Season 6 of American Horror Story explores the eerie atmosphere of an old residence named Roanoke while also satirizing the true crime genre. Spanning from September to November 2016, these 10 episodes may not be the most widely embraced, but they do boast unforgettable moments and characters.
An intriguing feature, yet also a source of division, within American Horror Story season 6 is its division into two distinct storylines. The initial episodes are generally regarded as more captivating. However, one thing is undeniable: the conclusion of American Horror Story season 6 leaves a lasting impression on all who watch.
What Is American Horror Story Season 6 About?
The structure of American Horror Story season 6 sets it apart from the other seasons of the franchise, making it both creative and interesting. Part 1 focuses on the documentary series My Roanoke Nightmare, while part 2 explores the aftermath and attempts to create a sequel to the documentary. Opinions among fans may vary on whether this split was a good idea, but it does allow American Horror Story: Roanoke to establish its own unique identity. With the franchise now in its 12th season, it's impossible to please everyone all the time, but season 6 deserves praise for its originality.
In the first episode, "Chapter 1," Matt (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.) and Shelby Miller (played by Sarah Paulson), a married couple, share their horrifying experience in a documentary. They recount living in a farmhouse and being targeted by their neighbors due to the displacement of farmers. Additionally, the couple suffered trauma when a gang attacked them, resulting in the loss of their baby.
Despite not being widely regarded as the best season of Ryan Murphy's American Horror Story, season 6 gradually becomes more and more eerie. Trust begins to wane between Shelby, Matt, and Lee Harris (played by Adina Porter), a police officer. In episode 6, titled "Chapter 6," it is revealed that the documentary series, My Roanoke Nightmare, has gained immense popularity. As a result, producer Sidney Aaron James (played by Cheyenne Jackson) plans for a sequel called Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell. However, as filming resumes, unsettling incidents continue to occur.
Thomasin White, also known as The Butcher, is widely regarded as one of the most terrifying villains in American Horror Story and plays a pivotal role in season 6. Portrayed by Kathy Bates, Agnes Mary Winstead, and Susan Berger, The Butcher instills fear in anyone who sets their eyes upon her. Alongside the Polks, she makes a fateful agreement that as long as the Polks provide victims for The Butcher to sacrifice during the Blood Moon, the malevolent being refrains from harming the Polks themselves.
How Does American Horror Story Season 6 End?
The amusing aspect of American Horror Story season 6 lies in its satirical portrayal of true-crime documentaries and TV shows. As the season concludes, various TV shows become part of the storyline. One such show is Spirit Chasers, a clever parody of ghost hunter TV shows, where characters explore the eerie Roanoke home and encounter some spine-chilling phenomena. Additionally, viewers discover that Lee's murder case has been covered on the TV show Crack'd.
Despite the criticism of its slow pace, American Horror Story season 6 remains a captivating installment of the series with its unique elements. One notable aspect is the return of Lana Winters (Sarah Paulson), the journalist who played a significant role in season 2. Lana delves into Lee's story after she is acquitted for multiple murders. The two discuss Lee's memoir detailing her experiences, but an unexpected revelation surfaces when Lana suggests that Lee might have abducted her own daughter, Flora Harris (Simone Baker), who is currently missing. The situation takes a thrilling turn when Lot Polk appears, intending to murder Lee, only to be fatally shot by the police.
Lee and Flora reunite in the eerie central house that dominates the season's narrative, where Lee expresses her remorse. In a selfless act, Flora decides to become a spirit haunting the property, ensuring the safety of Priscilla (Savannah Liles), a child ghost who was killed by The Butcher. Lee takes on this role instead, allowing Flora to escape. However, she is later discovered by police officers. As Priscilla sets the home ablaze, Lee meets her demise. The finale of American Horror Story season 6 concludes with Thomasin witnessing a massive mob approaching Roanoke.
American Horror Story season 6 incorporates captivating and unsettling scenes, with Lady Gaga making a chilling appearance as Scáthach, a witch. Regardless of fans' varying opinions on the season, the conclusion ties up all loose ends effectively.