Chucky is still causing mayhem.

I’m not intending to review every episode of the new Chucky season, but as this second outing has taken an interesting turn, it’s worth a quick head’s up. Held responsible for the tragic events closing episode one, the kids have been sent to a Catholic reform institution, The School of the Incarnate Lord. But when a charitable ‘toy’ donation arrives… well, I’m sure you can guess the rest.

So far, so Chucky – but there is a noticeable shift in style, which is hugely enjoyable. While the backbone of the episode is still the cat and mouse dynamics of who Chucky will dispose of and how, what keeps the action fresh is a greater emphasis on wit and satire. Now that our heroes are incarcerated in a sort of fundamentalist Hogwarts, what makes this instalment shine is its razor-sharp evisceration of Catholic hypocrisy, especially with regard to sexuality. If you are offended by this kind of acid irreverence, you might want to steer clear. Indeed, such is the delightful venom of the humour at times, the casual viewer might reasonably ask if there is some personal history with the show’s creative team.

Meanwhile, the bizarre Jennifer Tilly side story gaily throws any vestige of good taste out of its pram and becomes ever more laugh-out-loud grotesque. These scenes are a woke free zone, and not for the politically correct.

This second season has abandoned the pretence of happening in any kind of real or plausible world. Leaping off the edge like this can denude a show of its jeopardy, but so far it is being employed to terrific satirical effect, helped a good deal by flawless production design and exquisitely lit cinematography. It’s some of the classiest bad taste I can remember seeing.

Verdict: Chucky could easily tip into wearying, indulgent naffness, but this episode is so carefully and lovingly crafted by all-involved – understanding the need to take its humour and grotesquery seriously – it’s hard to resist the invitation to come along for the wonderful ride. 9/10

Martin Jameson