By Corey Vikser
Staff Writer
Two-headed women, amputees, infant-sized adults and web-limbed figures make up the cast of the ‘50s set freak show in the fantastical and brutal fourth season premiere of FX’s “American Horror Story.”
“American Horror Story: Freak Show” grabs viewers’ attention with a plethora of well-rounded characters, colorful set design and purposeful scares.
Two-headed conjoined twins, Bette and Dot (Sarah Paulson), are on the run from the law when they find refuge in a freak show in Jupiter, Florida. Simultaneously a sadistic killer, Twisty the Clown (John Carroll Lynch) terrorizes the town.
The writers have found a balance between plot and character development compared to last year’s troubled season, “Coven.” “American Horror Story: Coven’s” meddled writing and bland characters have been amended in this season, as the writers have streamlined the plot and character threads.
The characters in this season are more thoroughly developed, with each freak bringing a new element to the show. For example, Paulson pulls off a dual role as Siamese twins Bette and Dot, playing two entirely different entities conjoined in the same body, each with her own fully fleshed-out personalities.
Visually, “AHSFS” is levels above its previous seasons as it has a full scale carnival set with rides, theaters and tents for the characters to explore, while the last three seasons’ settings have had a single, limiting location. The color palette is punchy, bright and eye-catching, as the sets give the cinematography a neon flashy tone.
“AHS” balance of campiness and horror has fluctuated through the seasons, but in “American Horror Story: Freak Show,” the creators have increased the terror whilst applying ironic humor.
A notable example is a scene in Twisty the Clown’s lair, where he terrorizes two children he imprisoned with bouncy balls and clown toys. The unrelenting quality of the clown’s silent fury and petrified screams of the kids simultaneously terrifies and plays upon a sick sense of irony as the disfigured monster uses a variety of toys to antagonize his victims.
“AHSFS” revitalizes the series after a meddling third season, with impressive performances, improved scares and unique visuals supporting its distinctive setting and cast.
“American Horror Story: Freak Show” airs on FX Wednesday night at 10p.m. and is rated TV-MA.
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