Tales from the Darkside: “The Cutty Black Sow” (S4E14)
Of all the episodes in Tales from the Darkside’s impressive run, “The Cutty Black Sow” stands out as one of the most folkloric and genuinely unsettling. Based on an old Welsh legend, this episode leans heavily into mood, myth, and atmosphere. It’s a slow-burn horror story that may not boast elaborate effects or big twists, but it leaves behind an eerie, lingering sense of dread—and a creature you won’t soon forget.
Plot Summary
Eleven-year-old Bobby is staying with his dying great-grandmother, Nanna, in her creaky old house. As Halloween draws near, she warns him about a dark force that comes for the souls of the dying: the Cutty Black Sow. According to Nanna, it’s a demon-like creature that arrives when someone is near death to claim their soul, and it must not be allowed to enter the house.
Naturally, Bobby is sceptical at first. But as Nanna’s health worsens and strange things begin to happen around the house, he starts to believe her terrifying tale might be true. With only a handful of arcane protective rituals and his own courage, Bobby must defend his grandmother’s soul from this otherworldly beast.
What Works
Atmosphere and Setting
From the first scene, the episode immerses viewers in a shadowy, claustrophobic space that feels drenched in age and mystery. The old house, full of superstition and creaking floorboards, becomes a character in its own right. The Halloween setting—complete with flickering jack-o’-lanterns and howling winds—only adds to the mood.
Folklore-Based Horror
This episode taps into a rare kind of horror: the kind born from legend and oral tradition. The Cutty Black Sow isn’t a creature you’ll find in mainstream pop culture, and that makes it all the more frightening. The way the story treats Nanna’s warnings—with sincerity and respect—gives weight to the myth and grounds the horror in something timeless.
Solid Performances
The young actor playing Bobby delivers a surprisingly earnest and believable performance, grounding the episode with a mix of fear, love, and bravery. The actress playing Nanna is also terrific, bringing both warmth and an undercurrent of urgency to her role. Their bond carries the emotional heart of the episode.
The Creature’s Appearance
We only catch glimpses of the titular demon, and that’s a smart choice. The creature design is unsettling, especially for ‘80s TV, and the shadowy cinematography makes it feel all the more otherworldly. The final reveal, with the Sow lurching toward its prize, is surprisingly effective.
What Doesn’t Work
Slow Pace
This is very much a slow-burn story, and some viewers may find the first half a bit too meandering. There’s a lot of buildup before any real action occurs, which may test the patience of those looking for quick thrills.
Minimal Plot Beyond the Premise
Once the setup is in place, the plot doesn’t evolve much. It’s essentially a waiting game: will the Cutty Black Sow come, and can Bobby stop it? While that simplicity works for some, others may wish for a twist or deeper backstory.
Themes: Faith, Tradition, and Courage in the Face of Death
At its heart, “The Cutty Black Sow” is about belief—believing in stories passed down through generations, and the power those stories can hold. It also subtly explores how children cope with death, particularly when it comes to loved ones. Bobby’s fear isn’t just of the monster—it’s of losing his grandmother, and the painful helplessness that comes with that.
There’s also a strong theme of inheritance—not of wealth or objects, but of duty. Nanna passes down knowledge, protection, and belief to Bobby, trusting that he’ll honor it when it matters most.
Final Thoughts: A Haunting Folktale Done Right
This episode isn’t flashy or shocking, but it’s powerful in its own quiet, creeping way. Tales from the Darkside often toyed with urban legends and moral fables, but “The Cutty Black Sow” feels unique—a true dive into the mythic and mysterious.
It’s one of the few episodes where the horror feels mythological rather than metaphorical. There’s no irony, no twist ending—just a boy doing his best to hold back something ancient and evil. It’s simple, scary, and strangely poignant.
Who Would Enjoy This Episode?
- Fans of atmospheric and folklore-based horror
- Viewers who enjoy creature features without overexposure
- Anyone looking for Halloween-themed stories with substance
Who Might Not Enjoy It?
- Viewers expecting jump scares or fast pacing
- Those who prefer more plot complexity or narrative twists
Final Verdict: A Quietly Chilling Folklore Gem
“The Cutty Black Sow” captures the spirit of traditional ghost stories and Halloween tales. It’s a subdued but genuinely creepy entry in the Darkside canon that lingers longer than you might expect. A perfect choice for a late-October watch, with the lights turned low.
