Martin Carr reviews the twelfth episode of Scream: The TV Series season 2…
Little known but relevant, ‘When A Stranger Calls’ mirrors the predictable conclusion to Scream as it concludes for another season. On the run but still trying to figure out who their tormentor might be, Audrey and Emma hightail it from one end of Lakewood to another as things come to a head. There is an inevitability to proceedings as the last person you thought might be responsible reveals themselves. Granted their behavioural tics, malevolent turn and last act confession fails to carry much weight after last week and that pitch fork, but nonetheless its good fun.
With the recurring theme of ghosts coming back to haunt you, Scream delivers on every cliché from deserted movie theatre to derelict orphanage. Returning to these locations with effective plot payoffs and more than a little claret. Throw into the mix the return of Noah to the fray and this lacklustre finale pulls together a half decent send off, with the requisite season three cliff hanger thrown in for good measure. To all intense and purposes this is little more than a reworking of Scream 2, where the culprits turn out to be…..well you must have seen the film and if not go find it now.
However what remains in the aftermath of Scream is a realisation that these characters have come a long way. Kieran, Eli, Emma, Audrey, Noah and Brooke are now established, well developed people in their own right. It has taken time, faith and a combination of solid acting and writing to silence the naysayers. Whether you are a fan or not there is no way Scream can be seen as anything other than a success. Relevant, updated and on point it has made the transition from network to streaming service with ease, backed by a fledgling movie studio with money to burn and accessible talent to apply. If this is what Netflix can do with one property in a season imagine the possibilities given some real time.
Martin Carr – Follow me on Twitter
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https://youtu.be/b7Ozs5mj5ao?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng
Originally published August 26, 2016. Updated November 29, 2022.
