Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Magician’s Assistant” (S2E11)
Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Magician’s Assistant” (S2E11)
Plot Summary
In this magical yet eerie tale, Todd, a recently orphaned boy, goes to live with his eccentric Aunt Gloria, who owns a struggling magic shop. Todd, shy and grieving, begins helping out in the shop, where he discovers a mysterious old trunk labelled with the name “Fatuus the Great”—a once-famous magician who vanished decades earlier. When Todd opens the trunk, he accidentally releases Fatuus’s ghost, a sinister figure who offers to teach him real magic in exchange for his loyalty.
At first, Todd enjoys the attention and power, using magic to make his life easier and impress those around him. However, he soon realises that Fatuus’s lessons come with a dark price: the magician seeks to possess Todd’s body and return to life. With the help of Aunt Gloria, Todd must summon the courage to outwit the vengeful spirit and seal him back inside the trunk before it’s too late.
Highlights:
- Clever blend of stage magic and supernatural danger.
- Todd’s emotional journey from grief to confidence is well developed.
- The ghostly magician is both menacing and charismatic.
What Doesn’t Work:
- Some of the magical effects look dated by today’s standards.
- The pacing dips in the middle as Todd’s transformation feels repetitive.
- Aunt Gloria’s character could have been given more depth.
Final Thoughts
“The Tale of the Magician’s Assistant” is an imaginative episode that explores temptation, loss, and the importance of inner strength. While not the scariest entry, it shines with heart and creativity. The atmosphere of dusty magic shops, flickering candles, and whispered incantations makes it a memorable entry in the series.
