I don’t even know anymore. American Horror Story — hell, Ryan Murphy’s entire oeuvre— has always been messy, from a storytelling perspective. But Apocalypse feels like a special case, in that there is simultaneously barely any story and too much story to follow. Yet, against all odds… it’s kind of fun?
This week’s episode was particularly wild and without focus — once again, the action is set in the past, as Cordelia investigates Michael’s origins, and the cast of Coven continues to reunite in preparation for what seems like a violent battle between the witches and the warlocks. Along the way, Joan Collins returns — this time playing a fading actress who can read minds — as do two supporting characters from Coven, Papa Legba and Nan.
But, really, this episode felt more like fan service that was loosely connected to the overall narrative. Cordelia’s whole arc to try and defeat Michael is dragging on for quite some time, and her whole scene with Papa Legba and Nan ultimately failed to change the plot in any significant way. Meanwhile, the scenes focused on the Coven ladies are filled with funny one-liners and interesting gags, but it still all feels somewhat random and thrown together, like padding for the writers to fill 10 episodes instead of telling a more concise story in eight, or even five.
Speaking of, the simple structure of this season’s story is confusing. Namely: why is so much of this season being told in flashbacks? At this point, more than half of the season has taken place entirely before the titular Apocalypse, where viewers are already made aware that the Antichrist has won. If these episodes would hinge on the question of whether or not the witches will prevail in stopping Michael — why not just tell the story in order? As it’s being told, the main plot is completely devoid of suspense.
Luckily, everyone involved seems dedicated to keeping this series watchable, even in the face of a script that gives new meaning to the word “messy.” The cinematography and set design remains reference point. The dialogue may not take the story anywhere interesting, but it is filled with terrific zingers and quirky dialogue (this week’s episode contained a conversation about mind-reading and fellatio that is as bizarre as it is funny). The actors are all clearly having fun, chewing scenery without a care in the world and doing their best to leave an impression on the audience. And, this season more than any since Asylum, the series has found a perfect balance between gore and entertainment value. This season is bloody and violent, but never loses its sense of fun or excitement.
Where will this season go from here? Honestly, at this point, i don’t care. I’ve stopped making predictions or theorizing on what spells the Coven will unleash to defeat evil. As long as the show keeps me entertained, I’ll tune in, and feel confident that it’s American Horror Story‘s best season in at least four years. It won’t be great TV, no. But it certainly won’t be boring!
