Horror TV: Reviews

Tales from the Darkside: “Snip, Snip” (S1E14)

Snip, Snip (1985) on IMDb

Snip, Snip is a particularly campy and magical instalment in Tales from the Darkside that blends occult elements, petty rivalries, and a healthy dose of dark humour. It doesn’t always take itself seriously—and that’s part of the fun. The episode is colourful, quirky, and slightly surreal, with a tone that veers closer to comic book witchcraft than traditional horror.

With its mix of revenge, spellcasting, and scissors (yes, scissors), this episode serves as a playful and slightly bizarre detour into magical mischief.

Plot Summary

Mr. Killian is a bitter, greedy barber who wins the state lottery. Rather than claim his winnings publicly, he keeps it quiet, waiting until the check clears before making any big moves. Enter Miss Emily, a seemingly sweet and slightly eccentric neighbour who’s much more than she appears.

Emily, it turns out, is a practising witch. When she discovers Killian is the secret lottery winner, she confronts him, revealing that she cast a spell for financial gain and that Killian’s win was meant for her. Killian, a firm non-believer in the mystical arts, mocks her. But Emily is no amateur. She challenges him to a magical duel, and the stakes are high: winner takes the ticket—and possibly more.

What follows is a comical yet tense back-and-forth, with both parties using their own tricks—his cynicism and brute force, her spells and cunning. The episode climaxes with Killian underestimating her one final time, leading to a darkly satisfying conclusion in which Emily uses her magic to quite literally snip away the competition.

What Works

Strong Performances and Chemistry

Carol Kane as Miss Emily is a treat. She brings an unassuming sweetness layered with a gleeful malice that makes her both endearing and intimidating. The chemistry between her and the blustery barber (Bud Cort) crackles with energy. Their snarky exchanges are theatrical in the best way.

Campy Charm and Gothic Humour

The episode doesn’t try to scare as much as it tries to entertain. The magical duel is less about suspense and more about watching two over-the-top personalities clash. There’s a delightfully morbid tone that keeps things light but wicked.

Thematic Clarity

At its core, this is a story about greed, arrogance, and underestimating people who seem powerless. It’s got a classic morality tale structure that fits perfectly within the Darkside framework.

What Doesn’t Work

Limited Visual Flair

While the idea of a magical duel is exciting, the visuals are pretty low-budget. Most of the “magic” is implied or achieved through simple camera tricks and lighting changes. Viewers hoping for elaborate effects may be underwhelmed.

Silly Over Substance

The campy tone works, but it might come off as too silly or melodramatic for viewers looking for genuine thrills. It leans more toward a dark fairy tale than horror.

Predictable Ending

While satisfying, the twist isn’t all that surprising. It plays out exactly how you’d expect once the rules of the game are laid out. That said, the execution is fun enough that the lack of surprise doesn’t really hurt it.

Themes: Greed, Power, and Magical Justice

Snip, Snip explores themes of entitlement and retribution. Killian’s greed and disbelief in anything he can’t control make him the perfect foil for Emily, who represents patience, subtlety, and underappreciated power.

It also touches on age and appearances. Emily is underestimated due to her kind demeanour and older age, while Killian’s arrogance blinds him to her capabilities. The moral? Don’t mess with witches, especially the ones who smile sweetly while holding a pair of scissors.

Final Thoughts: Witchy Whimsy with Bite

Snip, Snip may not be groundbreaking, but it’s a wonderfully fun romp with strong performances and a satisfying moral payoff. The magic is mostly implied, the suspense mild, but it’s a ride worth taking for Carol Kane’s performance alone.

It’s a cosy kind of creepy—the kind of tale you might hear told by someone with a sly grin and a twinkle in their eye. As far as Tales from the Darkside episodes go, this one’s more mischievous than malevolent.

Who Would Enjoy This Episode?

  • Fans of magical realism and occult stories
  • Viewers who enjoy character-driven battles of wit
  • Anyone who likes their horror with a touch of dark humour

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

  • Those looking for traditional scares or suspense
  • Viewers who dislike camp or theatrical performances
  • Fans expecting high-stakes tension or elaborate visuals

Final Verdict: Shear Delight

With sharp dialogue, a sharper heroine, and a nice little twist of karma, Snip, Snip is a magically macabre treat that offers more grins than gasps—but still leaves a wicked impression.

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