Double Penetration: Every 2-for-1 Impalement in the ‘Friday the 13th’ Franchise [Video]
Josh Korngut
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While everyone’s favorite woodland maniac Jason Voorhees has a penchant for creative murders, sometimes it’s the practicality of a slaying that really shows off one’s hard-earned skills. One of my personal favorite kills in the Friday the 13th franchise has always been the infamous double-spearing featured in the second film. But did you know this was far from the last time Jason would deliver unto us his 2-for-1 special?
Today I’m unpacking every double penetration death at the hands of Jason.
Friday the 13th Part II
The first double impalement in the Friday the 13th films is also one of the scariest. The basic subtext in this franchise is sex is bad. If you have sex, your life is thrust into immediate danger and you’ll likely end up in a ditch. But the visual cues for this kill take the anti-sex narrative of Friday the 13th into a deeper, yet somehow more literal territory. This scene sees the characters of Jeffrey and Sandra holding each other close. Jeffrey is lying on top of his partner, ready to fall asleep. It’s an intimate portrayal of a young couple; romantic, kind, and completely natural.
Then comes Jason with his extremely phallic weapon: a long glistening spear. Jason obviously uses the lengthy weapon to penetrate both young people, essentially skewering them together in their final resting embrace. Poor Sandra even has a moment of understanding, her eyes widening in horror as she witnesses Jason approach. Her death impending, as she lays there, helpless under the weight of her sleeping partner. Say what you will about the unfortunate subtext, this scene is a complete classic never to be forgotten.
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives!
The second couple to get double-impaled in the Friday the 13th franchise is awarded to Stephen and Anette of Jason Lives fame. This instance of two-for-one violence is much different from what was seen in Part II. It thankfully swaps out the context of sexual shame for a more practical, and humourous, outcome. These lovebirds are having a romantic (albeit strange) middle-of-the-night picnic just a stone’s throw away from a spooky cemetery. The implication is that they may be taking their relationship to the next level. And in a way, I guess they do.
Just as Stephen and Anette hop on their motorcycle to escape, Jason appears from nowhere as he so often does. Without a moment’s notice, Jason’s newly minted machete slides through both lovers, killing them on the spot. Rest in peace Stephen and Anette, we hardly knew ye.
Freddy Vs. Jason
The final instance of a double impalement death in the Jason canon is by far the most upsetting and disturbing. Gibb (played by the always-excellent Katharine Isabelle) loses consciousness near a cornfield rave. In her dream state, she is stalked, toyed with, and nearly murdered by Freddy Krueger. During this horrific experience, Gibb is meanwhile asleep in an isolated part of the cornfield where she is unknowingly being assaulted by raver character Frisell.
This encounter between Gibb and Frisell is horrific and paints a strong picture of where 2003’s head was when it came to sexual assault. While Frisell’s actions are not painted as acceptable, the entire sequence does not spotlight how serious and damaging these types of sexual assaults are. During the assault, Jason appears and stabs both Gibb and Frisell through their chests, killing them instantly. This act of carnage infuriates Freddy Krueger, who can no longer claim Gibb’s soul for his own.
Are you as into Friday the 13th as I am? Then consider checking out my limited audio series CAMP IS CANCELLED via the Development Hell podcast. Every Tuesday this July CAMP IS CANCELLED unpacks a Friday the 13th sequel that never got made. Subscribe to Development Hell anywhere you get your podcasts!
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