Why Goosebumps Season 2 Excels in Body Horror Themes

Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for Goosebumps season 2.

Overview of Goosebumps Season 2

Season 2 embraces a thrilling blend of body horror and supernatural elements.
The narrative revolves around a scientist father’s enigmatic past.

Goosebumps season 2 impressively ramps up the spooky factor, delivering both thrills and chills. At its core is Anthony, portrayed by David Schwimmer, a scientific enthusiast and single father. He and his twin children, Devin (Sam McCarthy) and Cece (Jayden Bartels), settle into his historic Brooklyn residence for an eventful summer. The crux of the story unfurls through ancient family enigmas and a long-buried mystery that must come to light. Notably, body horror elements feature prominently in this season, inviting deeper exploration.

The Perfect Integration of Body Horror in Goosebumps Season 2

The first two episodes, “Stay Out Of The Basement,” draw inspiration from both the Goosebumps novel and an episode of the original series. In the classic tale, Dr. Brewer is a botanist whose sinister experiments lead to mysterious circumstances, echoing the character of Anthony in this modern adaptation. As Anthony’s behavior becomes increasingly eccentric, his children uncover a shocking truth: an evil plant clone of their father is in the making.

While the original narrative refrains from graphic violence, Goosebumps season 2 incorporates startling body horror that sets it apart from typical teen horror fare. The initial episode visualizes Anthony’s bizarre connection to his plants, culminating in a harrowing confrontation where a foliage entity nearly claims his life. Surviving this ordeal only leads to further horror as grotesque spores invade his arm, culminating in a spine-chilling moment when he extracts a terrifying creature from within himself. This discovery alarms him further when a colleague reveals it’s a carnivorous species that must not be unleashed.

As someone familiar with the original Goosebumps series aimed at children and young teens, I was genuinely taken aback by how effectively Goosebumps season 2 delivers genuine fright. The body horror depicted is reminiscent of classic horror cinema, drawing viewers in with its eerie authenticity. Notable scenes, such as when Trey (Stony Blyden) becomes host to a sinister transformation, displaying unsettling red bumps, have left a lasting impact. The unexpected depth of horror in this season raises the stakes significantly compared to its predecessors.

The gruesome body horror complements the series’ character development, showcasing a touching narrative of a family reuniting and grappling with their past. Schwimmer, known for his comedic roles in iconic series like Friends, expressed his enthusiasm for participating in this horror-centric project, remarking:

“I love the ‘Goosebumps’ franchise. The whole genre is really unique — this young-adult, horror-comedy action, but also grounded in real character and real emotion.”

R.L. Stine’s Thoughts on Goosebumps Season 2

Devin, Cece, and Anthony in Goosebumps season 2

R.L. Stine has expressed his approval of Goosebumps season 2, sharing his insights during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He remarked on the portrayal of adult characters, noting:

“Another thing I like, and this is true to the books, [is that] the parent is always useless. In Goosebumps, either they don’t believe the kid or they’re not around and they don’t help.”

Stine’s observation rings true, as Anthony often becomes ensnared in his own anxieties, neglecting to adequately support his children. He went on to note that Goosebumps season 2 is indeed “scarier”, amplifying the horror experience for both young and older audiences: