In this spooky Halloween episode, we consider the politics of horror by looking at the ultimate slasher film, John Carpenter’s classic Halloween (1978). We discuss the way that the horror genre has traditionally served as an outlet for society’s fears and traumas, and how this suburban horror story in particular articulated a certain post-’60s, pre-Reagan reactionary current in America. Don’t worry, we like this movie, we promise we won’t ruin it for you. PLUS: eve-of-the-election punditry and childhood Halloween memories.