Creepshow’s second season has seen a fun mix of stories. From stories about monsters and the undead to the the normal outrageous stories to be expected from the show, there has been something for all types of horror fans. Episode four continues with a pair of tales that fit neatly into the franchise.
“Pipe Screams” is a typically disgusting story for the show. A plumber is called to repair some damaged pipes at some rundown apartments. The lead pipes and overbearing landlady are the least of his worries and what he finds is much more than he bargained for.
The highlight is an over the top vicious performance from horror icon Barbara Crampton. Crampton is great in the role of a unscrupulous slumlord. She is evil, manipulative, and conniving and steals every scene she is in.
Barbara Crampton as Victoria – Creepshow _ Season 2 – Photo Credit: Josh Stringer/Shudder
The second segment sees Creepshow go in a slightly different direction. “Within the Walls of Madness” touches on cosmic horror. While the show’s runtime does not allow the show to delve as much into paranoia as most Lovecraft-infused stories, it does a good job with the allotted time. Using quick edits and lighting, the story does get across the otherworldly horror.
Both segments also feature some great creature design. “Pipe Screams” is more about being slimy and disgusting than it is about being scary. The Clog fits the story being told. The Older God in the latter episode is appropriately frightening. The monster also has a pulpy look that works well in the Creepshow atmosphere.
Much like the rest of the season, the fourth episode does a good job of keeping the stories tight and contained. Since Creepshow is telling two stories in under an hour, it is important to get across the feel without overloading the viewer. Concentrating on one or two characters and setting the tone has been a winning formula for the show.
A new episode of Creepshow premieres every Thursday on Shudder.
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