American Horror Story
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
American Horror Storyhas always been messy.
That is the joy of the show: Above all, it feels like an avenue for play.
This is, moreover, what makes the show true to its name.
It is a story, filled with rich literary devices that can be picked apart or not.
More crucially, though, it isAmerican, constantly questioning the long tradition of shaping what that actually means.
That said, the show often shows its hand too quickly.
Were given a powerful first episode, one containing all the crucial elements for an impactful horror-drama.
Instead, there is the rare sense that we are truly just getting started.
With the murders, its clear that the police are homophobically unwilling to properly investigate the case.
We also currently have three villains, a figure that seems destined to increase.
Meanwhile, theres no question that Jeff Hillers Mr. Whitley is the Mai-Tai Killer.
This season is heavily utilizing noir elements, particularly as they reappeared in pulpy 80s crime thrillers.
Body Count
Finally, we hear from Patti LuPone as Kathy.
It turns out, shes notjustthe gay bathhouse singer, but the owner of the establishment.
I have to assume that bathhouses have great acoustics?
This season is driven by masculinity, as both noirs and crime thrillers tend to be.
That said, the women of the show are among the most intriguing.
I also pray we see Dunaway again.
You would simply mind your own business.
But thats just me!
