9/10
Race the Horseman
19 April 2024
This is another honorable mention in my book, but one of my favorite TV episodes for the Halloween holiday, which is why I watch this episode each year. I like that the episode uses the "Sleepy Hollow" folk legend which is cool as I've always liked it. It's one that's been adapted and utilized throughout the years like an episode of "Kolchak the Night Stalker", the Tim Burton film in 1998, and the TV series in 2013 (another under the radar video entry and story for another time); like all the great horror legends it's continued retelling and reinterpreting shows the immortality of the story and will continue for ages to come.

The story is solid as we have two protagonists that are likeable. From Ian who is ill confidant but as we see he's not short of courage. He's got the guts to stand up against bullies no matter what but also the horseman when his would be girlfriend was in danger. His character is sort of an outsider as he's from the city but also an underdog as he's obviously not with the popular crowd. However, we see he is sociable as he can easily make friends from his friendly charisma and humor.

The would-be girlfriend Katie is solid, remember as a kid thought she was cute with the persona to boot. I like that her character can hold her own against danger, let alone also has guts when a plan needs to be executed, she goes for it. Her character is also sympathetic as she's just trying to move on from a bad break up, from a bad ex-boyfriend Brad.

Sadly, it doesn't help when he constantly tries to get her back, let alone mistreats her in the process. All I can say to that guy is, "move the hell on!" she's clearly not that into you anymore and there are plenty of fish in the sea. Brad is clearly the subordinate villain, from the way he mistreats both it just even more makes you want both characters to win, because they don't deserve the crap dished out to them.

I even like the horseman, who is well designed as he is dark and menacing with the black outfit, cape, horse, the fact he's headless but also that saber he wields. I'll admit I was in constant suspense hoping that Ian and even Katie don't get decapitated; despite the horseman delivering a few misses you know that sooner or later he won't miss.

It comes down to the final minutes which to me are one of my favorite suspenseful moments ever. I remember being on the edge of my seat, my fists clinched and thinking, "Run like the wind!" Will Ian be able to outrace the Horseman, you'll just have to wait and find out, and Happy Halloween.

Rating: 3 and a half stars.
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