It’s another impressive episode of American Horror Story
this week, as The Dead foregrounds the show’s ability to balance the abject
crazy and emotionally hefty themes. Amidst a stylish sensibility and humorous
tone, characters struggle to determine where they belong.
Cast your mind back a week or so, and you'll remember Madison was brought
back to life thanks to the resurrecting powers of Misty. From her opening
monologue, we are introduced to a resultant existential crisis – the burden of
being a walking corpse, of existing in liminal space and unable to feel
anything. If Kyle could talk, I’m sure his issues would run along the same
path. Both are clearly struggling to determine where they belong - whether it’s
amongst the dead or the living. Until they figure it out, it seems that having
sex against a wardrobe, or random threesomes with Zoe, is a way to feel
something at least.
Unfortunately, Kyle remains a rather limited character at
this time and whilst his physical performance is impressive, the novelty of
this particular arc is beginning to wear off. Contrasting this is Madison’s
character that has ironically come alive since her death. Her hardened
bitchiness is executed comically and effectively, and whereas her depiction as an atypical American youth felt a little two-dimensional, recent developments have added another layer to her characterisation.
In a similar vein, Fiona spends the entirety of this episode
in existential despair. Suffering with cancer and on the brink of spectacular downfall, she examines her life and the
mistakes she has made - most noticeably the lacking relationship with her daughter. In a
continuation from their foreboding meet-cute last week, Fiona finds comfort and solace
over this crisis in The Axeman. It starts as a purely physical connection, but
secrets soon unravel and Fiona discovers The Axeman has watched and loved her from
afar (as a spirit) since a very young age. Depicted through a particularly stylish and
seamless ellipsis, this revelation is well thought-out,
and actually rather sweet. Perhaps as two supernatural beings with a penchant
for killing, the only place they now belong is in one another’s arms. 
Spalding has a shining moment this week, conversely without perilous existentialism. Rather, he knows where he belongs - serving the coven. To determine the truth of Madison’s death, and as an act of vengeance, Zoe restrains him, finds his cursed tongue and attaches it back to his body - she has questions that need answers. In a fantastic
sequence, with his tongue intact, Spalding talks again. It’s a thrilling
moment, wonderfully physical and brilliantly acted, where his loyalty to the
coven is ultimately thwarted by his own bodily betrayal. Amidst the declarations
of familial adoration for his work, he reveals it was Fiona that killed Madison,
before being violently stabbed and suffering an untimely death. We can only
hope that Misty works her magic here again, as it’s a shame to lose such an
animated character. He belongs in this series.
The main character dynamic from The Dead this week however,
is the relationship between Queenie and LaLaurie. Over the past few episodes,
they've turned into quite the unlikely twosome, whose increasing bond has been effectively
crafted and a joy to watch. Both Gabourey Sidibe and Kathy Bates share an
unlikely on-screen chemistry, made to shine through entertaining dialogue. This
is most notably seen this week as they visit a fast-food restaurant in the middle
of the night. As they sit feasting away, the sequence is littered with a sweet,
sentimental and humorous sensibility.
This idyllic hang-out is not made to last however, as Queenie begins to question her connectivity to the coven. In a quest to belong, curiosity leads
her to meet with Laveau, who further confirms, “voodoo doll belong in the house
of voodoo”. Some bargaining is had and it is decided – if Queenie wants to join
the voodoo clan, she must bring LaLaurie to them. This narrative twist could
have gone either way and it is a refreshing surprise to see an American show
take the bleaker way out. Queenie betrays LaLaurie and hands her over to Laveau,
who promptly locks her behind bars, ready for torture. As it happens we can’t
help but wonder – is this just an evil woman getting her comeuppance? Or is
this a sad tale of failed retribution and friendship?
The true magic of Coven really stands out this week, as we witness how the show can once again transgress from tongue-in-cheek craziness, to emotional
depth and hefty themes, whilst consistently delivering strong performances and
a stylish aesthetic. This series is definitely on a winning streak and with a mid-season break now in place, The Dead has
left it on a very high note indeed.
What were your thoughts on this episode? Post a comment!
No comments:
Post a Comment