The second season of Don Mancini’sChuckyhas returned to cable television just in time for Halloween. After a successful first season which saw the returns of severalChild’s Playcharacters, the horror series promises a new season full of twists and horrifying turns. The season 2 premiere, “Halloween II,” channels the essence of the killer doll and his motives. Chucky (voiced by Brad Dourif) reappears to bring vengeance upon those that stalled last season’s attempt at domination.
“Halloween II” serves as an establishing episode for where the second season ofChuckyis headed. Initially, it transports viewersback to the season 1 finalebefore sending them six months farther along where the current narrative begins to take its shape. The aftermath for the survivors of season 1’s brutal ending is the focus of “Halloween II,” though Chucky’s antics are undoubtedly a highlight of the season 2 premiere.
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“Halloween II” offers an extended glimpse into the moments following the conclusion of season 1. It was in the season 1 finale that Andy had been abandoned, driving a truck full of Good Guys dolls to destroy them,before he was held up by Tiffany. “Halloween II” continues with Andy’s predicament but quickly allows him to gain the upper hand by driving the truck off a cliff. It’s the last time Andy is seen inChuckythus far, though he is mentioned again in “Halloween II” following the six-month time jump. While the opening sequence of “Halloween II” proposes a potential end for Andy’s storyline within the franchise, as unexpected as Chucky and Mancini can be, there’s a chance that Andy can still make another return.
Following Andy’s sudden departure, “Halloween II” returns the focus ofChuckyto the survivors of season 1: Jake (Zackary Arthur), Devon (Björgvin Arnarson), and Lexy (Alyvia Alyn Lind). Each of the teens is in a completely different place than they were last seen, having been forced to deal withtheir traumatic experiences with Chuckyand where it has left them. Jake and Devon have entered the foster system while Lexy, Caroline (Carina London Battrick), and her mother (Barbara Alyn Woods) have moved into a new home and begun attending therapy together. Thankfully, Mancini makes the decision not to begin with the public ridicule Jake, Devon, and Lexy faced following their blame on the doll, but merely references it throughout “Halloween II.” The episode also utilizes a number of brief flashbacks to season 1, but only when necessary. It’s a meaningful addition that helps connect where viewers can find themselves inChucky’sstory.
One of the highlights of “Halloween II” is its comedy.As horrific as Chucky and his actionscan be, there is a sinister light-heartedness that only Chucky has the ability to pull off. Mancini’s familiarity with these characters and his longevity with Chucky is what adds to its effectiveness. The opening sequence where the Good Guys dolls mock one another and make a series of suggestive comments is an immediate example, though Chucky’s arrival with a bomb later in the episode is just as comedic. When asked how he arrived at Lexy’s home, Chucky simply responds that he Ubered there. The comedic timing and longwinded response from Chucky about how much easier it hasmade his killing is oddly charming and entertaining.Mancini also weaves comedy within characters that aren’t Chucky. After tying Caroline’s new doll to a rocking chair, Lexy hands a large knife to Caroline shortly before the girl drifts off to sleep. Lexy sweetly follows the gesture with a timid, “sweet dreams,” which pairs well with Battrick’s stunned and slightly confused expression.
Another highlight of “Halloween II” is its references to other horror films and franchises. Shortly after the six-month time jump, Jake receives a number of calls from an unknown number. His interactions on the phone with a voice he struggles to place as Chucky’s,reflects that of Wes Craven’sScream.The duality that exists within a character like Chucky, where he manages to be endearing and condescending all at once, contributes to the scene’s ability to matchScream’sown unique comedic undertones. The suggestive and sometimes outlandish dialogue is what makes these scenes so memorable. ForChucky,it’s a fitting way to thrust these characters back into the doll’s sinister world.
For the most part, “Halloween II” is well paced. The brief glimpse of what happened following the season 1 finale provides all the context anyone would need beforelaunching themselves into season 2’s current narrative.Chucky’s return as “the ghost of Halloween’s past” and cryptic phone calls are the perfect way for him to begin playing mind games with the characters he has already traumatized. However, there are a number of small jumps in time and bits of the plot to get Devon, Jake, and Lexy reunited that seem slightly rushed.
As if killing Jake’s foster brother and seeing Jake, Devon, and Lexy punished for it wasn’t enough, the three have been sent to the Catholic School of the Incarnate Lord. Upon arriving, the three recognize it as the Burlington County Home for Wayward Boys, which is where Charles Lee Ray once lived at their age. This locationwas previously seen in season 1throughout a number of flashbacks, where Charles attempted to goad several boys into his violent ways. It’s a connection that is rightfully revealed at the very end of “Halloween II,” setting viewers up for a twisted, frightening journey throughoutChucky’ssecond season.
