“The Night of the Death Masks’ is, if not the best episode of the third season, the one which sticks out the most for its intensity and creativity. The episode strays effectively from the usual formula for a completely surreal experience.Emmet Stark, a psychotic criminal whom our heroes put away years ago, vowed reene on the two once he got out of prison. Now that he is free, he has Jim kidnapped, drugged, and placed in a ghost town where he interacts with various people who pop in and out. Artie is eventually lured there, too. As part of the revenge plan, they are to kill one another in a case of mistaken identity.
A key point is when Artie shoots Jim believing him to be someone else. Jim is faking because he has figured out stark is behind the plot, but Artie expresses grave sorrow or killing Jim. In one of the few instances in which their true feelings for each other are revealed, Artie says he loved Jim like a brother. It is a nice touch in a show that is often full of frivolous, liht-hearted adventure.
The same could be said of the episode as a whole. The tone is a surrealist nightmare meant to drive Jim and Artie to insane murder. It is as disturbing a journey for the viewer as it is for them. I thought it was a fascinating change of pace but if you are a fan of the general feel of the series, you may think you are watching a different show entirely. I suspect that fan either love or hate “The Night of the Death Masks.” I am obviously in the former group.
Rating: **** (out of 5)
