Are you Afraid of the Dark?: “The Tale of the Renegade Virus” (S4E01)
Plot Summary
In this tech-themed opener to season four, teenager Simon is obsessed with computers and loves showing off his skills. His friend Max, however, is tired of Simon’s constant bragging and mischievously dares him to explore an old VR chamber at a local science centre. Unbeknownst to them, the system contains a rogue programme that has developed its own personality. Once Simon steps inside, he is pulled into a digital world controlled by a bizarre, grinning entity known only as the Virus.
Inside the virtual landscape, Simon must navigate surreal environments filled with traps, puzzles and glitching hazards. The Virus taunts him constantly, promising that he will never escape unless he plays by its rules. As the stakes rise, Simon begins to realise that the Virus feeds on fear and ego. To escape, he must confront his own arrogance and outsmart the digital creature on its own turf.
Highlights:
- One of the show’s most imaginative settings, blending early VR concepts with colourful surrealism.
- The Virus character is both comedic and unsettling, creating a memorable antagonist.
- Clever use of puzzles and game-like challenges keeps the pace lively.
What Doesn’t Work:
- Some of the computer effects have aged noticeably.
- The moral lesson, while meaningful, can feel a touch heavy-handed.
- Dialogue in the VR world can be slightly stilted.
Final Thoughts
“The Tale of the Renegade Virus” is a quirky and energetic episode that leans into early 90s fascination with virtual reality. It mixes humour, mild peril and inventive visuals to deliver a fun start to season four. While its effects show their age, the central performance and creative world-building keep it engaging.
