Highlights
In the haunting installment of American Horror Stories called "Rubber(wo)Man," Michael, Troy, and Scarlett venture into the notorious Murder House where they come face-to-face with a malevolent force concealed in the legendary rubber suit.
The content fragment
The narrative delves into the complex relationship between corrupted innocence and malicious spirits, as Scarlett's disturbing past and fascination with violence drive her to carry out numerous homicides while wearing the suit.
The episode wraps up with a haunting emergence of new ghosts in the Murder House, as Scarlett remains on a relentless quest for revenge in the mortal realm, while Ruby contemplates their connection and finds comfort in Scarlett's yearly return.
Ryan Murphy's American Horror Story spinoff, American Horror Stories, delves deep into the realms of terror in its first two episodes titled "Rubber(wo)Man." Taking place in the infamous Murder House of Los Angeles, this chilling series breaks away from the conventional anthology style of its predecessor, presenting audiences with a unique storyline for each episode.
Nevertheless, "Rubber(wo)Man" takes it a step further by spanning across two episodes, intricately crafting a malevolent tale that not only honors the original series, but also introduces fresh characters and hair-raising elements of horror.
What is American Horror Stories: Rubber(wo)Man about?
American Horror Stories Season 1, Parts 1 & 2 follows the chilling journey of Michael, Troy, and their daughter Scarlett as they move into the notorious Murder House. Their plan to transform the haunted mansion into a bed and breakfast for thrill-seekers and history buffs seems bold and unwavering. They remain unbothered by the supernatural legends that have haunted the house for generations, dismissing them as mere superstitions.
However, Scarlett stumbles upon a hidden secret within the house's closets - Tate Langdon's infamous rubber suit. Intrigued by its dark allure, she decides to try it on, only to discover its disturbing power. Despite her attempts to get rid of it, the suit mysteriously reappears, pulling her deeper into its eerie grasp. As the story unfolds, Scarlett's own unsettling attraction to the more violent aspects of BDSM pornography is revealed, exposing a dark past and a disturbing connection to malevolent spirits. It becomes clear that within the embrace of tainted innocence lies a sinister link to the malevolence that resides in the house.
During their second encounter with the rubber suit, Scarlett experiences a transformative moment as her eyes become completely black, hinting at a supernatural force influencing her actions. As Part Two comes to a close, Scarlett becomes responsible for multiple killings while wearing the suit, including the brutal murder of a group of bullies who tormented her. Unfortunately for her victims, those who meet their end within the Murder House are condemned to endless haunting, ensuring that Maya and her clique remain trapped within its eerie halls.
As "Rubber(wo)Man: Part Two" unfolds, several weeks have passed since Scarlett's grisly killing spree. During this time, she crosses paths with Ruby, another restless spirit, and a twisted romance begins to bloom between them. Both characters share a disturbing fascination with violence and murder, making them a perfect match within the horrifying world of the Murder House.
However, an astonishing disclosure arises when Ruby reveals her own heartbreaking past. She recalls being sent to reside with her abusive Uncle Tony after her parents' alleged demise, only to later discover their continued existence but their abandonment of her. This revelation provides insight into Ruby's predisposition towards violence and injects a layer of somberness into her character. Meanwhile, Michael and Troy's previously rock-solid marriage begins to crumble. Michael, burdened by financial concerns and eerie encounters with ghosts, including the notorious Piggy Man from AHS: "Murder House," desires to sell the house. In contrast, Troy remains steadfastly determined to remain, ultimately leading both of them to a fateful and grisly demise at the hands of Ruby.
How does American Horror Stories: Rubber(wo)Man end?
The conclusion of the two-part episode introduces a chilling new era of ghosts haunting the Murder House. Michael and Troy willingly embrace the role of surrogate fathers to the teenage girls trapped in the house for all eternity. Ruby, in a surprising move, temporarily puts a halt to her relentless murder spree among the other spirits. In the meantime, Scarlett, refusing to accept the afterlife, continues to wander the earthly realm, seeking revenge on those who tormented her loved ones while donning the notorious rubber suit.
The episode concludes with Ruby's haunting voiceover, contemplating the delicate balance of control in their relationship. She views happiness as something anticipated, finding solace in the annual return of Scarlett for a single night of bliss.
"Rubber(wo)Man" not only pays tribute to the iconic "Murder House" storyline of American Horror Story but also draws parallels between characters and themes from the original series. Scarlett's transformation from a new resident to a murderous figure mirrors Violet Harmon's character arc. Initially portrayed as an innocent newcomer to Murder House, Scarlett's descent into darkness and eventual embrace of the rubber suit position her as the new Tate Langdon. Additionally, Scarlett's potential future trajectory appears to align with that of Jessica Lange's character, Constance Langdon. Similar to how Constance chose not to end her existence and took her own life, Scarlett may follow a comparable path, becoming the unofficial living tenant of the infamous Murder House.
Both stories, despite their horrifying elements, ultimately end with a sense of domesticity and family. Like the Harmon family gathering as ghostly beings around the Christmas tree in "Murder House," "Rubber(wo)Man" presents a surprisingly happy conclusion. Scarlett and Ruby have managed to make their relationship work, and Michael, Troy, and the mean girls from Scarlett's school coexist as ghosts in a semblance of domestic bliss.
The episodes of American Horror Stories' "Rubber(wo)Man" provide a terrifying and thought-provoking storyline that explores dark themes of love, violence, and the legacy of horror. With a fresh take on the anthology format and a return to the iconic Murder House, the series promises more chilling tales that push the boundaries of terror and love in the twisted world of American horror. Ultimately, it reminds viewers that even amidst horror, home can provide solace for the heart, and dark love can be just as enduring as any other.