Here’s how the Trick ‘R Treat horror shorts fit in with the main movies. The series as become a modern-day Halloween classic; a horror anthology that not only takes place on the holiday but also explores the traditions and mythology of All Hallows’ Eve. Although Trick ‘R Treat had a troubled release schedule, it has risen to genuine cult status in the past decade due to its easily digestible, campfire story-like segments and especially its poster child, the sort-of-cute, sort-of-scary Sam. The success of this satisfyingly spooky concoction inspired director Michael Daughtery to create a series of short films about the creepy little guy, giving fans a bit more story about their favorite holiday mascot.
The individual stories within Trick ‘R Treat are all tied together by the presence of Sam, who acts as a sort of host for the anthology in the tradition of horror anthologies like Tales from the Crypt and Night Gallery. Despite seemingly being unable to speak, Sam still opens and closes the film and is always a visible presence at the end of every segment, much like how the Crypt Keeper popped up to make a macabre gibe about the victims of the just-concluded story. With his pumpkin-shaped sack head and orange footie pajamas, Sam is a beloved mixture of endearing and menacing whose image perfectly captures the literal spirit of Halloween.
In the years since Trick ‘R Treat hit shelves as a direct-to-DVD feature, Halloween mascot Sam has become a veritable modern horror icon. The cutesy demon kid has become the subject of comic books, action figures, and other merchandise, including a series of short films, placing him in the same territory as classic monsters and famous slashers. Perhaps it’s because Sam fills a mascot-shaped hole in Halloween tradition found in other holidays like Christmas and Easter. The difference is that while Santa Clause gives coal out to the naughty children, Sam has more of a murderous streak.
How Sam’s Short Films Connect to Trick ‘R Treat
Trick ‘R Treat creator Michael Dougherty based it on an animated short film he made in 1996 entitled Season’s Greetings, which is technically the first appearance of Sam. The basis for the character was established here, an innocent-looking, childlike trick-or-treater who reveals his demonic powers when threatened. It only makes sense, then, that Sam’s legacy would continue through the same sort of short films that initially spawned him. This time, though, he would get to appear in a live-action format.
The series of Trick ‘R Treat shorts were meant to promote the now-defunct cable network FEARnet and its all-day marathon of the film, an event that occurred from 2011 to 2013 before the station’s merger with Chiller in 2014. They range from oddly heartwarming, such as when Sam helps a lonely boy create a Frankenstein’s monster companion in Making Friends, to downright disturbing, such as when Sam murders a group of kids who laugh at his getup in Back to School. There’s also a series of shorts showing how Sam (and other Halloween spirits) punish those who disrespect the sanctity of Halloween by not following traditions.
The rules, which are also the subject of the individual stories within Trick ‘R Treat, are to always wear a costume, give out treats, leave jack-o-lanterns lit, and check the candy haul. There’s a smirking sinister girl dressed as a princess who is always spared from the gruesome scene, proving that the only ones who face death are those who disobey. FEARnet also made sure to let fans know that Sam is around during the other times of the year with holiday-themed shorts about a snowman made out of a literal man for Christmas, an Easter dinner from hell, and even Sam comforting a lonely, disturbed man on Father’s Day. More than anything, these Trick ‘R Treat shorts encapsulate Sam’s dual-sided personality of friendliness and malice.
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