Ep 4. Skull Envy

In "Skull Envy," the fourth episode of Oddities’ first season, viewers are taken on a journey through the world of creepy and macabre collectibles. The episode explores the fascination people have with skulls and other bones, and showcases some of the most unusual pieces in Obscura Antiques & Oddities.

The episode begins with co-owners Mike Zohn and Evan Michelson discussing their newest acquisition – a seven-foot-tall giraffe skeleton. Despite the fact that it’s missing a few bones, the piece is still worth thousands of dollars and is sure to attract the attention of collectors. However, the team soon realizes that transporting such a large object is going to be a challenge. In an attempt to make the giraffe skeleton more manageable, Evan and Mike begin removing some of its parts, including the head.

Meanwhile, another customer comes into the store looking for a new display piece. Known only as "Skeleton Stan," the man has a peculiar obsession with skulls and is always on the hunt for new ones to add to his collection. After browsing through the shop’s selection of skull-themed items, he’s disappointed to find that there aren’t any new skulls available. However, Evan and Mike reveal that they have something even more special – a full-sized, articulated human skeleton. The Skeleton Stan is thrilled and decides to add the skeleton to his collection.

Next, viewers meet a collector named James, who has a unique taste in taxidermy. In his personal collection, he has a two-headed turtle, a stuffed weasel, and a rat that’s been turned into a pencil holder. James is on the hunt for something new, and after browsing the store’s selection, he comes across a preserved, three-eyed cat. While most people would be horrified by such an item, James is thrilled and decides to purchase it.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a variety of other oddities, including a taxidermy pig that survived a house fire, a preserved human heart in a jar, and a statue made entirely of bones. In one particularly memorable scene, Evan and Mike are visited by a woman who wants to sell her collection of human teeth. While the team is initially skeptical, they quickly realize that the teeth are incredibly valuable and decide to purchase them.

As the episode draws to a close, Skeleton Stan returns to the shop to show Evan and Mike his newly-redecorated apartment. The walls are covered in skull-themed artwork, and there are skulls and other bone-themed decorations scattered throughout the space. While some people might find the decor a bit macabre, Skeleton Stan couldn’t be happier.

"Skull Envy" is a fascinating look into the world of oddities and collectors. It showcases the strange and bizarre items that people are willing to pay top dollar for, and gives viewers a glimpse into the obsession behind these unique pieces. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious about the strange and unusual, this episode is sure to entertain and intrigue.