The last episode of Don Mancini’s “Chucky” opened the floodgates of plot development in the most unhinged way. Nica (Fiona Dourif) made a triumphant escape with the help of Glenda (Lachlan Watson) and a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it reveal of Kyle (Christine Elise) at the wheel. “Doll on Doll” prolongs revealing Nica’s whereabouts, instead focusing on the aftermath with Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly) and Glen (Watson) and a return to the slow Chucky (Brad Dourif) invasion at the Catholic boarding school.
The Chucky doll that Jake Wheeler (Zackary Arthur), Lexy (Alyvia Alyn Lind), Devon (Bjorgvin Arnarson), and Nadine (Bella Higginbotham) reformed in episode three plays a pivotal role in “Doll on Doll.” Its new aversion to violence creates a wedge among the friends, who can’t agree if this doll is a friend or foe. That division and the recent arrival of a Hulk Chucky become a focal point for character arcs while edging the season closer to revealing Main Chucky’s central vengeance machinations.
“Doll on Doll” relies on the young protagonists to work toward uncovering the season-long mystery. At the same time, the Tilly household addresses long-gestating franchise questions that began with Glen and Glenda’s arrival. Glen’s struggling hard, emotionally juggling the fallout of mom’s psychotic ways, repressed memories, and uncovering family secrets. Tiffany’s more volatile with Nica gone, making it harder for her to maintain her Tilly charade. It culminates in significant reveals and confessions that shake up the Tilly household and the franchise canon.
We’re now in the back half of “Chucky” season two, and it’s keenly felt. The bombshells are dropping with a frenzy now, hurling the season forward with heft and speed. How the two central storylines will ultimately collide remains to be seen, but the paths are slowly converging into the overarching narrative.
(l-r) Alyvia Alyn Lind as Lexy Cross, Bella Higginbotham as Nadine — (Photo by: SYFY)
Offsetting the hefty weight of that forward momentum, this episode lies with the levity of tender character moments and the wacky, murderous antics of Chucky variations. Higginbotham’s Nadine remains a ray of sunshine when things seem too grim. Nadine’s optimism is an asset between her coos at Reformed Chucky and her gentle means of encouraging Lexy to find inner strength and resolve. There’s sage wisdom that comes with lived experiences beneath the childlike demeanor that makes Nadine a continued yet endearing question mark.
Then there’s the Chucky of it all. “Doll and Doll” opens with some over-the-top doll on doll violence that serves as a potent reminder that “Chucky” always remembers to have fun. Mancini and the series’ writers create an infectious balancing act between servicing their characters and story with testing the limits of spectacle and entertainment. For every heartfelt or heart-wrenching quiet moment between characters, an absurd horror moment will soon follow to knock you off your feet in laughter. That push and pull between serious and amusing further contribute to the series’ stalwart commitment to unpredictability.
Whereas episode four’s climactic chaos happened in such a rush that quickly skimmed over the resurgence of the presumed dead Kyle, “Doll on Doll” is far more measured in its pacing. Each conflict is given enough room to breathe and the reveals to make their necessary impact. Even as the episode raises even more questions, the biggest of which arrives at the tail end, ensuring we’re tuning in next week to see what madness is in store.
Watch new episodes of “Chucky” on Wednesdays at 9/8c on SYFY and USA Network.
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