Ep 1. The Tale of the Phantom Cab

Are You Afraid of the Dark? is a Canadian television series that first premiered in 1990 and went on to achieve great success with its blend of horror and mystery. The show follows a group of teenagers who call themselves "The Midnight Society" and gather around a campfire to tell scary stories.

In the Retro Essentials season 1, Episode 1 of the show titled "The Tale of the Phantom Cab," the Midnight Society gathers together to tell the tale of a group of teenagers who find themselves stranded on a deserted road on a dark, stormy night.

The teens, who are on their way to a concert, are frustrated and nervous as they realize they might not make it in time. Suddenly, they see a taxicab approaching them from the distance. They flag down the cab, relieved to have found a ride, but quickly realize that there is something peculiar about the driver.

The driver, whose face cannot be seen due to shadowy lighting, is silent and drives much too fast. The road also seems to be changing and looping back on itself, which adds to the teens' sense of panic. As they continue to ride in the cab, strange occurrences begin to happen and they feel that they are being watched by an unseen presence.

The episode is full of suspense and eerie moments that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. It is a classic horror story with elements of mystery and intrigue that will leave the audience guessing until the very end.

Overall, "The Tale of the Phantom Cab" is a great start to the retro essentials season 1 of Are You Afraid of the Dark?. The storytelling is gripping, and the acting is impressive, making it an episode that will stay in your memory long after you watch it. It is a must-watch for any fans of horror and mystery genres and a perfect introduction to the show for new viewers.