a fast-talking attorney named Timothy, who is trying to secure a major deal for his firm. But when he meets a mysterious client—Lucien, a smooth and worldly man—things take a sinister turn. Lucien offers him a contract unlike any other: one that involves Timothy’s very soul.
Timothy, full of ambition and greed, thinks he can out-negotiate anyone—even the Devil himself. But as the “negotiation” unfolds, it becomes clear that Lucien plays by different rules. Every clause has consequences, and every loophole hides a trap. What starts as a high-stakes business deal turns into a metaphysical game with eternal consequences.
What Works
Witty and Sharp Dialogue
The script is a standout in this episode. Much of it plays out like a verbal tennis match between Timothy and Lucien. Their back-and-forth is clever, layered with double meanings and subtle threats. It’s more about tension through intellect than through jump scares, and it works.
Devilishly Good Casting
Lucien, the infernal deal-maker, is perfectly cast. He’s not a cartoonish villain, but a suave and persuasive figure—a walking embodiment of temptation. Timothy, meanwhile, walks the line between smug and sympathetic, making his descent into damnation both entertaining and believable.
Refreshing Concept
While the idea of making a deal with the devil is hardly new, placing it in the world of modern business and contracts feels fresh. It’s a smart update of a well-worn trope, and the corporate setting adds a fun layer of cynicism.
What Doesn’t Work
Low on Visuals and Action
This episode is extremely talky. It’s essentially two men in a room discussing a contract. That’s not a problem if you’re into dialogue-heavy stories, but viewers hoping for scares, action, or atmospheric horror might be disappointed.
A Bit Overly Theatrical
At times, the script leans a little too hard into its cleverness. Some of the lines feel like they belong on a stage rather than a TV screen, and that theatricality can occasionally undercut the episode’s darker themes.
Predictable Outcome
If you’re familiar with stories about deals with the devil, you’ll likely guess the ending well before it happens. That said, it’s still executed with style and confidence.
Themes: Temptation, Hubris, and Legalese as a Weapon
“Let the Games Begin” is all about the dangers of arrogance and the fine print of morality. Timothy believes he can manipulate even the Prince of Darkness through slick talk and clever wording. It’s a cautionary tale about overestimating your control in a world where some games are rigged from the start.
There’s also an undercurrent of critique about modern capitalism—how ambition and greed can make people willing to sell anything, even their souls. In this case, it’s literal.
Final Thoughts: Slick, Smart, and Subtly Sinister
“Let the Games Begin” won’t satisfy viewers looking for traditional horror, but for fans of dialogue-driven stories with a moral sting, it’s a devilishly good time. The charm lies in its restraint and its wit, as it delivers a modern morality tale with a sharp tongue and a forked tail.
Who Would Enjoy This Episode?
- Fans of intellectual horror and moral parables
- Viewers who enjoy Faustian stories and legal drama
- Anyone who appreciates smart, character-driven writing
Who Might Not Enjoy It?
- Horror fans looking for scares, monsters, or action
- Viewers who prefer visual storytelling over dialogue
- Anyone who wants a twist they don’t see coming
Final Verdict: Hell in a Handshake
While not the most visually dynamic episode, “Let the Games Begin” shines with sharp writing, a compelling antagonist, and a modern twist on classic horror morality. It’s not flashy, but it’s clever—and sometimes that’s the deadliest deal of all.
