Ep 4. The Apes of Wrath

In the fourth episode of Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, titled The Apes of Wrath, viewers are thrust once again into the bizarre and unsettling world of Darkplace Hospital—a hospital steeped in supernatural mystery, medical malpractice, and utterly absurd twists. Written and directed by the ever-egoistic Garth Marenghi, this episode juxtaposes elements of horror, comedy, and drama in a delightfully chaotic manner that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats, laughing and bewildered in equal measure.

The episode opens with a chilling yet oddly humorous narration from Marenghi himself, as he sets the stage for the eerie happenings at the hospital. Claiming to be a visionary in the world of horror fiction, Garth paints himself as both a writer and a savior. The strange vibe of the show is solidified by the opening sequences, featuring grainy footage accompanied by delightfully cheesy synth music typical of 1980s horror tropes, drawing viewers into a realm where anything can happen.

As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to Dr. Rick Dagless, played by Marenghi's alter ego, who operates as the hospital’s reluctant hero. Dr. Dagless is joined by an ensemble cast featuring the indomitable and unflinchingly incompetent Dr. Lucien Sanchez and the ever-witty, if slightly dim-witted, Nurse Twonicorn. This episode's main plot is kicked off by the sudden and mysterious outbreak of unusual behavior among the hospital staff, leading to a series of inexplicable events that hint at something monkey-related occurring in the darker corners of Darkplace.

While the overarching story involves a freak occurrence tied to an experimental treatment gone awry, it interlaces various subplots, each brimming with Marenghi’s signature brand of humor. One striking plot element is the introduction of the "ape factor"—a bizarre twist that sees the once-peaceful laboratory chimps taking an unexpected turn for the sinister. There’s a running gag about the hospital’s questionable ethics surrounding animal experiments, delivering sharp social commentary in a lightweight package.

As tension builds, the show skillfully heightens the absurdity, seamlessly merging shocking horror elements with laugh-out-loud moments. Characters begin to question their reality as they encounter situations that defy the laws of logic—characteristics of Marenghi's work that fans have come to adore. The dialogues are sharp and filled with a wit that provides levity to the otherwise frightful circumstances, allowing moments of tension to be relieved through humor that pays homage to the genre's clichés.

The leap between comedic relief and thrilling horror reaches a peak when Rick Dagless finds himself embroiled in a battle—seemingly not with the apes, but rather with himself and the demons from his past, which enhances the underlying themes of personal struggle. Throughout The Apes of Wrath, viewers witness Dagless grappling with his identity, clinical arrogance, and the desperate need for validation—a reflection of Marenghi’s obsession with the notion of the hero.

One of the standout features of this episode is its exploration of teamwork (or the lack thereof) among the medical staff at Darkplace. Nurse Twonicorn’s dedication clashes humorously with Dr. Sanchez’s bumbling cowardice, highlighting their contrasting approaches to the calamity at hand. Their interactions provide memorable comic relief, as they bicker and stumble their way through the chaotic landscape of the hospital.

Visually, The Apes of Wrath stays true to its predecessors with retro-inspired cinematography and set design that evoke a spooky yet nostalgic atmosphere. Each scene purposefully injects elements reminiscent of low-budget 80s horror productions, from brightly colored scrubs to gaudy lighting that induces a sense of kitschy dread. The editing maintains a fast pace, ensuring that viewers are always entertained as the plot twists and chaos ensues.

As the episode reaches its climax, the stakes are raised, culminating in a confrontation that sees characters face off against their individual fears and the inherent insanity surrounding their environment. This leads to a culmination of hilarity, horror, and unexpected heart that typifies the essence of Garth Marenghi's Darkplace.

The Apes of Wrath cleverly embraces the absurdity of its premise while pushing the boundaries of comedy within horror. It's a fun, frenetic romp that provides laughs and chills in equal measure, encapsulating the unique charm of Garth Marenghi's vision. Fans of the show will relish in its over-the-top storyline and eccentric characters, while newcomers will be drawn into the captivatingly strange world Marenghi has crafted. This episode is sure to leave viewers eagerly anticipating what bizarre twist awaits them next in Darkplace Hospital.