Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Pinball Wizard” (S1E13)

Plot Summary

“The Tale of the Pinball Wizard” is a fast-paced, surreal entry in the series that blends video game aesthetics with dream logic. The story centres on Ross, a cocky teenager with a serious pinball addiction. While running errands at the mall, he’s drawn to the arcade and the alluring, off-limits pinball machine. Against warnings, Ross plays the game — and finds himself trapped in a bizarre, life-sized version of the pinball world.

Ross must navigate a surreal shopping centre filled with giant game elements, traps, and recurring characters based on old arcade tropes, including a princess in peril and a sinister villain known as the Evil Witch. As the stakes rise, Ross realises the game is real — and losing could be permanent. Despite a heroic effort to win and escape, the twist ending hits hard: the game resets, and Ross is now a permanent part of it.

This episode is notable for its inventive setting and visual design, which stands out even among the more fantastical entries in the series. The arcade props and oversized set pieces capture the chaotic energy of classic video games. Ross’s increasing panic contrasts sharply with the garish, upbeat tone of the environment, adding a layer of psychological unease.

However, some of the acting feels exaggerated, and the plot leans more into spectacle than substance. The rules of the pinball world are also unclear, which may frustrate more analytical viewers.

Highlights:

Creative setting and visual style
Strong twist ending with lasting impact
Clever use of video game logic in a horror context

What Doesn’t Work:

Weak character development
Slightly chaotic narrative pacing
Rules of the game world are vague

Final Thoughts:

“The Tale of the Pinball Wizard” is a bold, colourful departure from traditional ghost stories, offering a fun and disorienting horror experience. Its unsettling conclusion lingers, making it one of the more memorable episodes.

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