Warning: This post contains spoilers for Chucky season 1, episode 1.

Chucky season 1, episode 1, "Death by Misadventure" saw the return of the titular monster but omitted other past Child's Play characters — here's why that was and why it was a good move. Created by Don Mancini, Chucky's reign of terror kicked off in 1988 when serial killer Charles Lee Ray transplanted his soul into a doll. Voiced to great effect and acclaim by Brad Dourif, the character has since lived on through a motley range of cult-beloved sequels.

Following the events of the Cult of Chucky movie, and inspired by the Hannibal series, Mancini announced that the franchise would move to television. Taking the saga back to his hometown of Hackensack, New Jersey, Chucky promised to delve into his life story more than ever before. Equally, it was confirmed that the show would expand the scope of the Child's Play universe, introducing new playmates for Chucky alongside revisiting past friends to the end. As such, Chucky looked set to solidify Child's Play as one of the best horror franchises. By the end of Chucky season 1, episode 1, "Death by Misadventure," however, fans most eager for the return of Jennifer Tilly's Tiffany Valentine, Fiona Dourif's Chucky-possessed Nica Pierce, and more were left wanting. In truth, though, it was actually a shrewd decision.

Related: Every Child's Play Movie Character Returning For Chucky's TV Show

One of the Child's Play franchise's best tricks has been its frequent reinventions, even as it simultaneously honored and remained faithful to the past. To continue that trend, to be unafraid of exploring new avenues, really was the wisest course. And dropping Chucky into a new setting, alongside a range of new personalities to interact with, was the surest way to keep situations fresh. As fun as it'd be to learn where Tiffany, Nica, Andy Barclay (Alex Vincent), and Kyle (Christine Elise McCarthy) went after Cult of Chucky's multiple cliffhanger endings, and as intriguing as it is to see what they do next, there's plenty of time. Like Mancini himself stated, he has a lot more storytelling real estate with Chucky. As such, there was really no need to rush back to certain characters and threads, especially just for the sake of familiarity.

Chucky TV Series Poster

As powerful a tool as nostalgia can be, it can also be a double-edged sword — especially when relied upon too much. The only trace of it that Chucky needed, especially in the show's early going, was the titular Good Guy doll himself. Having Chucky (and some scattered easter eggs) as the sole bridge to the past allowed him to fully shine. That went as much for the glimpses of his childhood as it did his often violent, often hilarious, present-day exploits. The same could actually be said of Chucky's cast of new characters. Leaving the Child's Play veterans out of proceedings, for the time being, prevents the newcomers from being lost in the shuffle or drowned out. Instead, Jake Wheeler (Zackary Arthur) and others have the freedom to become fully fleshed-out elements of the franchise's whole and fan favorites in their own rights.

That will pay dividends in the future Chucky episodes. It will help to raise the stakes and leave fans more deeply invested in the new character's fates as the chaos escalates. In terms of the previously established characters, their current absence(s) will only keep fans on the edges of their seats between episodes. The trailers and hints provided by Jake's mystery caller in Chucky episode 1 conveyed that they are all definitely coming. Still, the intrigue regarding exactly when they will appear and how they'll fit into the story, however, will be palpable week to week. As such, it'll make it all the more thrilling when their arrivals actually come to pass. In the meantime, Chucky has allowed Hackensack and its residents to craft their own distinct corner of the expanding universe and chapter of the Child's Play mythology.

More: Every Form Chucky Has Taken In The Child's Play Series