Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Crimson Clown” (S3E12)
Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Crimson Clown” (S3E12)
Plot Summary
In this creepy carnival-themed episode, teenager Lisa and her friends attend a travelling circus that has just arrived in town. One of the attractions is a mysterious clown, known only as the Crimson Clown, who performs silent acts in the shadows. When kids start disappearing after visiting the circus, Lisa becomes suspicious and investigates.
She discovers that the Crimson Clown is not human but a supernatural entity that feeds on fear. Using clever tricks and her wits, Lisa navigates the carnival’s creepy halls, rides, and tented mazes, attempting to rescue her friends and uncover the clown’s secret. The episode balances jump scares with suspense and tension, culminating in a confrontation where Lisa must face her own fears to save the missing children.
Highlights:
- The carnival setting is colourful yet unsettling, creating a unique atmosphere.
- The Crimson Clown is genuinely frightening with a mix of eerie presence and supernatural power.
- Suspense is maintained throughout with effective pacing and clever scares.
What Doesn’t Work:
- Some of the supporting characters are one-dimensional.
- The origin of the Crimson Clown is only lightly touched upon.
- Certain scares rely heavily on standard jump techniques rather than tension building.
Final Thoughts
“The Tale of the Crimson Clown” is one of the more visually engaging and genuinely creepy episodes of season three. It cleverly combines classic carnival imagery with supernatural horror, delivering suspense and chills while keeping the story appropriate for a younger audience. Lisa’s bravery and cleverness make her a memorable protagonist in the series.
