Chucky TV Series: Did the Show Stay True to the Franchise’s Themes? – Review

Fans of the original will like many parts of the new Syfy seroes, and so will newcomers

The Chucky series has something unique, which many other modern horror franchises don’t have. It has been overseen by the original creator Don Mancini since it began in 1988. The only time he didn’t participate was in the 2019 Child’s Play remake. But he wrote for all seven movies in the main series about the possessed, murderous doll. He also directed three of them. And now, he’s the showrunner and creator of the all-new Chucky TV series for Syfy and USA Network.

The story

Chucky
Syfy

Those who liked Mancini’s films will like the series without a doubt. There will be a total of eight episodes, and four have released. Chucky will be voiced by Brad Dourif once again, and many of the franchise’s fan-favorite characters will return. Certain plot points from other movies are mentioned, but it doesn’t directly follow 2017’s Cult of Chucky, which saw Chucky grow stronger.

The series follows teenager Jake Wheeler (Zackary Arthur) who discovers the doll at a yard sale. Jake buys Chucky for ten dollars and takes him home to make sculptures out of repurposed doll parts. Chucky remains mild in the first episode, but he soon awakens.

Now Jake is a troubled teenager with an abusive father, and a rich uncle and jock cousin Junior who continually mock and belittle him. Junior’s girlfriend also takes pleasure in making his life hell. Chucky offers to be his friend and mentor in murder. For the first time, we see a protagonist considering to join forces with Chucky.

Overall verdict after 4 episodes

Chucky
Syfy

The drama is weak overall, and most of the story just seems to be placeholders until Chucky’s next rampage. But those scenes are still fun to watch. What we can expect next is the return of veterans Jennifer Tilly (as Tiffany Valentine), Alex Vincent (as Andy Barclay), Christine Elise (as Kyle) and Fiona Dourif (as Nica Pierce). The show might yet turn out to be better in the second half. Since Mancini made a successful franchise out of the doll, it’s sure he knows what he’s doing.

Also read: ‘FALL GUYS’ MIGHT BRING BACK A REJECTED GAME CONCEPT THANKS TO NETFLIX’S SQUID GAME