Tales from the Darkside: “The Apprentice” (S4E13)

With “The Apprentice,” Tales from the Darkside conjures up a tale that leans more into fantasy and folklore than straight horror. This episode blends time travel, witchcraft, and the price of dabbling with the supernatural, all while nodding to the tradition of morality tales that define the series. It’s a slightly quirky, moderately spooky, and thematically rich entry that doesn’t quite hit all the marks, but remains memorable for its charm and ambition.

Plot Summary

The story follows Todd, a teenage troublemaker sentenced to community service at a historical museum after vandalising it. While cleaning up, he stumbles upon a mysterious book of spells and incantations in a preserved alchemist’s room. As curiosity overcomes better judgment, Todd accidentally activates a time-travel spell and is transported back to colonial-era New England.

There, he’s mistaken for a young apprentice and is forced into labour under the guidance of an actual practising alchemist. It quickly becomes apparent that magic in this time is real and dangerous. Todd must not only learn to navigate this foreign world but also figure out how to reverse the spell and return home before he’s accused of witchcraft… or worse.

What Works

Creative Premise

The blend of fantasy and historical fiction is refreshing. This isn’t your standard ghost-in-the-basement setup—it’s a time-travelling cautionary tale with a touch of Harry Potter meets The Crucible. The episode taps into a sense of old-world danger, where ignorance and fear of the unknown led to real consequences.

The Set Design and Atmosphere

The colonial setting is convincingly crafted on a TV budget. Dark wooden interiors, flickering candles, and primitive tools give the episode a grounded and immersive feel. The contrast between modern Todd and his surroundings makes for some light comedic moments that balance the tension.

A Satisfying Twist

Like most Darkside entries, there’s a moral lesson baked into the ending. Todd eventually returns to his own time—but not without bringing a little of the past with him. It’s a clever wrap-up that underscores the classic warning: don’t mess with what you don’t understand.

What Doesn’t Work

Uneven Tone

The episode can’t quite decide if it wants to be humorous, suspenseful, or creepy. As a result, the pacing feels off in places. Some scenes play like fish-out-of-water comedy, while others aim for dark, gothic tension.

Shallow Character Development

Todd is serviceable as the lead, but we don’t get much depth beyond his archetype: the rebellious teen with a hidden sense of morality. The alchemist, too, is interesting in concept but a bit underdeveloped.

Rushed Resolution

As with many Darkside episodes, the resolution comes a little too quickly. The climax feels hurried, and viewers may wish for a deeper exploration of the spellbook’s origins or the alchemist’s motives.

Themes: The Power—and Danger—of Knowledge

At its heart, “The Apprentice” is a cautionary tale about curiosity and respect for the past. Todd’s journey is less about learning magic and more about understanding responsibility. The show cleverly ties this theme to the setting—a time when knowledge (especially arcane or misunderstood knowledge) was both revered and feared.

There’s also a subtle nod to how history repeats itself. Todd begins the episode as a vandal disrespecting history. By the end, he’s lived it.

Final Thoughts: Entertaining, If Slightly Flawed

“The Apprentice” may not be the most chilling tale Tales from the Darkside has ever offered, but it’s among the more imaginative. It feels like a campfire story that veers into fantasy, with just enough menace to keep you intrigued. It’s also one of the few episodes that truly feels like it could’ve been expanded into a longer format—there’s enough lore here for a mini-movie.

It’s a shame some of the ideas don’t get more room to breathe. Still, fans of folklore, alchemy, and time-travelling shenanigans will find something to enjoy.

Who Would Enjoy This Episode?

• Fantasy fans with a taste for light horror
• Viewers who enjoy time-travel and historical settings
• Anyone nostalgic for magical “be careful what you wish for” tales

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

• Fans looking for straight-up scares or gore
• Viewers who prefer fast-paced or contemporary horror
• Those expecting more character depth or dramatic stakes

Final Verdict: Colonial Curses and Teenage Trouble

“The Apprentice” is an engaging and creative tale that manages to blend time-travel fantasy with subtle moral undertones. While it doesn’t fully capitalise on its intriguing setup, it offers enough charm, mystery, and magic to leave an impression, just maybe not a permanent spell.