American Horror Story has had some questionable as well as solid seasons, including Murder House, Asylum, and Cult. To have each season tell a different horror-based narrative is particularly smart, and keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Even if they have a poor season, the show has proved it can make a solid comeback. In this case, Cult and Apocalypse are making up for Roanoke and Hotel.
Personally, American Horror Story caught my attention during their debut season Murder House. The approach to the topics of ghosts, infidelity, and murder were stressful, yet captivating. The mystery behind several seasons has been mesmerizing; it’s as though you become a part of the journey from the very first episode up until the finale. You find yourself mirroring the characters and their thoughts, emotions, and motives. There’s plenty of self reflection that is done while watching American Horror Story. To me, this is one of the qualities of an exceptional show.
AHS has returned with Apocalypse, which they claim to have based off of their prior seasons, Murder House and Coven. As we watch Apocalypse unfold, we can see the resemblances as well as the references. For fans, this is something worth looking forward to. With a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.2/10 on IMDb, the season already has a promising impression at a glance
In 2018, the threat of a nuclear war has gone from a dormant fear to an awoken reality, with Trump, Kim Jong Un, and Putin hinting at a nuclear rock-paper-scissors every time they have a disagreement. I can’t think of anyone, regardless of political background, that would support such a means to an end.
The season begins with the nightmares I grew up having: nuclear war sirens, television broadcasting evacuation, and the end of humanity’s existence. My biggest question before the start of the series was from what angle they were going to approach an apocalypse. The first episode answers that; it begins with the threat of nuclear war, particularly in Beverly Hills. While there
is devastation and chaos at every corner, there is an undertone of comedic dialogue.
It seems that the citizens of Beverly Hills, once living in their bourgeois bubble, cannot fathom the end of their existence. The distressing scenes of how far people are willing to go to avoid the wrath of a nuclear bomb make it too real. Once faced with a situation like this, it’s as though
our inhibitions are stripped from us. We remember that humans can have reactions that no longer reflect sanity, each responding to terminal circumstances in their own fight or flight way.
However, this story isn’t about the post-apocalyptic story we’re used to. In fact, we’re introduced to a claustrophobic, highly-controlling new society. Instead of a society that is progressive, something humanity has been aiming to have for decades through wars, riots, and political protests, we are thrown back thousands of years with a society in the bunker with a social hierarchy.
A select few were given the “fortunate” opportunity to find salvation in a prepaid bunker, designed for the end of days. Alternatively, certain people were selected as worthy by an organization called “The Cooperative,” solely based off of their genetic makeup.
With no television, internet, windows, fresh air, the same song playing for weeks at a time, and a shortage of food, this outlet of “salvation” is a circumstance worse than death.
Approaching the end of the first episode, we see an unfamiliar face with an all-too-familiar last name. As soon as everything clicked, I could feel the blood leave my face and my heart fell past my knees. Michael Langdon wasn’t just a brooding, gorgeous character from The Cooperative, he was the anti-christ. Those who’ve watched murder house know who I’m referring to.
When AHS warned that the devil would be beautiful, they weren’t lying. Murder House ends with an upside down “Nativity of Jesus,” when Vivien Harmon gives birth to twins, one being the spawn of satan himself. This child was the result of having been conceived with Tate Langdon, the psychopath spirit that contributed to most of the hell in that house. Like God was father of Jesus, the Devil was the father of Michael. It’s almost as though the writers of AHS have thought of this ending since the beginning, and it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.
While Supernatural has their own son of satan, Jack, AHS has brought us Michael, (season 14 of Supernatural airs October 11, meaning I’ll be able to enjoy watching both the sons of satan this year). Unlike Jack, Michael uses his piercing blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair
to manipulate others, coercing them to fall into temptation of each of the seven deadly sins.
American Horror Story: Apocalypse premiered on September 12, 2018, meaning you can catch up on the first five episodes now. The only downside is that once you’ve caught up, you have to patiently wait for the next episode. However, seeing the way the writers of AHS have built up their current seasons, the watch is worth the wait. Even if you hate waiting, at least it’s not the end of the world yet.
Alma Tovar
Features Editor
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