As you all know, your resident Thug hated Scream Queens with its first few episodes. But it looks as if the horror comedy proves you can soften a thug, somewhat, over time. I now look at this show as an over-the-top comedy with just a dash of horror and a sprinkling of Ryan Murphy. By the way, Ryan, if you are reading this — and I’m sure you are — American Horror Story was good for one full season, “Murder House” (I know a lot of you liked Asylum. But ,sorry, it sucked once it hit mid-season). Let’s cool it with the soft core horror porn and develop an interesting storyline instead of trying to visually shock us…because, you’re not. Ok, I did get off track again, but he had it coming and I had to get that off my chest. On to the “Pumpkin Patch.”
This episode, much like the two previous ones, garners my attention and has some laugh out loud moments. I do like stupid humor and “Pumpkin Patch” certainly delivers with its onslaught of one liners. Once again, as the two previous episodes have, a classic horror movie is woven into the storyline. As Chanel is planning her “Pumpkin Patch” party to thwart Zayday’s presidency plans, she screams at the party planner to ensure that the maze is an exact replica of the one from The Shining, complete with knee high snow drifts. By the way, she got her wish and the scene was shot so well with camera angles from the front and behind. We even see poor Dodger post-gutting after losing to Rodger in the battle for No. 5’s affections. Rodger did warn him by screaming throughout the maze to walk backwards so Reds doesn’t find him.
The heat is rising at the Kappa house between Chanel and No. 5. This reaches a boiling point when No. 5 is tasked with being Mary Todd Lincoln for the assassinated ex-president’s themed costumes. Chanel says it fit her because she’s crazy just like her. Things are playing right into Hester’s hands.
My favorite part of the episode is of course another Chad Radwell moment. During a rousing speech where Munsch wants to cancel Halloween activities on campus Chad defends keeping Halloween because even the shy, homely girls dress as sluts and after all isn’t every costume just the slutty version of something else. Either Glen Powell is a great actor or he may really be that dumb but he is definitely funny and his delivery is top notch. After he ends his speech, before leaving, he turns to Hester and says “Hey Hester, nice boobs!” Travis from Fear the Walking Dead could learn some lines from Chad (and maybe get some acting lessons).
Once again, Murphy does his thing as he uses another offensive device in that Chanel has her own Asian to take tests for her. He also threw in a couple more lesbianism jabs as Chanel refers to Sam as a “predatory les” and a “kitty puncher.” Sprinkled into the episode are Grace, Pete, Gigi, Wes and Denise looking for Zayday who was in a cellar hole reminiscent of Silence of the Lambs. Zayday gets away. Reds seems to have a thing for her as he or she gives her flowers and serves her Oakland nachos. We discover at the end of the episode that Gigi is a part of this in some way. She has a conversation with Reds as the episode ends.
This is not the best episode, but it still holds my attention (mostly) and makes me laugh. As I said before, Chad definitely makes this show for me. The references to classic horror movies is a bonus and gets this show points. This episode was written and directed by Brad Falchuk of the Glee crew. Keep the goofiness going and keep it rad Chad because, for me, the formula is working.
Scream Queens “Pumpkin Patch” 
(3 / 5) on the Thug Meter
