Review: American Horror Story: Coven, Episode 3 - The Replacements

Spoilers! 

If there is one thing for certain regarding American Horror Story, it is that the show is absolutely bonkers. The Replacements is further evidence to this claim, as an episode that raises some lofty issues, but forgoes exploration in favor of some revelatory what-the-fuck moments. 

In a similar vein to the previous two episodes of this series, individual character arcs are focused on and developed this week. Fiona continues to struggle with her imminent aging, Cordelia wrestles with the issues of infertility and Zoe strives to look after the recently resurrected Kyle.  Madame LaLaurie is forced to come to terms with contemporary societal values and in an interesting but foreseeable twist, Madison appears to be the next ‘Supreme’. Through each of these narrative tropes, there is an opportunity to explore some incredibly hefty issues, as themes of sex, power and socio-cultral inequality regarding race or religion consequently arise. Credit where credit is due, American Horror Story is not afraid to broach temperament subject matter.

However, at the same time, these issues are majoratively glazed over. The Replacements provides a prime example of how American Horror Story instead focuses on revelatory moments and a style-over-substance sensibility. Cordelia's infertility issue is overshadowed by an imagined fertility ritual involving plenty of voodoo paraphernalia, boiling sperm and the sacrifice of a goat. Kyle’s reunion with his mother takes an uncomfortable turn as her incestual abuse is revealed and despite all manners of racial prejudice, Queenie comes to the rescue of LaLaurie from a predatory minotaur. How you ask? By masturbating in front of it, of course. If that wasn't enough bat-shittery for you, there is also the episode's final moment in which Fiona surprisingly slits the throat of Madison, as their argument over the next ‘Supreme’ reaches boiling point. So, amidst all of this excitement - the incest, voodoo rituals and beastiality - the initial questions of race, sex and power are somewhat overshadowed.

But is this a bad thing? Not necessarily. First off, it's important to note that all of the above is executed with great style. Alfonso Gomez-Rejon does a wonderful job with obscure tracking shots and camera angles this week, that effectively heighten all manners of madness. Equally, the cast continuously deliver incredibly strong performances. Evan Peters deserves a particular mention this week, with his impressive, physical turn as the resurrected Kyle. He manages to capture a select stoicism in addition to timely turmoil and aggression, forming a sort-of Frankenstein's monster for the Twilight-age. 

Above all of this however, we must not forget that American Horror Story is not about depth and verisimilitude. From gimp suits in season one, to musical numbers in season two, we know this show falls more into the ghost-ride, fun-house category, rather than philosophical horror. So even if at times certain issues are raised, we can forgive their lack of exploration. The Replacements reminds us of how they are pushed to the side in favor of more shocking, stylised, fun - even if it is a little loopy.

What were your thoughts on this episode? Post a comment!