Tales from the Darkside: “Djinn, No Chaser” (S1E10)

Djinn, No Chaser is one of those Tales from the Darkside episodes that leans hard into the comedic side of horror. Written by Harlan Ellison (a name that carries serious weight in the world of speculative fiction), this episode blends supernatural hijinks with domestic dysfunction, delivering a cautionary tale about careless wishes and magical fine print.

It’s not the scariest or most profound of the series, but it definitely earns points for being one of the most playful.

Plot Summary

Keith and Judy, a young New York couple, move into a rent-controlled apartment that seems too good to be true. It is. Almost immediately, they discover that a grumpy, foul-mouthed genie lives in the radiator. The djinn, bound by ancient mystical rules and a deeply sarcastic attitude, is stuck in the apartment and none too happy about his new roommates.

As the couple tries to settle in, the djinn begins making their lives miserable. He flings magical tantrums, rearranges furniture, and wreaks havoc with their plumbing. Judy, fed up, demands that Keith do something about it. Eventually, Keith attempts to banish the djinn by invoking one final wish. But, as you might guess, the wish is twisted in typical genie fashion.

Instead of solving their problems, the wish binds the djinn to Judy forever. Now she’s stuck with the cantankerous spirit as her new “partner,” much to Keith’s dismay. The episode ends with Keith fleeing the apartment, leaving Judy and the djinn to bicker for eternity.

What Works

Harlan Ellison’s Signature Wit

The dialogue is razor-sharp, full of sarcastic barbs and humorous exchanges that elevate what could have been a very thin premise. Ellison’s writing keeps the energy high and the characters vibrant.

The Djinn Himself

The titular djinn is the episode’s secret weapon. Equal parts comedic foil and supernatural threat, he’s not the malevolent wish-master you’d expect, but a fed-up magical being who’s just as annoyed as everyone else. His petty nature makes for some great comedic beats.

Unconventional Setup

The apartment setting, with a genie living in the radiator, feels weird in the best way. It adds a layer of absurdity that helps the episode stand out from more conventional ghost and monster tales in the series.

What Doesn’t Work

Low Stakes

Unlike other episodes that tap into existential horror or deep emotional truths, Djinn, No Chaser is light and fluffy. It’s entertaining, but doesn’t leave much of a mark. The stakes feel more sitcom-level than life-and-death.

Cartoonish Performances

Depending on your taste, the exaggerated performances may come off more irritating than funny. Judy, in particular, is written to be naggy and shrill, which undermines sympathy for her character. The dynamic between her and Keith feels one-note.

Abrupt Ending

The episode wraps up suddenly, with Keith bailing and Judy stuck with the djinn. While the twist is in line with classic ironic storytelling, it lacks emotional punch or deeper resolution.

Themes: Be Careful What You Wish For (Seriously)

At its core, this episode plays with the familiar trope of wish fulfilment gone wrong. But it gives it a comic spin: instead of a vengeful genie twisting dark desires into nightmares, we get a fed-up magical entity who just wants peace and quiet.

There’s also an underlying theme about incompatibility and the burdens of commitment, though it’s painted in the broadest of strokes. Judy ends up bound to a partner she never chose, which could be read as a warped reflection of marriage gone sour.

Final Thoughts: Light on Terror, Heavy on Snark

Djinn, No Chaser won’t keep you up at night, but it will probably make you smirk. It’s a break from the gloomier tone of many Tales from the Darkside episodes, and while it doesn’t land every joke or fully explore its themes, it’s a fun, breezy watch with a clever script.

It might be one of the show’s lesser entries in terms of horror, but it makes up for it with charm and oddball humour. Plus, how often do you get a genie living in a radiator?

Who Would Enjoy This Episode?

• Fans of Harlan Ellison’s writing and snarky speculative fiction
• Viewers who prefer comedy-horror over straight scares
• Those who enjoy tales of magical mischief with ironic twists

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

• Viewers expecting traditional horror or emotional depth
• Anyone put off by sitcom-style bickering
• Fans who want clear moral lessons or dramatic weight

Final Verdict: A Laugh With a Magical Kick

Djinn, No Chaser is a quirky, lightweight tale that entertains more than it haunts. It’s a welcome palate cleanser in the Tales from the Darkside lineup, though not one of the anthology’s most memorable or chilling stories.