That was horrifyingly brilliant.
I’ve been waiting for Fiona and Marie Laveau to hook up all season long, so watching Jessica Lange and Angela Bassett tear up the screen together this week was a downright joy to behold. Sure it would have been fascinating to see the two women fight to the death (and that could still happen down the line), but teaming them up to take down a legion of witch hunters might be even cooler.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but Papa Legba might be one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever seen on screen. Had I been younger, I’m pretty sure this guy would have given me nightmares for years on end. Nevertheless, his introduction was immensely effective, as it provided Marie Laveau with a haunting backstory, while linking it to Fiona’s quest for eternal life. Angela Bassett delivered a powerhouse performance this week, equal parts heartbreaking and venomous. On the other hand, I’m not entirely sure what to make of the revelation regarding Fiona’s soul, but I hope it’s a plot point that we’ll be revisiting soon.
Although I’m wary of Nan’s supposed “death” as that concept has meant absolutely nothing on the show so far, it was still fantastic to witness the manner in which the character was offed. Just the sight of Fiona and Marie drowning the young witch in the tub was extremely disturbing, and it was further punctuated by the girl’s spirit showing up beside Legba, eager to leave her miserable existence. If this was indeed her last appearance, the character got a great sendoff, and she got to showcase some startling power upgrades in the process.
At this point, I have absolutely no idea who the Supreme is going to turn out to be, but it was wonderful to see Emma Roberts finally get more to do. Her tricking Misty and knocking her into the coffin was pretty darn brilliant. Obviously the swamp witch isn’t out of the picture yet, but it was an awesome little development as we inch closer towards the reveal. Is anyone else’s money on Cordelia now? I used to think it was Violet, but Fiona’s daughter feel like a fitting choice for the Coven’s newest leader.
Frightful Bits
– Loved the cinematography in the opening scene between Fiona and Marie. It’s a single shot, and you only see Fiona through the mirror behind Marie. Totally nifty.
– Episode highlight: Marie’s terrifying tongue wag complete with white eyes as the two cops shot each other dead. Woah!
– Another awesome camera move: the quick dolly pan towards Fiona who rushes past Marie and slaps her daughter to the ground.
– I love that Fiona laughed when Misty fainted at the sight of Stevie Nicks.
– Naan asking Madison to put the cigarette in her vagina made me cringe. But her compelling Luke’s mom to drink Clorox (a fatal move) while telekinetically subduing Violet was beyond badass.
– Extremely funky editing during Fiona and Marie’s spell with the mice and the Feds raiding Delphi.
– So Madison can bring people back from the death now too?
– Comedic highlight of the hour: Myrtle playing music and giving Cordelia career advice as the latter began smashing everything in sight.
– Hilariously twisted touch with Papa Legba being summoned through cocaine.
– I don’t know how much Steve Nicks’ guest-starring turn added to the proceedings, but it was still admittedly cool to see her make an appearance after being referenced countless times by Misty this year.
– The ending was a bit too low-key for me with Stevie singing and Fiona tearfully watching on. Still, Lange can make anything work.
Spooky Slurs
Marie: I taught myself long ago not to waste tears for the dead.
Zoe: Queenie’s dead.
Madison: We don’t know that, she could be at the soup plantation. You know how much that bitch loves a bottomless bowl.
Madison: I’m a huge Eminem fan. When does he get here?
Fiona: Marshall? You’re not his type.
Madison: That swamp bitch can’t even spell her own name and now she gets the keys to the kingdom? I mean I came back from the dead.
Myrtle: (to Cordelia) Don’t be a hater dear.
Cordelia: I have no one. And my powers are gone.
Myrtle: Your salad dressing is absolutely magical, maybe you could bottle it… “Cordelia’s conjured coriander condiment.” Or if you’d like a little getaway, maybe a job as a hostess on a cruise ship. You’ve got a lovely personality and you’re always well groomed.
Myrtle: What are your options when your mother is Hilary Clinton?
Papa Legba: (to Fiona and Marie) You two together be trouble.
Conclusion
A powerful and enormously creepy episode of American Horror Story.
Nad Rating
A