Little Demon Season 1 Episode 4 Review: Popularity: Origin of Evil

Little Demon Season 1 Episode 4, “Popularity: Origin of Evil,” boasts all the ingredients for stellar comedy, including a top-tier voice cast and sharp dialogue, but something’s missing. That’s not to say the episode is bad or subpar — not by any stretch. However, this outing is sorely bereft of an essential factor that applies to the whole show.

Little Demon harbors an intriguing premise, as does this episode. Chrissy befriends the popular girls and hopes to solidify their bond by showcasing her abilities. Laura, realizing Chrissy stole some magical (and dangerous) tools, reverts to a teen girl via spellwork and observes her daughter at school. Meanwhile, Satan possesses an armadillo and manipulates Bennigan into talking some sense into Chrissy. 

BENNIGAN: We still good to try that new WWE-themed ice cream place, Stone Cold Creamery?

Based on that description alone, it sounds like a delightful way to spend 20 minutes. Along with the fabulous voice cast and witty, intelligent dialogue, other elements coalesce to execute this episode, including its dark humor. That said, there’s not much heart. It’s difficult to attach ourselves to these characters and root for them.

Perhaps that’s why it’s challenging to be 100 percent sold on this series. Granted, we’re only four episodes in, so maybe it’s too early to pass judgment. As unique as certain aspects of Little Demon are, the sum of these parts echoes more popular animated shows on the market. Rick and Morty springs to mind here. 

It’s hard to thrive when you’re subsisting in someone else’s shadow. Little Demon certainly has some wonderfully hilarious, deeply heartfelt moments in its short run thus far, including in “Popularity: Origin of Evil.” The episode explores the pitfalls of seeking popularity for the sake of it rather than cherishing genuine friendships. It’s a classic story we’ve seen in countless comedies and dramas. 

SATAN: Pulling the ole “school project” routine on me? It’s code for butt stuff. 

Little Demon does put a fun spin on Chrissy’s quest for coolness, even if it’s a well-trodden plotline. Besides the heart, maybe the missing element is trajectory. There’s no clear vision of where this season is heading. It’s still entertaining, and the intrigue is there. As long as the writers keep the story moving at an even pace and balance its inherent dark humor with plenty of heart, we’ll be good to go. 

On a separate note: no, naysayers, Little Demon isn’t all demonic chants with unadulterated evil seeping through your TV screen to brainwash your children. The appearance of Chrissy’s Antichrist powers is a metaphor for puberty. So, there’s that. 

Stray Observations:

• If you look at the computer screen in front of Laura in the school library, you’ll see the video she’s watching also boasts a link to a clip about her goat sacrifice in the supermarket. Just everyday witch things, you know?
• “Slimm Timm” is Little Demon‘s version of Slender Man. The Dank Conspiracy fellow’s Slimm Timm logo pays homage to the 2018 Slender Man flick. 
• If Stone Cold Creamery isn’t the best name for a WWE-themed ice cream shop, then what is? 
• This episode’s title might be a nod to Ouija: Origin of Evil, a 2016 horror-thriller from Netflix darling Mike Flannagan. Or it could be a fun coincidence. 
• Protect Erwin at all costs. He’s an adorable tea-drinking angel who also happens to be a demon. 

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

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Little Demon airs Thursdays at 10/9c on FX, with next-day streaming on Hulu.

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