Tales from the Darkside: “Trick or Treat” (Pilot Episode)

Few horror anthology series from the 1980s carry the same nostalgic charm as Tales from the Darkside. While often overshadowed by The Twilight Zone and Tales from the Crypt, this series carved out its own niche with low-budget but creative storytelling. The show’s pilot episode, Trick or Treat, serves as a fitting introduction, blending moralistic horror with Halloween-themed mischief. But how well does it hold up today? Let’s take a deep dive into the episode’s strengths, weaknesses, and its place in horror anthology history.

Plot Summary

The episode centers on Gideon Hackles, an elderly and miserly banker who thrives on keeping the local townspeople in perpetual debt. Portrayed with delightful wickedness by Barnard Hughes, Hackles revels in his control over the community, offering loans while ensuring repayment remains difficult. However, he also provides an annual opportunity for the town’s children to free their families from financial ruin—if they dare.

Each Halloween, Hackles invites the children of indebted families to his house for a cruel game. He hides their parents’ IOUS somewhere within his elaborately booby-trapped, supposedly haunted home. If a child manages to find them, the family’s debt is erased. But Hackles is not about to make things easy. His house is filled with eerie illusions, mechanical monsters, and cheap but effective jump scares designed to frighten his young visitors into submission.

However, this year, Hackles’ Halloween tradition takes a supernatural turn. Instead of facing mere trickery, he encounters actual spirits who are far less forgiving than the terrified children. As Hackles himself becomes the victim of a relentless ghostly assault, he learns firsthand what true horror feels like. By the end, he is dragged away, leaving the town free from his financial grip. It’s a classic morality tale wrapped in an old-fashioned ghost story—simple, effective, and fun.

What Works

A Classic Morality Tale with Horror Flair

At its core, Trick or Treat is a morality play in the vein of A Christmas Carol or Creepshow. Gideon Hackles is a textbook villain—greedy, manipulative, and completely devoid of empathy. His downfall is both predictable and satisfying, making for an enjoyable and cathartic viewing experience. Horror anthology fans will recognise this as a common theme, but it’s always fun to see a truly despicable character get what’s coming to them.

Atmospheric and Eerie Set Design

For a low-budget TV production, the haunted house set is surprisingly effective. Filled with mechanical goblins, skeletons, and dimly lit corridors, the setting captures the feeling of an old-school haunted attraction. While some of the effects are laughably dated, the commitment to the Halloween aesthetic is commendable. The fog, eerie lighting, and dramatic sound effects add to the charm, making this a great seasonal watch.

Barnard Hughes’ Performance

Hughes carries the episode with a performance that is both exaggerated and sinister. He plays Hackles as an over-the-top caricature of greed, revelling in his own cruelty. His joy in scaring children is both unsettling and absurd, making his eventual comeuppance all the more enjoyable. His descent into terror, as he realises that he is no longer in control, is played with the right mix of camp and genuine fear.

A Simple but Effective Premise

The idea of a cruel old man being punished by supernatural forces isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s a tried-and-true horror setup. The blend of childhood fears (haunted houses, creepy old men, losing a game of chance) with the more adult theme of financial control adds an interesting layer to the narrative. It’s a fun mix of fairy tale horror and small-town folklore.

What Doesn’t Work

Pacing Issues and Overlong Setup

The biggest drawback of the episode is its slow pacing. The setup spends a lot of time establishing Hackles’ cruelty, his love for Halloween, and his power over the town. While this builds tension, it feels drawn out, especially when we already know that supernatural forces are bound to intervene. More time could have been devoted to the actual hauntings, which don’t truly kick in until the final act.

Cheesy Special Effects

While the mechanical props in Hackles’ house are appropriately campy, the actual supernatural elements—especially the witch who ultimately takes him away—are a bit too goofy to be scary. The floating, glowing ghostly figures lack the menace needed to make Hackles’ fate feel truly horrifying. Instead, it leans into camp, which may work for some viewers but could feel underwhelming for those looking for real scares.

An Underwhelming Reaction from the Townspeople

One odd narrative choice is the town’s reaction to Hackles’ disappearance. Instead of shock or even mild concern, the townspeople seem oddly content, almost as if they expected this outcome. While it’s satisfying to see them free from debt, the resolution feels too neat, missing an opportunity for deeper storytelling or reflection on the town’s reliance on Hackles.

Final Thoughts: Does It Hold Up?

Trick or Treat is a solid, if not particularly groundbreaking, pilot episode for Tales from the Darkside. It establishes the show’s tone—moralistic horror with a mix of camp and genuine eeriness—while showcasing the kind of simple but engaging stories the series would become known for. While the pacing drags and the special effects show their age, the episode remains a fun and festive watch for fans of vintage horror television.

Who Would Enjoy This Episode?

• Fans of 80s horror anthologies – If you enjoy The Twilight Zone, Creepshow, or Tales from the Crypt, this will feel like a familiar and cosy addition to your watchlist.
• Halloween enthusiasts – The episode is dripping with Halloween atmosphere, making it a perfect seasonal watch.
• Those who appreciate campy horror – If you don’t mind some cheesy effects and exaggerated performances, there’s plenty to enjoy here.

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

• Viewers looking for real scares – This is more of a spooky morality tale than a truly frightening episode.
• Those who dislike slow pacing – The first half may test the patience of modern audiences.
• Anyone put off by low-budget effects – If dated special effects take you out of a story, this episode may not work for you.

Final Verdict: Spooky fun, but not truly terrifying

Trick or Treat isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s an entertaining introduction to Tales from the Darkside. It captures the spirit of Halloween with an enjoyably wicked protagonist, a satisfying moral lesson, and a delightfully eerie atmosphere. While it has its flaws, it remains a charming piece of 80s horror television that’s worth a watch, especially on a chilly October night.