This is gonna be real quick. Takashi Mikke's "Imprint" is the my second favorite episode of "Masters Of Horror" so far (Lucky Mcgee's "Sick Girl" is still my fave so far). But it is most assuredly the only episode that I couldn't shake for days afterward. The acting is pretty much average although Billy Drago's perf could have used a little moderation. His histrionics were a little over the top. But what really kicks this one into overdrive is the way over the top script & the special effects. Abortions, Savage torture & a nod to an old HBO "Tales From The Crypt" episode add up to a stunning potpourri of mayhem & bloodshed. Mikke simply will not let his vision be compromised no matter the cost. I would really hate to have a look into his psyche. Scary stuff going on in there for sure. Let me also warn you....the torture scenes are excruciating. By far the most unsettling ones I have ever seen. They also seem to go on forever. By design I would imagine. That's the part I found a bit reprehensible. That and the abortions taking place every few minutes or so. Maybe Mikke could have flashed on em' for a sec or two and then gone back to the narrative but nope, He lingers on these scenes until you have to look away. I just didn't see the need for that although I would never condemn the man for it. His vision is his vision. I just got a little unnerved by seeing scene after scene of fetuses floating down the river that's all. I can understand Showtimes reluctance to show this episode, Although I don't agree with it. It's pay cable people!! We are paying to see this & we should decide whether or not it's for us to watch. That being said...They would have caught a LOT of flack for this episode, It's that unsettling. I rated it 8 only because I found the acting subpar & the ending a bit ridiculous but make no mistake, You will be disturbed. If you aren't, Then you're a better viewer than I am. And I love this stuff.
