Chucky is a new horror series that debuted this week on the SyFy network, but it has a long lineage in the film world that originated with 1988’s Child’s Play.
After eight movies, Chucky the killer doll has come to TV in this new series.
Outcast gay teen Jake Wheeler finds Chucky at a suburban yard sale with intentions of using him in his contemporary art project. His blue collar dad, of course, hates the dolls in the house.
Jake realizes he has a vintage Good Guy doll, and after trying to sell the doll online, receives a mysterious phone call that Chucky may not be all that he seems, with the caller telling him to “check the batteries.”
As Jake puts the clues together, he realizes this may be the same doll responsible for the mass murders in 1988. He’s terrified, but also torn since Chucky seems to be solving his problems with bullying.
It’s always hard to get a feel for a new series in the first episode, since most of that episode has to set up the characters and season story arc. But luckily this show has that eight movie history to fill in some of the gaps, which it seems to be leaning in to.
So here are my first impressions:
The Child’s Play/Chucky movies were based on a mixture of comedic one-liners from the doll and gory kills, and it looks like the series will follow that formula.
For teens in high school, this first episode dropped a lot of f-bombs in the dialogue.
The show did a good job of introducing the new characters, but then killed off a major one at the end of the first episode. Thankfully that actor plays another character, so he’ll still be with the show.
The cast is mostly new faces, but is bolstered by horror veterans Brad Dourif, Devon Sawa, and Lexa Doig in the first episode. From what I understand, more of the film series actors will be coming to the series, like Jennifer Tilly, Fiona Dourif, Alex Vincent, and Christine Elise, so I’m looking forward to seeing them.
But I also thought Zackary Arthur as Jake did a great job with his central role. On the other hand, Alyvia Alyn Lind as Lexy, Jake’s bully, was a bit stiff, and while I didn’t hate her, she was the weakest character in this first episode.
I’m giving the first episode of Chucky 3.5 out of 5 stars. It did a good job of setting up the rest of the season, and I’m looking forward to seeing it. If you’ve enjoyed any of the Child’s Play/Chucky movies, you’ll want to add this to your DVR.
Chucky airs on the SyFy channel Tuesdays at 10pm ET/9pm CT
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CHUCKY (2021 SERIES)
Director: Don Mancini
Cast: Zackary Arthur, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Björgvin Arnarson, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Teo Briones, Brad Dourif, Devon Sawa, Lexa Doig
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