I saw this episode (the first one, i guess the pilot) long time ago and i really enjoyed it. Despites that it's a contradiction of the story in the movies, of course, there's no Ronee Blakley or John Saxon (who's character is the one that leads the parents to make justice by their own hand) and replace this character with a daughter for one (a cop too) who has twins, one abused by Freddy. This character is played by Ian Patrick Williams (he was OK). The interesting is the fact that at the time is was made (1988) was the first time the fans of the Freddy's movies could see how Freddy was executed, something that in the films only was told always by a character. The films only show something similar in 1991, in the part 6. For horror fans, the cherry on the top is that this first episode was directed by Tobe Hooper ("The Texas chainsaw massacre (1974)") who get involve with a character like Freddy after have done his (at this time) last movie as a director with Leatherface 2 years before in "The Texas chainsaw massacre 2 (1986)". I must say that is really entertained and it's doesn't matter that if is a contradiction or not. After all, these are the Freddy's nightmares.
9 Reviews
"I am forever!"
callanvass17 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Freddy Kruger is our host. He explains how the man we fear in our dreams came to be. During a court session in Springwood courthouse, Freddy is released on a technicality, because he wasn't read his rights by officer Lt. Tim Blocker (Ian Patrick Williams) The citizens of Springwood decide to take matters into their own hands, which makes Tim feel incredibly guilty, insisting that he'll take care of it, and demands the people don't do anything abnormal. After the citizens of Springwood track Freddy down in his boiler room. Ian is coerced into burning Freddy alive when Freddy threatens Ian's daughters. Freddy dies, but not before promising he will return to exact vengeance. Ian is unable to let go that he murdered a man, despite reassurance from co-workers & his wife that he did the right thing.
I'm a HUGE Freddy Krueger fan. I own all the Nightmare on Elm Street movies, even New Nightmare, Freddy Vs Jason, and the remake. I always wanted to be Freddy for Halloween as a kid, but there were never any costumes available. I wasn't alone either. Freddy was ridiculously popular, as evident with the spawning of many sequels & merchandise. I didn't mind this at all. It's pretty low-budget, but it manages to keep your interest. Freddy himself isn't a wise cracking maniac like he is in the sequels. He isn't exactly frightening like he is in Nightmare on Elm Street or New Nightmare. He cracks a few jokes, but he is very menacing, and definitely eerie. I thought it was a smart choice to keep Freddy's face away from the camera a lot of the time. You can definitely tell effort was put into this thing, despite the low-budget. They do a solid job of building up terror as well. The mind games employed by Freddy were great. In all honesty, I don' think a prequel "episode" was required. We have seen Freddy's origins explained before. Not only was it kind of unnecessary, but had a feel of "Been there, done that" I enjoyed it, though I won't deny that it felt rather pointless. The acting is not bad. Ian Patrick Williams did a terrific job of selling his paranoia. I really felt for the poor guy after a while. Robert Englund is as badass as ever. The rest of the cast is alright as well, except for the two daughters, who were very wooden. I liked how they ended this episode. It was creative and well done.
Final Thoughts: I love the Nightmare on Elm Street Series, anything to do with Freddy Krueger really. Obviously, I enjoyed this. It could have been a lot better, but it is enjoyable for what it is, considering the low-budget. After this, Freddy wasn't focused on nearly as much. He'd definitely show up, but he wasn't the main focus. It was a bit of a mistake in my opinion. If you can find this show, it is worth watching. Fellow Freddy fans are bound to find things to like about it
6.4/10
I'm a HUGE Freddy Krueger fan. I own all the Nightmare on Elm Street movies, even New Nightmare, Freddy Vs Jason, and the remake. I always wanted to be Freddy for Halloween as a kid, but there were never any costumes available. I wasn't alone either. Freddy was ridiculously popular, as evident with the spawning of many sequels & merchandise. I didn't mind this at all. It's pretty low-budget, but it manages to keep your interest. Freddy himself isn't a wise cracking maniac like he is in the sequels. He isn't exactly frightening like he is in Nightmare on Elm Street or New Nightmare. He cracks a few jokes, but he is very menacing, and definitely eerie. I thought it was a smart choice to keep Freddy's face away from the camera a lot of the time. You can definitely tell effort was put into this thing, despite the low-budget. They do a solid job of building up terror as well. The mind games employed by Freddy were great. In all honesty, I don' think a prequel "episode" was required. We have seen Freddy's origins explained before. Not only was it kind of unnecessary, but had a feel of "Been there, done that" I enjoyed it, though I won't deny that it felt rather pointless. The acting is not bad. Ian Patrick Williams did a terrific job of selling his paranoia. I really felt for the poor guy after a while. Robert Englund is as badass as ever. The rest of the cast is alright as well, except for the two daughters, who were very wooden. I liked how they ended this episode. It was creative and well done.
Final Thoughts: I love the Nightmare on Elm Street Series, anything to do with Freddy Krueger really. Obviously, I enjoyed this. It could have been a lot better, but it is enjoyable for what it is, considering the low-budget. After this, Freddy wasn't focused on nearly as much. He'd definitely show up, but he wasn't the main focus. It was a bit of a mistake in my opinion. If you can find this show, it is worth watching. Fellow Freddy fans are bound to find things to like about it
6.4/10
Freddy's Nightmares Have Begun.....
eric20other20024 July 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I love the films, sadly though with the little advertising this show got and the fact that I was 6 years old at the time, I never got to watch the show. Now thanks to AOLTV and in2Tv, Warner Brothers have started releasing the show on the internet. Unfortunately one of the few episodes not on there is the Pilot. I found this on you tube and was happy to see it. I was a little disappointed with some of the continuity issues(like the leader of the mob is a different Lt, not Donald Thompson and the Elm Street house is boarded up, this takes place before the 3rd movie and Freddy is not killed in his house's boiler room). Despite that, it's still a great story being told. Tobe Hooper (one of the people who along with Alfred Hitchcock, John Carpenter, Sean Cunningham and Wes Craven set the bar for slasher films)directed a terrific tale of the start of one of the most terrifying killers in film history. Definitely a must see... don't take my word on it, see this for yourself.
Freddy debuts on the small screen with mixed to decent results.
b_kite18 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
In the debut PILOT for the rather rare syndicated "Freddy's Nightmares" our nightmare boogeyman (in a crypt keeper type role) tells us the story of how he became what he is today. After murdering several kids in Springwood including scaring the police lieutenants daughter, Fred Kruger is released due to not having his rights read to him correctly. He soon begins stalking the local neighborhood, primarily our police heroes house, and he is then cornered and burned by the residents and of course our policeman as well. The second half of the episode is devoted to modern time a little while after the incident were the police lieutenant is drove crazy by Freddy in his dreams for his actions.
Die hard fans may realize quick that this pretty much craps all over the original movies story and setup. Here instead of having Nancy's father we have an entirely new character and his two twin teenage daughters. I did actually find this rather bothersome as I did the scene itself were Freddy is murdered by the residents which are not the parents of elm street like previously stated, but, just the residents of Springwood in general. The whole scene is just kinda flat with Freddy literally letting them just catch him on fire. Tobe Hooper doesn't do much to help the preceding's, even thought he does throw in some nice atmosphere and some nice color shots, I did enjoy the twist rather well though. Overall an OK pilot prequel that kinda contradicts a lot.
Die hard fans may realize quick that this pretty much craps all over the original movies story and setup. Here instead of having Nancy's father we have an entirely new character and his two twin teenage daughters. I did actually find this rather bothersome as I did the scene itself were Freddy is murdered by the residents which are not the parents of elm street like previously stated, but, just the residents of Springwood in general. The whole scene is just kinda flat with Freddy literally letting them just catch him on fire. Tobe Hooper doesn't do much to help the preceding's, even thought he does throw in some nice atmosphere and some nice color shots, I did enjoy the twist rather well though. Overall an OK pilot prequel that kinda contradicts a lot.
No More Mr. Nice Guy
Scarecrow-888 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
When Lt. Tim Blocker(Ian Patrick Williams)arrests Fred Kreuger without reading him his Miranda rights, the serial killer of several children is released from the court as a free man. The grieving parents and several concerned citizens threaten to assassinate Fred until Blocker does so himself by lighting the psycho on fire. But, it seems that Fred only becomes a greater threat as he haunts Blocker from his dreams. Slowly, Blocker's sanity is slipping with reality and his nightmares becoming a blur. Can he outlast the tormenting of Freddy or succumb to the nightmare monster?
Somewhat halted by the television medium, director Tobe Hooper tries camera tricks to make up for being restricted..I wonder why he never directed a NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET flick. This was the opening of the short-lived series.
Somewhat halted by the television medium, director Tobe Hooper tries camera tricks to make up for being restricted..I wonder why he never directed a NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET flick. This was the opening of the short-lived series.
Disappionting "Prequel" episode to kick start the series.
TheRowdyMan3 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
When the oft forgotten horror anthology series 'Freddy's Nightmares' first aired in 1989, it debuted with origin story of Freddy Krueger. News of seeing Freddy before he became the terrifying dream demon of Elm Street was like Easter and Christmas coming all at once for horror fans. And the cherry on top was that horror legend Tobe Hooper (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Poltergeist, Death Trap) was in the director's chair. Currently, this episode is still the closest thing we have to an official prequel (sans the flashbacks in 'Freddy's Dead'). So you would think "No More Mr. Nice Guy" would hold a high ranking place in the Elm St. Canon with fans as opposed the being confined to horror obscurity. Unfortunately, what should have been a killer opening for the series, is just a very below average late 1980's horror television show that looks more and more dated as time passes.
Hooper (straight off the chaotic flop 'Chainsaw 2'), almost completely abandons his usual anarchic and colourful visual smarts and delivers something that's very bland (sadly a sign of the depths he would later sink to as a direct-to- video director). The cinematography is straight low-budget cable, with cameras nailed to the floor. The few scenes with Hooper's trademark colour and lighting, is countered by the many scenes of cheesy VHS standard filters and cheap frame-by-frame slow motion that's better suited to a third-tier hair metal band on mid 80's MTV.
Englund's presence is nice, but with no decent dialogue , special effects and 80's TV censorship standards, he can do nothing else but go into auto-pilot mode and make the best out of some weak one-liners. Fans of the series will be disappointed that none of the characters from the first movie (such as Lt. Donald Thompson) are to be seen. However, it did provide fans at the time a basic (if disguised by shadows) look at pre-burnt Freddy until two years later in Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare.
But the most noticeable issue with this episode is the appalling acting, most notability, the wooden performance given by lead actor Ian Patrick Williams (as Lt. Blocker - the cop who, while arresting Krueger, forgets to read him his Miranda Rights which leads to Krueger's release(!)). Since the story centres around Broker, his jilted, zombie like delivery completely throws off scenes to the point of being an annoyance.
One positive highlight is Hili Park's performance (Merit Blocker - Blocker's daughter) who does give a creepy performance as the Krueger survivor.
Overall, its a a huge disappointment if you're looking for a definitive prequel. Only worth it for hardcore fans who want to check out a time capsule from the 'Freddy-mania' days.
Hooper (straight off the chaotic flop 'Chainsaw 2'), almost completely abandons his usual anarchic and colourful visual smarts and delivers something that's very bland (sadly a sign of the depths he would later sink to as a direct-to- video director). The cinematography is straight low-budget cable, with cameras nailed to the floor. The few scenes with Hooper's trademark colour and lighting, is countered by the many scenes of cheesy VHS standard filters and cheap frame-by-frame slow motion that's better suited to a third-tier hair metal band on mid 80's MTV.
Englund's presence is nice, but with no decent dialogue , special effects and 80's TV censorship standards, he can do nothing else but go into auto-pilot mode and make the best out of some weak one-liners. Fans of the series will be disappointed that none of the characters from the first movie (such as Lt. Donald Thompson) are to be seen. However, it did provide fans at the time a basic (if disguised by shadows) look at pre-burnt Freddy until two years later in Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare.
But the most noticeable issue with this episode is the appalling acting, most notability, the wooden performance given by lead actor Ian Patrick Williams (as Lt. Blocker - the cop who, while arresting Krueger, forgets to read him his Miranda Rights which leads to Krueger's release(!)). Since the story centres around Broker, his jilted, zombie like delivery completely throws off scenes to the point of being an annoyance.
One positive highlight is Hili Park's performance (Merit Blocker - Blocker's daughter) who does give a creepy performance as the Krueger survivor.
Overall, its a a huge disappointment if you're looking for a definitive prequel. Only worth it for hardcore fans who want to check out a time capsule from the 'Freddy-mania' days.
No More Mr. Nice Guy
BenTramerLives7816 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The pilot episode of Freddy's Nightmares gives us a look at how Freddy came to be the sadistic maniac who haunts our dreams. At the beginning we see a trial. Freddy is freed because the arresting officer did not read Krueger his rights. Freddy's was going after one of the cop's daughters and he acted too quickly. The townspeople eventually burn Freddy and then of course he comes back to kill people in their dreams. This is quite entertaining for fans of the Elm Street film series and it is important to note this episode was directed by Tobe Hooper.
So-so start to a much maligned series.
poolandrews23 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Freddy's Nightmares: No More Mr. Nice Guy starts in the Springwood Municipal Courthouse where the trial of child rapist & killer Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) is thrown out by the judge (Gwen E. Davis) after a legal technicality in which Krueger wasn't read his rights during his arrest. Lead cop Lieutenant Tim Blocker (Ian Patrick Williams) feels guilty & is held responsible by the concerned parents of Springwood who all decide to take the law into their own hands, they track Freddy down to his boiler room & with Blocker's help burn him alive but instead of ending Krueger's reign of terror the real evil is just about to begin...
Episode one from season one of Freddy's Nigthmares this pilot was directed by Tobe Hooper (who by that time was probably happy for the work) & is a forty five minute look at how Freddy became Freddy even though it contradicts the original A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) as it doesn't feature Lieutenant Thompson or his daughter Nancy & instead replaces them with Blocker & his two daughters, also Elm Street as a location is never mentioned or has any significance whatsoever as it's not the parents from Elm Street but the town of Springwood in general. I suppose if you can get over these contradiction's then you might like this fairly average tale of revenge & that it's not always good to take the law into your own hands. To me it just felt like a particularly bad Elm Street sequel but with only one victim the cop Blocker. At least it's short but if that's the best thing you can say about it then you know your in trouble.
Filmed for telly this is fairly tame, there's a few trickles of blood but otherwise the death's occur off screen & no graphic gore is shown. It's odd that Freddy Krueger's face is never shown in this episode, either before he is burnt or after apart from a small slither of light that makes his eyes visible. Perhaps they couldn't afford the time consuming process of making Freddy up but he only appears in a couple of scenes which could have probably been shot in a day. Anyway, don't expect to see him that well, that's all I am saying. The acting is average, Ian Patrick Williams tries I suppose. Director Hooper manages to create a bit of atmosphere in a couple of scenes & at least tries but the low budget, lack of special effects & bad script don't help.
No More Mr. Nice Guy really isn't that great, fans of the original A Nightmare on Elm Street surely won't be keen on it since it strays so far away from the chain of events that is laid out & with no real twist or blood or gore or even a good look at Freddy to compensate it's a difficult one to recommend unless you can watch it on telly for free.
Episode one from season one of Freddy's Nigthmares this pilot was directed by Tobe Hooper (who by that time was probably happy for the work) & is a forty five minute look at how Freddy became Freddy even though it contradicts the original A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) as it doesn't feature Lieutenant Thompson or his daughter Nancy & instead replaces them with Blocker & his two daughters, also Elm Street as a location is never mentioned or has any significance whatsoever as it's not the parents from Elm Street but the town of Springwood in general. I suppose if you can get over these contradiction's then you might like this fairly average tale of revenge & that it's not always good to take the law into your own hands. To me it just felt like a particularly bad Elm Street sequel but with only one victim the cop Blocker. At least it's short but if that's the best thing you can say about it then you know your in trouble.
Filmed for telly this is fairly tame, there's a few trickles of blood but otherwise the death's occur off screen & no graphic gore is shown. It's odd that Freddy Krueger's face is never shown in this episode, either before he is burnt or after apart from a small slither of light that makes his eyes visible. Perhaps they couldn't afford the time consuming process of making Freddy up but he only appears in a couple of scenes which could have probably been shot in a day. Anyway, don't expect to see him that well, that's all I am saying. The acting is average, Ian Patrick Williams tries I suppose. Director Hooper manages to create a bit of atmosphere in a couple of scenes & at least tries but the low budget, lack of special effects & bad script don't help.
No More Mr. Nice Guy really isn't that great, fans of the original A Nightmare on Elm Street surely won't be keen on it since it strays so far away from the chain of events that is laid out & with no real twist or blood or gore or even a good look at Freddy to compensate it's a difficult one to recommend unless you can watch it on telly for free.
Revenge Ignites the Nightmare
BeefyBoyGod11 August 2023
"No More Mr. Nice Guy" is the pilot episode of the "Freddy's Nightmares" TV series, and it takes us back to the origins of the infamous dream-haunting killer, Freddy Krueger. Directed by Tobe Hooper, the episode offers an alternate version of Freddy's backstory, deviating from the events established in the "A Nightmare on Elm Street" film series. In this version, Freddy is released from custody due to a technicality, and the enraged parents of Springwood take the law into their own hands, resulting in Freddy's fiery demise.
While the episode attempts to explore the vigilante justice that led to Freddy's transformation, it falls short due to inconsistencies with the film series and a lack of effective execution. The narrative centers around Lieutenant Tim Blocker (Ian Patrick Williams), the cop responsible for Freddy's arrest, and his two twin daughters. As the residents of Springwood take justice into their own hands, Freddy's malevolent spirit survives and begins tormenting Tim through his dreams.
Tobe Hooper's direction attempts to capture the sinister atmosphere that made his previous works like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" iconic, but the limitations of a TV budget and the constraints of network television result in a lackluster visual presentation. Robert Englund returns as Freddy, but his appearances are limited, and his character lacks the charismatic presence that defines him in the film series.
The episode's attempt to provide a psychological exploration of Tim's guilt and Freddy's revenge is hindered by wooden performances and a lack of character depth. The alternate take on Freddy's origin story feels more like a sidestep than a meaningful expansion of the character's mythology. The absence of key characters like Nancy Thompson's father and the deviation from established events contribute to a disjointed narrative that fails to truly engage viewers.
While "No More Mr. Nice Guy" holds a certain nostalgic value for fans of the "Nightmare on Elm Street" franchise, it struggles to deliver the same level of horror and suspense that the films achieved. The combination of TV limitations, inconsistencies, and missed opportunities prevent this pilot episode from standing as a compelling addition to the Freddy Krueger legacy.
While the episode attempts to explore the vigilante justice that led to Freddy's transformation, it falls short due to inconsistencies with the film series and a lack of effective execution. The narrative centers around Lieutenant Tim Blocker (Ian Patrick Williams), the cop responsible for Freddy's arrest, and his two twin daughters. As the residents of Springwood take justice into their own hands, Freddy's malevolent spirit survives and begins tormenting Tim through his dreams.
Tobe Hooper's direction attempts to capture the sinister atmosphere that made his previous works like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" iconic, but the limitations of a TV budget and the constraints of network television result in a lackluster visual presentation. Robert Englund returns as Freddy, but his appearances are limited, and his character lacks the charismatic presence that defines him in the film series.
The episode's attempt to provide a psychological exploration of Tim's guilt and Freddy's revenge is hindered by wooden performances and a lack of character depth. The alternate take on Freddy's origin story feels more like a sidestep than a meaningful expansion of the character's mythology. The absence of key characters like Nancy Thompson's father and the deviation from established events contribute to a disjointed narrative that fails to truly engage viewers.
While "No More Mr. Nice Guy" holds a certain nostalgic value for fans of the "Nightmare on Elm Street" franchise, it struggles to deliver the same level of horror and suspense that the films achieved. The combination of TV limitations, inconsistencies, and missed opportunities prevent this pilot episode from standing as a compelling addition to the Freddy Krueger legacy.
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