Them Season 2: The Scare

Them is back! Season 2, dubbed Them: The Scare, has crash-landed on Amazon Prime with eight episodes ranging from 35 to 45 minutes each. This season picks up the torch from the first, blending supernatural horror with some damn potent social commentary. Set in 1991 Los Angeles, it dives headfirst into the muck of racial injustice and personal trauma, spinning a yarn that’s more polished and engaging than its predecessor. The main tale follows Detective Dawn Reeve, played by Deborah Ayorinde, as she chases down a freaky serial killer who seems to have one foot in the human world and the other in a supernatural abyss.

Them: The Scare kicks off with a murder that’s straight-up nightmare fuel, setting the tone for the whole damn season. LAPD Detective Dawn Reeve gets called to a foster home where the body of Bernice Mott, the foster mother, is found in a grotesque state that screams “not your average crime scene.” The plot unfolds through parallel timelines that slowly but surely connect, adding layers to the mystery like a fucked-up onion. As Reeve digs deeper, she unearths some seriously unsettling family secrets, leading to the jaw-dropping reveal that the serial killer, Edmund Gaines, is…

…her biological brother. Yikes!

The show masterfully intertwines Reeve’s investigation with Edmund’s spiral into madness. Edmund Gaines, played by Luke James, is a down-and-out actor with a pitch-black past. His character arc is a twisted, tragic mess, making him a compelling villain. The parallel timelines slam together with a shocking twist, giving the story a hefty emotional and psychological punch.

Deborah Ayorinde’s performance as Detective Dawn Reeve is the backbone of this season. She brings a depth and nuance that makes Reeve a relatable and riveting protagonist, even while grappling with her own personal demons. Ayorinde nails it, making you root for her every step of the way.

Luke James as Edmund Gaines? Holy hell, what a performance. He manages to be both menacing and heartbreakingly vulnerable, capturing Gaines’ descent into madness with a deft touch. James’s range of emotions adds a ton of depth to the villain, turning him into a tragic figure rather than a cardboard cutout of evil.

Pam Grier steps in as Athena, Reeve’s grandmother, adding a layer of cinematic history and gravitas. Her performance is subtle yet powerful, and her scenes with Ayorinde are some of the season’s most poignant moments, providing genuine emotional connections amid all the horror.

Them: The Scare has a visually eerie brilliance to it. The cinematography is top-notch, with the masterful use of color—especially red—creating an atmosphere that’s as unsettling as it is beautiful. The recurring motif of red isn’t just for show; it reflects the characters’ emotional states and the creeping dread that builds throughout the narrative.

The editing is sharp, and the subtle lighting effects crank up the horror elements. The meticulous production design and cinematography create a rich, immersive visual tapestry that elevates the show’s horror elements. Every frame is carefully crafted to convey the right mood, setting this season apart from its predecessor with its visual artistry. One of the most haunting scenes to me is all about the dreadful visuals. Reeve’s son comes to the family room to find his mother lying on a couch with the only light being the glow of a television displaying the beating of Rodney King by LAPD officers on a loop. Reeve’s face is largely pitch black in the darkness of the room, but the whites of her eyes and toothy grin are frozen on her face… fucking terrifying.

Just like the first season, Them: The Scare tackles themes of racial injustice and trauma head-on. Set against the racially charged backdrop of post-Rodney King LA, the series dives into the ugly nature of racism and its devastating impact on individuals and communities. This season goes deeper, exploring the psychological and emotional fallout of racial trauma with a nuance that adds layers to the narrative.

Through the characters’ experiences and interactions, the show highlights the pervasive, often insidious forms of racism they face. Detective Reeve’s battles within the predominantly white LAPD spotlight the systemic barriers people of color endure. The show also delves into the psychological toll of racism, as seen in Edmund Gaines’ transformation into a monstrous figure driven by internalized trauma and rage.

By weaving social themes into its horror narrative, Them: The Scare delivers a powerful commentary on the intersection of race and horror, using the genre as a lens to scrutinize the real-life horrors of racism and discrimination.

This season of Them shifts gears, focusing more on psychological terror and classic horror techniques. The jump scares, eerie soundscapes, and well-crafted suspense create an atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The balance between psychological depth and visceral scares makes for a terrifying yet accessible experience.

The psychological horror stems from the characters’ inner struggles and fears. Detective Reeve’s investigation is as much about uncovering the truth as it is about confronting her own demons. Edmund Gaines’ descent into madness is portrayed with chilling realism, underscoring the psychological damage of unresolved trauma and rage.

Traditional horror elements—creepy settings, haunting visuals, and suspenseful music—work in harmony to build a sense of dread and tension. These elements pay off with satisfying scares without resorting to gratuitous violence or cheap shocks, showcasing the show’s skillful storytelling.

The storytelling in Them: The Scare is tighter and more linear than the first season. The parallel timelines eventually converge, leading to a satisfying and coherent conclusion. The narrative maintains its intensity and suspense, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish. The ending ties up most loose ends while leaving the door open for future seasons.

The climax brings together the various narrative threads in a powerful and impactful way. Detective Reeve’s investigation reaches a fever pitch as she uncovers the truth about her brother and the malevolent forces at play. The final episodes reveal the connections between the characters and their shared trauma, offering a deeper understanding of the story’s themes and motifs.

While some questions linger, the ending of Them: The Scare feels earned and substantive. The narrative’s disturbing themes and visual motifs converge in a climax that’s both unsettling and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression. This sense of resolution makes Them: The Scare a stronger installment, handling the story’s complex themes and character arcs with finesse.

Them: The Scare is a worthy follow-up to the first season, delivering a compelling blend of supernatural horror and social commentary. With powerful performances, stunning visuals, and thoughtful thematic integration, it’s a standout in horror television. Whether you’re a fan of the first season or new to the series, Them: The Scare is a must-watch for its gripping plot, stellar acting, and impactful storytelling.

Overall, Them: The Scare showcases the potential of horror to tackle complex social issues and evoke powerful emotional responses. The series’ exploration of racial trauma and injustice, combined with its skillful use of horror elements, creates a compelling and relevant narrative. As the anthology series continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how future installments build on the foundation laid by this season.