Tales from the Darkside: “The Satanic Piano” (S2E06)

What happens when the creative process gets a supernatural upgrade? That’s the intriguing premise behind “The Satanic Piano,” a moody, synth-heavy episode that mashes together 80s music culture with Faustian horror. It’s a tale that strums a few eerie notes but hits some sour chords along the way.

Plot Summary

We follow Pete Bancroft, a struggling composer in the era of synth-pop and ambient soundscapes. Pete is having trouble breaking through creatively, much to the concern of his teenage daughter, Jessica, who seems to be the only one really cheering him on.

Enter a mysterious and slightly sinister music producer named Mr. Ladimer. He offers Pete an unusual instrument: a black, glowing, state-of-the-art synthesiser that can compose music based on his emotional inputs. The catch? Pete has to let the machine absorb his feelings.

At first, the device is a miracle. Pete begins producing beautiful, haunting compositions, and his confidence soars. But the piano begins behaving strangely, drawing in his daughter and playing music that reflects her emotions. Ladimer reappears to suggest that Jessica’s soul is now entwined with the instrument, and Pete must choose: give in to his darkest inspirations and let the piano take her, or destroy it and lose his creative edge forever.

You can probably guess which choice he makes, but the way it plays out is satisfyingly dramatic.

What Works

Unique Concept

Combining the well-worn “deal with the devil” trope with 1980s music tech is inspired. It feels like something you’d expect from an off-brand Stephen King short story: a cursed object, a moral dilemma, and just enough neon to make it cool.

Creepy Vibes and Slick Design

The titular piano (really a futuristic synth machine) is a standout. Its glowing keys, ominous hums, and emotional input interface all scream 80s techno-horror in the best way. The lighting design is appropriately moody, casting eerie shadows across Pete’s studio.

Strong Father-Daughter Dynamic

There’s heart here. Pete and Jessica’s relationship feels authentic, especially for a 22-minute episode. It grounds the story and raises the stakes beyond simple supernatural hijinks.

What Doesn’t Work

A Villain Without Much Bite

Mr. Ladimer is more sleazy than scary. He lacks the menace of a classic devil figure, and while he talks a good game, he mostly disappears from the middle portion of the episode. By the time he reappears, the threat doesn’t feel fully earned.

Abrupt Ending

The climax wraps up fast. Pete makes his choice, there’s a brief scuffle, and the piano is destroyed in a rather anticlimactic fashion. For such a tense buildup, the final resolution feels rushed and tidy.

Some Dated Dialogue

It wouldn’t be a mid-80s horror anthology without a little cringeworthy tech jargon and ham-fisted dramatic lines. While charming in a retro way, it does make the episode feel a bit like a haunted PSA about not selling out.

Themes: Inspiration, Sacrifice, and Selling Out

At its heart, “The Satanic Piano” is about what people will give up for creative success. Pete’s temptation is relatable: who wouldn’t want a machine that lets you bypass the hard work of genius? But it comes at the cost of emotional authenticity—literally sucking the soul out of the process.

There’s also a clear commentary on parental responsibility. Pete is so consumed by his work that he fails to notice the dangers looming over his daughter. His final act is a redemptive one, but it comes after walking dangerously close to the edge.

Final Thoughts: Ambitious but Uneven

“The Satanic Piano” is a cool idea with a lot of aesthetic flair. It taps into 80s anxieties about technology, artistic purity, and the soul of creativity. But it stumbles with underdeveloped antagonists and a finale that doesn’t quite land.

Still, it’s an entertaining episode with a strong central metaphor. The idea of music shaped by raw emotion, twisted into something dark and dangerous, is compelling. It just needed a bit more time—and maybe one more devilish twist.

Who Would Enjoy This Episode?

• Fans of synthwave, 80s aesthetics, and cursed tech
• Viewers who like morality tales with supernatural devices
• Anyone who enjoys horror with a creative/metaphorical spin

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

• Viewers wanting a big scare or action-heavy plot
• Those who dislike slow, mood-driven horror
• Anyone turned off by slightly cheesy 80s melodrama

Final Verdict: Creepy Concept, Muddled Execution

“The Satanic Piano” hits some haunting notes, but doesn’t quite make it to the crescendo. Worth watching for the vibe, the weirdness, and the message—but it’s not the most finely tuned tale in the Darkside songbook.