Tales from the Darkside: “Auld Acquaintances” (S3E18)

“Auld Acquaintances” dives headfirst into historical fantasy, with a heavy witchcraft theme and a timeless tale of betrayal, revenge, and the steep price of power. This episode gives Tales from the Darkside a more classically dramatic tone, tinged with tragedy and folklore. It may not deliver shocks or scares in the traditional sense, but it’s one of the more emotionally resonant and narratively rich episodes of the third season.

Plot Summary

Set on New Year’s Eve, the episode tells the story of two women—Marie and Elizabeth—who have been meeting every year for centuries. Why? They are witches, bound together by an ancient pact that granted them youth and immortality in exchange for service to dark powers.

As the clock ticks toward midnight, tensions rise. Marie is weary of her endless life and the darkness that sustains it, while Elizabeth is more than content to keep feeding off the misery and magic. Over the course of their meeting, secrets are unveiled, betrayals remembered, and old scores settled. The episode builds to a sombre yet poetic climax that explores the cost of immortality and the corruption of friendship.

What Works

Strong Performances and Character Chemistry

This is a two-hander in the best way. Both lead actresses bring depth and nuance to their roles. You believe that these two have known each other for centuries—and hated each other for just as long. Their back-and-forth swings between nostalgia, resentment, and genuine pain elevate the emotional stakes.

A Self-Contained Gothic Play

The script feels like a tight one-act play, rich with dialogue and dripping with subtext. It doesn’t try to juggle too many elements; it trusts the story and the characters to carry the weight. This allows for a more mature and reflective tone than many of the series’ more sensational episodes.

Atmospheric Setting

The candle-lit room, the old books, and the ticking clock all serve to create an environment soaked in dark ritual and ancient regret. It’s moody in all the right ways without being overbearing.

Exploration of Timeless Themes

At its heart, “Auld Acquaintances” is about friendship turned sour, the price of eternal life, and the irreversible nature of past decisions. There’s real emotional texture here, especially as Marie’s sorrow and Elizabeth’s cruelty clash head-on.

What Doesn’t Work

Not a Traditional Horror Episode

While compelling, this episode doesn’t really offer much in the way of scares. It’s more of a dark fantasy character study than a horror short. If you came for jump scares or gore, you won’t find it here.

Pacing and Minimal Action

The entire episode is essentially a conversation between two characters in one room. For viewers who prefer fast pacing and visual storytelling, this might feel slow or uneventful.

Predictable Ending

The twist, such as it is, can be seen coming pretty early. The ending is thematically satisfying but doesn’t exactly shock or surprise. However, it’s arguably more about the journey than the destination in this case.

Themes: Immortality, Regret, Betrayal, and the Burden of Time

There’s a deeply melancholic undercurrent here. Marie is a character full of regret and longing for release. Elizabeth, in contrast, represents the seductive side of power and the dangers of unchecked ambition. Together, they personify the two paths immortality might take: weariness and decadence.

It’s a thoughtful meditation on the toll of living too long, especially when that life is sustained by evil. The episode raises questions about whether it’s ever truly possible to escape one’s past—and whether redemption is even worth seeking after centuries of darkness.

Final Thoughts: A Sombre, Elegant Slice of Supernatural Drama

“Auld Acquaintances” may not be everyone’s favourite Tales from the Darkside episode, especially if you’re in it for visceral horror or twisty shock endings. But it’s a beautifully acted, emotionally rich entry that sticks with you, particularly if you’re drawn to gothic stories of cursed lives and broken friendships.

It trades in melancholy and myth, offering a mature story about choices, consequences, and the corrosive nature of long-held resentment. Not flashy, but quietly powerful.

Who Would Enjoy This Episode?

• Fans of gothic fiction, witches, and dark folklore
• Viewers who enjoy character-driven, dialogue-heavy stories
• Anyone who appreciates moody, introspective supernatural tales

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

• Horror fans looking for scares, gore, or action
• Viewers who prefer quick pacing and visual storytelling
• Anyone not into theatrical, two-character setups

Final Verdict: A Haunting Duet of Power, Regret, and Witchcraft

Less about terror and more about tone and tragedy, “Auld Acquaintances” is a standout for those who like their horror quiet, character-focused, and steeped in ancient secrets.