This, to me, is what the Mystery Theater is all about. Though it may arguably not be the best episode of the whole, it is without a doubt among the creepiest tales I've come across. I listened to it very late last night, as I usually do (one of the two headphone "buds" in my ear as I listen with my other ear to the pillow). Almost from the start of the show I was creeped out. Pretty much from the mention of the dead daughter. I knew it was going to be one of "those" episodes.

The tale is quite Poe-like, and reminds me of several stories I've read over the years. There's one in particular, I think called The Monkey Paw or something, in which the son returns from the dead after a devastating industrial accident.

Things I disliked about this episode: At the beginning, the husband consoling his wife with religious clichés and calmly trying to find the spiritual side of their daughter's death - if someone said that stuff to me while I were grieving, I'm sure I'd consider socking them in the nose.

Also, the story took a lot of time going back and forth between believing and not believing, doctors and priests, and such. And the "Helper" seemed almost an unnecessary instrument, but did add that little bit of creep-factor to make him a useful tool, in part. It seemed to me that there was just too much going on and not enough getting to the point. I often wonder why characters in these stories don't just vacate at the first indication of something "odd" going on. Eddie Murphy has a whole bit devoted to this behavior.

"Why is it when white folks enter a house and hear a scarily echoing voice telling them to "Get out!" they stay anyway? When black folks hear that same big bad voice, they say, "Too bad we can't stay, baby!"
~ Eddie Murphy

The show makes me wonder how I might have handled the situation. My intelligence would tell me this is all wrong, but like the mother, my heart would be swept away with grief for my child and wish by any means to have her back. What a ghastly predicament!

I gave this episode a 3.8/5 based on the originality of the tale. It was really well performed and produced, but as I said, I've heard it before.

Thank you for choosing such a wonderful selection and for keeping me creeped out from Sunday evening until Monday afternoon!!