"Them - The Scare" Should you watch it?
Let's get into it! Season two has been a long time coming. I was fan of season one but two is where it is at!
"THEM: The Scare," the newest installment of the horror anthology on Prime Video, plunges you into a gripping tale set in a stormy Los Angeles. This series shows two stories from two dope actors. The first story tracks LAPD detective Dawn Reeve, portrayed by Deborah Ayorinde, as she investigates a disturbing murder at a foster home. With its sharp visuals and strong performances, especially from Ayorinde, the season excels visually while tackling deep themes such as institutional racism. The narrative not only explores the terrifying aspects of being a Black female cop but also delves into the complex role of police within the framework of systemic racism, adding layers to the chilling storyline.
Please note, the series adopts an "American Horror Story" style, where viewers can jump into the second season without having seen the first, enjoying a standalone experience.
The second story focuses on Edmund Gaines, portrayed by Luke James, who works at a Chuck E. Cheese-like children's venue. When Edmund auditions for a tough gang member role in a movie, his mild manner is so pronounced that it prompts laughter from the cameraman—a clear mismatch for the character he tries to portray. However, he finds solace in Rhonda, the casting agency's receptionist, played by Tamika Shannon. As they become acquainted, Edmund, clearly smitten, spends his day parked outside her office, keeping an eye on the place from the solitude of his car.
Dawn Reeve's superior, Lieutenant Schiff (played by Wayne Knight), partners her with Detective Ronald McKinney (Jeremy Bobb) despite her reservations. Schiff believes Dawn’s history indicates she could use the assistance to keep the investigation focused. They are looking into the death of Bernice Mott (Cindi Davis), a foster mother known to the police from previous domestic violence calls. Dawn is appalled when McKinney hastily suspects Malcolm (Deion Smith), one of the deceased's foster children, exacerbating the tension by intentionally cracking his joints to unsettle the teenager. This scene was distributing.
Meanwhile, Rhonda accepts Edmund's invitation to bring her son to his restaurant. Upon their arrival, Edmund's demeanor softens significantly. He ends up playing in the bounce house with the boy, but not before Rhonda agrees to look out for suitable roles for him in upcoming scripts, and they exchange contact details.
Back on the case, Dawn visits Malcolm’s little sister, Kia (Hattie Hoskins), who describes a fearful life under Mrs. Mott's care, hinting at a terrifying presence she believed was haunting them. This is underscored by a flashback of Mrs. Mott frantically shouting about someone in the house, while surrounded by blaring televisions—presumably to ward off this menacing entity. Another flashback shows Kia noticing cleaning products oddly arranged in the hallway, followed by the chilling sounds of Mrs. Mott being forcibly hidden under the sink.The plot thickens when Dawn, attempting to reconstruct the scene under her own sink, finds herself enveloped by eerie disturbances echoing the horrors that once plagued Mrs. Mott.
Not giving the story away too much, this story unfolds from two intriguing perspectives that initially seem disconnected. While much of the narrative focuses on Dawn's deep dive into the grisly murder of Bernice Mott, Edmund's peculiar behavior adds an unsettling layer. Luke James masterfully shifts from impassivity to childlike innocence, especially in a chilling scene where he's found with a trunk full of children's toys, sending shivers down our spines.
However, Dawn's investigation might prove to be even more harrowing. She's a Black female detective in the LAPD during a time rife with scandal, soon to escalate into the 1992 riots. Battling rampant racism and sexism within the force, Dawn's unique approach to her work and the personal dynamics at home, especially with her mother Athena, deeply influence her handling of the case. Deborah Ayorinde shines once again, displaying her ability to switch emotions effortlessly. While Dawn is often the emotional anchor for her family, her unconventional methods in the field are both compelling and critical to the unfolding drama. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series on Amazon Prime. We give this series a solid 4 STARS ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.
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Did you enjoy this series, Them - The Scare?
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Slightly until the ending