Tales From the Crypt is one of my all-time favorite shows, and this is one of my very favorite episodes, especially from the final season which was pretty weak. The most common criticism of this episode is that it seems so out of place in a show like Tales From the Crypt. I would say that it is, but it isn't.
Tales From the Crypt had its share of horror, gore, dismemberments and the like, and those are among the most popular and memorable episodes, sure. But the most prominent theme of the show, for me, was that trademark bitter irony. Those letdown endings in the style of The Twilight Zone are what make this show, in my opinion. And 'The Kidnapper" is one of those episodes.
Coogan does an outstanding job portraying a character that slowly drains all the sympathy you start out having for him, while offering a creepiness outside of the usual monsters, axe-wielding Santa Clauses, werewolves, etc. It's a subtle performance, but a good one.
I highly recommend this episode for when you're willing to step outside of the traditional horror aspects of the show and see something different, yet still quite disturbing.
Tales From the Crypt had its share of horror, gore, dismemberments and the like, and those are among the most popular and memorable episodes, sure. But the most prominent theme of the show, for me, was that trademark bitter irony. Those letdown endings in the style of The Twilight Zone are what make this show, in my opinion. And 'The Kidnapper" is one of those episodes.
Coogan does an outstanding job portraying a character that slowly drains all the sympathy you start out having for him, while offering a creepiness outside of the usual monsters, axe-wielding Santa Clauses, werewolves, etc. It's a subtle performance, but a good one.
I highly recommend this episode for when you're willing to step outside of the traditional horror aspects of the show and see something different, yet still quite disturbing.