Tales from the Darkside: “Halloween Candy” (S2E05)
If there were ever a quintessential Tales from the Darkside episode for the Halloween season, it might be this one. “Halloween Candy” is a grim little morality tale soaked in autumn atmosphere and draped in cobwebs. Written by the legendary George A. Romero (yes, that Romero) and directed by Tom Savini (again, yes, that Savini), this one comes with horror pedigree and doesn’t disappoint—at least if you like your scares slow, weird, and mean.
Plot Summary
Our story centres on Mr. Killup, a grumpy, misanthropic old man who lives alone and loathes Halloween. Every year, his long-suffering son Michael begs him to just hand out candy and avoid the trouble. And every year, Killup refuses, preferring to chase trick-or-treaters away with insults and threats.
This year, he goes a step further. After one last refusal to give out candy, a strange, goblin-like creature comes to the door—a final, supernatural trick-or-treater who won’t take no for an answer.
Killup dismisses the creature, not realising he has triggered something far more dangerous than egged windows or toilet-papered trees. As the night goes on, he’s haunted by unsettling sounds, visions, and eventually, a full-blown physical manifestation of the creature that torments him in his bedroom. No one comes to his aid. No one cares. And by morning, Mr. Killup is a withered, hollowed-out husk of a man.
Literally.
What Works
Moody Atmosphere
This episode positively drips with Halloween ambience. The decorations, the dim lighting, the constant howling of wind outside—it all creates a claustrophobic, haunted-house feel. You can practically smell the rotting leaves and old candy.
Tom Savini’s Practical Effects
As expected from Savini, the creature effects are delightfully grotesque. The goblin-like figure is unsettling in that ’80s rubber-mask way that’s somehow more disturbing than modern CGI. It feels tangible and nightmarish, especially in the later scenes when it crawls through Killup’s room.
Romero’s Signature Moralism
Romero always had a knack for stories where people are punished not just for being bad, but for being willfully blind to basic human decency. Mr. Killup isn’t just rude—he’s hateful. His disdain for the joy of children, his contempt for tradition, and his overall bitterness make him a perfect mark for cosmic retribution.
What Doesn’t Work
Pacing Is a Slow Burn
Much of the episode is spent watching Mr. Killup complain, snarl, and ignore warnings. While this builds tension, it can feel repetitive. The big payoff doesn’t come until the final minutes, so viewers expecting a creature feature throughout may grow impatient.
Minimal Story Beyond the Setup
This is a one-note tale: mean old man ignores warnings and gets punished. There’s no subplot, no character arc, no deeper mystery. It’s effective, but very simple.
Themes: Consequences, Isolation, and the Spirit of Halloween
At its core, “Halloween Candy” is a tale about consequences. Not just supernatural ones, but social ones. Killup has driven everyone away, including his own son. When trouble comes, no one lifts a finger to help. The final horror isn’t just the monster—it’s the realisation that he’s completely alone.
The story also plays with the idea that traditions matter. Halloween isn’t just about candy; it’s a ritual, a contract between the living and the spirit world. Killup breaks that contract, and the spirits collect their due.
Final Thoughts: Classic Cautionary Horror
“Halloween Candy” is small in scope but rich in style. It’s a tight, atmospheric tale that plays like an urban legend told around a fire. While it may not have the complexity or surprises of other episodes, it excels at what it sets out to do: scare you just enough to make you leave a bowl of candy out… just in case.
It’s also notable for its visual storytelling. With minimal dialogue in the second half, the episode leans heavily on mood, lighting, and creature design, and that makes it feel more cinematic than many entries in the series.
Who Would Enjoy This Episode?
- Fans of traditional Halloween horror
- Viewers who love slow-burn supernatural tales
- Anyone who appreciates practical monster effects
Who Might Not Enjoy It?
- Those who want fast pacing or twisty plots
- Viewers looking for character complexity or redemption arcs
- Anyone who finds one-location, one-character stories tedious
Final Verdict: Mean-Spirited in All the Right Ways
“Halloween Candy” is simple but effective, spooky but grounded, and a near-perfect Halloween short. It might not reinvent the haunted wheel, but it reminds you why traditions matter… and why it’s probably a good idea to hand out candy with a smile.
