Season four of the television phenomenon, “American Horror Story: Freak Show” has added a whole new twisted dimension to modern television. The intense story line paired with the exceptional acting and visionary filming techniques are only part of the reason why this show has won one Golden Globe, another 54 award wins and a total of 139 nominations. This anthology series focuses on a different setting each season, thus the cast is challenged each season by new roles. The first season, “Murder House” was based on a real mansion that can be visited in L.A., although the third season surrounding a modernized witch coven seemed to be the ultimate successor of the series, many devoted AHS fans agree that season two, “Asylum” is the glory season as it is filled with mind-numbing plot-twists and countless scares. The lead-up to the newest season, “Freak Show” was unlike the others as the show had been gaining a larger audience and forerunners at FX like CEO John Landgraf teased that this season would be “darker” “Freak Show” aired its first episode in early October and was one of the most talked about, highly anticipated TV events of the fall.
The season starts off with some familiar faces from previous seasons. Sarah Paulson and Jessica Lange as well as many other actors from the show have been nominated for many awards. The roles on this series are intense and demanding; Paulson has taken on a Siamese twin character this time around who finds herself being pushed into the world of Freak Show performing which was a formerly popular, dying form of entertainment in the show’s setting of 1952. While the civilians already have their sights set on running the entire freak show out of town, it doesn’t help the situation when a horrifying, unforgettable tormented clown begins committing numerous murders around the area which raises suspicion against the “freaks.” The performers and freak show owner, Elsa struggle to survive in a world that is growing increasingly intolerant of their unique deformities.
The audience can immediately relate to the freak show performers’ sense of family and acceptance of one another. A freak show is the perfect setting for people who would otherwise feel like they don’t belong in the world. However, these freaks have experienced the worst when it comes to ridicule and torment because of their disorders, so when they join the freak show they bring with them a very dark history which adds to the underlying ominous feeling of the show.
“American Horror Story” provides a new way for people to appreciate a good horror story who may not otherwise be into the vivid and gory themes. Not only is this series a new way to enjoy getting scared, it is also a new way to enjoy a television show. The show is described as an anthology series, each season is presented as a contained miniseries.
Having a brand new story to follow each season is something we don’t come across often on our television, so it is a new experience for viewers. The bright rewards of sticking with the show through the ever-changing story lines are worth it, however. When you become attached to a character on the show, your being to connect with the actors and appreciate their skills and versatility in these very demanding roles. It is a face-paced, emotionally intense show with plenty of unexpected twists and classic “BOO” moments we except from a horror story. While the viewing experience is unique and highly recommended for quality entertainment, keep in mind it is not a show for young or modest viewers. Everybody loves a good scare.