There was little to nothing wrong with the manner in which the much-anticipated season 10 of "American Horror Story" began. Its 'double feature' was a huge risk... If people hated the first one, even the first half of the first one, will they even bother to see the second episode, let alone the rest of the show?
In the case of episode 1 "Cape Fear" and episode 2 "Pale" on Hulu, the answer is a haunting and resounding 'YES!'. Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk - the show's writers and creators - most definitely brought their A-game.
I was personally concerned about this season, but now that it's here - with its much welcome and familiar AHS alumni - I was ecstatic from start to finish, soaking up the sheer Stephen-King-esque horror vibes and classic AHS tropes that thoroughly entertained, captivated, terrified, and discomfited from the first minute to the last. Some curious Lovecraftian elements were present as well, but what in the horror genre doesn't, I ask you - that writer was and still is a legend in the craft.
John J. Gray was given the huge responsibility of directing episode 1 of season 10 "American Horror Story", and he certainly did an ace job. Instead of cleverly avoiding clichés and familiar ground, the man steered the first episode straight across forbidden country and raised all the right dust clouds. Following in the rich horror-ific footsteps of this epi came the second one, directed by Loni Peristere, who only took things up a notch, if not several.
Both episodes were assuredly powerful and significant ways to start a show that is in its tenth season.
The cast... This, by itself, did its bit to pump up season 10's fan-value. I mean, look at them! Evan Peters as Austin, Lily Rabe as Doris Gardner, Leslie Grossman as Ursula, Frances Conroy as Belle Noir, Finn Wittrock as Harry Gardner, Sarah Paulson as TB Karen, Adina Porter as Chief Burleson, Billie (frikkin') Lourd as Lark (I love her!), and Macaulay (dang) Culkin as Mickey (he ain't alone in this home, that's for sure). Special shout-out to Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Alma Gardner.
It was scripting success from start to finish, and casting excellence all the way. Mac Quayle's musical scoring and Andrew Mitchell's cinematography beautifully complemented Chloe Arbiture's production design, Jonathan Bell's art direction, Brandi Kalish's set decoration, and everything the rest of the crew brought to this double feature, including the costume and wardrobe department.
The whole of season 10 is divided neatly into two parts. The first one is titled "Red Tide" and contains episodes 1-6. The second one is labelled "Death Valley" and packs the rest of the episodes from 7-10. The words 'Double Feature' apply to the season itself, not just the first two episodes they released by way of welcome. As of now, only episodes one and two have aired, with the rest on the way.
With S10E01 and S10E02 of "American Horror Story", the creators and company transcended ordinary television viewing and took things to a cinematic level. These episodes weren't unduly extravagant or flashy, and that's what made them work. They were elegant and simple, words not usually associated with the horror genre. Both epis blended drama (and similar elements) to create a sort of balance that worked wonders on season 10's beginning-behalf. The plotline in both episodes remained true to the dictum: 'Not a penny more, not a penny less'.
Having been with the "AHS" franchise from the get-go, I can honestly say I have never felt more relieved, more satisfied, more shook, and more entertained to watch Murphy and Falchuk do justice at this juncture in the seasonal lineup. This 'double feature' for their S10 was a winning start to a thrilling all-new season of "AHS" filled with all the right chills. And don't get me started on that unsettling cliffhanger ending!
8 out of 11 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
