The 2020s have seen a resurgence of nostalgic content, and one of the most notable examples is the revival of the Goosebumps franchise. Inspired by R.L. Stine’s beloved books that spooked a generation of young readers, the “Give Yourself Goosebumps” anthology series continues the tradition, blending eerie tales with an interactive twist. Season 1, Episode 7 of “Give Yourself Goosebumps”—featuring performances by Isa Briones, Will Price, Miles McKenna, Zach Young, and Ana Yi Puig—serves as a standout episode in the series for its clever plot, nuanced performances, and exploration of contemporary themes through the lens of horror.

Reviving the “Choose Your Own Adventure” Style for a New Generation

One of the most distinctive aspects of “Give Yourself Goosebumps” is its interactive storytelling format, reminiscent of the “choose your own adventure” books that gained massive popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. The television version adapts this concept by offering viewers branching narratives, each leading to different consequences based on the characters’ decisions. In Episode 7, titled “Give Yourself Goosebumps,” this interactive nature is crucial, reflecting the choices that each character makes and the impact those decisions have on their fate. The core tension of the episode centers on the idea that seemingly small choices can lead to dramatically different outcomes—echoing the moral complexity of life itself.

In this episode, the choice-centered format adds a layer of depth to the narrative as it mirrors the internal struggles of the characters, particularly Isa Briones’ role. Briones’ performance shines as she navigates the emotional landscape of her character, embodying both vulnerability and strength. The multiple narrative paths allow the audience to engage with the storyline actively, further heightening the tension and connection to the characters’ journeys.

The Cast: Shining Stars of the Episode

The ensemble cast of Isa Briones, Will Price, Miles McKenna, Zach Young, and Ana Yi Puig brings a fresh and dynamic energy to this episode, playing off each other’s performances to great effect. Each actor delivers a performance that is nuanced, capturing both the horror of the supernatural elements and the more subtle, internal fears that drive their characters.

Isa Briones leads the episode with a performance that stands out for its complexity. As a young actor already known for her range, particularly in roles on “Star Trek: Picard”, Briones expertly handles the emotional weight of the episode. Her character grapples with self-doubt, echoing themes of insecurity and the pressure of decision-making that resonates with many young viewers. Briones’ ability to convey fear in both her physical actions and internal conflict adds a poignant layer to the story. Whether navigating a haunted space or facing her own personal demons, Briones carries the narrative with a grounded, relatable intensity.

Will Price and Miles McKenna offer strong supporting performances that bring humor and camaraderie to the episode, balancing the darker, more serious elements. Price’s portrayal is particularly effective, as his character serves as the pragmatic foil to Briones’ emotional turmoil. His chemistry with McKenna injects levity into the episode, which is essential for balancing the tension. Zach Young and Ana Yi Puig, meanwhile, both add a deeper dimension to the group dynamic. Young’s character, with his quick wit and snark, helps pace the episode, while Puig brings a quiet, but emotionally rich performance that becomes pivotal in key moments. Together, the cast enhances the interactivity of the narrative, as their decisions—and the consequences of those choices—pull the audience deeper into the story.

Fear as a Metaphor: Psychological Complexity in Horror

While Goosebumps has always been known for its scares, what sets “Give Yourself Goosebumps” apart—particularly Episode 7—is the way it uses horror as a metaphor for psychological and emotional complexity. In this episode, fear is not just a physical response to the supernatural; it’s also a reflection of the characters’ internal struggles.

Isa Briones’ character, for instance, faces not only the external threats of the eerie events around her but also an internal battle with self-doubt and identity. These internal conflicts manifest in the choices she makes throughout the episode, with each decision representing a crossroads in her emotional journey. The interactive element of the episode, which requires the audience to make decisions on behalf of the characters, echoes the pressure of making real-life choices that carry weighty consequences.

The recurring motif of reflection—both literal, as in mirrors, and figurative, as in self-reflection—underscores the themes of identity and self-perception. Mirrors have long been a symbol in horror of self-exploration and the fear of what lies within, and Episode 7 uses this trope effectively to explore how the characters confront their fears about who they are and who they might become.

The episode also addresses more collective fears, such as the anxiety of being judged or rejected by one’s peers, making it relatable for younger viewers. This is particularly seen in Miles McKenna’s character, whose decisions reflect a desire to be accepted, but who must ultimately face the fear of standing out or being different. McKenna’s portrayal of these vulnerabilities adds an emotional richness to the horror narrative, highlighting how fear operates on multiple levels—both externally and internally.

Representation in Horror: A Step Forward for Diversity

The casting of Isa Briones, Miles McKenna, Ana Yi Puig, and others in “Give Yourself Goosebumps” signals a growing trend in television toward more inclusive and diverse representation. In the past, horror as a genre has often been criticized for its lack of diversity, with many stories focusing primarily on white, heteronormative characters. This episode, however, showcases a group of actors who reflect a broader range of identities, offering viewers a more inclusive vision of what a horror story can be.

Isa Briones, who is of Filipino and Caucasian descent, stands as a significant example of this shift. Her presence as the lead in this episode is not just a win for representation but also for nuance in how diverse actors are portrayed in genre roles. Briones is not cast in a stereotypical way; rather, her role is dynamic and emotionally complex, reflecting the evolving landscape of casting in television. Similarly, Miles McKenna, who is known for being an outspoken LGBTQ+ advocate, brings his own experiences to the role, adding another layer of representation to the episode.

Ana Yi Puig also brings depth to her role, offering a portrayal that moves beyond the typical tropes of women in horror. Rather than simply playing the “damsel in distress” or the object of fear, Puig’s character is a fully realized individual who navigates the horror with agency. This level of representation not only makes the episode more engaging but also speaks to the importance of telling horror stories that reflect the diversity of the world we live in.

Thematic Depth: The Consequences of Choice

At its core, Episode 7 of “Give Yourself Goosebumps” is about the consequences of choice. Whether in a haunted house or in life, every decision carries weight, and the episode underscores this truth through its branching narrative. The interactive element allows viewers to see how different choices can lead to drastically different outcomes—some of them terrifying, others redemptive.

This idea is reinforced through the characters’ arcs. Isa Briones’ character, for instance, must decide whether to confront her fears head-on or run from them. These choices are mirrored in real life, where people are constantly making decisions that shape who they are and how they navigate the world. The episode uses horror as a tool to explore these concepts, with the supernatural elements serving as metaphors for real-life anxieties about making the “wrong” choice.

By allowing viewers to control the narrative, the show also implicates the audience in the characters’ fates, making the experience of fear more immersive. The episode’s structure prompts viewers to consider the implications of their own choices, both within the story and in their own lives.

Season 1, Episode 7 of “Give Yourself Goosebumps” stands out not only for its eerie atmosphere and engaging plot but also for the emotional depth it brings to the horror genre. Isa Briones, Will Price, Miles McKenna, Zach Young, and Ana Yi Puig deliver standout performances that elevate the episode beyond simple scares, transforming it into a reflection on identity, choice, and the consequences of fear.

The interactive nature of the episode, coupled with its thematic richness and diverse representation, makes it a compelling watch for both fans of horror and those seeking more layered, introspective storytelling. “Give Yourself Goosebumps” has successfully revived the spirit of R.L. Stine’s original books, and Episode 7 proves that the series has the potential to carve out its own niche in the landscape of modern horror television.

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