After American Horror Story’s fourth season, “Freak Show” received praise, Ryan Murphy worked on a fifth season, “Hotel.” Set in modern era, ghosts and vampires reside in a hotel. A detective investigates deaths within the place. He also tracks down a serial killer and a missing loved one. Besides the detective, viewers learn about the residents.
American Horror Story’s fifth season officially aired in 2015 ( same year Logic’s second album The Incredible True Story came out) on FX. It received praise from critics and viewers alike. Lady Gaga ultimately won a Golden Globe for “Best Actress in a Mini-Series or Television Film.” That moment when she accidentally bumped into Leonardo DiCaprio when she was rushing to the stage.
It’s Halloween Month. I’ll be watching and reviewing Horror stuff throughout October. Which movie or TV show should I cover next? Please leave a comment.
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Lifted & Cursed Aspects
Lifted: Sarah Paulson, (my number one favorite actress) Evan Peters, Kathy Bates, Wes Bentley, Denis O’Hare, Angela Bassett, Chloë Sevigny, Cheyenne Jackson, Matt Bomer & Lady Gaga all did a superb job for their respective performances.
Ryan Murphy mapped out all twelve episodes. He and his business partner, Brad Falchuk served as executive producers.
Death Scenes are brutal and not for the faint of heart.
Funny Moments made me laugh. Especially, Evan Peters’ performance as James Patrick March.
Finn Wittrock, Lily Rabe & Naomi Campbell have recurring roles.
Cinematography’s shot in stable condition.
As the season progresses, we learn about the backstories behind various characters.
Random Thoughts
- James Patrick March stole the show. He’s my favorite. You can tell Mr. Evans was having a good time filming his scenes.
- I think James Patrick March is based on Walt Disney, Howard Hughes and Clark Gable.
A serial killer who slays people who uses The Ten Commandments as a calling card factors in.
Season 5’s influenced by “The Shining “ & “Seven.”
Pacing for episode didn’t feel slow or fast.
Cursed: A Plot Hole involving a guy named, Gabriel. Sally killed him. How the actual heck she deliver his body outside the hotel? Ghosts who reside at the place can’t leave. Sally’s not Goku from Dragon Ball Z using Instant Transmission teleporting from Point A to Point B.
Episode 52 – Checking In
Two Swedish girls check in to the hotel. They die and become ghosts. Whoever kicks the bucket will be stuck here forever.
Lowe arrives at the hotel to investigate the murder of the tourists.
Somebody kidnaps Lowe’s loved one.
A flashback shows how Sally became a ghost.
The Countess’ introduction establishes her lust for sex and blood. At first, I doubted Lady Gaga playing a vampire would ruin the series. I was wrong. She’s one of those famous faces who can pull off a surprise performance listed below.
- Tom Hanks – Philadelphia
- Marlon Wayans – Requiem for a Dream
- Adam Sandler – Punch-Drunk Love
- Bill Murray – Lost in Translation
- Jamie Foxx – Ray
- Jim Carrey – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
- Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight
- Robert Downey Jr. – Iron Man
- Bryan Cranston – Breaking Bad
- Matthew McConaughey – Dallas Buyers Club
- Steve Carrell – Foxcatcher
- Michael B. Jordan – Creed
- Robert Pattinson – The Batman
- Zendaya – Euphoria
- Jenna Ortega – Wednesday
- Brendan Fraser – The Whale
Episode 53 – Chutes and Ladders
Episode’s title is named after a kid’s game. Well, it’s the other way around. If you’ve already seen this season, you probably know why.
Countess hosts a fashion show.
Context surrounding the hotel’s founder, James Patrick March.
Episode 54 – Mommy
Running low on funds, Countess tries to seduce a rich man.
Countess reunites with Ramona. An old acquaintance from the past.
Donovan & Iris quarrel.
Iris begs Sally for an unthinkable option.
Alex and Lowe discuss their complicated marriage.
A montage of Ramona’s career as an actress starring in Blaxploitation films.
Episode 55 – Devil’s Night
Lowe attends a dinner party filled with serial killers.
Countess makes Alex on offer she can’t refuse.
“Sweet Jane” is played in one scene. It was also used in “Natural Born Killers.”
Episode 56 – Room Service
A flashback involving Iris’ best friend, Liz Taylor prior to working at the hotel.
Lowe makes a drastic decision resulting in a huge consequence.
Donovan & Ramona form a partnership for one reason.
Episode 57 – Room 33
Countess has a flashback.
Murder House from Season 1 has ties to Countess.
Liz has a secret relationship. Can’t tell ya.
A big reveal definitely worth a payoff.
Episode 58 – Flicker
Another flashback of Countess who used to be a star in the Silent Film era.
Somebody from Season 1 returns.
More clues on The Ten Commandments Killer.
If you’re a fan of The Cure, “Lullaby” plays in one scene.
Episode 59 – The Ten Commandments Killer
A flashback involving the killer.
Another flashback centering on the hotel’s early days.
A Plot Twist changes everything. I did not see that coming.
Episode 60 – She Wants Revenge
Ramona seeks revenge.
Somebody gets betrayed.
Countess plans a wedding.
A flashback on Countess & Ramona prior to their separation.
One character gets axed.
Episode 61 – She Gets Revenge
After getting Punk’d, Iris & Liz seek revenge. Besides them, other characters want revenge. They’re either betrayed or screwed.
Drake’s “Hotline Bling” is played during one crucial scene. Kendrick Lamar dissed Drake at the 2025 Super Bowl performing “Not Like Us.”
An individual becomes a ghost.
Episode 62 – Battle Royale
Episode’s title is named after a Japanese action movie. It’s similar to “The Hunger Games Trilogy” and “Squid Game.”
Gabourey Sidibe reprises her role as Queenie from Coven.
Prominent characters engage in a battle. A point of no return that’ll change the status quo of the hotel.
Speaking of Coven, Season 3’s tied to the Hotel adding more context between them.
Episode 63 – Be Our Guest
Liz receives bad news. Makes a life changing decision.
Season Finale ties loose ends.
The hotel establishes a new era.
A character from Season 1 shows up.
The last minutes has a bittersweet resolution.
The Final Verdict: A-
AHS: Hotel’s my second favorite season. I consider Freak Show as my number one pick. A darn shame Hotel’s the last good season. I used to be a fan of the series. Until the series declines since “Roanoke.” I lost a huge amount of respect to Ryan Murphy after he casted Kim Kardashian in “Delicate” instead of an actual actress like Emilia Clarke. Oh how the mighty have fallen! If you can’t find something to watch during Halloween Month, I highly recommend AHS’s fifth season.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 