It is only natural that after American Horror Story: Coven’s
brilliant Halloween double-bill, that the proceeding episode would be a more
lacklustre affair. However The Axeman Cometh is a nevertheless entertaining filler, boasting a few twists, a strong script and a neat take on a New Orleans
legend.
The Axeman was a famous serial killer in New Orleans, who
roamed the streets between 1918 and 1919. He infiltrated the homes of eight individuals
and, as his name suggests, murdered them with an axe. He gained further fame
and notoriety when writing an open letter to the press, which you can read here. This jazz-loving, axe-wielding gentleman takes primary focus in this week's episode of Coven, as he haunts the halls of Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional
Young Ladies.
Played by Danny Huston, The Axeman makes a brilliant villain as a man who encapsulates the alluring and dangerous nature of a charming yet menacing demeanor. Quite simply, he is a joy to watch and his narrative role is played out to the utmost effect, as a vehicle to showcase Zoe and Cordelia's new powers. Yet his apparent continuation into next week’s
episode is somewhat perplexing. Is he a
long-term addition? Or is this a similar character addition to the likes of Ian McShane in Season Two? Regardless, his foreboding flirtation with Fiona obviously alludes to a further threatening situation. Yet given all
the supernatural obstacles over the previous weeks, I’d be surprised if Fiona
found herself in true trouble here. 
A more thrilling narrative development is the revelation
regarding Cordelia’s husband, Hank. Previously thought of as just a psychopathic,
animalistic, serial killer, it turns out he is actually a witch hunter, hired
by voodoo priestess Marie Laveau. Working from the inside, he has been using
Cordelia to track down the descendants of Salem in order to eliminate them one by one. Although he isn't exactly doing a stellar job, given his virile nature and recent baby making attempts, leading to a rather intense business meeting with the boss. His confrontation with Laveau is a brilliant one-on-one sequence, in which her
strength and intimidation prevails - she wants the witches dead, and she wants them dead now. Their sparring is a true testament to Douglas Petrie's script, and that’s not the only time in which his dialogue shines in this episode. Petrie’s work has a consistent snap and flare to it
throughout (no surprise here, as he did write for Buffy the Vampire Slayer), in addition to a subtle touch of humor that when used at the right moments works wonders. The interjectory quips when the girls torture Spalding are of particular note, adding a comic twist to otherwise grisly behavior.
Elsewhere in the narrative, Madison is resurrected, Kyle now resides in Zoe’s full time care,
Fiona has started her cancer treatment and Misty refuses to join the academy
after feeling some pretty bad vibes – although she has no problem raiding their
fridge. Overall, this alludes to The Axeman Cometh as a nice filler, slowly preparing us for
the next big showdown – whenever and whoever that may involve. So, no chainsaws
or zombie horde’s this week, but a nevertheless entertaining hour. A snappy
script, revelations, twists and turns prove that even without the in-your-face
crazy, American Horror Story still put on a solid show.
What were your thoughts on this episode? Post a comment!
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