Tales from the Darkside: “Seymourlama” (S4E08)
“Seymourlama” is one of the more bizarre entries in the Tales from the Darkside anthology, leaning far more into satire than horror, and taking a sharp jab at cults, self-help gurus, and the gullibility of the spiritually hungry. It’s a curious episode that attempts to blend absurdist comedy with a message about manipulation and enlightenment. While the concept is clever, the execution is uneven, and the result is an episode that’s interesting more than it is effective.
Plot Summary
The story centres around Seymour Willis, a slobbish, self-absorbed nobody who is mistaken for a reincarnated Eastern spiritual leader by a group of earnest disciples. They show up at his door one day, calling him “Seymourlama” and pledging themselves to him, believing he holds the key to enlightenment.
Initially baffled, Seymour quickly warms to the attention, wealth, and adoration that come with his new identity. He moves into a lavish compound, enjoys the luxuries of spiritual celebrity, and begins to truly believe in his own divinity—or at least in the perks it provides. However, things turn sour when he fails to deliver on spiritual promises, and the disciples begin to question their faith. In typical Tales from the Darkside fashion, Seymour’s ego leads to his downfall.
What Works
Satirical Edge
The episode’s greatest strength lies in its satire. It skewers blind faith, commercialised spirituality, and the cult of personality that often surrounds self-appointed “gurus.” It’s easy to see parallels to real-life figures who manipulate followers for personal gain.
John Byner’s Performance
John Byner plays Seymour with a great blend of buffoonery and smugness. His comedic timing keeps the episode afloat even when the pacing drags. He’s an everyman turned false prophet, and his transformation is both funny and tragically believable.
A Classic “Darkside” Moral
Seymour’s rise and fall follow the show’s trademark arc of karmic justice. Like many Darkside protagonists, he gets exactly what he deserves for giving in to greed, pride, and exploitation.
What Doesn’t Work
Low Stakes and Weak Pacing
Unlike other episodes that rely on suspense or supernatural terror, “Seymourlama” takes its time meandering through the comedy of mistaken identity and lifestyle inflation. There’s little tension or urgency, making parts of the episode feel slow and flat.
Not Much Horror
Fans expecting traditional horror may be disappointed. The story is more farcical than frightening. Even the eventual downfall feels more like a sitcom twist than a chilling punishment.
Tone and Humour Are Hit-or-Miss
The humour can be broad and cartoonish, especially the way the disciples are portrayed as wide-eyed pushovers. It’s a fine line between satire and caricature, and this episode doesn’t always stay on the right side.
Themes: False Prophets and the Allure of Ego
At its core, “Seymourlama” is a critique of people who conflate spiritual leadership with celebrity. Seymour never sets out to become a guru, but once he realises he can profit from it, he dives headfirst into the role. It’s a story about how easily egos can be inflated—and how destructive that inflation can be.
It also highlights the dangers of blind devotion. The followers are so desperate for meaning that they project it onto a man who clearly lacks wisdom or a moral compass. In that way, the episode is just as critical of the followers as it is of Seymour.
Final Thoughts: A Satirical, If Uneven, Departure from Horror
“Seymourlama” is a strange entry in the Tales from the Darkside canon. It abandons traditional horror elements in favour of social satire, and while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it makes the episode feel like it belongs to a different show entirely. That said, it does offer an entertaining—if somewhat shallow—critique of spiritual opportunism.
With sharper writing or a bit more menace, this could have been a standout. Instead, it’s a mildly amusing diversion that doesn’t quite stick the landing.
Who Would Enjoy This Episode?
- Fans of satirical comedy and social commentary
- Viewers who appreciate character-driven moral tales
- Anyone interested in critiques of cult mentality and spiritual grift
Who Might Not Enjoy It?
- Horror fans looking for scares or supernatural suspense
- Viewers who prefer tightly paced storytelling
- Those who find spiritual satire too broad or obvious
Final Verdict: Clever Concept, Middling Execution
“Seymourlama” tries something different—and that’s worth applauding—but it never fully capitalises on its clever premise. It’s funny in parts, insightful in others, but ultimately feels like a sermon that doesn’t quite find its rhythm.
