Tales from the Darkside season 2 episode 23 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Arnold Barker, seeking sanctuary from circus folks wanting to exploit his unique ability to float, ends up in a military recruitment office. His claim of strategic importance catches Pentagon's attention, but his past quickly unravels when his circus pursuers arrive, demanding his return. Facing threats, Arnold's floating ability is revealed to be both a blessing and a curse. In a twist, Arnold consents to marry his jilted lover, Betty-Ann, sacrificing his extraordinary life for a conventional one. The episode explores themes of reality, deception, and the choice between darkness and light.

Full Episode S02E23 Recap

### Opening Monologue - A voiceover introduces the concept of a sunlit world of reality versus an unseen underworld, setting a tone of mystery and intrigue. ### Interrogation and Deal - A young lady is interrogated about the location of a division of tanks in Belgium. - After some back-and-forth, she provides coordinates in exchange for the withdrawal of forces from Antwerp. ### Duty and Promotion - Two soldiers discuss their longing for promotion and the monotony of their current assignment. - They express frustration over the lack of action and the constraints of military regulations. ### Recruitment and Sanctuary - Arnold Barker seeks sanctuary in a recruitment office, claiming his life is in danger from circus people who want to make him a main attraction due to his unique ability to float. - The Master Sergeant is skeptical and dismisses Arnold's plea for protection, focusing instead on recruiting. ### Arnold's Talent Revealed - Arnold demonstrates his ability to float, captivating the recruitment officers and leading to a call to the Pentagon. - The Pentagon deems Arnold's talent as strategically important, prompting a plan to escort him to a secure base. ### Circus Plans and Dreams of Flying - Arnold shares his backstory of being exploited by the circus and his fear of floating uncontrollably. - His conversation with Corporal Marcia Smith reveals a mutual fascination with his ability, despite the dangers involved. ### Confrontation and Revelations - Arnold's past catches up with him as circus folks, including a killer dwarf, arrive to reclaim him. - A stand-off ensues, with the Master Sergeant and Corporal Marcia Smith defending Arnold due to his strategic importance. ### Arnold's True Identity and Resolution - Arnold's deceit unravels as his real story comes to light, involving a jilted lover and a forced marriage. - Despite initial resistance, Arnold agrees to marry Betty-Ann, resolving the conflict and sacrificing his chance for an extraordinary life for a conventional one. ### Final Twists and Lessons - Arnold's attempt to revert to his deceitful ways triggers his floating ability again, but Marcia's rejection grounds him once more. - The story concludes with a return to the opening monologue's theme, reflecting on the constant presence of the dark side and the choice to live in the light.

Frequently Asked Questions

What unique ability does Arnold Barker possess?

Arnold Barker has the unique ability to float, making him lighter than air.

Why does Arnold seek sanctuary in a recruitment office?

Arnold seeks sanctuary because he claims his life is in danger from circus people who want to exploit his unique ability.

What is the Pentagon's interest in Arnold?

The Pentagon is interested in Arnold because his ability to float is deemed to be of strategic importance to the United States armed forces.

How does Arnold prove his ability to float?

Arnold proves his ability to float by removing his lead shoes, demonstrating his floating ability in front of military personnel.

What conflict arises involving Arnold and circus people?

Circus people, including a killer dwarf, arrive to reclaim Arnold, leading to a standoff with military personnel who defend Arnold due to his strategic importance.

What is the resolution of Arnold's predicament?

Arnold agrees to marry Betty-Ann, his jilted lover, thereby resolving the conflict and giving up his chance for an extraordinary life for a conventional one.

How does Arnold's story with the circus begin?

Arnold's story with the circus involves being propositioned by a circus trapeze artist and becoming embroiled in a complicated personal drama.

Does Arnold's ability to float have any limitations?

Yes, Arnold's ability to float is uncontrollable and at the mercy of the slightest breeze, making it dangerous and unpredictable.

What are the consequences of Arnold's deceit?

Arnold's deceit leads to a confrontation where his true story is revealed, forcing him to face the consequences of his actions and make amends.

How does the story reflect on the theme of reality versus the underworld?

The story juxtaposes Arnold's sunlit world of perceived reality with the dark, unseen underworld of his unique ability and the moral choices he faces, underscoring the narrative's central theme.

Tales from the Darkside season 2 episode 23

Fear of Floating