The first season of Shudder’s Creepshow comes to an end with two entries “Skincrawlers” and “By the Silver Water of Lake Champlain,” literally making it the episode creatures built, and they threw in a bit of revenge for good measure.
“Skincrawlers”
Dr. Sloan has discovered a miracle cure to weight loss in a rare fat-sucking leech. But during a solar eclipse, an unintended and explosive side effect of the leeches is revealed: they use the patients’ bodies as hosts for their eggs… and it’s time to hatch.
Written by: Paul Dini & Stephen Langford
Directed by: Roxanne Benjamin
Cast: Dana Gould, Chad Michael Collins, Hina Kahn, Melissa Saint-Amand, Beth Keener, Jason Graham, Darin Toonder
Unfortunately, this is the weakest segment of the season. There is nothing supernatural or even a little “horror” about this segment. And, there isn’t even any humor in it.
However, in Creepshow style you get a little preserved life advice; in this case we should all learn to be body positive. Also, there is obvious commentary on how society will literally drive people to do anything to achieve perceived perfection. Body perfection equals ie attractiveness and getting that makes all your dreams come true.
“By the Silver Water of Lake Champlain”
Rose finds Champ, the legendary monster of Lake Champlain. But when her unhinged step-father threatens to take all the credit, Rose realizes Champ may actually still be lurking in the lake, waiting to strike.
Written by: Jason Ciaramella and Joe Hill, story by Joe Hill (from his new collection, Full Throttle)
Directed by: Tom Savini
Cast: Sydney Wease, Connor Jones, David Alexander Kaplan, James Devoti, Gena Shaw
This segment seems to be an updated version of Creepshow 2’s prologue, interlude and epilogue. We don’t spoil here, but you will see the parallels as you watch the episode.
The legendary Tom Savini directs the episode, so the shots of the creature are pretty good and on brand. Unfortunately, the segment is slow and there is too much time spent establishing the stepfather’s evilness. More time should have been spent on the backstory of the creature.
Overall, this is a lackluster ending to what has been a fun season. But, since Shudder announced the season two renewal they can make it up to us. Greg Nicotero is staying at the helm next season, so we can look forward to new better episodes.
Nicotero states,
“For me, Creepshow has been a true labor of love. To be able to pay tribute to George A. Romero’s visionary project and have the show so embraced by fans everywhere is humbling to this horror kid from Pittsburgh. I couldn’t be more pleased and look forward to continuing the series with more ghoulish delight.”
The season one finale airs Wednesday, October 30 at 9:00pm ET on-demand only, in addition to the live-stream on Thursday, October 31 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Shudder is available on all your favorite devices and platforms, including Apple TV Channels.