I’m going to be honest. I did not expect to get a third season of SYFY’s “Chucky.” Season two of the horror series from longtime Chucky creator Don Mancini felt like it could’ve served as the ending. But like all horror icons, nothing truly ever ends these days, and here we are with two new episodes of a brand new season. So far, it’s still too early to tell just how this season is going to hold up with the rest, but it’s Chucky and he’s awesome. Watching him do his killer doll thing never gets old. So, I’d say it’s off to a decent start.
I would like to believe that’s the case, because another thing I found myself itching for after two episodes was for the other major plotlines and characters that we left last season to return.
First off, let’s address the BIG thing about the new season. Yes….Chucky is in the White House. No, he’s not the president or anything. Thank god. But he’s there and mounting a kill count to the point where it is getting the First Lady’s attention. Now, I dig the concept. I like when writers are not afraid to take their slashers to new heights. Ghostface just had a trip to New York City in “Scream VI,” and Jason Voorhees went to hell AND to space. Chucky blowing a guy’s head off in the Oval Office should not really surprise horror fans.
With that said– and maybe this is just the storyteller in me coming through– we still haven’t gotten a real explanation as to how Chucky ended up there. He’s the doll of the President’s son, but how he got into his possession is still a bit unclear. We as viewers just have to go along with it. I also feel like this story is being rushed (though until the full season airs, I can’t fully say that’s the case.) But with a season of only eight episodes, having our three main characters Jake (Zackary Arthur), Devon (Björgvin Arnarson) and Lexi (Alyvia Alyn Lind) conveniently get to DC to try and stop Chucky after just one episode feels extremely fast to me. It feels like this whole “come stop me, I’m waiting for you in the White House” plot line can only go so far, and perhaps Mancini has a bigger surprise in store for this season.
I would like to believe that’s the case, because another thing I found myself itching for after two episodes was for the other major plotlines and characters that we left last season to return. Where is Andy? What is he up to now? And where on EARTH is Jennifer Tilly? She was left to seem as if she was dead…but she was confirmed to be back for the new season.
There’s no surprise there. Tilly has arguably become as important to the franchise as Brad Dourif, the voice of Chucky, has. So what’s the hold up? What about Nica, too? I need more Fiona Dourif, as I could argue she is the most talented actress in the entire series. This show needs to pick up a bit more in pace, and bringing the other threads from season two will definitely help.
If there’s one great thing I love about this season so far, it’s that Chucky’s kills have been absolutely brutal. Chucky is indeed my favorite slasher and I’m all for seeing him do slasher things.
Overall, the new season of “Chucky” isn’t bad. It’s still very entertaining, and this is the third straight year it’s been a part of my Halloween season. I expect things to get ramped up pretty soon, and since the first two seasons have been very good, I trust Mancini’s vision. Until this show gets so bad that it needs to get killed by its own titular character, I will keep giving this show my attention. It’s Chucky, guys. He’s too iconic to ignore.
3\5 Stars.
pkeastea@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @chuckyisreal, X
