The Mind-Blowing Twists You Missed: Decoding American Horror Story Season 10 Finale

The highly anticipated Season 10 of American Horror Story generated great excitement as it presented two distinct stories. Fans eagerly anticipated discovering which character Macaulay Culkin would portray. Airing in the fall of 2021, the two parts, "Red Tide" and "Death Valley," proved to be memorable experiences.

While each part of American Horror Story season 10 revolves around sinister creatures driven by a thirst for pain, violence, and annihilation, the similarities end there. Both parts of this imaginative season culminate in gripping, terrifying conclusions.

What Is American Horror Story Season 10 Part 1 About?

American Horror Story season 10, titled "Red Tide," takes place in Provincetown and delves into the world of writers. The focal point is the Gardner family, consisting of Doris (played by Lily Rabe), Harry (played by Finn Witrock), and their daughter Alma (played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong). Being a sophisticated family from New York City, they have come to Provincetown for a three-month stay with the intention of Harry writing a TV pilot. Although the horror remake of 2022's Firestarter is widely regarded as disappointing, Armstrong impresses with her portrayal of young Charlie McGee and continues to deliver in American Horror Story season 10.

Before long, it becomes evident that the family must flee as a pale man starts shadowing them and displaying hostility towards them. Alma and Doris find themselves being trailed, serving as the initial indication that something is amiss. Subsequently, Harry kills the man, prompting the family to make the decision to return home. However, when Austin Sommers (portrayed by Evan Peters) presents Harry with pills to alleviate his writing difficulties, Harry resolves to remain in Provincetown with his wife and child.

In episode 2 of American Horror Story season 10 part 1, titled "Pale," the storyline takes a turn and unveils itself as a vampire tale. This is also the point where Mickey (played by Culkin) is introduced as someone who had early knowledge of the pills' danger and started distributing them to others. Unlike traditional movie vampires, these pale beings are drawn to blood, and this primal urge drives their every action.

As Harry starts experiencing the effects of the pills, he becomes increasingly dependent on them and develops a craving for blood. Alongside Harry, Alma, who also consumes the pills, undergoes a similar transformation into a violent creature in subsequent episodes. The atmosphere shifts notably in episode 5, titled "Gaslight," delving into a much darker and intense narrative. Following Doris giving birth, she too transforms into a "pale creature," dangerously coming close to causing harm to her child, a truly chilling sight to behold.

How Does American Horror Story Season 10 Part 1 End?

Karen, played by Sarah Paulson, tragically meets her end in the American Horror Story season 10 episode "Gaslight." The haunting image of her walking into the ocean lingers in the mind. Paulson, a familiar face in the American Horror Story cast, graces almost every season of the horror anthology series. With her distinct characters, her presence is always eagerly anticipated.

In episode 6, titled "Winter Kills," Harry believes it's time for him and Alma to break free from their reliance on pills. However, Alma disregards her father's advice and rebels. As the pale creatures invade Sarah "Belle Noir" Cunningham's home (played by Frances Conroy), both Austin and Belle meet their demise. Ursula, known as the Chemist and portrayed by Angelica Ross, joins Alma as they relocate to Los Angeles. Despite their new surroundings, Alma demonstrates her unchanged nature by committing murder while vying to become a part of an orchestra. Meanwhile, Ursula, now a creative writing teacher, shares the pills with everyone she encounters.

The Chemist's discontent with the peril caused by the transportation of the pill to Los Angeles is evident. Her primary concern lies in safeguarding Doris's infant, Eli, and preventing any unfortunate incidents. Although the conclusion may not be startling or filled with remarkable plot twists, it can be considered a reasonable and gratifying resolution.

What Is American Horror Story Season 10 Part 2 About?

When it comes to ranking the seasons of American Horror Story, Double Feature falls short in terms of popularity. However, it does manage to captivate with its two distinct and imaginative storylines. In the second part of American Horror Story season 10, aptly titled "Death Valley," viewers are taken on a thrilling journey through five intense episodes. The seventh episode, "Take Me to Your Leader," unveils a startling occurrence in 1954 Albuquerque, New Mexico. UFOs make their presence known, leaving main characters Troy Lord (Issac Powell), Jamie Howard (Rachel Hilton), Kendall Carr (Jamie Gerber), and Cal Cambon (Nico Greetham) both intrigued and puzzled. As the episode draws to a close, a peculiar light catches their attention, ultimately revealing an astonishing revelation - they are all now expecting.

In American Horror Story season 10, there are compelling portrayals of iconic individuals like Amelia Earhart, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Marilyn Monroe, portrayed by Lily Rabe, Neal McDonough, and Alisha Sopher. This adds to the intrigue of the show as it offers its own unique interpretation of these famous figures.

As the season progresses, viewers discover that the government is collaborating with aliens, creating an unsettling dynamic. The menacing presence of these extraterrestrial beings establishes them as some of the most memorable villains in American Horror Story. In 1963, Eisenhower reveals to President John F. Kennedy (Mike Vogel) that the government has allowed the annual abduction of 5,000 Americans by aliens in exchange for technological advancements. Tragically, before Eisenhower can take any action, he is assassinated.

How Does American Horror Story Season 10 Part 2 End?

Episode 9 of American Horror Story season 10, titled "Blue Moon," delivers a truly unforgettable moment as Cal experiences the extraordinary circumstances of giving birth to an alien baby. This intense scene remains unparalleled throughout the season. The season 10 finale, "The Future Perfect," introduces Valiant Thor (played by Cody Fern) as the menacing leader of the aliens. He approaches Eisenhower, offering him the prospect of eternal life, but Eisenhower declines and ultimately passes away. Valiant Thor emerges as one of the most terrifying villains in the American Horror Story series. Subsequently, Mamie (portrayed by Sarah Paulson), Thor's wife, attains immortality and materializes in Area 51.

In present-day 2021, both Cal and Troy have passed away, leaving their alien-born child to evolve into a dangerous and violent entity. Theta (played by Angelica Ross) orders the assassination of Kendall and Jamie after they have given birth to their own babies. Clearly, the aliens' sole focus revolves around ensuring the existence of more alien-human hybrids in the world. Kendall's baby holds a unique significance for the aliens, as it is anticipated that she will grow up to perpetuate the cycle of reproduction. In the final moments of the episode, Theta and Calico successfully give birth to flawlessly peculiar babies, while Theta proceeds to murder Mamie.

The extraterrestrials in the second part of American Horror Story season 10 lack the captivating and thrilling elements that define the finest sci-fi horror film creatures. It is safe to assume that numerous enthusiasts of this horror series favor the first part over its sequel. Nevertheless, regardless of viewers' personal opinions, the finale of American Horror Story season 10 is undeniably bone-chilling.