Channel Zero No-End House Episode 1 Review: This Isn't Real... Or Is It?

For those that are unfamiliar, "Channel Zero" is a series on SyFy. Each season contains two different stories told in six episodes. Each story is self contained and based on the Internet's creepypastas. Last year was "Candle Cove" (which I wasnt particularly thrilled with). See my reviews here. "No-End House" looks promising though.

"This Isn't Real" opens with a woman running through an abandoned neighborhood. She is very distraught. We see the numbers on all the tiny ranch houses. A man chases and eventually tackles the woman. He says "Why do you do this to yourself?" On her arm is written in blood "This isnt real". He takes out a lighter to burn off the message. And this I assume is our first clue.

Cut over to Margot's (Amy Forsythe) house. She is still recovering from her father John's death a year earlier. He had an allergic reaction to some medication. Her childhood BFF Jules (Aisha Dee from "The Bold Type") stops by. She's home from college and wants to help Margot socialize more. They are invited to a mysterious haunted house. It's all black and pointy and definitely stands out from the other homes in the neighborhood. Legend has it that the house just pops up in unexpected locations around the world. There are six rooms total. Anyone who survives to the sixth room is never seen again. A plaque at the entrance reads "The No-End House, Date Unknown, Wood, Nails, Copper, Caulk, You. Unknown Artist". And did I mention the house to free to enter? Something is obviously fishy here.

Inside, Margot, Jules, childhood friend JT, mystery man Seth and a few other random people enter the first room. It's labeled "Beware The Cannibals" and contains bust statues of everyone in the group. How did the haunted house creators accomplish this? The lights go out and all the creations are destroyed (except for one). Remember JT didnt get an invitation so his is intact.

Room 2 is empty except for a guy in a suit. He has what appears to be a wooden head. He circles and pushes a few people. No touching dude! He then whispers something in Margot's ear. She says his words were "Welcome back Martian". This will be important later.

Room 3 is a hallway with a mirror and creepy dude. Remember Margot described this as a recurring nightmare she has. Room 4 is an attic space where she sees pictures including Jules and her dead father. Room 5 is a replica of Margot's living room. A creature that I assume is her father sits on the couch. He's watching one of their home videos. Decaying daddy wants a hug. Margo, not so much.

She eventually escapes and runs into Jules outside. Is this Room 6 though? That's my vote. They are still inside the house. Otherwise why make sure a big deal about there being six room total. That are things are slightly different from when they entered. Jules car wont start. What happened to the guys? Etc.

Back at what Margo thinks is home, she hears whistling. It's her father back from the dead. He says "Hey Martian. How was your night?". And if you didnt notice, John is John Carroll Lynch (who also appears as Twisty The Clown over on "American Horror Story: Cult").

Grade: 4 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). A strong premiere leaves me cautiously optimistic. Visually the show is very interesting. The haunted house really does look like an art installment. As to what's going on, I have no idea. My guess is everything we see going forward is actually still inside the house. "No-End House" thus far appears scarier than "Candle Cove". If it keeps up the horror and mystery, I'm all in. PS I'm definitely NOT going into any haunted house that looks like this (even if it is free).