Upamanyu Biswas
After the chilling start in episode 1, ‘The Creep Tapes’ picks up yet another odd and weird encounter in the second episode through an unwitting individual whose life is altered drastically after coming face-to-face with the psychopathic Peachfuzz. However, this time, it features a different setting and environment that only adds to the mystery at the heart of each chapter of the series. The variety is a large part of its intriguing nature, but it also showcases the range of individuals who find themselves caught in the trap laid by the serial killer protagonist. Still, the second episode stands out in particular because of its focus on the manipulative nature of Peachfuzz and how he is a master of weaving his way into his victim’s psyche, slowly but surely.
Elliot’s Bird-Watching Adventure is Interrupted By an Eccentric Stranger
Episode 2 immediately introduces viewers to the second victim of Peachfuzz, a man named Elliot, who runs a bird-watching blog named ‘Feathers.’ Elliot tells the camera that he has been lured to the countryside by some information he received about a rare bird sighting in this section of the country. However, he spends ages looking for the animal and comes up short. His failed attempt at spotting the bird causes him to lose spirit and consider giving up. But before he can do so, Elliot spots a strange white sheet of cloth lying on the ground nearby with a pair of feet sticking out of the bottom. He investigates and finds out that it is a parachute, and the user is none other than a seemingly out-of-breath and panicking Peachfuzz.
Soon after rescuing the man, Elliot asks him if he should phone someone for help. However, Peachfuzz shoots him down and instead becomes enamored with the camera in the possession of the bird-watcher. He eventually persuades Elliot to help him with a plan he is concocting in his head. Although hesitant, Elliot finds it difficult to reject the man and starts shooting a video for him. Apparently, Peachfuzz plans to record a short video that showcases how his parachute malfunctioned and the emotional distress the whole misadventure cost him. The video is meant to provide evidence for a lawsuit Peachfuzz is planning to file against the parachuting company that put him in the air. Obviously, it is all a lie, but Elliot remains oblivious to the man’s intentions.
Peachfuzz Leads Elliot on a Wild Goose Chase Across the Countryside
After establishing an understanding, Peachfuzz learns about Elliot’s reasons for camping out in the countryside. The notion of catching sight of a rare bird pricks up the former’s ears, and he promises Elliot that he has seen the flock of birds himself. Knowing Peachfuzz as a character, it is clearly something he has planned beforehand. However, Elliot falls for his word, especially because of his obsession with birds in general, which makes him blind to the danger surrounding him. The two then embark on a merry trip across the countryside, with Peachfuzz driving Elliot’s car. They get far and discuss the merits of Elliot’s hobby and whether one should be ashamed of it. Again, the bird-watcher fails to notice any telltale signs in Peachfuzz’s behavior that seem oddly alarming.
Eventually, they stop by a section of the road, and Elliot thinks that he has finally caught sight of the bird. It turns out to be false, but by the time he returns to the car, Peachfuzz has gone missing. He searches around until the latter jumps out of the backseat and scares him to death. They have a momentary break in their relationship as Peachfuzz then questions Elliot about his bird-baiting tactics. Previously, the former had stated that he never used any deceptive methods to lure birds to him. However, his lie offends Peachfuzz, and he drives off with the car. He stops a few meters away and makes Elliot promise not to lie again and to showcase the same interest he has in birds for Peachfuzz as well. Again, Elliot seems to accept the alarming behavior because of his difficult circumstances.
Elliot Fulfills His Wish But at the Ultimate Cost
After several trials and tribulations, Peachfuzz and Elliot finally come to grips with each other despite the latter growing more and more tired of the eccentric man’s antics. Exhausted, Elliot states that he is willing to drive Peachfuzz anywhere he wants to go in exchange for being given full control over the car again. However, just as the trip seemingly nears its end with the sun slowly dipping over the horizon, Peachfuzz springs a final surprise by telling Elliot that the bird he is looking for is right behind him. Although Elliot does not trust Peachfuzz right away, he eventually decides to listen and trains his binoculars into the distance. As it turns out, Peachfuzz is telling the truth, and Elliot finally gets to accomplish the goal for which he drove so far into the countryside.
However, as he focuses in the distance, Peachfuzz uses the moment to sneak up on his victim with a plastic bag. Elliot becomes aware of his presence and tries to run away. It proves to be futile because of how unathletic the bird-watcher is, tripping over his feet and falling victim to Peachfuzz, who suffocates him with the bag. Thus, he meets a painful end despite getting to fulfill his final dream of spotting the rare bird. Considering the strangeness of the situation, the whole affair seems meticulously planned by Peachfuzz and smells of a carefully orchestrated ploy meant to lure Elliot into a trap. It is definitely within his capability to do so, and Elliot is blunt enough to fall for it because he is obsessed with birds and not the danger seated next to him.
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