Tales from the Darkside: “Mary, Mary” (S4E02)

“Mary, Mary” is one of Tales from the Darkside‘s more psychological entries, blending surreal visuals with a character study of repression, identity, and mental unravelling. Less about supernatural scares and more about internal horror, this episode functions as a dark fairy tale set in the mind of a woman struggling to reconcile who she is with who she’s expected to be. It’s a slow, cerebral instalment that feels right at home in the more experimental corners of the anthology.

Plot Summary

Mary Jones is a lonely, tightly wound woman with a painfully rigid lifestyle. She lives in a colourless world of routine, maintaining a pristine house and avoiding any social interaction. Her life is one of extreme order and control—until she begins to experience strange phenomena involving her reflection.

The mirrored version of herself—the vivacious, confident, and sensual “other Mary”—starts speaking to her, taunting her, and eventually manifesting in ways that blur the line between reality and hallucination. As the tension builds, Mary begins to lose her grip, and it becomes clear that her deepest fear may not be external at all, but rather, what’s inside her waiting to emerge.

What Works

Dual Performance by Page Fletcher

The episode hinges on a dual performance, and it’s impressively executed. The actress playing both sides of Mary gives each persona distinctive energy. The reserved Mary is tightly coiled and timid, while her mirror-self is seductive, mocking, and free. Their interactions are the heart of the story.

Strong Symbolism

Mirrors have long been used in horror to represent self-deception, duality, and hidden truths. Here, the metaphor is clear but well done. Mary isn’t haunted by a ghost or possessed by a demon—she’s confronting the parts of herself she’s repressed.

Atmospheric and Theatrical

While there’s very little action, the staging and lighting help to elevate the story. Mary’s home becomes a cold, reflective prison, filled with symmetry and sterile color palettes that mirror her emotional emptiness.

What Doesn’t Work

Pacing

This is a deliberately slow episode, and it won’t be to everyone’s taste. While it works as a character piece, viewers expecting traditional horror beats might find it dull or meandering.

Lack of Payoff

The conclusion is symbolic but might come off as underwhelming to some. Rather than a shocking twist or climactic event, the episode ends on a note of metaphorical transformation—more art house than horror.

Limited World-Building

We never get much context for Mary’s life outside of her house. There’s mention of her social isolation, but we don’t really see it. This makes her descent a bit more abstract and harder to emotionally engage with.

Themes: Repression, Identity, and Female Duality

“Mary, Mary” plays like a feminist psychological horror story, using the classic doppelgänger trope to explore how women are often forced to split themselves into the “acceptable” and the “unacceptable,” the demure and the daring. Mary’s mirror-self isn’t a villain. She’s the part of Mary that’s tired of being caged by societal expectations, loneliness, and shame.

The episode also touches on agoraphobia, mental illness, and the fear of self-expression. It’s less about external judgment and more about the pain of never being truly yourself.

Final Thoughts: A Quiet Descent into the Self

“Mary, Mary” is one of those episodes that feels more like a stage play or a dark short story than a TV thriller. It’s quiet, eerie, and introspective. There’s no monster, no gore—but there is a deep sense of unease and sorrow, making it one of the more emotionally resonant episodes in the series.

It may not be everyone’s favourite, especially those drawn to the show for more traditional scares, but it stands out as a thoughtful exploration of internal horror.

Who Would Enjoy This Episode?

• Fans of psychological and symbolic horror
• Viewers who enjoy surreal or introspective character studies
• Those interested in themes of identity, repression, and mental struggle

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

• Viewers looking for fast pacing or traditional supernatural horror
• Fans who prefer external conflict over internal drama
• Anyone who dislikes ambiguous or abstract storytelling

Final Verdict: A Haunting Portrait of a Fractured Self

“Mary, Mary” is haunting, not because of what’s lurking in the dark, but because of what’s been locked away inside. It’s a quietly powerful episode with something to say, and like its protagonist, it doesn’t shout—it reflects.