The Goldbergs Review: Mister Knifey-Hands (Season 6 Episode 5)

The Goldbergs Season 6 Episode 5, “Mister Knifey-Hands,” is not the strongest Halloween episode they’ve had, but the tribute to A Nightmare on Elm Street makes up for it.

The most nightmarish part of this episode is how pathetic they make Erica look. Erica’s storylines this season, for the most part, seem to focus on how she is a dropout. And that notion is taken to an outlandish extent on “Mister Knifey-Hands.”

I’ll buy that she’s fallen into that unfortunate role of the “loser that peaked in high school,” but her behavior in this episode comes across as out of character. I was hoping her down-and-out status would be on an upswing by now, but she sinks to cringe-worthy depths on this episode.

Erica may have dropped out of college, but she’s still a smart cookie—smart enough to know she won’t be able to buy alcohol with her student I.D. Also, she’s aware of her pitiful play to get the high schoolers to like her, but she keeps it up anyway. And, honestly, it’s quite painful to watch.

What works with this plot is the follow-through on Geoff’s character development. On The Goldbergs Season 6 Episode 4, “Hersheypark,” he starts to stick up for himself. He continues to do that here when Erica is absolutely horrible to him.

I appreciate this, but I wish some development would happen for Erica, too.

The main plot is better, but still not up to par with what I know the show is capable of. The Halloween episodes are usually really well done, like The Goldbergs Season 5 Episode 5, “Jackie Likes Star Trek.” The homage to A Nightmare on Elm Street measures up, but just like the Erica plot goes a little too far, so does this parent war between The Goldbergs and The Gearys.

I love when Beverly tries to scare her kids straight with absurd, completely untrue horror stories of other people’s kids, but on this episode, the two instances fell flat. I still cry from laughter every time I think about the story of Essie Karp’s nephew’s son not eating his prunes from The Goldbergs Season 5 Episode 6, “Girl Talk.” On this episode though, the writing feels forced for this particular brand of joke.

All these missteps aside, they do A Nightmare on Elm Street justice with its relation to the plot and Beverly’s nightmare which stars Robert Englund, reprising his famous role as Freddy Krueger. Englund hasn’t played the character in fifteen years, so it is really special that he does it here.

He saves the episode.

This isn’t the first time The Goldbergs have had such an incredible casting coup. On The Goldbergs Season 5 Episode 22, “Spaceballs,” Rick Moranis, who left Hollywood in the late 90s, comes back to voice the iconic Dark Helmet.

Nostalgia is a huge part of the show, so accuracy and an attention to detail are important, and things like this have a big impact.

Comedic goddess Wendi McClendon-Covey going head to head with the great Robert Englund is amazing. Englund strikes a balance of bringing comedy to the role as well as still scaring the crap out of me. McClendon-Covey, as always, is at the top of her game.

Beverly versus Freddy is epic, especially when there’s cursing involved.

Freddy: Eh, this is getting way too touchy-feely for this cowboy. [Bleep] it, time to die!
Beverly: No, time to get my [bleep] son back.
Freddy: Hey! I say the [bleep] around here, lady!
Beverly: Not anymore, Mr. Kroeger.
Freddy: *sighs* Krueger. It’s Krueger!

What did you think of this episode of The Goldbergs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

 

The Goldbergs airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on ABC.

Follow us on Twitter @telltaleTV_

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

20 Favorite Halloween TV Episodes to Watch Again