Tales from the Darkside: “Going Native” (S4E17)

By the time Tales from the Darkside reached its fourth season, it had already proven its flexibility, jumping from serious horror to ironic comedy to straight-up sci-fi. “Going Native” leans hard into the latter two categories, delivering a delightfully bizarre blend of office politics, interplanetary identity crises, and extraterrestrial satire. It’s not your typical horror fare, but it’s definitely a ride worth taking.

Plot Summary

We’re introduced to Roger, a mild-mannered, perpetually anxious man working in a dull, grey office environment. Life is tedious, his boss is a jerk, and his coworkers are soulless drones. But Roger is harbouring a big secret—he’s not from Earth. He’s actually an alien on a mission from his home planet to study human behaviour and report back.

But here’s the twist: Roger’s grown fond of Earth. He likes hamburgers, jogging, and the small comforts of human life. When his superiors from the home planet call him back for evaluation, things start spiralling out of control. Will he return to his cold, calculating alien overlords, or will he “go native” and defect to humanity?

What Works

Witty Satire and Worldbuilding

“Going Native” is less concerned with scares and more with using sci-fi to poke fun at modern life. The alien society is portrayed as hyper-logical and bureaucratic, which hilariously mirrors Roger’s human office setting. It’s a nice commentary on how humans, in trying to create efficient systems, often resemble emotionless aliens themselves.

The script is full of sharp, funny moments that land well, especially if you’ve ever worked in a cubicle or felt trapped in the 9-to-5 grind.

Roger, the Relatable Alien

The actor playing Roger brings a great balance of nervous charm and deadpan delivery. His dilemma—choosing between loyalty to his mission or the life he’s grown to love—is surprisingly heartfelt. His internal conflict gives the episode an emotional core that elevates it above simple comedy.

The Alien Bosses

Roger’s alien superiors are played with icy rigidity, wrapped in ridiculous costumes and synthetic speech. They’re straight out of low-budget ‘60s sci-fi, which only adds to the camp appeal. Their lack of understanding of human culture leads to some great fish-out-of-water moments.

What Doesn’t Work

Inconsistent Tone

The episode walks a wobbly line between satire and sincerity. At times, it feels like a workplace comedy; at others, it wants to explore deeper themes of identity and belonging. The tonal shifts don’t always blend smoothly, and that can be a little jarring.

Low-Budget Limitations

Like most Darkside episodes, this one has modest production values, but the sci-fi props and makeup here push the boundaries. The alien effects are charming in their own way, but some viewers may find them too goofy to take seriously. Think Doctor Who on a shoestring budget.

Themes: Identity, Belonging, and the Banality of Evil

The episode’s core message is about the choice to live authentically versus following orders or tradition. Roger’s alien culture prizes conformity and logic, but Earth—flawed as it is—offers something more: chaos, emotion, connection.

There’s also an underlying critique of corporate culture. The aliens and Roger’s human coworkers aren’t that different—both are robotic, soulless, and devoid of joy. Roger’s desire to escape isn’t just about rejecting his alien roots; it’s about finding life, period.

The Ending (Spoilers Ahead)

In true Tales from the Darkside fashion, the ending offers a twist with some bite. Roger decides to stay on Earth and embrace his humanity… but the aliens don’t take his defection lightly. Just as he believes he’s free, he finds himself back under alien control, punished for “going native.”

It’s a bleak but clever commentary on how hard it can be to truly escape systems of control—even when we think we’ve broken free.

Final Thoughts: A Quirky, Clever Detour into Sci-Fi Territory

“Going Native” is a charming oddball of an episode. It’s funny, surprisingly thoughtful, and packed with satirical jabs at both human and alien bureaucracy. While not scary, it’s definitely memorable and showcases Darkside’s range.

It won’t be for everyone—especially those expecting chills or high-end visuals—but for fans of dark comedy and sci-fi with a philosophical bent, this one’s a gem.

Who Would Enjoy This Episode?

• Fans of The Twilight Zone or Futurama-style satire
• Viewers who enjoy quirky workplace comedies with a twist
• Sci-fi lovers who like their alien stories with a side of irony

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

• Viewers looking for a traditional horror story
• Those who prefer episodes with strong atmosphere over dialogue and character work

Final Verdict: A Clever, Campy Critique of Conformity in Sci-Fi Wrapping

“Going Native” may not have claws or ghosts, but it does have a heart—and a brain behind the silliness. It’s a welcome curveball in the Darkside lineup, proving that horror isn’t the only thing lurking in the shadows of this anthology series.