By Melissa Antoinette Garza
Back in the late 80s, there was a popular TV talk show called The Morton Downey Jr. Show. It was a heated show where Downey would yell a lot. Generally, the topics would be of a political nature but there were episodes that focused on entertainment acts as well.
I remember as a child watching it all of the time. I loved it back then. My older sister, older brother, mother and I would sit in the living room and watch it as a family. I tried to find a few clips on youtube and the few that were on seemed fun. I know the show was controversial back in the day, but I also remember thinking it was great. I’ll admit that I’m not above that type of programming now. Though, I thoroughly dislike Jerry Springer, Jenny Jones, Dr. Phil, Ricki Lake, etc. I do DVR The Steve Wilkos Show. I skip the episodes about infidelity and paternity, but I do love the ones where Wilkos tells off child predators and wife beaters. Now, I don’t remember Morton going after abusers, but if I’m not mistaken I do think he told off the Klan.
After his show, I recall Morton Downey appearing on pro-wrestling and fighting Rowdy Roddy Piper. As a child, believing wrestling was real, my alliance quickly shifted to Piper, as I loved him far more than Downey. I also remember there was a Morton Downey Jr. board game that my brother had. It was the oddest thing. It came with Morton Downey masks. I wish we still had that because it was the most bizarre thing in the world.
So as I was going through the Tales from the Crypt DVDs, it dawned on me that Morton Downey was in one of those episodes as well. Sure enough, in the second season he starred in an episode called Television Terror. I was pretty certain that it was one of the better episodes; and I’m happy to say that my memory served me correctly on this one.
The episode is actually something that is quite before its time. It has aspects that are reminiscent of a found footage movie yet still uses the traditional method of introducing the characters and plot.
Horton Rivers (Morton Downey Jr.) is an investigative journalist aiming for his highest ratings yet. He decides to venture into an abandoned boarding house said to be haunted. Like most places that suffer from paranormal events, this house had a bloody history. Ada Ritter (Jeannie Epper) who owned the residence snapped and began murdering the tenants. She butchered at least twelve people and then killed herself. It was only after her suicide that an investigation took place and the bodies of the others were found.
Horton tells the story of the Ritter Boarding House with a sensationalistic, over-the-top tone. He pushes everyone on set to their breaking point with his complaints, attitude and arrogance. He is pompous, sexist, and to put it plainly a douchebag. None of his employees like him, yet they tolerate his presence.
Though Horton is warned not to enter, he defies the objection and with his camera man walks in. At first, they are simply going through the rooms and explaining to the viewers what happened in each one.
During the walkthrough, strange things begin to happen. Music can be heard, moans and voices come from another room, water drips though the utilities are off, and the camera equipment stops functioning.
Matters get worse, when Horton begins seeing apparitions and the spirits make it clear they did not want to be bothered.
This is actually a pretty frightening episode. Those who find Poltergeist (1982), Grave Encounters (2011) or The Amityville Horror (1979) entertaining would really find enjoyment in this. It’s delightfully scary, well-acted, and very compelling.
I would say that this and Fitting Punishment are my two favorite episodes thus far and both are absolutely superb.
Scared Stiff Rating: 9/10
Dont miss the upcoming Morton Downey Jr. documentary. Its called Évocateur and is releasing this Spring!
Thanks!! That sounds awesome. I look forward to it. If you would like a review done for it, please email me personally at ScaredStiffReviews@gmail.com and I’ll be more than happy to work something out with you.
All the Best,
Melissa Garza