Child's Play (1988) - S16 E126

This week we’re slicing into the 1988 classic Child’s Play, the slasher film that proved sometimes “an annoying little s***” in dungarees is all you need to launch one of the most resilient horror icons in cinema.

We dive into how creator Don Mancini managed to maintain incredible consistency and longevity by never retconning the crazy logic of the series. We discuss the creative clashes between Mancini and director Tom Holland (not the one who wears spandex), the legendary vocal work of one Brad Dourif, and how Catherine Hicks and Alex Vincent survived the most chaotic breakfast ever put to film. Plus, we marvel at the practical effects of Kevin Yagher, proving that an animatronic doll is infinitely more terrifying than any modern CGI.

We also dig into the wild rumour that Gary Oldman was once considered for the voice of the slasher doll and how Fiona Dourif eventually joined the family business by playing her dad.

What to expect from this episode:

Find out how Sarah got Dan to watch the entire Chucky franchise way back before season 1.

We discuss the ADHD breakfast from hell at great length.

The mystery of the “peddler” and why buying an animatronic doll in a 1980s back alley for $30 is a total steal.

Why Brad Dourif’s maniacal giggle adds two weeks to Sarah’s lifespan every time she hears it.

The tension-filled car reveal where Chris Sarandon finally realises size really doesn’t matter when a doll has a knife.

A look at the practical effects that allowed a Good Guy Doll to progressively look more human and haggard.

The surprising revelation that legendary critic Roger Ebert gave this slasher film a thumbs up.

We debate whether the “child prison” sanatorium had a ball pit and individual mini pizzas for its pint-sized inmates.