Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Full Moon” (S2E09)
Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Full Moon” (S2E09)
Plot Summary
In this episode, we meet young Tommy, a curious and slightly mischievous boy who becomes convinced that his new neighbour, Mr. Corcoran, is a werewolf. Inspired by his love of horror movies and detective stories, Tommy begins investigating strange occurrences: howling at night, torn clothing, and missing pets. Along with his best friend Chuck, he sets out to prove his theory once and for all.
As the full moon approaches, their sleuthing takes a dangerous turn when they break into Mr. Corcoran’s house and uncover evidence that seems to confirm their fears. However, the truth turns out to be more complicated and humorous than expected—Mr. Corcoran isn’t a monster at all, but a dog groomer whose nocturnal habits and odd behaviour have been wildly misunderstood. Still, the boys’ imaginations get the better of them in a tongue-in-cheek finale that leaves the door open for doubt.
Highlights:
- Fun mix of comedy and light horror, perfect for younger viewers.
- Great chemistry between the two leads, capturing the mischief of childhood curiosity.
- Clever subversion of the typical werewolf trope.
What Doesn’t Work:
- Some of the humour undercuts the tension too early.
- The ending, while amusing, might feel too safe for fans seeking real scares.
- Certain supporting characters are used mainly for filler.
Final Thoughts
“The Tale of the Full Moon” is one of the lighter, more comedic entries in Are You Afraid of the Dark?, playing with horror clichés in a fun and accessible way. It’s less about frights and more about the thrill of imagination and the trouble it can lead to. While it may lack true terror, it offers a nostalgic charm that fits perfectly within the show’s balance of humour and horror.
