WARNING: THIS RECAP CONTAINS SPOILERS
The curtain of the “Freak Show” that is “American Horror Story” was finally lifted, and it was worth the wait.
The series premiere involved it all: freaks, murder and character development.
While the show is filmed in Louisiana, the story is based in 1950s era Jupiter, Florida. The set and the clothing are complete hits. The styling stays true to ‘50s looks of mid-length skirts and full-piece suits. The sets are also great, with a dark-looking hospital and a creepy, yet inviting freak show arena.
Costumes and sets aside, it looks like the characters’ plot lines will be the most captivating of the entire season.
Jessica Lange’s Elsa Mars looks to be just a greedy ring master, but really she’s hiding a secret. Mars not only brings the two-headed character of Bette and Dot Tattler to the freak show to bring in more money, but to bring more attention to herself. While at first it seems Mars has created the show to give freaks a home, she’s really just attempting to gain stardom for herself.
Mars also has another secret. Throughout the entire first episode, it appears Mars cannot relate to her freak employees, but in the last few minutes all is exposed— she has a pair of prosthetic legs.
Seeing Mars’ character development will be one at the forefront; learning about her dreams of becoming a star and what she does to get herself there will be one of the most interesting plot points of the entire season.
Sarah Paulson as Bette and Dot Tattler will also be heavy in character development.
From the first episode, it’s shown Bette and Dot Tattler have separate personalities. Bette is more positive while Dot is more negative. The tension between the two sisters is palpable during the entire first episode. First, being Bette killing their mother and the next being Evan Peters as Jimmy Darling.
Speaking of Darling, his character is all about complexity.
The claw hands come into use in more ways than one for Darling, and he’s not afraid to use them for some extra cash. However, he wants more of a life for himself and his mother, Kathy Bates as Ethel Darling, the bearded lady.
After Jimmy Darling’s first murder on the show, killing the cop that attempts to arrest Bette and Dot Tattler, it’s clear that murderous ways have now taken over his motives. He wants to protect the freaks and himself by not letting anyone mess with them. This could quickly lead to Peters’ most twisted “American Horror Story” character yet and one episode in, he’s already showing he has the talent for it.
Last but not least, Twisty the clown.
The show’s primary killer is Twisty, and he makes that known very quickly by attacking a large part of the Jupiter, Florida area.
Twisty’s character is mysterious, and viewers will be begging to learn his backstory first and foremost. He’s a dark cloud over the entire area and wrecking havoc, slowly and quietly. The creepy clown character has been achieved flawlessly. Twisty does his job of disturbing and terrifying viewers.
“Freak Show’s” premiere episode delivered, and the rest of the season should be better than any previous “American Horror Story” installment.