Tales from the Darkside
Automatically track what you’re watching
Join a community with a new generation of fans
Join the community
Please enter all the fields
Please enter a correct Email
Yahoo emails are not allowed
This Email is already registered in Simkl
Name too short
Password is too short
You can choose a password length of not more than 50 characters. Do not forget to switch keyboard layout to the English. Do not choose a password too simple, less then 4 characters, because such a password is easy to find out. Allowed latin and !@#$%^&*()_-+=., characters
Create Free Account
Already have an account?  Enter  
Back
Welcome back!
Please enter all the fields
Incorrect login or password entered
Sign In
Forgot your password?
Don’t have an account?  Create Account  
Back
Forgot your password?
Please enter your Email
This Email is not registered in Simkl
Failed to send email, try again later
Don't worry. It's easy to reset.

Please enter your Simkl username or E-mail from your account to start the password recovery process.
Reset Password
We have sent instructions to the email address you provided during signup. Please follow the link from the email to continue.
Back

TOP

JOIN SIMKL
Tales from the Darkside - S03E03 - The Bitterest Pill
 

Tales from the Darkside season 3 episode 3

The Bitterest Pill

 
A boy treated poorly by his parents gets the upper hand when an eccentric uncle shows up and tries to convince the parents to finance him to develop his newest invention - a pill that increases brain power and memory. He has a stroke and dies but not before the boy swallows the one and only prototype, and soon puts his parents into the same position he was before.
 
Find episode on:
 
AD
 
Try 1 month of Paramount+ FREE. Thousands of episodes, live TV & exclusive originals–all in one place! »
AD
 
Stream the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and new movies now. Sign Up Now! »
 
 
 
 
Tales from the Darkside / S03E03 : The Bitterest Pill
Season 3, Episode 3 | Aired on October 12, 1986 | TV-14 | 20 min. | CBS
Mark as watched
 
 
 
EPISODES
Season 3
Season 3
Season 3
Season 4
Season 3
Season 2
Season 1
Specials
 
 
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 1 - The Circus
    Episode 1
    The Circus
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 2 - I Can't Help Saying Goodbye
    Episode 2
    I Can't Help Saying Goodbye
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 3 - The Bitterest Pill
    Episode 3
    The Bitterest Pill
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 4 - Florence Bravo
    Episode 4
    Florence Bravo
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 5 - The Geezenstacks
    Episode 5
    The Geezenstacks
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 6 - Black Widows
    Episode 6
    Black Widows
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 7 - Heretic
    Episode 7
    Heretic
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 8 - A Serpent's Tooth
    Episode 8
    A Serpent's Tooth
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 9 - Baker's Dozen
    Episode 9
    Baker's Dozen
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 10 - Deliver Us from Goodness
    Episode 10
    Deliver Us from Goodness
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 11 - Seasons of Belief
    Episode 11
    Seasons of Belief
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 12 - Miss May Dusa
    Episode 12
    Miss May Dusa
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 13 - The Milkman Cometh
    Episode 13
    The Milkman Cometh
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 14 - My Ghostwriter — The Vampire
    Episode 14
    My Ghostwriter — The Vampire
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 15 - My Own Place
    Episode 15
    My Own Place
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 16 - Red Leader
    Episode 16
    Red Leader
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 17 - Everybody Needs a Little Love
    Episode 17
    Everybody Needs a Little Love
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 18 - Auld Acquaintances
    Episode 18
    Auld Acquaintances
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 19 - The Social Climber
    Episode 19
    The Social Climber
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 20 - The Swap
    Episode 20
    The Swap
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 21 - Let the Games Begin
    Episode 21
    Let the Games Begin
  • Tales from the Darkside - Episode 22 - The Enormous Radio
    Episode 22
    The Enormous Radio

Tales from the Darkside season 3 episode 3 Recap and FAQ

icon

Episode Summary

In a mix of daydreams and domestic squabbles, young Jonathan Bender navigates family life, interrupted by a visit from Tinker, an old acquaintance of his father Harlan, with a dubious proposition: an intelligence-enhancing drug promising total recall. While Harlan ultimately rejects Tinker's offer, the episode unfolds a dramatic shift in family dynamics, leading to Jonathan becoming the legal guardian of his parents. This newfound authority flips the traditional parent-child roles, showcasing Jonathan's transition from a daydreaming child to a responsible figurehead of the household, emphasizing the complexities of intelligence, power, and familial relationships.

Full Episode S03E03 Recap

### Opening Fantasy Sequence - Jonathan Bender imagines himself as a basketball hero in the last seconds of a game. - His daydream is interrupted by his father, Harlan, telling him to take out the garbage. ### Jonathan's Home Life - Jonathan is scolded for playing basketball indoors and is told to read a book instead of watching TV. - The family discovers they have won the lottery, leading to excitement and plans for lavish spending. ### The Arrival of Winston McNeely McGee - An old acquaintance, Winston McNeely McGee (Tinker), arrives with a proposition for Harlan. - Tinker claims to have invented a drug that grants total recall and superior intelligence. ### The Offer - Tinker tries to convince Harlan to invest in his invention, promising it could change the world. - Despite skepticism, Harlan is tempted by the potential of the drug. ### The Consequences - Harlan ultimately refuses Tinker's offer, leading to a confrontation. - Tinker's drug is revealed to be more effective on younger, developing brains, hinting at potential for Jonathan. ### Jonathan's New Reality - Following the events with Tinker, Jonathan becomes the legal guardian of his parents, now seen as more capable and intelligent. - The family dynamics shift significantly, with Jonathan now in control and making financial decisions. ### Conclusion - The episode closes with Jonathan, now in a position of authority, denying his parents' request for cable TV, suggesting they read a book instead, mirroring the episode's start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jonathan Bender?

Jonathan Bender is a young boy who daydreams of being a basketball hero and later becomes the legal guardian of his parents.

What does Winston McNeely McGee (Tinker) offer Harlan Bender?

Tinker offers Harlan a partnership in his invention, a drug that grants total recall and superior intelligence.

How does Harlan Bender respond to Tinker's proposition?

Harlan is initially tempted by Tinker's proposition but ultimately refuses to invest in the invention.

What is the effect of Tinker's drug?

The drug is supposed to grant total recall and enhance intelligence, but is more effective on younger, developing brains.

How does the family discover they have won the lottery?

The family discovers their lottery win after a series of excited and chaotic exchanges, leading to plans for lavish spending.

What changes occur in Jonathan's role within his family?

Jonathan becomes the legal guardian of his parents, taking on a position of authority and making significant decisions for the family.

Why does Jonathan refuse to get cable TV for his parents?

Jonathan, now in control and focusing on more intellectual pursuits, suggests his parents read a book instead of watching TV, reflecting his earlier experience.

How does the episode portray the dynamics of the Bender family?

The episode portrays a shift in family dynamics from traditional parental control to Jonathan assuming a position of authority due to his intelligence and capability.

What is the significance of Jonathan's daydream at the beginning of the episode?

Jonathan's daydream sets the stage for his character's imagination and aspirations, contrasting with his later reality of responsibility and control.

What are the implications of Tinker's drug on society?

While not fully explored, the drug's implications suggest potential for significant changes in intelligence and power dynamics within society.

How does the family react to winning the lottery?

The family reacts with excitement and immediate plans for extravagant spending, highlighting their desire for a change in lifestyle.

What lesson does Jonathan learn from the episode's events?

Jonathan learns about responsibility, the value of intelligence, and the complexities of adult decisions, culminating in his new role within the family.

How does Tinker's visit affect the Bender family?

Tinker's visit introduces the potential for a changed world through his invention but ultimately leads to a reevaluation of family roles and dynamics.

What is Harlan Bender's initial reaction to the lottery win?

Harlan's initial reaction is excitement and disbelief, quickly followed by plans for spending the winnings.

How does the episode conclude for Jonathan and his parents?

The episode concludes with Jonathan in control, denying his parents' request for cable TV and suggesting intellectual pursuits instead.

 
Reactions
 
ABOUT #TALESFROMTHEDARKSIDE S03E03 Newest Oldest Top Replies Top comments Top Memos Most Helpful Most Likes
Add Comment
 
Topic
 
Photo, Meme or GIF
 
Video
 
  ?
Drop image files here or click to upload
max 10MB photo or 2MB GIF
 
Add photo or GIF from web

How to add photo or GIF from web:

You can paste URL of the image inside your comment and it will be automatically converted into the image when reading the comment.
 
Find a GIF
 
Create a Meme

How to add a video:

To add a video paste video url directly into your comment. Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7L2PVdrb_8.
Do not post links to copyrighted video content (TV Episodes, Movies). Share them privately if needed.
English only please.  Home rules.
 
POST COMMENT
 
 
What do you think?
 
0
Upvote
0
Funny
0
Love
0
Surprised
0
Angry
0
Sad
 
Share this page with your friends and followers:
Get VIP
Become a Pro or a VIP member
and unlock premium perks
Become beta tester
Get access to the next version of Simkl V2
Apps
Simkl has apps for Android, iOS, Chrome,
Windows, Kodi, Plex and more!

Simkl automatically tracks what you’re watching, tells you how many episodes you’ve missed, recommends what to watch next based on your watch history, and connects you to what your friends are into.

The best way to keep track of your favorite TV shows!

Get alerted when new episodes of your favorite TV shows air!

Get personalized recommendations on what to watch!

125,149 TV Shows
13,472 Anime
877,673 Movies
3,299,355 Members
COMMUNITY
Simkl is nothing without you
Give feedback on Discord or Twitter, improve your Simkl skills through tutorials.
IMDB
Tutorials
Explore our tutorials to enhance your understanding of how to keep track of your watch history on Simkl.
What is Simkl?
Twitter
Twitter
Stay updated with Simkl on Twitter for the latest product developments and other interesting news about TV Shows and Movies.
Follow @Simkl
Discord
Discord
Chat with the Simkl team and fellow Simkl members. The ultimate community experience.
Join our Discord
Start tracking what you watch
Sign Up with Google
Sign Up with Email
MADE WITH ♥ IN NYC & UA
© 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.