Freddy's Nightmares: It's a Miserable Life

"It's a Miserable Life'
	Series Freddy's Nightmares; Season 1, Episode 2
Air date	October 16th, 1988
Writers	Michael De Luca; Paul Rosselli
Director	Tom McLoughlin
Producers	Robert Shaye; Jeff Freilich; Gil Adler; Jonathan Betuel; Linda B. Greenblatt
Starring	Robert Englund
	Episode guide
Previous; "No More Mr. Nice Guy"	Next; "Killer Instinct"

"It's a Miserable Life" is the title to the second episode of the horror anthology television series Freddy's Nightmares. It was directed by Tom McLoughlin with a script written by Michael De Luca and Paul Rosselli. This episode aired in first run syndication on October 16th, 1988.

Cast[]

Actor	Role
Robert Englund	Freddy Krueger

Actor	Role
Annie O'Donnell	Mom

The character of Freddy Krueger was created by writer and director Wes Craven. When he's not hosting TV anthology programs, Freddy can be found tormenting the dreams of various teens on Elm Street in the Nightmare on Elm Street film series.
"It's a Miserable Life" redirects to this page.
This episode is rated TV-14.
Producer Gilbert Adler is credited as Gil Adler in this episode.
Actress Lar Park-Lincoln is credited as Lar Park Lincoln in this episode.
There are a few connections to the Friday the 13th film series found in this episode. Director Tom McLoughlin also directed Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives in 1986. He is married to actress Nancy McLoughlin, who also appeared in Jason Lives as well as this episode. Actress Lar Park Lincoln played Tina Shepard in Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood in 1988. Actor Robert Englund, aka "Freddy Krueger", crossed blades with Friday baddy Jason Voorhees in Freddy vs. Jason in 2003. The Freddy character also made a cameo appearance Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday in 1993. In this instance, only his gloved hand was seen and was performed by Jason portrayer Kane Hodder rather than Robert Englund.
Adam Karlen is the son of John Karlen, who was a regular cast member on ABC's Dark Shadows and played the role of Willie Loomis.

The title of this episode is taken from It's a Wonderful Life, which is a 1946 family drama film directed by Frank Capra and stars Jimmy Stewart. It is commonly regarded as a holiday movie and is one of the most well-regarded films of all time.
At the end of the first segment of the episode, Freddy Krueger holds up an over-sized cheeseburger and says "Have it MY way". This is a play on the phrase "Have it your way", which was an advertising campaign slogan used by the Burger King fast food restaurant chain.
In the hospital scene during the second half of the episode, Freddy Krueger says "An apple a day won't keep me away". This is a play on the phrase "An apple a day keeps the doctor away", suggesting that a healthy diet will reduce the need for medical assistance.

"It's a Miserable Life'
Series Freddy's Nightmares Season 1, Episode 2

Air date	October 16th, 1988
Writers	Michael De Luca; Paul Rosselli
Director	Tom McLoughlin
Producers	Robert Shaye; Jeff Freilich; Gil Adler; Jonathan Betuel; Linda B. Greenblatt
Starring	Robert Englund
Episode guide
Previous "No More Mr. Nice Guy"	Next "Killer Instinct"