After American Horror Story’s third season, “Coven” finished, Ryan Murphy worked on another season, “Freak Show.” Set in the 1950s featuring a band of circus performers disregarded by society. Ring leader, Elsa struggles to gather a crowd due to Television becoming a big deal. She hires conjoined twins. Unbeknownst to her and the trope, a con man named, Stanley poses as a Hollywood agent in order to get closer to a performer. He and his sidekick, Maggie seek body parts for their museum.
AHS’s fourth season officially aired in 2014 (same year Coldplay’s sixth album Ghost Stories came out) on FX. It received praise from critics, fans and viewers alike. Freak Show was nominated for a few awards the Emmys including “Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series” Anyway, I’ll be watching and review Horror stuff throughout October to get into the Halloween spirit.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Strong & Weak Qualities
Smart: Sarah Paulson, (my all-time favorite actress) Evan Peters, Jessica Lange, Angela Bassett, Michael Chiklis, Kathy Bates, Finn Wittrock & Emma Roberts all did a fantastic job for their respective performances.
Naomi Grossman reprises her role as Pepper from “Asylum.”
Gabourey Sidibe, Frances Conroy, Chrissy Metz, Patti LaBelle, Neil Patrick Harris and the late Malcolm-Jamel Warner have recurring roles.
Ryan Murphy mapped out all thirteen episodes. He also served as an executive producer along with his business partner, Brad Falchuk.
Scare Factor has some legit scares.
Practical Effects were heavily involved to create Death Scenes.
Prosthetic Makeup transformed the leads into their characters.
Cinematography was shot in stable condition.
In order to play conjoined twins, Ms. Paulson filmed her scenes with an animatronic head. Once she completed her scenes as Bette, she filmed scenes as Dot. Compile both scenes together with editing software, you get twins.
Fun Fact: Elsa’s based on classic movie actress, Marlene Dietrich.
Random Thoughts
- Denis O’Hare’s character reminds me of Sean Penn in “Sweet and Lowdown.” Mr. O’Hare’s an underrated actor.
- I think Twisty’s mouthpiece is based on Immortan Joe’s gas mask in “Mad Max: Fury Road.”
- The Twins’ accent sounds similar to Tree Trunks from “Adventure Time.”
- Opening Credits looks like a Tool music video.
- The Twins are my favorite.
There’s some funny moments in between. Especially, Dandy. He’s funny as heck.
Although labeled as a Horror, there’s emotional levity making you care for every single character. As the season progresses, you learn about their backgrounds.
Despite anachronisms within the series timeline, I like the song selections that match the context of a specific scene like Elsa’s performance in the Season Premiere. Plus, some characters utter out an unintentional song references.
Episode 39 – Monsters Among Us
Elsa recruits The Twins.
Twisty the Clown makes his debut. Way terrifying than Jared Leto’s Joker.
Elsa performs a song. I’ll give you a hint, a late musician appeared in “The Prestige.”
Episode 40 – Massacres and Matinees
Jimmy cleans up a “mess.”
Ethel reunites with an old acquaintance named, Dell. He’s also Jimmy’s father.
The Twins have a funny moment practicing a song.
Dell goes Vic Mackey on someone.
Ethel once said, Somebody That I Used To Know.” An unintentional reference to Gotye’s song.
Another unintentional reference. Dandy said, “Take A Chance On Me.” Which is an ABBA song.
Episode 41-42 – Edward Mordrake – Parts 1-2
Wes Bentley guest stars as the aristocratic title character.
Ethel receives bad news.
A flashback shows Ethel’s early years.
We learn about Elsa & Twisty’s backstories.
Something happened near the end.
Maggie informs Elsa her “possible future.”
One line made me chuckle. “Take your Sasquatch with you!”
Another line made me chuckle. “Shut your piehole, Dorothy!”
Episode 43 – Pink Cupcakes
Desiree learns the true nature of her health.
Stanley comes up with a scheme in an attempt to kill and obtain a body part.
Dandy invites an individual to a “school bus.”
Episode 44 – Bullseye
Dandy hangs out with The Twins.
Elsa practices her knife throwing skills for an upcoming performance.
The Twins contemplate their future.
Dell makes an unethical decision.
Episode 45 – Test of Strength
Jimmy has a jam session. He also has a dramatic moment with Dell. A darn shame AHS went downhill since Roanoke.
Stanley blackmails a prominent character.
Del has a fight scene.
A shocking moment will make you gasp.
Paul said, “What have I done.” My favorite line used in any movie, TV show or video game. Never gets old.
Episode 46 – Blood Bath
Elsa & Ethel have a confrontation.
Elsa recruits a new member.
The trope pays their respects to fallen performer.
Another flashback on Elsa’s backstory.
Somebody meets his or her end.
Episode 47 – Tupperware Party Massacre
Dandy seeks revenge.
Jimmy drowns his sorrows.
Dell struggles with guilt.
Somebody yells, “I am the law!” Judge Dredd’s catchphrase.
The Twins have a teary eyed scene. They also have a big confession to a prominent figure.
Episode 48 – Orphans
Lily Rabe reprises her role as Sister Mary Eunice McKee. Her appearance is tied to Pepper in Season 2. Meaning, AHS seasons are all connected with actors and actresses playing multiple roles.
Flashbacks provide more context regarding various characters. Pepper on the other hand, will make you cry. Walt Disney’s OG “Dumbo” wishes it were sad. Sorry folks, I hate Dumbo.
Maggie chats with Desiree on something important.
One line made me laugh. “Go to hell triple tits!”
Episode 49 – Magical Thinking
Neil Patrick Harris plays a magician/ventriloquist, Chester Creb. In real life, NPH’s fascinated with magic. Chester’s not that kind of magician.
Elsa crosses a huge line.
A doll plays a key role.
Del embarks on a rescue mission.
Episode 50 – Show Stoppers
Stanley’s invited to a “party.”
A Plot Twist will make you gasp. In the words of M. Night Shyamalan in “Robot Chicken.” “What a twist!”
A key character meets his or her end.
Elsa discusses business with Dandy.
Episode 51 – Curtain Call
Season Finale ties loose ends. Can’t tell you the juicy bits.
Dell admits his deep secret.
Fatalities ensue. Who lives, who dies.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
AHS’s fourth season is my personal favorite. All the positive stuff listed above, indicates why AHS was on top of the world. After Hotel, it started to decline since Roanoke. I lost a huge amount of respect to Ryan Murphy. He casted Kim Kardashian in “Delicate” instead of qualified actresses like Emilia Clarke. Oh, how the mighty have fallen! Anyway, now is the time to watch all thirteen episodes of Freak Show during Halloween Month.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 