Hardly a month after MTV’s Punk’d premiered in 2003, The Sci-Fi Channel (now Syfy) debuted its own unique take on the hidden-camera format. Both series indeed played elaborate pranks on folks, but Scare Tactics set itself apart by placing everyday people in horror movie-like scenarios. This creep-show survived on its concept for a good five seasons before finally closing up shop. However, much like any other lucrative horror franchise, there is always that possibility of a comeback.
After watching the premiere of this new Scare Tactics, it’s safe to say not a lot has changed in ten years. Despite pitching the show as an “audacious reimagining,” original creator and producer Scott Hallock has, more or less, implemented the same formula as before. Of course, Hallock is now joined by actor and filmmaker Jordan Peele, who so far is only working in a behind-the-scenes capacity, and Peele’s production company Monkeypaw Productions. Universal also keeps things in the family by shifting from Syfy to USA Network. Of all the changes though, the most notable is Flip, a.k.a. The Dark Prince of Pranking. In lieu of a celeb host — a role previously filled by Shannen Doherty, Stephen Baldwin, and Tracy Morgan — we now have an enigmatic fictional character who guides us in and out of the segments. That creative choice gives this Scare Tactics more of an anthology feel.
For its opening prank (“Dearly Bedeviled”), Scare Tactics ropes in two random men, Chad and Tar, for what sounds like a shotgun wedding. The ceremony’s officiant simply asks the designated prankees to be witnesses to this not-so-blessed event, and the total lack of other guests is a good way of getting the men to agree. But once the ominous vows do commence, Chad and Tar have a visible change of heart. Now as viewers, you know what’s going to happen ahead of time; Flip reveals the bride’s satanic pregnancy early on. How the show follows through with this demonic birth is less expected, although judging by the size and strange shape of the bride’s belly, it’s bound to be a big delivery.
SCARE TACTICS — Dearly Bedeviled Episode 101 — Pictured in this screengrab: Cast of Deaths Table — (Photo by: USA Network)
Next up is a subtler skit (“Death’s Table”) clearly inspired by The Menu. Or to be more precise, it’s what some people, including myself, thought that movie was going to be about. Rather than having two victims though, Ariel’s friend Erving is part of the gag. Here various guests are invited to a multi-course meal that includes dishes made from unusual animals. Things take a foreseeable turn when the primary entree includes an even rarer ingredient. “You are what you eat,” Flip teases with accuracy.
This Scare Tactics is not so much concerned with reinvention as it is sticking with tradition. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” seems to be the mindset here. Maybe out of a fear of isolating fans of the previous incarnation, or being afraid of trying new ideas — possibly something more immersive like a found-footage setup — the reboot carries over the same level of questionable camerawork and conspicuous performances. Then again, it’s likely no one here is completely in the dark about what’s to come anyway.
Today most people get their fill of pranks from YouTube and social media, so it’s a surprise to see Scare Tactics back on TV. More surprising is its bizarrely low innovation. Nevertheless, the cast and targets all seem to be enjoying themselves, so perhaps it’s a “you had to be there” kind of situation. And while the pranks are never as funny as I had hoped, it’s all harmless compared to a lot of stuff out there nowadays.
Starting on October 4, Scare Tactics airs on USA Network.
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