Tales from the Darkside: “Do Not Open This Box” (S4E15)

“Do Not Open This Box” is a classic morality tale in the best Tales from the Darkside tradition, where supernatural meddling meets petty human greed with darkly comedic consequences. This episode doesn’t aim to terrify as much as it aims to entertain—with a sardonic wink and a familiar lesson about messing with powers you don’t understand.

Plot Summary

Our story revolves around two postal workers: mild-mannered Jack and his scheming coworker, Frank. Jack is a simple guy with a quiet life and a quiet crush on his landlady, Angie, who’s struggling to pay the mortgage. Jack would like to help her, but he doesn’t have the money.

One day, a strange package arrives at the post office. It’s marked clearly: “Do Not Open This Box.” Frank, ever the opportunist, convinces Jack to help him open it after hours, figuring it might contain something valuable. Inside, they find an old-fashioned box with a latch, emitting strange sounds and lights.

Things start getting weird. The box seems to have supernatural properties, and once opened, it begins to fulfil wishes, in twisted, monkey’s paw fashion. Frank gets greedy, of course, while Jack tries to maintain a moral compass. But as with most Darkside episodes, there’s a price to be paid for dabbling with the unnatural.

What Works

Old-School Morality

The moral fable structure works well here. There’s a clear arc: temptation, misuse of power, and comeuppance. It’s predictable in the best way, much like a campfire tale. You know something bad is coming—you just don’t know exactly how bad until it’s too late.

Character Dynamics

Jack and Frank are perfectly contrasted. Jack is reserved and rule-abiding, while Frank is sleazy and impatient. Their banter has a believable rhythm, and it’s easy to root for Jack, even when he makes some questionable choices.

Angie, the landlady, doesn’t get a ton of screen time but functions well as the moral centre and emotional incentive for Jack. Her struggles give Jack’s desire for money a genuine emotional hook, elevating him above the usual clueless protagonist.

Tone and Pacing

This episode moves along briskly, never lingering too long on exposition or effect shots. The tone is light but ominous—very much in the vein of The Twilight Zone or Alfred Hitchcock Presents. You can see the twist coming, but the ride there is fun and suspenseful.

What Doesn’t Work

Low Stakes and Predictability

While the characters are charming and the pacing is solid, the episode doesn’t reach especially deep into emotional or psychological horror. The concept of a cursed object delivering ironic punishment is a well-worn path. This version is entertaining, but not groundbreaking.

Underdeveloped Lore

The box itself is fascinating, but we never really learn anything about it—who made it, where it came from, or why it grants wishes. It’s more of a plot device than an object with history. A bit of background (even a throwaway line) could have deepened the mystery.

Themes: Greed, Consequence, and Temptation

This is a textbook example of the “be careful what you wish for” trope. The box acts as a mirror for the characters’ desires, showing what happens when you let greed steer the wheel. Jack’s temptation is framed more sympathetically—he wants to help someone else—but even good intentions can spiral into disaster when supernatural shortcuts are involved.

The episode also plays with the theme of rules. The label “Do Not Open This Box” is a literal warning that both men ignore. It’s a metaphor for every time we override better judgment in the pursuit of something faster, easier, or more profitable.

The Ending (Spoilers Ahead)

True to the show’s style, the ending delivers poetic justice. Frank’s overreaching greed ultimately backfires in a satisfyingly ironic way. Jack survives, but not without scars—moral and otherwise. The box disappears, leaving behind only the consequences.

It’s a reminder that evil rarely announces itself dramatically. Sometimes, it arrives in a box with a polite label, and all it takes is one selfish decision to let it loose.

Final Thoughts: Lightweight but Fun

“Do Not Open This Box” isn’t one of the show’s most terrifying outings, but it’s one of its most classic in terms of tone and theme. It plays like a cautionary tale told by candlelight: brisk, biting, and with just enough flair to keep it memorable.

It’s an ideal episode to introduce someone to the Darkside universe—accessible, neatly wrapped, and delivering just enough supernatural spice to leave a grin (and maybe a shiver).

Who Would Enjoy This Episode?

• Fans of ironic morality tales à la The Twilight Zone
• Viewers who enjoy fast-paced stories with clear character conflict
• Anyone who appreciates a dark sense of humour

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

• Horror fans seeking scares over satire
• Those who prefer deep lore or complex mythology

Final Verdict: A Classic “Don’t Do It” Fable with a Supernatural Punch

“Do Not Open This Box” isn’t the deepest or darkest Tales from the Darkside entry, but it’s sharp, entertaining, and true to the series’ mission: reminding us that curiosity can be deadly—and that boxes marked with warnings are usually marked that way for a reason.