User Reviews

Tales from the Crypt: In the Groove is set in the small town of Lancaster where controversial sex show phone-in DJ Gary Grover (Miguel Ferrer) has just been placed on the graveyard shift by his sister Rita (Wendie Malick) who own the station & also partners him up with Valerie (Linda Doucett). Gary quickly falls for Valerie & together they devise a plot to kill Rita & take over the station but things aren't quite what they seem...

This Tales from the Crypt story was episode 10 from season 6, directed by Vincent Spano I have to say that the extremely variable season six continues to throw up some really poor episodes with this being one. The script was based on a story from 'The Vault of Horror' comic book & I think at this point in the show's history it's clear that the makers were running out of suitable source material, quite possibly all of the good stories had already been adapted & only the clunkers were left & I definitely class In the Groove as a clunker all the way. I suppose my biggest problem with In the Groove is that there are are no straight horror or supernatural elements & this feels much more like dark thriller with a twist. The majority of this episode is fairly boring & dull, the plot which revolves a double cross is predictable, uninspired, routine & forgettable. The main central character is very unlikable which doesn't help, the plot drags & the lack of blood, gore or exploitative elements ultimately sinks it without trace.

Although generally well made with decent production values there's not much to this episode, as I have already said there's no special effects or blood or gore or violence or scares & even the double cross style twist at the end just feels flat with little impact. The Cryptkeeper sequences has him driving a classic Rolls Royce & are the best part of the episode. The acting is OK, Miguel Ferrer will forever be known as 'that guy' from Robocop (1987) while former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash makes a cameo appearance.

In the Groove is another big disappointment in a very variable season six, with absolutely no horror or supernatural elements & a tired & predictable double cross plot this is nowhere near as good as Tales from the Crypt can be or indeed should be.

Abrasive shock jock Gary (well played to the slimy hilt by Miguel Ferror) gets demoted to the graveyard shift by his bitchy radio station owner sister Rita (a nicely snippy portrayal by Wendie Malick) because of poor ratings. Gary regains his stride thanks to the assistance of his eager new partner Valerie (a sound and sultry performance by stunning blonde Linda Doucett). Gary and Valerie plot to kill Rita, but things don't go according to plan. Director Vincent Spano, working from an engrossing script by Colman deKay and Jack Temchin, relates the racy story at a snappy pace, gives the episode a sharp and stylish film noir vibe, and neatly explores the dark themes of anger and revenge. Legendary Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash has a cool small part as rival more successful disc jockey Hank. The surprise grim ending packs quite a punch. Rick Bota's slick cinematography provides a pleasing polished look. The smooth jazzy score by Greg De Belles does the moody trick. A worthwhile show.