Tales from the Darkside: “The Trouble with Mary Jane” (S2E09)
“The Trouble with Mary Jane” is one of those episodes that makes you question whether Tales from the Darkside is truly a horror anthology—or sometimes just a bizarre playground for genre-bending experimentation. This episode leans hard into comedy, which is both its charm and its downfall, depending on your tolerance for slapstick mixed with the supernatural.
Plot Summary
Frank and Mildred, a somewhat clueless middle-aged couple, are at their wits’ end. Their daughter, Mary Jane, is acting… well, possessed. She’s speaking in tongues, making objects fly, and scaring away any would-be babysitter or relative. With no other options, they turn to a medium named Madame Ceres to help rid their daughter of the demonic presence.
Ceres arrives with all the flair you’d expect—robes, candles, crystals—but things don’t go exactly as planned. The demon inside Mary Jane is as sassy and sarcastic as they come, more prankster than poltergeist. What ensues is part exorcism, part comedy of errors, complete with over-the-top performances and punchlines flying faster than spinning heads.
Eventually, the situation spirals into absurdity. The exorcism becomes a full-on séance circus, with unexpected spiritual visitors, misfired chants, and an ending that feels more like a punchline than a resolution. In the end, the demon’s exit feels less like a banishment and more like a roommate moving out after a bad lease agreement.
What Works
Committed Performances
The cast leans into the campy tone with gusto. While none of the performances are subtle, they’re certainly entertaining. Madame Ceres (played by Jane Connell) is a scene-stealer with her faux-mystical grandeur and impatient attitude. Even the demon-possessed Mary Jane gets in a few solid zingers.
A Different Flavour
It’s refreshing to see an episode that goes full comedy in a series that so often traffics in doom and gloom. If you’re willing to go along for the ride, the episode offers a unique and irreverent take on demonic possession.
Looney Tunes Energy
The pace is fast, the dialogue snappy, and the physical humour outrageous. There’s a very cartoonish feel to the whole production, and it embraces its own absurdity without apology.
What Doesn’t Work
Tone Whiplash
For a show that brands itself in the horror genre, this episode is about as scary as a Halloween-themed sitcom. If you came expecting chills, you’ll be sorely disappointed. It’s not just light—it’s goofy, and that might be a hard pivot for some viewers.
Thin Plot
There’s not much going on beneath the surface. Once the gag is established (possessed child, wacky medium), the story doesn’t evolve so much as repeat variations of the same joke. It’s fun in the moment but lacks staying power.
Dated Humor
Some of the jokes feel very 1980s, both in rhythm and reference. What might’ve landed as zany back then can feel stale or corny now, especially if you’re not in the mood for camp.
Themes: Theatricality vs. True Belief
If there’s a theme here beyond comedy, it’s perhaps a gentle jab at people who capitalise on supernatural crises for attention or profit. Madame Ceres is more showbiz than shaman, and the entire exorcism process feels like performance art. There might also be a hidden commentary on domestic denial—Frank and Mildred are hilariously nonchalant about their daughter’s demonic behaviour.
Final Thoughts: Possession, Played for Laughs
“The Trouble with Mary Jane” doesn’t want to scare you—it wants to make you chuckle, groan, and maybe roll your eyes in amusement. It’s an oddball episode that dares to be silly, and while it may not be Tales from the Darkside at its most memorable, it’s certainly one of its most peculiar.
If you view the show as a grab-bag of genre experiments, this one fits right in. Just don’t expect anything remotely spine-tingling. It’s a horror episode in the same way Beetlejuice is a horror movie—just with less polish and a much lower budget.
Who Would Enjoy This Episode?
- Fans of horror-comedy or campy supernatural antics
- Viewers who enjoy offbeat exorcism stories
- Anyone with a soft spot for zany, retro TV humour
Who Might Not Enjoy It?
- Horror fans looking for scares or suspense
- Viewers who dislike broad comedy or exaggerated acting
- Anyone expecting serious storytelling or plot depth
Final Verdict: A Spirited Sitcom with a Paranormal Punchline
Not essential viewing unless you’re a completist or just in the mood for something completely off the rails. But for those willing to embrace its weird energy, “The Trouble with Mary Jane” is a devilish detour that delivers more giggles than goosebumps.
