‘American Horror Story: Freakshow – Episode 3’ Review
Stars: Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Frances Conroy, Michael Chiklis, Denis O’Hare, Even Peters, Emma Roberts, Minn Wittrock, John Carroll Lunch, Patti LaBelle | Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk
We kick off episode three of American Horror Story: Freakshow with a couple who are trying pass off fake freaks of nature to the American Morbidity Museum. Once they get called out on their fakery, they get given the idea of finding a Siamese twin to dissect and head down to the little town of Jupiter and Elsa’s Freak Show. Maggie gets herself a place in the show as a ‘psychic’, while Stanley hides out in a hotel waiting for their chance.
Elsewhere, Ethel finds out she has 6 months to live after being diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and asks Dell to keep an eye on Jimmy once she’s gone after hitting the bottle. Jimmy’s still mourning after Meep’s death and Dandy becomes more and more obsessed with Twisty the clown, making himself a clown costume for Hallowe’en and becoming more violent as Twisty hunts for new additions to his prison.
Meanwhile, Elsa, jealous of Bette’s new popularity and obvious talent, insists on practising despite it being Hallowe’en and conjures up the spirit of Edward Mordrake, a freak who murdered his troupe said to appear to snatch a freak for his unholy troupe should a carny perform on Hallowe’en. Who will he go for?
This episode is a first of a two parter and is beautifully twisted and well done. The character of Edward Mordrake and the demonic face on the back of his head was a well thought out and written character based on the actual guy, and really well acted. It’s also heart breaking as we learn more about Ethel and Dell’s relationship and how Jimmy came into the world, as well as her past in general.
The evolution of Dandy into a growing psychopath is brilliant to watch, and Twisty is as demonic as ever. The cover of Gods and Monsters by Lana Del Rey sung by Jessica Lange was as fantastic as you’ve come to expect this series and I am seriously considering buying the soundtrack when all is said and done. The only thing I can see as a flaw so far is Corey, the boy trapped in Twisty’s van. He just seems a bit bland and doesn’t really do much, overshadowed by Bonnie who’s doing everything by ways of coming up with plans to try and escape.
Fortunately his part is so small it’s overshadowed by the remaining brilliance and the build up to the concluding part. Can’t wait!
***** 5/5
