Tales from the Darkside: “Beetles” (S4E01)
Tales from the Darkside kicks off its fourth and final season with “Beetles,” an eerie tale that leans into ancient curses, mummy mythology, and the price of greed. This episode feels more classically horror-themed than some others in the series, drawing on pulp adventure and archaeological legends to weave a compact and claustrophobic morality tale. Though not without flaws, it’s a solid and atmospheric start to the season.
Plot Summary
We meet Dr. Blackman, a jaded and arrogant archaeologist, who receives a sarcophagus from Egypt. His goal? Crack open the coffin and claim fame and fortune by uncovering a new discovery for his personal collection—possibly even the tomb of an unnamed pharaoh.
But things don’t go smoothly. Strange symbols, an ominous warning, and a local expert who urges caution all set the stage for supernatural interference. Ignoring all red flags, Blackman proceeds with the unsealing. What follows is a descent into paranoia, infestation, and eventually, a bug-infested reckoning that plays on one of the most primal human fears: being consumed alive.
What Works
Creepy Atmosphere
The set design and lighting are spot-on here. The episode takes place mostly in one room, but it’s full of shadows, ancient relics, and oppressive silence. You can almost feel the dust and decay in the air, which works well to build a slow-burn sense of dread.
Bug Horror
If you’ve got even the slightest squeamishness about bugs, this one’s going to crawl under your skin—literally and figuratively. The final scenes are especially memorable, as the horror escalates and the beetles become more than just an implied threat.
Moralistic Ending
Classic Darkside morality is on full display. Dr. Blackman’s arrogance and disrespect for sacred history get him in the end. Like many stories in the series, this one suggests that hubris and greed—especially when paired with colonialist entitlement, are eventually punished.
What Doesn’t Work
Predictability
This story hits all the familiar beats of a cursed artefact tale. You’ll see the twist coming a mile away, and it doesn’t really try to surprise you. For viewers familiar with horror tropes, it might feel more like a checklist than a suspenseful journey.
Limited Character Depth
Dr. Blackman is a stock character: pompous, dismissive, and singularly motivated by glory. While the actor sells it decently, there’s not a lot of nuance or emotional depth to engage with.
Budget Limitations
Some of the effects—especially the depiction of the beetles—feel dated or minimal. The show clearly tries to work around this with suggestion and sound design, but there are moments where it’s hard not to notice the constraints.
Themes: Hubris, Cultural Disrespect, and Ancient Revenge
This episode leans heavily into the “curse of the mummy” narrative popularised by old Hollywood. But under that, there’s a commentary on Western entitlement toward other cultures’ sacred relics. Blackman treats the sarcophagus as a puzzle to be solved or a trophy to be claimed, not a legacy to be honoured—and the story punishes him accordingly.
There’s also the classic theme of “man vs. nature,” with the beetles symbolising the unstoppable, creeping force of karma catching up.
Final Thoughts: Creepy and Classic, But Familiar
“Beetles” isn’t groundbreaking, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a lean, moody horror short with a satisfying, squirmy payoff. If you enjoy tales of ancient revenge, body horror, or moral comeuppance, it’s an entertaining start to the season—even if it doesn’t reinvent the genre.
Who Would Enjoy This Episode?
- Fans of classic mummy and curse stories
- Viewers who enjoy claustrophobic, slow-building horror
- Anyone creeped out by bugs or infestations (this one’s for you!)
Who Might Not Enjoy It?
- Those looking for originality or a big twist
- Viewers who want complex characters or emotional arcs
- Fans who prefer action or faster pacing
Final Verdict: Beetles, Bravado, and a Burial Curse
With a chilling atmosphere and a memorable final image, “Beetles” makes a strong case for old-school horror tales. It might not surprise you, but it definitely might make you squirm—and that’s a win in the Darkside playbook.
