Warning: SPOILERS for Chucky season 1, episode 6.
Chucky episode 6, “Cape Queer” dramatically upped the stakes and body count but also took the number of references and Easter eggs to a whole new level. In the wake of the 2019 Child’s Play remake, the Chucky show took the saga of the killer doll back to its roots. With franchise creator Don Mancini serving as the showrunner, the horror series picked up where Cult of Chucky left off and explored previously unseen chapters of Charles Lee Ray’s life.
Written by Nick Ziegler and Sarah Acosta, Chucky episode 6, “Cape Queer” followed Jake, Devon, and Lexy setting a trap for Chucky. Meanwhile, the extended Wheeler family dealt with life-altering news, the still trapped Nica (Fiona Dourif) contended with Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly), and legacy characters Andy Barclay (Alex Vincent) and Kyle (Christine Elise) made their long-awaited return.
With the teen heroes’ efforts to stop the killer doll proving in vain, Chucky episode 6 featured two devastating kills. Equally, there were several nods to previous Child’s Play outings and other movie classics — both horror and otherwise. Here’s a breakdown of all the Chucky episode 6 references and Easter eggs that were packed into the “Cape Queer.”
Cape Fear (1991)
The title of Chucky episode 6, “Cape Queer” was obviously a play on the classic movie: Cape Fear. Initially, a 1962 thriller based on John D. MacDonald’s 1957 novel, it was later remade by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro. Chucky was primarily inspired by the latter, with Devon shown watching it before he and the others discuss and recreate specific moments and almost Home Alone battle plan-style traps from the famous 1991 remake.
Halloween/Jamie Lee Curtis
Of all the Chucky episode 6 references and easter eggs, this is probably one of the more overt. While waiting for Chucky to strike in the finale, Devon and Jake discuss horror movies. When asked who his favorite final girl is, Jake emphatically offered Laurie Strode from the Halloween movies. The duo then discussed how actress Jamie Lee Curtis deserves both an Oscar and a Saturn award for her work within the ongoing franchise,
Christine
Chucky episode 6, “Cape Queer” offered yet another look at the killer doll’s human past. Now dating, the younger Tiffany (Blaise Crocker) and Charles Lee Ray (played by Fiona Dourif in flashback) sought to buy a car. In addition to matching one Tiffany drove in Cult of Chucky, it was notably similar to the demonic Christine from the Stephen King book and subsequent John Carpenter movie of the same name — right down to having a deadly legacy.
Related: Chucky Episode 2 References Halloween 2 Most Disturbing Scene
“A True Classic Never Goes Out Of Style!”
Prior to having his throat cut by Tiffany, the car salesman praised the car by stating “a true classic never goes out of style.” As longtime Chucky fans will no doubt remember, that was also a famous line offered by the killer doll in Bride of Chucky. In his case though, Chucky was referring to the endless joy of murdering somebody with a knife.
Voodoo Origins
Ever since Charles Lee Ray transferred his soul into a doll, some have wondered how he got into voodoo. Chucky episode 6's references and easter eggs somewhat teased that answer, with Charles reading a book on the subject as he and Tiffany left Hackensack. It was far from the hilariously meta Voodoo for Dummies, and he dismissed it as a hobby. Still, it was nonetheless a fun nod towards what fans know of Chucky’s inevitable future.
Tiffany's Poker Talent
While trying to hide she was back in control of her body, Nica Pierce indulged Tiffany in a game of poker. This scene was a nod to Jennifer Tilly’s real life, where she has become a champion-level poker player. Like Tilly, Tiffany was well versed in the terminology and tactics of the game. Equally, she was extremely adept at recognizing Nica’s tells.
Child’s Play 3
Although Child’s Play 3 is considered the worst Chucky movie, it has nonetheless remained canon under Mancini’s stewardship. That was reaffirmed in Chucky episode 6, “Cape Queer,” when Andy recounted to Kyle some of the lessons he’d learned at military school. As well as shedding light on his understandably broken psyche, this implied Andy might have still graduated despite the traumatic events.
Related: Every Child's Play and Chucky Actor That Plays Dual Roles
Stephen King’s IT
While further discussing movies, Jake conveyed the horror genre might not have the same appeal after living through a real one. Devon promptly agreed, stating it would probably “take more than Pennywise” to scare them. Pennywise is the monstrous antagonist of Stephen King’s IT and its various adaptations. The otherworldly creature, much like Child's Play's Chucky, has taken many forms.
Goosebumps
During the aforementioned conversation, Devon also name-dropped Goosebumps. The titular books by R.L. Stine have long been a gateway into horror for younger readers. They have since spawned a TV show and some Jack Black-starring movies. Given that Goosebumps also featured a psychotic living doll (named Slappy), it was no doubt part of Chucky episode 6's references and easter eggs.
"Honeymoon In Niagara"
While trying to slip up Nica in her ruse, Tiffany questioned her about Niagara. This was where Tiffany and Chucky reaffirmed their twisted love during 1998's Bride of Chucky. The moment came immediately after Tiffany had creatively killed another honeymooning couple, and led to the conception of Glen/Glenda from Seed of Chucky. As such, Tiffany wasn’t lying when she recalled the location as being central to many fond memories.
X-Files & Supernatural
In their pursuit of fugitive Chucky dolls, Andy and Kyle channeled their best Mulder and Scully from The X-Files energy. Where they were usually straightforward investigators, however, Andy and Kyle posed as Census agents. As a result, the duo seemed more of a cross between Mulder & Scully and Supernatural’s Winchesters. Intentional or not the vibes were there, making it Chucky’s second CW reference.
Related: How Chucky Is Secretly The Most Inclusive Horror Show On TV
Cult of Chucky
Cult of Chucky's ending saw multiple dolls emerge and escape the asylum and the Chucky that Andy and Kyle tracked to South Carolina was one such doll. Rather than switch bodies, the Chucky that had gotten his fingers burnt remained as he was. That fact could be clearly seen as “Charlie” hugged his new friend, the reference adding even deeper continuity between Chucky episode 6 and what came before.
Pulp Fiction
When the Chucky finally revealed himself, Andy wasted no time unleashing his first shot. Kyle then joined in on the action, as the duo got into position to finish the doll off. As they unloaded on their childhood tormentor, the moment could only be described as an homage to John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction's unforgettable opening.
Vertigo
Junior took another step towards being Chucky’s protege in Chucky episode 6, “Cape Queer.” In a truly traumatic event, his mother, Bree (Lexa Doig), was launched from a window and fatally landed right in front of him. The style in which Bree fell has been likened to imagery from Vertigo.
”Too Old For This S***!”
As Chucky waged war on his enemies, he was briefly incapacitated by a tazer shot from Devon. As Chucky recovered, he exclaimed, “I’m too old for this s***!” That particular phrase was popularized by the Lethal Weapon movie franchise — specifically Danny Glover’s detective, Roger Murtaugh. Given that Chucky is technically well past the age of 60 by the time of Chucky’s events, the killer doll may have had a point. Hopefully, he will continue to unleash chaos for a good while longer, though.