Grade: B+
“American Horror Story: Coven” opens up with a sucker punch performance from Kathy Bates as the sadistic Madam LaLurie. If you can stomach past the initialtorture scene, you’re transported to the modern day Hogwarts in New Orleansor Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies. Zoe Benson (Taissa Farmiga) is shipped to the mystical school with other supernatural teens after her parents discover she’s a witch. The school is currently run by master of potions Cordelia Foxx (Sarah Paulson) until her mother, the all-powerful witch Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange), decides to take over the academy. With solid nods to New Orleanian history and scenery, this season will appeal to local lovers of the Big Easy. Strong acting from Lange and Bates set to a spooky soundtrack point to this season recovering after last season’s “AHS: Asylum’s” downward spiral.