Halloween H20 (1998)

The written companion

Draft companion · Awaiting editorial review

Halloween H20: Matt Makes the Case for a Cleaner Ending

Matt's affection for Halloween is hardly a secret in this conversation. Michael Myers is a character he has brought into his own home as a life-size display, so his excitement about H20 comes with years of personal attachment. But his argument for this particular sequel is more focused than simple fandom.

He likes the return to Laurie and Michael, and the way the film moves away from the complications of other sequels. Bringing the conflict back to that relationship gives him a reason to care about the confrontation. For Matt, a smaller focus makes the stakes feel bigger.

He is also willing to point out what does not work. The mask bothers him, especially the noticeable digital version, yet those distractions do not outweigh his affection for the movie. His favorite sequel can still contain one of his least favorite looks for its villain.

The strongest part of his case is the ending. He sees a point where the series could have stopped, giving the discussion a question bigger than any individual scare: when a horror franchise finally finds a satisfying conclusion, should it be allowed to keep it?

Would H20 have been a satisfying final chapter for you? How much can a strong ending make you forgive along the way?

Watch the Halloween H20 discussion ↗

Draft based on captions. The episode contains franchise spoilers.