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Very Special Episodes
Adjust your antenna, and take a nightmarish trip down memory lane with the episode guide that didn't make it past Standards and Practices. Inspired by the "very special episodes" of the 90s, this anthology of suburban scares recaptures the magic of some of the unforgettable cautionary tales in TV history.
Each story rewinds to the horror tropes of much simpler times - stranger danger lurking in the shadows, wide-eyed cult recruiters waiting after school, over-the-top drug warnings, and many more nostalgic themes twisted into something even more horrific. These made-for-TV tales are brought to life by some of extreme horror's most promising up-and-coming voices.
Tonight, we welcome you back to primetime television. Where every episode is one you'll never forget.
Featuring stories by Jessica Gleason, Mike Harris, AudraKate Gonzalez, Q. Zhou, Bryan Stubbles, and more.
WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
Each story rewinds to the horror tropes of much simpler times - stranger danger lurking in the shadows, wide-eyed cult recruiters waiting after school, over-the-top drug warnings, and many more nostalgic themes twisted into something even more horrific. These made-for-TV tales are brought to life by some of extreme horror's most promising up-and-coming voices.
Tonight, we welcome you back to primetime television. Where every episode is one you'll never forget.
Featuring stories by Jessica Gleason, Mike Harris, AudraKate Gonzalez, Q. Zhou, Bryan Stubbles, and more.
WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
234 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 8, 2026
Very Special Episodes is a PSA horror anthology that attempts to take touchy subjects (grooming, addictions [narcotics, porn, alcohol], bullying, etc.) and glorifies them, unfashionably compared to normal PSAs. This read comes out of nowhere for me as I really just bought this book for some spice in my TBR, as well as to finally dip my toes into more extreme horror literature. I’m no stranger to extreme horror (don’t ask) so I’m almost numb to this stuff now—just don’t do Fire In the Sky alien torture scenes and I ain’t gonna get queasy. I feel that VSE was a fun concept but ultimately could’ve had more variety, let alone would’ve favored if written by one or a couple of authors, as the consistency was non-existent. Here are my ratings/reviews for each story:
She Called Herself Jenny - 8/10.
Decent. I liked the direction this went albeit straightforward, and it blended the themes nicely, bridging from drinking to stuff far more concerning. Could’ve had a better exposition. ‘Nough said.
The Industry - 8/10.
I liked this a teeny bit more than the prior. The approach to pornography is interesting and it basically reads like a Lucifer Valentine film by the end, and the ending note is kinda funny as it is super dark. Very good.
The Bloody Mary Clown Incident - 3/10.
What a sharp downgrade. The writing is finicky in pace and sensibility, and the plot is just batshit random in an unamusing way. Extremely short as well, so not much to note storywise.
The Legend of Dopeface - 6.5/10.
Dopeface feels like the most expected story in the bunch (so far). It’s got the most limpid message embossed in it and an interesting idea that I enjoyed, but the story feels like it was trying to do too many things by the end that it ends up feeling bloated.
The Ratkeeper’s Basement - 7/10.
Jason Harlow’s (the creator’s) single entry here turns up feeling half-baked. I liked the narrow set-up, but the back half didn't quite deliver on the initial plot and then deviated from it towards something else. It could’ve worked but didn’t really give me what I wanted to see, and the ending feels sudden. I think there’s a deeper intention here (aside from the clear theming with the Ratkeeper’s basement) that might work but nothing I can whiff out. That said, I still enjoyed this plenty.
Unbound - 7/10.
Pretty simple one that didn’t blow me away. This entry was a given (it’s about the Satanic Panic) to be present, and the author of this one did a decent job. Good concept and execution, and it’s tight paced. I didn't particularly care for it hence I wasn’t alive for the period nor did the idea resonate with me, but the least offensive one here—literally and critically—so that’s nice.
Never Be a Bully - 9/10.
Best thus far. It almost read as matured kids’ horror, and the message is simple (it’s in the damn title) and the horror with it is super effective. That ending is damn good too, but the mark really well. I only wished it was a bit more developed as an idea. Justice for Billy—MY BROTHER’S JUST ANOTHER ME!!
Pixie Dust - 6.5/10.
Kinda lame in a way. Pixie Dust is about caffeine pills—so, another drug story—and doesn’t really do much horror with that idea. Nothing supernatural, nothing clever, just an innocent girl who spirals. It’s underwhelming, not to mention has some poor editing for some reason, albeit an inoffensive addition here.
Beauty Isn’t Consent - 5/10.
Literally just Carrie. Not to a damned tee but it’s the same story at heart, minus the levity of the B-Plot just being cruelty now. It’s message is distorted—as in it really didn’t read like PSA horror aka tell a trusted adult if you’re being molested, and ditches the book’s premise wholly—and the writing style is just weak/confusing. Had greater potential.
The Devil’s Lettuce - 6.5/10.
A rather unnoteworthy close. This one tackles weed, and its approach is grotesque with a wickedly bad trip. But ultimately not the most interesting idea here, and didn’t do anything for me besides the gorey visualization.
——————
Overall, 6.5/10. Mixed bag for certain; again, should’ve just been one author for better consistency, as whilst the writing is mostly similar, some of it is jarring (and, of course, story quality is all over the place). Largely Unique Chapter.
She Called Herself Jenny - 8/10.
Decent. I liked the direction this went albeit straightforward, and it blended the themes nicely, bridging from drinking to stuff far more concerning. Could’ve had a better exposition. ‘Nough said.
The Industry - 8/10.
I liked this a teeny bit more than the prior. The approach to pornography is interesting and it basically reads like a Lucifer Valentine film by the end, and the ending note is kinda funny as it is super dark. Very good.
The Bloody Mary Clown Incident - 3/10.
What a sharp downgrade. The writing is finicky in pace and sensibility, and the plot is just batshit random in an unamusing way. Extremely short as well, so not much to note storywise.
The Legend of Dopeface - 6.5/10.
Dopeface feels like the most expected story in the bunch (so far). It’s got the most limpid message embossed in it and an interesting idea that I enjoyed, but the story feels like it was trying to do too many things by the end that it ends up feeling bloated.
The Ratkeeper’s Basement - 7/10.
Jason Harlow’s (the creator’s) single entry here turns up feeling half-baked. I liked the narrow set-up, but the back half didn't quite deliver on the initial plot and then deviated from it towards something else. It could’ve worked but didn’t really give me what I wanted to see, and the ending feels sudden. I think there’s a deeper intention here (aside from the clear theming with the Ratkeeper’s basement) that might work but nothing I can whiff out. That said, I still enjoyed this plenty.
Unbound - 7/10.
Pretty simple one that didn’t blow me away. This entry was a given (it’s about the Satanic Panic) to be present, and the author of this one did a decent job. Good concept and execution, and it’s tight paced. I didn't particularly care for it hence I wasn’t alive for the period nor did the idea resonate with me, but the least offensive one here—literally and critically—so that’s nice.
Never Be a Bully - 9/10.
Best thus far. It almost read as matured kids’ horror, and the message is simple (it’s in the damn title) and the horror with it is super effective. That ending is damn good too, but the mark really well. I only wished it was a bit more developed as an idea. Justice for Billy—MY BROTHER’S JUST ANOTHER ME!!
Pixie Dust - 6.5/10.
Kinda lame in a way. Pixie Dust is about caffeine pills—so, another drug story—and doesn’t really do much horror with that idea. Nothing supernatural, nothing clever, just an innocent girl who spirals. It’s underwhelming, not to mention has some poor editing for some reason, albeit an inoffensive addition here.
Beauty Isn’t Consent - 5/10.
Literally just Carrie. Not to a damned tee but it’s the same story at heart, minus the levity of the B-Plot just being cruelty now. It’s message is distorted—as in it really didn’t read like PSA horror aka tell a trusted adult if you’re being molested, and ditches the book’s premise wholly—and the writing style is just weak/confusing. Had greater potential.
The Devil’s Lettuce - 6.5/10.
A rather unnoteworthy close. This one tackles weed, and its approach is grotesque with a wickedly bad trip. But ultimately not the most interesting idea here, and didn’t do anything for me besides the gorey visualization.
——————
Overall, 6.5/10. Mixed bag for certain; again, should’ve just been one author for better consistency, as whilst the writing is mostly similar, some of it is jarring (and, of course, story quality is all over the place). Largely Unique Chapter.
April 24, 2026
This, most definitely brought me back to a simpler time. The caffeine pill story was AMAZING and I was picturing Jessie the entire time. The last story, from Mike Harris, just put the cherry on top of an amazing book.
This collection brought back some memories and while not as 'extreme' as other books in my history, this one was a lot of fun. Thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely be reading it again.
5.25 out of 5 severed thumbs-up.
This collection brought back some memories and while not as 'extreme' as other books in my history, this one was a lot of fun. Thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely be reading it again.
5.25 out of 5 severed thumbs-up.
May 21, 2026
Very Special Episodes from Jason Harlow and Dancing Griffin Press is one of the exceptional anthologies where all the stories are fantastic. There are authors herein whose work I am not familiar with but now intend to become so. The theme is ‘90s TV cautionary episodes, though a few have ‘90s movies crossover, and both the horror and nostalgia are on point. As someone who was an adult in the ‘90s, I really enjoyed how well the ‘90s was done by all, but I do believe some of the horror has been taken to a whole other level—in a good way, the best way.
While I seriously cannot choose a favorite or even favorites (plural), a few mentions are in order. “The Industry” by Quinn Patrick is probably the most impactfully horrifying one here, truly wrenching, feel-it-in-your-chest, and bone chilling. “The Bloody Mary Clown Incident” by Ann Wuehler brilliantly and gruesomely combines two ‘90s classics in an incredible, darkly fun, and disturbing way. “The Ratkeeper’s Basement” by Jason Harlow is not fun, not at all, rather a dark mix of brutal psychological and visceral horror without being graphic. And “The Devil’s Lettuce” by Mike Harris captures the heart early antidrug messages exquisitely.
But again, these are all great stories and are very different from one another in subject, plot, style, and intensity. I enjoyed them all. Very Special Episodes is a treasure of horror nostalgia that will make you smile, chill your blood, and stop your breath.
This is a phenomenal reading experience. I cannot recommend it enough. However, while not all stories are extreme horror per se, some subject matter and content may be too intense for readers of quiet horror.
A Bibliophilia Templum Review
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2026/05/21/very-special-episodes/
April 25, 2026
I loved Pixie Dust and Beauty Isn’t Consent. The Bloody Mary Clown Incident, Legend of Dopeface, The Ratkeeper’s Basement, Unbound, and The Devil’s Lettuce were a lot of fun. She Called Herself Jenny, The Industry, and Never Be a Bully had that special episode feel with what they were based on. This is a good collection of short stories!
April 24, 2026
𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫, 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟗𝟎𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤; 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐠𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 “𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤,” “𝐄𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞, 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚,” 𝐨𝐫 “𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞,” 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮.
The stories are set in the 90s—ah, what a fantastic time before the tech boom! Each tale touches on significant themes from that era. A special shoutout to the introduction by Cameron Chaney, who did a fantastic job setting the tone for what’s to come. While all the stories were great, here are a few that stood out to me:
**She Called Herself Jenny (Q. Zhou)** - Two friends head to a bar to help one of them cope with a broken heart. What better way to heal than with a drink? They meet a woman named Jenny, but little do they know, that night will change everything.
**The Industry (Quinn Patrick)** - A group of teens looking to make some quick cash answer a modeling call at their local mall. But the casting director has his sights set on just one person, and what happens next is downright chilling.
**The Ratskeeper’s Basement (Jason Harlow)** - A young man grapples with a painful truth after confiding in his parents about a terrible incident, only to be met with disbelief. On his way home with a friend, he encounters a man who offers an unexpected opportunity.
**Never Be A Bully (Kay Hanifen)** - This story had me in tears from the very first page; I could already sense where it was headed. Two kids befriend a new classmate with a mental disability, and it serves as a cautionary tale—just remember, everyone has to pay a price.
All the stories in this book showcase the incredible range of these authors. I highly recommend giving it a read; it’s packed with all the nostalgic vibes of the 90s. And as always, thank you, Jason, for the chance to dive into your work!
The stories are set in the 90s—ah, what a fantastic time before the tech boom! Each tale touches on significant themes from that era. A special shoutout to the introduction by Cameron Chaney, who did a fantastic job setting the tone for what’s to come. While all the stories were great, here are a few that stood out to me:
**She Called Herself Jenny (Q. Zhou)** - Two friends head to a bar to help one of them cope with a broken heart. What better way to heal than with a drink? They meet a woman named Jenny, but little do they know, that night will change everything.
**The Industry (Quinn Patrick)** - A group of teens looking to make some quick cash answer a modeling call at their local mall. But the casting director has his sights set on just one person, and what happens next is downright chilling.
**The Ratskeeper’s Basement (Jason Harlow)** - A young man grapples with a painful truth after confiding in his parents about a terrible incident, only to be met with disbelief. On his way home with a friend, he encounters a man who offers an unexpected opportunity.
**Never Be A Bully (Kay Hanifen)** - This story had me in tears from the very first page; I could already sense where it was headed. Two kids befriend a new classmate with a mental disability, and it serves as a cautionary tale—just remember, everyone has to pay a price.
All the stories in this book showcase the incredible range of these authors. I highly recommend giving it a read; it’s packed with all the nostalgic vibes of the 90s. And as always, thank you, Jason, for the chance to dive into your work!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews