American Horror Story season 4, titled "Freak Show," takes fans on a captivating and terrifying journey. In this season, the storyline shifts its focus to a creepy circus and the intriguing characters that reside within it. Notably, several actors from previous seasons of AHS make a chilling return, including Jessica Lange, Emma Roberts, Evan Peters, Kathy Bates, and Jessica Lange herself. These 13 episodes originally aired on FX from October 2014 to January 2015.
"American Horror Story: Freak Show" delivers just as many chilling and memorable moments as its predecessors, Murder House, Asylum, and Coven. With a haunting and encompassing setting, this season keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. It is undeniably one of the most captivating and compelling seasons in the franchise.
What is American Horror Story Season 4 About?
In episode 1 of American Horror Story season 4, titled "Monsters Among Us," viewers are introduced to conjoined twins Dot and Bette Tattler (played by Sarah Paulson) living in 1952 Jupiter, Florida. Elsa Mars (played by Jessica Lange), an amputee, invites them to join her circus. This captivating opening episode successfully portrays the main characters and the peculiar nature of the setting. It exemplifies why American Horror Story is considered one of the best thriller TV shows of the 2010s.
Another unforgettable character introduced in this episode is Twisty The Clown (played by John Caroll Lynch), who is undoubtedly one of the most horrifying villains in American Horror Story. Due to his disfigured appearance, he experienced severe bullying during his youth, which ultimately led to him becoming the terrifying, dangerous, and violent individual he is today. Season 4 of American Horror Story also features other notable characters such as "Lobster Boy" Jimmy Darling (played by Evan Peters) and Desiree Dupree (played by Angela Bassett), who was once his stepmother. Emma Roberts portrays Maggie Esmerelda, a cunning con artist who keeps everyone on edge. Roberts's character emphasizes that in this horror TV franchise, no one can be trusted as everyone harbors hidden secrets and dark agendas.
All the characters in American Horror Story season four are plagued by a sense of displacement and anguish, desperately seeking a place they can truly call home. This prevailing theme is particularly evident in the complex journey of Bette and Dot. Portrayed brilliantly by Sarah Paulson, a long-standing member of the American Horror Story cast, these conjoined twins embark on an emotional odyssey from the inaugural episode till the finale. Their yearning for affection and a sense of belonging mirrors the sentiments of their circus companions, as they strive to blend in with the rest of society. However, given the nature of this peculiar establishment, focused on transforming "freaks" into spectacles, their performance experiences become frightful and distressing. Each scene featuring the twins conveys a perfect balance of dramatic tension, captivating and enthralling the audience.
How Does American Horror Story Season 4 End?
The conclusion of American Horror Story season 4 is equally well-crafted as that of season 3. In the thrilling episode called "Curtain Call," Dandy Mott (portrayed by Finn Wittrock) embarks on a violent rampage and kidnaps the conjoined twins, Dot and Bette. Fortunately, Jimmy, Desiree, and the twins unite forces to thwart him, ultimately leading to his demise through drowning.
Season 4 of American Horror Story stands out for its compelling characters. Although Twisty The Clown's terrifying killing sprees add to the fear factor, the season primarily delves into the desires of individuals longing for acceptance. The viewers' emotional investment in these characters counterbalances the scary and violent moments, making the episodes far more engaging than the usual slash-and-kill narratives.
In the finale of American Horror Story season 4, the main characters' storylines culminate in a satisfying manner. Dot and Bette, wives of Jimmy, are expecting his child as they witness Elsa's circus Halloween show on television. Desiree, also a mother, joins them. Elsa's choices catch up with her, leading her to marry Michael Beck, a casting heavyweight, and become successful in Hollywood. However, her infamous adult movie begins circulating after her induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Freak Show, the fourth season of American Horror Story, offers scares, well-developed characters, and a satisfying conclusion, irrespective of personal opinions. Elsa, aware that Edward Mordrake, who endured a tragic life due to his two faces, will appear at the circus on Halloween, meets her demise as she expected. Now in the afterlife, she encounters other deceased Freak Show characters. Mordrake's long-awaited moment has finally arrived, resulting in a chilling and clever conclusion.