Tales from the Darkside: “Basher Malone” (S4E20)
“Basher Malone” is what happens when Tales from the Darkside decides to tag in pro wrestling, toss in a devilish opponent, and have a go at satire with a folding chair in hand. This late-season episode doesn’t take itself too seriously, and honestly, that’s part of its charm. It’s weird, offbeat, and unapologetically campy—a far cry from the series’ more sombre or eerie episodes, but memorable nonetheless.
Plot Summary
The story centres on Basher Malone, a beloved pro wrestler with a heart of gold and a square jaw to match. He’s known for taking down villains in the ring and doing good outside of it. When he’s offered a spot in a mysterious new wrestling promotion run by the shady promoter Tippy Ryan, Basher is intrigued.
But there’s a catch: the wrestling match is more than just a publicity stunt. His opponent? A literal demon who wrestles under the name “The Skullcrusher.” And if Basher loses, he may be losing more than just the match—his soul might be on the line.
What follows is a showdown that’s half WWE spectacle and half morality play, set in a ring surrounded by flames, screams, and satanic symbolism. But can Basher body-slam his way out of a supernatural contract?
What Works
Pure Entertainment Value
Let’s be honest: a wrestling match with Satan is exactly the kind of bonkers, late-night TV fun that Tales from the Darkside occasionally delivers. “Basher Malone” revels in its ridiculous premise and gives us a story that’s more funny than frightening, but still solidly entertaining.
Characterisation of Basher
Basher is delightfully wholesome, played with infectious sincerity. He’s a guy who drinks his milk, calls his mom every Sunday, and never throws a cheap shot. He’s so pure that you root for him instantly, and that makes his confrontation with evil feel like a classic fairy tale hero vs. villain scenario—only with more suplexes.
Campy Production Design
The wrestling ring is adorned with skulls, fire, and pentagrams, and the demonic audience howls from the shadows. It’s all wonderfully over-the-top. The demon opponent is exactly what you’d hope for—a towering, snarling beast in spandex and leather, straight out of a metal album cover.
What Doesn’t Work
Tone Shift from the Norm
For fans looking for the eerie or psychological horror the show is known for, “Basher Malone” might be too silly or cartoonish. It’s essentially a supernatural comedy, and while fun, it feels more like an episode of Are You Afraid of the Dark? than Tales from the Darkside.
Predictable Moral Arc
The episode doesn’t exactly keep you guessing. From the moment Tippy Ryan shows up, slicked-back and sinister, you know where things are headed. And because Basher is so upright and clean-cut, the moral arc is straightforward: good triumphs because good is just that good.
Lack of Stakes
Despite the high-concept premise (wrestling for your soul!), there’s not a ton of actual tension. You never really feel like Basher is in danger, emotionally or physically, which makes the climax less impactful than it could’ve been.
Themes: Good vs. Evil in a Steel Cage
“Basher Malone” is a fable about virtue triumphing over temptation. Basher refuses to cheat, even when the odds are unfair. He doesn’t sell out, doesn’t throw the fight, and stays true to his code—qualities that save him in the end. It’s a bit simplistic, but it works for this kind of tale.
It also pokes fun at the spectacle and showbiz of professional wrestling, using it as a metaphor for the battle between sin and virtue. The devil’s promoter even bribes the ref—it’s both hilarious and on-brand.
The Ending (Spoilers Ahead)
After an epic, if goofy, wrestling match, Basher defeats The Skullcrusher with heart, grit, and some well-timed moves. The crowd (of demons) boos, the evil promoter is furious, and Basher walks away with his soul intact—and a new appreciation for sticking to your principles, even in the face of supernatural heel turns.
Final Thoughts: Suplexing Satan with Style
“Basher Malone” is not a terrifying episode—it’s not even creepy. But it’s a great example of Tales from the Darkside stretching into horror-comedy territory and pulling it off with charm. It’s a fun palette cleanser after some of the show’s darker or more disturbing entries.
If you go into this one expecting atmosphere and dread, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re in the mood for absurd, supernatural wrestling with moral stakes, then this episode delivers a dropkick of goofy delight.
Who Would Enjoy This Episode?
- Fans of wrestling and campy horror
- Viewers who enjoy light-hearted, moralistic tales
- Anyone craving a supernatural comedy rather than straight horror
Who Might Not Enjoy It?
- Horror purists looking for scares and suspense
- Viewers who dislike humour in their horror
Final Verdict: Not Scary, but Surprisingly Entertaining
“Basher Malone” is a bizarre, unexpectedly wholesome bout with darkness that wins on charisma and creativity, if not horror chops. Not a heavyweight episode, but a solid undercard with cult classic potential.
