Tales from the Darkside: “Strange Love” (S2E21)
“Strange Love” is Tales from the Darkside‘s foray into classic gothic horror, giving us a vampire tale that blends romance, obsession, and just the right touch of camp. It doesn’t reinvent the vampire mythos, but it plays within the familiar lines with charm and atmosphere. There’s more drama than dread here, more longing than loathing—but it all adds up to a stylish and entertaining entry in the series.
Plot Summary
Dr. Philip Carrol, a mild-mannered and overworked physician, is summoned to a remote estate to treat an ailing man named Anatole. The journey is mysterious, the estate even more so—isolated, grand, and shrouded in gothic shadows. Anatole’s condition is vague, and his demeanour is intense, but it’s his wife, Marie, who captures the doctor’s attention.
Marie is stunning, sad, and clearly living under some form of oppressive control. The doctor becomes infatuated, slowly realising that something is very wrong with this strange household. As you might expect, the truth sinks its fangs in: Anatole is a vampire, and Marie, his unwilling companion, is desperate to escape.
But the tale doesn’t end with a simple rescue. Marie has secrets of her own, and the doctor may not be prepared for the price of love when it’s touched by the undead.
What Works
Classic Gothic Atmosphere
“Strange Love” is dripping with mood, from the cobwebbed mansion to the thunder and candlelight. It channels old-school horror with sincerity, creating a setting that feels timeless and appropriately melodramatic. It’s a love letter to Hammer Films, and it wears that influence with pride.
A Strong Central Performance
Marcia Cross (yes, of Desperate Housewives fame) plays Marie, and she’s excellent. She brings a layered sadness to the role, making Marie feel more like a tragic figure than a simple damsel. Her chemistry with the doctor gives the story emotional weight, even as it flirts with camp.
A Romantic Horror Twist
The title isn’t ironic—this is very much a love story. It’s twisted, manipulative, and ends with a chilling reveal, but it’s anchored in themes of longing, control, and the hope of salvation. That mix of horror and heart makes it stand out from some of the more morality-play style episodes in the series.
What Doesn’t Work
Predictable Plot
If you’ve seen any vampire story before, you’ll probably see every twist coming. The sickly, charming man? The pale, repressed wife? The dark, isolated estate? The tropes are all here and followed to the letter.
Limited Scope
The episode feels like it could’ve used more time or complexity. Anatole’s backstory is thin, the doctor’s motivations are a bit too quick to develop, and Marie’s internal conflict could have been explored more. It all unfolds quickly and neatly, which robs it of some emotional impact.
Tone Fluctuations
At times, the episode teeters between genuine gothic romance and light camp. Some of Anatole’s delivery and the over-the-top set dressing might induce chuckles when chills were intended. It doesn’t break the episode, but it does undercut the tension in places.
Themes: Entrapment, Desire, and the Illusion of Escape
At its heart, “Strange Love” is about being trapped by love, by power, by the past. Marie is caught between two worlds: the horror of her undead husband and the fragile hope of a new life with the doctor. It’s also about seduction, not just in the romantic sense, but in the way comfort and fantasy can mask deeper dangers.
The twist ending—where Marie turns the doctor into a vampire and takes the reins—shifts the whole tale. Was she ever a victim, or was she biding her time? It blurs the lines between survival and manipulation.
Final Thoughts: A Gothic Treat with Fangs and Flair
“Strange Love” isn’t the scariest episode of Tales from the Darkside, but it’s certainly one of the most stylish. It taps into timeless vampire lore with affection and gives us a moody, melancholy horror-romance that feels like a lost chapter from a 1960s horror anthology.
It also ends on a delightfully dark note that recontextualises everything you thought you knew about Marie. It’s the kind of punchy twist that makes these short horror tales so enjoyable.
Who Would Enjoy This Episode?
- Fans of gothic horror and vampire stories
- Viewers who enjoy romantic horror with a twist
- Anyone who appreciates atmospheric storytelling over gore
Who Might Not Enjoy It?
- Those looking for modern or original vampire twists
- Viewers who dislike slower, mood-driven horror
- Anyone allergic to camp or classic horror tropes
Final Verdict: Classic Vampire Romance with a Bloody Hook
“Strange Love” is a charmingly old-fashioned vampire tale with a strong central performance and a delightfully wicked ending. It may not surprise you much along the way, but it’s a stylish and satisfying journey into dark desire and doomed love.
