The story so far: Over the top gore and a dangerous game have been the focus of the first three episodes. Each episode of Slasher: Flesh & Blood has been filled with graphic – and surprising – kills. The Galloway family have also all been brought together to play a game that is worth millions. Between all the killings and the prospect of millions of dollars, distrust is growing as the body count escalates. With two frontrunners eliminated, it truly is a contest that anybody can win.
Flesh & Blood goes all in on the violence in the opening moments of “Upstairs, Downstairs.” There are repeated shots following the brutality of last episode’s final moments. Despite this, it may be the least violent episode of the season, so far. Paranoia continues to rise and the Galloways are becoming more willing to make deadly decisions. Considering some of the decisions made previously, it is not altogether surprising who wants to take a bloodier course of action.
As Slasher reaches its halfway point, it makes sense that there would be a turning point. As the episode’s title indicates, the battle lines are becoming more clear. The previous parts of Flesh & Blood touched on the divide; now people are beginning to pick sides. Most of the choices are expected, but the decision making process is interesting. There are parts where they can almost see family members weighing their options.
This does lead to some characters making what may seem like odd choices. However, as they explain their motivations, things begin to make more sense. The series is more about blood and mystery than building especially deep characters. That being said, what character work there is in the episode is the best of the season. Viewers are getting a better sense of the characters.
What is not as great is a shocking revelation towards the end. It comes out of nowhere as every good twist should, but it does so since it does not make much sense if any amount of time is spent thinking about it. As a means to an end, it is a neat idea, but it is definitely one that lives in the moment. It does send things rushing towards one of the grimmest conclusions of Slasher.
Flesh & Blood also has a weird incest storyline that has played an important role. The show would be better served without it as it adds nothing at all. On the plus side, characters are not ignoring and have commented on the strangeness of it all. Slasher: Flesh & Blood has gotten better as the series has progressed. The shocks of the first episodes have settled down allowing the show to focus more on its mystery. The show also becomes increasingly interesting with each reveal and it is fun trying to figure out who is going to win the game.
Slasher: Flesh & Blood airs on Shudder with new episodes each Thursday.
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