The problem and the joy of anthologies is that every episode is different depending on the people behind it. With Showtime's new series Masters of Horror, most certainly some of the episodes will be great, while others will not be great at all. That lack of consistency is one of the reasons anthology shows often have trouble surviving.

We're lucky that Showtime doesn't need to have C.S.I.-type ratings and that so many well-known directors were interested in taking on this challenge. The only episode available for review, "Incident On and Off a Mountain Road," pits a Jason/Leatherface-type serial killer against an apparently helpless young woman. Those who don't like their horror on the extreme side won't enjoy this graphic tale.

Based on the short story of the same name by Joe Lansdale, "Incident" takes us into the demented mind of Moonface, while giving us a look at what it takes to create someone who isn't going to just roll over and die for him. Mixed in for some fun is a crazy old coot chained up in the cellar who somehow has managed to survive, probably for far too long.

Bree Turner creates a strong character with Ellen, a worthy opponent to Moonface. As for Moonface himself, while there is nothing particularly special about him as far as crazed serial killers go, there's plenty of menace in him, and the scenes between him and Ellen are filled with tension. It's a well-written tale that's nicely filmed and acted. While there is one significant thing that happens that really makes little sense, it's impossible to delve into it without giving away too much. Overall, the story works, and Coscarelli has done a good job of giving "Incident" its own unique style.