Review: 'Murder on the Dancefloor' Episode of 'The Shards' Delivers 80s Nostalgia and Shock

Ann Karrick reviews Episode 5, “Murder on the Dancefloor,” of Ryan Murphy’s “The Shards,” praising its nostalgic recreation of the 1980s and its shocking plot twists.

A Deep Dive into 80s Aesthetics and Culture

Karrick highlights the show's meticulous attention to detail, from fashion – noting Susan and Debbie’s vintage-worthy outfits – to cultural references. She muses on the era’s language and concepts, questioning whether terms like “fluidity” and “being in your body” were prevalent at the time. The review also touches on the show's soundtrack, calling the needle drops “flawless.”

Plot Points and Character Observations

The review details several key moments, including Igby Rigby’s dance skills, the depiction of Sears employees, and the dance competition against a character named Cha-Cha. Karrick also comments on the storyline involving Ivy Wolk and Thom’s fashion choices. She expresses amusement at the Friends-esque dance competition scene and notes the prevalence of 80s drug culture references. Liz's decision to vote against her own daughter in the dance-off is particularly praised.

The episode culminates in a shocking twist: the killer calling in to the dance contest to commit a murder on air. Karrick notes the strong chemistry between Homer and Kaia and offers playful commentary on other characters' actions, such as Thom's reaction and Debbie’s need for a donut. The review concludes with a brief reflection on the realities of TV production, noting the behind-the-scenes work involved in seemingly simple scenes.