Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Prom Queen” (S1E12)
Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Prom Queen” (S1E12)
Plot Summary
“The Tale of the Prom Queen” is a classic ghost story wrapped in themes of love, loss, and unfinished business. The episode follows two teens, Greg and Jam, who enjoy hanging out in cemeteries looking for ghost stories. They meet a girl named Dede who’s fascinated by an old local legend — a girl who died tragically on prom night, waiting by the lake for her date who never arrived.
The trio sets out to uncover the truth behind the tale, which leads them to strange happenings near the lake and unsettling clues in the cemetery. As the mystery unravels, Dede reveals more than she originally let on. In a gentle twist, it turns out she is the ghost of the girl, still waiting for her lost love. Once the truth is known, she is finally able to move on, her spirit finding peace.
This episode is more poignant than terrifying, and it stands out for its emotional storytelling. The atmosphere is sombre yet tender, using a soft gothic touch to great effect. It avoids cheap scares in favour of a meaningful payoff. It’s also one of the more romantic episodes, appealing to viewers who enjoy melancholic, bittersweet endings.
Where it falters slightly is in pacing — the build-up is slow, and the reveal is gently telegraphed — but the payoff is touching enough to make it worthwhile. The performances, especially Dede’s, carry the weight of the episode.
Highlights:
- Emotional and romantic ghost story
- Strong twist with satisfying resolution
- Effective gothic atmosphere
What Doesn’t Work:
- Slow pacing
- Predictable twist for older viewers
- Minimal character development for the boys
Final Thoughts:
“The Tale of the Prom Queen” is a gentle, haunting love story that offers something different from the usual scares. It’s moving rather than frightening — and that’s what makes it memorable.
