Comedy · Drama · Horror · Mystery · IMDb
"Happy Traveling"
Summary
Peter Peterson is a sheltered 22-year-old man who still lives at home, stuck in a state of arrested development. His overprotective mother coddles him, while his father, Paul, wants him to grow up and take responsibility. Hoping to give Peter a sense of purpose, Paul secures him a job at a local travel agency, run by his old friends, Dominic and his crew. However, the agency is merely a front for organized crime, and Peter soon realizes he’s walked into a world of shady dealings and dangerous secrets.
Behind the Story
A friend of mine came to me with the idea of doing something where the main character wears a Hawaiian shirt. I said give me a couple of days to come up with a story. I began to brainstorm. I didn't want to do my normal way of outlining only because it takes me a really long time. I knew I wanted to make these eight episodes, but I never wrote a series. I have mainly been writing short and feature screenplays. So I decided to write ten points for each episode. Each point would represent different things that happen in the story. I got really excited. The story just flowed out of me. I set up a dinner for my friend to come over so I can pitch him the story. He and his girlfriend came over. My wife made dinner and we talked. I couldn't wait to get to the story. We ate then I pitched. It didn't go as great as I planned. I could tell my friend wasn't excited as I was. I think he was looking for a Magnum, P.I. type of story. I couldn't help the idea that came out of me. It was just so naturally. The story may have not been greenlit by my friend but I at least got the story out of it. My wife's very excited and cannot wait to produce it.
Analysis
Clint Horvath’s Peter and the Pocket Guide to Hunting Vampires kicks off with an enthralling first episode, blending crime, coming-of-age drama, and supernatural horror into a gripping and suspenseful narrative. From the outset, the story introduces us to Peter Peterson, a sheltered but capable young man whose mundane life takes a dark and tragic turn after his father’s shocking murder. The writing is rich with atmospheric tension, capturing Peter’s transition from innocence to a world far beyond his comprehension.
The character dynamics are one of the story’s strongest aspects. Peter’s relationship with his overprotective mother and stern but well-meaning father adds depth to his arc, making his journey even more compelling. The introduction of Dominic and his crew at the travel agency is a brilliant move, giving the story a grounded, crime-noir feel before the supernatural elements emerge. The camaraderie and humor between the gangsters provide levity while setting the stage for the looming danger that Peter will face.
The horror elements are subtly woven in, creeping into the narrative rather than overwhelming it too soon. Milena’s eerie presence and the brutal murder of Peter’s father serve as a chilling reminder that this world is far more sinister than it seems. The final moment, with Peter holding his dying father in his arms, is gut-wrenching and sets up a powerful emotional drive for Peter’s transformation in the episodes to come.
This is an engaging mix of The Lost Boys, Goodfellas, and Blade, combining crime thriller elements with classic vampire horror. Thematically rich and visually compelling, the story has strong potential, especially if Peter’s arc is further refined and the pacing of supernatural elements is balanced.
Overall, this is an outstanding start to the series. It masterfully balances crime, horror, and dark humor while establishing a strong protagonist and an ominous underworld waiting to be explored. With its engaging dialogue, sharp pacing, and an unforgettable ending, this episode leaves the audience eager for more.