Darker Shades of Black

A review of Harlan Ellison’s science fiction horror story “I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream”. In the Cold War area of Earth, most of the human population has been eradicated from the face of the planet, by an artificial intelligence known as “AM”. All that remains of humanity are five individuals, who have been imprisoned within a subterranean facility, and whose lives have become a living Hell.

In this review we explore a world created by the supernatural powers of divine beings. These deities would perform incredible miracles that would manifest into individual realities for each of the gods to rule over their followers. The reign of the gods was oppressive and cruel, which caused the people to revolt against their unrelenting tyranny. The overthrow of the divinity was the end of a dark age but it also covered up secrets that wouldn’t be revealed until decades later. Secrets that would finally come to light due to the brutal death of a government researcher of divine artifacts.

In this review we witness the manifestation of miracles unfolding within an isolated island community. We examine Mike Flanagan's supernatural horror television series Midnight Mass.

In this review we explore the concept of artificial life and the likelihood of a created being becoming sentient. We examine Alex Garland's science fiction film Ex Machina.

In this review we follow a group of astronauts on a perilous mission to reignite our dying sun. We examine Danny Boyle's science fiction horror film Sunshine.

In this review we follow a group of scientists as they explore a cold and desolate, godforsaken land, where no man was meant to go. We examine H.P. Lovecraft's science fiction horror story At the Mountains of Madness.

In this review we learn about an alien ship that has emerged from a wormhole and into our solar system. A group of cosmonauts are sent to investigate this mysterious vessel and discover what lies within the Matryoshka. We examine Alastair Reynolds science fiction story Troika.

In this review we follow a cargo ship crew into uncharted space as they discover a remote outpost called Saumlaki Station. We examine Alastair Reynolds science fiction horror story Beyond the Aquila Rift.

In this review we delve into the gritty world of cyberpunk bounty hunters. We examine the live action science fiction series Cowboy Bebop.

In this review we descend into a dystopian world of cyberpunk. We examine Ridley Scott's science fiction noir film Blade Runner.

In this review we see a man kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years. Once he is released, he is given five days to locate his mysterious captor, or never know the reason why his life was destroyed. We examine Park Chan-wook's neo-noir action film Oldboy.

In this review we learn about the survivors of a horrific plane crash deep in the Canadian wilderness. We examine the dramatic horror series Yellowjackets Season 1.

In this review we watch a simple children’s game become a surreal and twisted form of brutal entertainment for a madman. We examine the Korean television series Squid Game Season 1.

A Broken Man Trying To Save A Dying World

A review of Stephen King’s Black House. Jack Sawyer is a former Los Angeles police officer who is hunting a serial killer called The Fisherman. As the story unfolds we learn that The Fisherman has made Faustian bargain with a powerful demon. And this demon serves a being, who is evil incarnate, known as the Crimson King.

A review of Stephen King’s The Talisman. Jack Sawyer is a 12 year old boy who is trying to find a cure for his dying mother. He embarks on a journey that takes him from 1980’s America to an alternate reality known as The Territories.

In this review we delve deeper into a devastated world stricken by a catastrophic event. We learn more about the fallen state of mankind and the rise of the Devil himself. We examine Matthew D. Jordan’s science fiction drama Tincture Season 2.

In this review we discuss an incredible story inspired by Stephen King’s Dark Tower series. The earth has been afflicted by a catastrophic event known as “The Great Whatever”. The world has been changed into a post-apocalyptic barren wasteland and humanity has become barbaric wandering nomads. We examine Matthew D. Jordan’s science fiction drama Tincture Season 1.

In this review we journey into the distant future and explore a feudal interstellar empire on the verge of war. Two of the noble houses are vying for control over a precious natural resource known as spice. We examine Denis Villeneuve’s science fiction drama Dune.

In this review we go back in time to the turbulent 1960’s and 70’s of northern New Jersey. We witness the early years of Tony Soprano, which led to him becoming one the greatest gangsters of all time. We examine David Chase’s crime drama The Many Saints of Newark.

In this review we return to another story set in a twentieth century prison. In 1935 a black man is sentenced to Death Row for the rape and murder of two white girls. As the story reveals itself, we learn there’s more to this man than meets the eye. We examine Frank Darabont’s prison drama The Green Mile.

In this review we venture into a prison set in the mid twentieth century. We unravel a story that shines a light on what it means to be human, in conjunction with the struggle to persevere through the hardships of life. We examine Frank Darabont's prison drama The Shawshank Redemption.

In this review we watch a man enter into a game that pushes him to the brink of insanity. As events begin to reveal themselves, we discover this may not be a game at all, but a conspiracy to destroy a man’s life. We examine David Fincher’s mystery thriller The Game.

In this review we watch a man deal with the mysterious disappearance of his wife. As the story unfolds, a journal is found chronicling a broken marriage, built on lies and deceit. We examine David Fincher’s mystery thriller Gone Girl.

In this review we explore the darker side of broadcast news. A con man discovers that his lack of empathy, and fascination with gruesome murders, are perfect prerequisites for survival in the world of crime journalism. We examine the film known as Nightcrawler.

In this review art imitates life as we’re exposed to another pandemic. One that is eerily similar to the events we’re experiencing today. We examine the film known as Contagion.

In this review we explore an alternate version of Los Angeles where humans, orcs and elves live among each other. We follow two detectives who fight to survive against police corruption, gang violence and supernatural cults. We examine the fantasy thriller Bright.

In this review we visit a desolate motel in the Nevada desert. Due to a torrential rainstorm, ten strangers are stranded at this ominous motel, and one by one are murdered throughout the night. We examine the crime thriller Identity.

In this review we delve into a world of assassins. Natasha Romanoff has been marked for death by a shadowy group known as the Red Room. We examine Black Widow.

A review of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower Book 3 The Waste Lands. When the laws governing the world collapsed. Death and destruction eventually took root. Those who had survived the wars, disease and famine, wandered around aimlessly, scavenging through what was left behind from better days.

A review of Kc Wayland’s We’re Alive Season 4. The Tower Survivors have decided to go on the offensive against the zombie hordes. With their ultimate goal being, to hunt down and kill, the sadistic leader known as Ink.

A review of Kc Wayland’s We’re Alive Season 3. The remaining Tower survivors have fled Los Angeles. They hope to find safety at a Army base known as Fort Irwin. But no matter where the survivors go, there will always be monsters, who want them dead.

A review of Kc Wayland’s We’re Alive Season 2. As the zombie hordes continue their reign of terror. We follow a band of survivors, as they persevere against, the unnatural state of the world.

A review of Kc Wayland’s We’re Alive Season 1. The world has been stricken by a virus that can mutate humans into cannibalistic beasts. Those who have not been turned into monsters are trying to survive by any means necessary.

In this review we watch a mysterious weather phenomenon wreak havoc upon a small town. The terrifying monsters that invade the town, are a reflection of the human monsters, that already exist within it. We examine Frank Darabont’s science fiction horror film The Mist.

In this review we follow the journey of two detectives hunting a man who is evil incarnate. A serial killer executes people, under the guise of the seven deadly sins, in order to expose the depravity of the world. We examine David Fincher’s crime drama Se7en.

In this review we follow the ill-fated voyage of a colony ship to a uncharted planet. The horrors that befall the crew can only be described as unspeakable. We examine Ridley Scott’s science fiction film Alien: Covenant.

In this review we explore the origin of mankind and its connection to extraterrestrial life. We examine Ridley Scott’s science fiction film Prometheus.

In this review we discuss a documentary by BIlly Carson called Evidence of Atlantis and The Anunnaki. Our conversation examines Mr. Carson's theories on religion, the origins of civilization, and his belief that critical thinking can change the world for the better.

In this review we continue to explore the depravity of a world gone mad. We follow Billy the Butcher on the long and winding road to Hell. We examine The Boys Season 2.

In this review we delve into a twisted world of corruption, violence and bloodshed. Where super powered beings work for a corporation to serve and protect the public. And vigilantes work with the government as a counterbalance to corporate controlled superheroes. We examine The Boys Season 1.

A review of Christof Laputka's Leviathan Chronicles Season 3. The computer virus that has infected the Leviathan computer system is wrecking havoc throughout the city. Seinshun and the Black Door Group have joined forces to find the aliens. And we finally learn the purpose behind the Eden Initiative. We at the Darker Shades of Black podcast would like to dedicate this episode to Jimmy Saltzer. Rest in peace my friend. WE STAND WITH JIMMY!!!

A review of Christof Laputka's Leviathan Chronicles Season 2. We delve into the inner workings of the mysterious Black Door Group. As well as learn more about the Leviathan City political system. And the hunt for the elusive aliens continues.

A review of Christof Laputka's Leviathan Chronicles Season 1. The story centers around a group of people who have withdrawn from human society, in order to live their lives as enlightened immortals. They have created a hidden city, deep within the Marianas Trench, that is far more advanced than any mortal city in existence. However, the people of Leviathan have various enemies throughout the world. Enemies who want nothing more than the absolute destruction of their Utopian civilization.

A review of Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow Series Book 2 Children of God. Emilio Sandoz is recovering from a disastrous mission on the alien world of Rakhat. And despite the unspeakable horrors he lived through, the Society of Jesus wants him to return.

A review of Mary Doria Russell's The Sparrow Series Book 1 The Sparrow. Emilio Sandoz is the sole survivor of a ill-fated mission to a foreign world. He was a Jesuit priest who wanted to spread the word of God to alien race of people. This led to a series of horrific events that scarred his soul, crippled his body and broke his heart.

A review of Stephen King's The Dark Tower Book 2 The Drawing of the Three. There are some people born with a black mark on their soul. And because of this, pain and suffering has become a sort of second skin, that almost feels as natural as their own. Whether a person is damned by God or by choice, is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. When it’s all said and done, the only true guiding principle in life, is to survive by any means necessary.

Survival By Any Means Necessary

In this review we delve into what it means to be a sexual predator. A woman is traumatized by a horrific event that changes her life forever. There is no fixing what was broken or unraveling what was done. All that remains is memories of the past on a road to vengeance. We examine the film known as Promising Young Woman.

A Conversation About The Storming of The United States Capitol