American Horror Story: The Good, The Bad, and the Ridiculous

Carnivale Jr!
"Highly irregular is the time I found a human foot in the toaster oven. This is just odd." - Lorne Malvo, Fargo, S01E02




It's been nine weeks since the premier of FX's American Horror Story: Freakshow. In the beginning of the season, I wrote about how the show, packed with the best lineup of actors its ever had, looked to be the best season yet. While I will still stick by the better focus on characters and the slightly-more-linear form of storytelling this season has been delivering, it is probably not going to surpass season two in terms of best AMHS. Last week, in the eighth episode titled "Blood Bath," two of the major characters in Frances Conroy and Kathy Bates were killed off. Although the actual scenes of their deaths were quite good, these two exemplify the nature of AMHS Season four.

What's great about the newest installation of the FX miniseries is that it is exploring new ground. While in the past, the show would have a plethora of characters who were all essentially just chess-pieces to be moved around at Ryan Murphy's (creator of the show) disposal, in season four, they are taking on minds of their own. Michael Chiklis's character has some real substance. Evan Peters, despite my dislike of his acting ability, actually has some well-drawn quality. However, because of the overwhelming amount of characters, there must always be enough plot to keep them all relevant. While Kathy Bates is a fantastic actress and her character had some interesting qualities, the entire portion of the show devoted to her never really worked. She had family drama with Michael Chiklis and Evan Peters in the beginning, but after the two men bonded, she was left plot-less. One episode later and Jessica Lange is throwing a knife through her skull. I can't help but think Bates could have been better utilized. The best uses of Kathy Bates are when she gets to be a villain. Look at Misery. Look at Dolores Claiborn. Bates is able to shine with a well-fleshed-out villain. Though perhaps a bit more nuanced in the latter, she still is used to the best of her potential. In AMHS though, her character was basically just a good guy. Yeah, maybe she had a drinking problem and trust issues, but overall she was just a nice woman. Hence, when her bearded character met an end, it was almost a relief. Just one less unimportant plotline to keep track of.
Frances Conroy was similar. While a fantastic actress, her role this season felt like it kept waiting around to be relevant but instead was just killed. Her intrigue was completely cut short by the abruptness of her death. Similarly, we have Angela Bassett playing a mix of a sympathetic character trying to get out of freak-hood and a psychopathic women's rights activist seeking to kill anyone in her way. Her plotline with Meryl Streep's daughter has really failed to matter much. Finally we have the un-dynamic trio of Evan Peters, Emma Roberts, and Sarah Paulson. Oddly enough, these three have some of the more intriguing characters in this season. However, the fact that their actors can't cut the gig is really hurting. Sarah Paulson is consistently drab, Peters seems like he'd be better suited on Glee, and Roberts just can't ever get into character. By having meaty roles for these actors on Freakshow, the show is hiding some of the problems. But, when push comes to shove, one can't help but feel underwhelmed.

On the other hand however, we have a lot of good in this season. Denis O'Hare, for the first time in his AMHS tenure, has been given a juicy role. Much like Kathy Bates, O'Hare shines as a glaring villain (hence why he was the single best part of True Blood). As Stanley, O'Hare is just as gleefully evil as we all want to see him be. Similarly, Michael Chiklis is shining under the spotlight. Unlike a lot of AMHS characters, Chiklis's Guillermo Dell Toro (or Dell Toledo or whatever) is pretty nuanced. While he's a tough asshole, the strongman has a secret of being homosexual. For a man with his profession in his time period, this is quite taboo. Thus, we have a layered, interesting character. Next up we have Finn Wittrock. Although he's a newcomer to AMHS, he's shining in the spotlight. Playing the psychotic Dandy Mott is perfect. Though many would argue he's a bit of a one-trick-pony, shouting "I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU" at the top of his lungs whilst murdering people, the character is undoubtedly enjoyable to watch. Finally, we have Ms. Jessica Lange. Since the first season of the show, Lange has always been the face of AMHS. Her average role is usually an overly-done-up Queen Bitch. In season two she had a bit more depth, but overall her role is relatively rehashed. It works consistently well, but at this point it's becoming a bit tired. While fun, it's probably best for the show that Lange is leaving after this year. That being said, this year's version of Lange is still much stronger than season three's disaster.

With only four episodes left in the season, there are still a number of question marks. Sarah Paulson's conjoined twins are a solid B plotline to pay attention to, and the war between Dandy Mott and the world is making for a solid main story. And, though I do love Conroy and Bates, their deaths have cleared some space. With more focus on Michael Chiklis, Lange, and Evan Peters's protagonist, the end of Freakshow could be quite compelling. While it's obviously not Fargo or True Detective, AMHS is a consistently entertaining miniseries; one that, despite sloppy writing, always seems to create a world that viewers want to pay attention to.

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