Finally, American Horror Story is back on track and better than ever.
This season has been a whirlwind ride of whacky awesomeness. However, the last couples of episode lost some focus, so I’m beyond please to report that the show has regained its footing with its sights set on the brewing witch wars and the Supreme mythology. Let’s hope there aren’t any other diversions going forward.
I’ve gotten a bit sick of praising Jessica Lange on a weekly basis, but this woman really is a godsend on every level. Her performance this week was sublime, as she perfectly showcased the horrors inflicted on a person on their deathbed (as a cancer patient no less). It couldn’t have been easy for Lange to allow herself to look so disheveled and beaten, but she owned every scene with elegance and nuance to spare.
Interestingly enough, Delia’s attempted-murder of Fiona brings the mother-daughter duo even closer together. It’s so wonderfully twisted, particularly when it becomes evident how proud Fiona is of her daughter (and her “grit”) for attempting such a brave coup de etat. Plus there’s an added sense of urgency now with Fiona and Delia quite aware that there’s a witch-hunter on their trail. Brilliant.
The Sacred Taking was also a spectacular showcase for Frances Conroy. Her Myrtle is positively fascinating to watch, as is her eternal hostility towards Fiona. The two got one heck of a stunning sequence with Fiona preparing herself for death (with that fur coat no less). And in true American Horror Story fashion, we got a healthy dose of comedy to bookend the moment as Myrtle robbed Fiona of her jewels. Seriously, is there anything like this show on television?
Frightful Bits
– Loved Queenie fighting back and ripping the heart out of the rapist.
– Did Luke’s mom just give him an enema? That was beyond unsettling. Ugh.
– So do we believe that Misty is the next Supreme? I still hope it’s Nan.
– Emma Roberts’ strongest scene of the season was her lounging around on Fiona’s bed and taunting her. She plays the vindictive vixen beautifully.
– Loved that it was Spalding who brought Fiona back to life. These two are awesome.
– Queenie bringing Delphine a burger? Hilarious.
– Marie chopping off Delphine’s hand was wonderfully brutal. But please writers, give Angela Bassett more to do.
– Finally Hank did something useful and shot Luke and his mother. Predictably, Misty then brought the latter back to life. But at least now Fiona has her sights set on the necromancer. They really are going all out with the nobody-dies shtick this season.
– I could really do without the horrid Madison-Luke-Violet triangle. Am I supposed to feel sorry for Maddy when she hears Luke tell Violet he loves her? Boohoo.
– Loved the running joke throughout the hour: “Where are the servants in this house?”
– Sadly, the recent Entertainment Weekly cover had spoiled Delphine’s head arriving in a box during the episode’s final moments. A pity, because it’s a hell of a cliffhanger.
Spooky Slurs
Queenie: Voodoo, witchcraft – this town ain’t big enough for the two of us. War is coming. And you’re gonna lose.
Madison: (to Fiona) You’ll be hash browns by this time tomorrow.
Myrtle: She reminds me of you in your youth. Fit as a pin with a dreadful case of the me, me, mes.
Delia: (to Fiona) Do me a favor, die before Thanksgiving so none of us has to suffer through that mess of raisins and styrofoam you call stuffing.
Nan: Why can’t it be me?
Madison: Because you have no style and your pits smell like fish-sticks.
Fiona: Don’t let them store me in the basement with that disgraceful Russian witch.
LaLaurie: I’ll take no part in a country that has a darkie in the White House.
Cordelia: Your feet should be getting warmer.
Myrtle: I’m told it starts as a tingle in the cooch.
Conclusion
An excellent return to form after a stretch of unfocused hours. Bravo.
Nad Rating
A-