Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Carved Stone” (S3E07)
Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Carved Stone” (S3E07)
Plot Summary
This heartfelt and eerie episode follows Alison, a shy and lonely girl struggling to adjust after moving to a new town. While wandering through an old park, she meets a strange boy named Jake who seems to know everything about her, and the area’s history. He gives her a small carved stone, claiming it can help her see things others can’t. When Alison uses it, she begins to glimpse ghostly figures from the past and eventually realises that Jake himself isn’t what he seems.
As Alison pieces together the truth, she discovers that Jake died in a tragic accident years ago and has been waiting for someone to help him move on. With the help of the carved stone, Alison gives Jake the closure he needs and, in doing so, finds her own confidence and sense of belonging in the world of the living.
Highlights:
- A touching blend of ghost story and coming-of-age tale.
- The relationship between Alison and Jake feels genuine and emotional.
- The carved stone is a simple but effective supernatural device.
What Doesn’t Work:
- The pacing is uneven, with a slow start before the emotional payoff.
- Some of the supporting dialogue feels overly sentimental.
- The special effects are minimal, which slightly lessens the impact of key moments.
Final Thoughts
“The Tale of the Carved Stone” is a moving entry in the series that favours emotion over terror. It’s a beautiful story about grief, memory, and finding connection beyond life and death. While more melancholic than frightening, it remains one of the most emotionally resonant tales in the Are You Afraid of the Dark? canon.
