My dear readers, as I am sure some of you may suspect, this particular time of year is my absolute favorite and in my more distractible moods, I have taken to gazing out the windows in the east wing, noting the subtle changes in the foliage. It was during one of these observational periods that I caught a glimpse of some unfamiliar fauna prancing about the backyard and though I consider myself something of an amateur naturalist, the specific classification of this frisky quadruped escapes me entirely. It makes me wish I could consult with my cousin Rosalind  Hauntedhouse, a respected authority in the zoological community and a woman with a keen eye for novel species. Unfortunately, her latest quest has made regular communication a bit spotty. She had recently come to the conclusion that a lycanthropic tribe of wolves had taken root in her local woodlands and though her peers routinely ignored old Rosalind’s thoughts on the subject, she was nonetheless determined to prove her theory correct. And so, being as scientific as she could in her approach, Rosalind taunted every wolf she could find, certain that the ensuing bite would transform her into living proof. Though I hear she has been very successful on the provocation end of things, none of her animal assailants have proven to be the specimen Rosalind seeks. But her search continues unabated and though her extensive convalescence has made her hard to reach at times, it is difficult to ignore the admirable zeal she demonstrates for her subject.

Michael Myers is also quite familiar with resolute commitment. Since his introduction to the moviegoing public, he has been beaten, shot, set ablaze, tossed down a mineshaft, injected with lethal chemicals and decapitated. And yet still, the man keeps at his task! It is a level of determination of which we can all be envious. Michael’s particular passion is trying to exterminate all of his remaining family members and his sister Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) has been eluding him for quite some time now. Finally, after many years of pursuit, a bit of good fortune has come his way, as Laurie has been confined to a psychiatric hospital, making her rather easy to pin down. It is here that Michael finally manages to achieve the goal that has eluded him for over two decades, and he sends his most elusive family member to her doom.

With Laurie gone, Michael’s schedule is cleared up quite a bit and he is free to terrorize whomever he chooses. As luck would have it, a perfectly suitable batch of fresh victims present themselves straight away. Enterprising producer Freddie Harris (Busta Rhymes) has secured the rights to film a televised special inside the abandoned Myers residence. He and his co-producer Nora Winston (Tyra Banks) have decided to stage an episode of their reality program Dangertainment inside Michael Myer’s childhood home. Participants will be mounted with cameras and tasked with uncovering the truth behind Michael’s homicidal rage, the key to which is apparently concealed among the detritus of a long abandoned abode. As one might expect, Michael is not particularly keen on a psychological scavenger hunt being conducted on his former property and decides to make a cameo appearance. Though introducing a deeply driven maniac is probably good for ratings, it is hardly a positive development for the contestants.

Since his introduction to the moviegoing public in 1978, Michael Myers has made stalking Laurie Strode and their various shared relations something of a priority. It has been a most gratifying pursuit up until this point and I imagine that some may be dissatisfied that Halloween: Resurrection presents such an absolute end to this narrative, particularly as a mere foreword to another tale entirely. But as much as all of us would like to see this chase go on indefinitely, it is only fair that he be allowed to try out something new after twenty-four years of exhibiting what could only be described as consistent behavior. And what a thrill it is, my gentle reader, to see him evolve so easily, as the eighth entry in this series finds a new category of individuals capable of whipping Michael Myers into a homicidal rage -- copyright infringers. It seems clear enough that Mr. Myers was not consulted by either member of the Dangertainment team prior to filming, and using his likeness and residence without permission results in the kind of treatment typically reserved for Strodes and their associates. It is a bold and intriguing new direction for a villain of such note. I know that I, for one, would give second thought to any sort of “bootlegging” if I knew that Michael Myers planned to object in person.

Halloween: Resurrection runs 94 minutes and is rated R for strong violence, language, some sexuality and brief drug use.