Episode 6 of "Goosebumps" kicks off with Mr. Bratt painting a vivid narrative of the events that have led to the present-day drama. He begins by transporting us back to 1925 and introducing us to his great-grandfather, Ephraim, a struggling stage performer whose magic shows had failed to captivate audiences. Dissatisfied with his dwindling prospects, Ephraim ventures into a magic store, hoping to uncover new tricks but finds himself thwarted by a lack of funds.
As he's about to leave empty-handed, a whisper beckons him from the depths of the shop, compelling him to purchase a mysterious suitcase. Returning home, his wife's disappointment is palpable when she catches sight of the doll nestled inside. Once she's gone, Ephraim stumbles upon a cryptic note containing bewildering instructions.
The following day, he incorporates the ventriloquist doll, named Slappy, into his act. However, instead of applause, he's met with jeers and boos from the audience. Just when all seems lost, Slappy springs to life, roasting Ephraim in a manner that delights the spectators. This unexpected twist turns out to be a blessing in disguise, catapulting Ephraim's career to unprecedented heights. Consumed by his newfound success, he gradually neglects his family.
In 1960, Ephraim's audience begins to dwindle, prompting the manager to propose a new opening act. When left alone with Slappy, the doll whispers tales of conspiracy against Ephraim, orchestrated by the manager. Manipulated by Slappy's cunning, Ephraim casts a spell that transforms the manager into a puppet.
Slappy then orders Ephraim to procure a coffin and recite a dark spell. However, midway through the ritual, Ephraim is plunged into a terrifying vision that drives him to abandon the dark path he's embarked upon. He hastily conceals Slappy back in the suitcase and flees to a new house, choosing a life of isolation. In his twilight years, he ensures the suitcase is sealed within a wall, hidden from sight, forever.
Years later, Ephraim's granddaughter, Georgia Biddle, along with her husband and son Harold, moves into the house. Harold's father, eager to steer him away from bullies, convinces him that the new school will be a better fit and offers him the basement as his personal domain. On his first day at the new school, Harold joins the Photo Club and forms bonds with Nora and Sarah, particularly growing close to Sarah, who shows a keen interest in his camera.
Days pass, and Harold and Sarah find themselves in the darkroom, developing photos. Their conversation takes a meaningful turn, leading Sarah to persuade Harold to accompany her to Ben's party.
Harold diligently prepares for the impending party, yet the following morning, he reluctantly confides in his dad that he wishes to steer clear of the topic, convinced that Sarah harbors no reciprocal feelings. Frustration boils over, causing him to lash out by throwing an object against the wall, where his actions coincidentally uncover a suitcase.
Defying his parents' objections, Harold introduces Slappy to them and proceeds to take the doll to school for a semester project. During the presentation showcase, Eliza and Victoria are abruptly dismissed due to their inappropriate remarks. Harold embarks on his performance but struggles to engage the audience. Unexpectedly, Slappy springs to life, delivering a humorous yet savage roast of both the students and Harold. Despite Harold's frantic protests, the audience mistakes it all for part of the act, showering him with applause that fills him with unexpected delight.
Later, Harold shares an amusing anecdote with his female peers, sensing a spark of interest from Sarah. That evening, Nora catches Slappy conversing with Harold and hastily rushes to inform Sarah. Nora's terrified recounting fails to convince Sarah, who dismisses it as a mere misunderstanding.
The subsequent morning, Harold's parents confront him about his conversations with the doll and sternly forbid him from bringing it to school. His father confiscates the suitcase, sparking a fiery altercation. While Harold is away at school, his parents attempt to incinerate the doll, but to their astonishment, it remains defiant against the flames. Harold's return is marked by a storm of anger towards his parents. Slappy then coaxes him into casting a spell, turning his parents into puppets.
Despite the accusations flying around, the other children in the narrative erroneously accuse Harold of being a murderer, but Mr. Bratt swiftly disciplines them and continues with the unfolding tale.
In the sequel to the story, Harold faces another performance in front of his classmates and teacher. Slappy, without restraint, exposes deep-rooted secrets about the students, embarrassing them in full view of the classroom. The teacher, outraged beyond measure, ejects Harold from the stage amidst the commotion.
After the incriminating act, Sarah and her companions confront Harold, but he shoves them aside and storms out, leaving them perplexed. They collectively deduce that the doll harbors the root of their woes and conspire to snatch it from Harold's clutches under the cover of darkness.
The ensuing night, they stealthily make their way to Harold's abode, where Ben seizes the doll amidst a tense silence. Slappy, sensing its theft, strikes back with a vengeance, unleashing a whirlwind of chaos throughout the house. In a swift motion, Ben slams the suitcase shut, just as Harold descends into the basement, unwittingly slamming the door behind him. The group frantically tries to coax Harold out, but his mounting panic leads him to accidentally knock over a candle, igniting the carpet in a fiery blaze.
Seeing the tendrils of smoke curling through the air, the children abandon their post and flee outdoors, hearts pounding in their chests. After a hurried discussion, they resolve to keep the incident hush-hush and depart the scene. Meanwhile, Slappy frantically attempts to escape its prison, but Ben dismantles the suitcase with dexterous precision. They then decide to lay it to rest in Eliza's father's mine, ensuring it remains buried from the world's eye.
Returning to the present day, the children piece together that their parents had been attempting to shield Harold from Slappy's malevolent influence. Mr. Bratt, taken aback by their revelation, scolds them severely, branding their parents as bullies. He adamantly maintains that Slappy was Harold's closest companion. When prodded about the source of his knowledge, he reveals a shocking truth: he is Harold himself, and in a dramatic twist, transforms into a charred mummy at the dramatic conclusion of Goosebumps Episode 6.
