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American Horror Story

Freak Show : the Complete Fourth Season
Oct 30, 2015LPL_FisherA rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
American Horror Story: Freak Show chronicles the life of a former German cabaret singer Elsa Mars and her traveling side show as they roll into Jupiter, Florida in the 1950s. Faced with losing her freak show, due to a lack of popularity and the rising advent of television as the preferred entertainment medium of the American populous, Elsa hopes to recruit some more human oddities to increase attendance. Centering around American carny life and the relationships among the performers, this season continues the pattern of examining real American horrors such as: feelings of alienation experienced by social outcasts, themes of repression and minority stigmatization, and the death of industry due to new technological advancements. Like with previous seasons of American Horror Story, Freak Show attempts to take the melodrama to the next level with many jaw dropping moments that often border on sheer ridiculousness territory. My biggest criticism is that with such a large ensemble cast of talented actors, many fan favorites did not get enough screen time to see their stories reach a fulfilling conclusion. However, if you’ve been watching American Horror Story for quite some time, then you know you don’t watch it for the cohesive storytelling and exceptional writing. This year is all about the visuals, costumes, special effects makeup, and atmosphere, which are the best that they have been out of any of the seasons. Freak Show was Jessica Lange’s swan song (and who wouldn’t love to see her sing some of David Bowie’s greatest hits despite historical anachronisms). My favorite character would have to be Gloria Mott played by the criminally underused Frances Conroy. She is delightfully precocious as a Norma Bates-esque, smothering mother who would do anything for her darling. All in all, Freak Show is not my favorite season of American Horror Story, but it sure was entertaining. If you have yet to check out American Horror Story and are looking for a season that is not overly terrifying, then Freak Show is a great place to start.