Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Nightly Neighbors” (S1E08)
Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Nightly Neighbors” (S1E08)
Plot Summary
“The Tale of the Nightly Neighbors” taps into classic vampire lore with a suburban twist. The episode introduces Emma and her younger brother Dayday, who become suspicious of their new neighbours — the Brawns — a pale, peculiar family who’ve moved in next door. They wear dark clothes, speak in heavy Eastern European accents, and receive mysterious deliveries in refrigerated containers. Naturally, Emma’s curiosity gets the better of her.
Emma begins connecting the dots as local residents, including her own parents, start feeling unusually drained and tired. She becomes convinced that the Brawns are vampires. Dayday is more sceptical, but the signs pile up: the family is never seen during the day, they sleep in the basement, and the strange deliveries continue. When the siblings sneak into the Brawns’ home and uncover the truth, it leads to a tense and clever confrontation.
This episode succeeds in balancing horror with a sense of fun. The suburban setting contrasts nicely with the gothic undertones of vampirism. The climax features a satisfying twist that plays into the classic horror trope of children uncovering what adults refuse to believe. It’s not overly scary, but the tension builds well for a younger audience.
The performances are solid, especially Emma’s determined sleuthing. The biggest weak spot is the predictability — seasoned viewers will spot the twist early. Still, it’s enjoyable, especially with its respectful homage to vampire cinema.
Highlights:
- Classic vampire tale with a suburban setting
- Strong child protagonists
- Clever use of horror tropes
What Doesn’t Work:
- Predictable twist
- Minor logic gaps in adult reactions
- Could have pushed the horror a bit further
Final Thoughts:
“The Tale of the Nightly Neighbors” is a fun, spooky entry in the series, made memorable by its classic horror inspiration and capable young leads. While it doesn’t break new ground, it’s a comforting slice of vampire fiction with enough charm to satisfy.
