Tales from the Darkside: “In the Cards” (S1E12)
In the Cards is a curious blend of eerie atmosphere, mystical fatalism, and character-driven melodrama. While it doesn’t fully stick the landing, it remains an engaging episode thanks to its central performance and an effectively moody setup. It plays with the idea of fate versus free will in a way that feels more Twilight Zone than straight horror, but there’s still that signature Tales from the Darkside flavour of irony and comeuppance.
Plot Summary
Catherine, a lonely, ageing woman with a strong belief in the mystical arts, has been relying heavily on her trusted psychic, Madame Marlena, for spiritual guidance and tarot readings. When Marlena dies, Catherine is devastated. But soon after, she finds an opportunity to bring a new psychic into her life.
Enter Jean, a pragmatic and sceptical young woman who has no background in the mystical arts. She’s hired by the company that produced Marlena’s horoscope content and is sent to continue her readings for Catherine. Jean tries to play along at first, using cold reading tricks and vague predictions to keep Catherine happy, but things take a strange turn when the tarot cards start delivering eerily accurate, even prophetic, results.
Jean becomes increasingly unsettled as events she mentions begin to happen, including a warning about Catherine’s potential death. As the cards start to predict more grim outcomes, Jean is drawn deeper into a world she doesn’t understand. Eventually, the weight of her deceit and the undeniable accuracy of the cards push both characters toward a conclusion that suggests fate (or perhaps something darker) is not to be trifled with.
What Works
Strong Performances
The episode is essentially a two-hander, and both actresses carry it well. Catherine (portrayed with emotional vulnerability and brittle obsession) is sympathetic yet clearly unbalanced. Jean, on the other hand, has a believable arc from detached cynicism to fearful awe.
Mood and Atmosphere
There’s a subtle sense of dread that builds over the course of the episode. The apartment setting feels claustrophobic, filled with mystical clutter and the creeping sense that something unseen is at work. The slow pacing works in its favor, letting the tension simmer.
Tarot as a Storytelling Device
Using tarot cards to drive the narrative forward is an effective tool. Each reading foreshadows a plot beat or thematic shift, giving the episode a structure that feels natural yet ominous. It adds a visual and symbolic richness that enhances the mystical tone.
What Doesn’t Work
Pacing Issues
While the episode benefits from its slow burn, it sometimes drags. Some scenes feel repetitive, especially in the middle third, where Jean repeatedly questions the validity of the cards without moving the story forward.
Underdeveloped Resolution
The ending, while thematically appropriate, feels a bit abrupt. There’s no clear payoff to the mounting tension. We’re left with an eerie, unresolved conclusion, which is fitting for the series’ style but may leave some viewers wanting a clearer twist or revelation.
Minimal Stakes
The stakes remain largely personal and psychological. While that’s not inherently a flaw, some viewers might find the lack of overt supernatural horror or external danger underwhelming.
Themes: Fate vs. Free Will, Belief and Deception
At its heart, In the Cards explores how belief can shape reality. Catherine’s complete faith in the tarot is contrasted with Jean’s initial scepticism, creating a tension between mystical fatalism and rational control. But as the episode unfolds, we’re forced to consider that perhaps belief isn’t just a comfort, but a gateway to something real—and potentially dangerous.
There’s also a meditation on manipulation: Jean enters the situation assuming she’s the one pulling the strings, but soon finds herself caught in something much larger, and scarier, than a simple con job.
Final Thoughts: A Slow Burn with Occult Flavour
In the Cards isn’t the most thrilling or visually dynamic episode, but it excels in building a mood and exploring its themes through character interaction. Its horror is subtle, relying more on unease and implication than on overt frights.
For those who enjoy character-driven suspense stories that deal with the supernatural in a more grounded, psychological way, this episode offers a satisfying, if not entirely conclusive, experience.
Who Would Enjoy This Episode?
- Fans of slow-burn psychological horror
- Viewers interested in stories about mysticism and tarot
- Those who enjoy character-focused, dialogue-heavy narratives
Who Might Not Enjoy It?
- Viewers seeking action or traditional horror beats
- Those who dislike ambiguous or low-key endings
- Anyone looking for visual spectacle or big scares
Final Verdict: Fate Shuffled and Dealt
In the Cards offers a solid, understated episode that leans more into mood and theme than scares. While not a standout in the series, it holds its own as a contemplative tale of belief, fate, and the strange power of the unknown.
