American Horror Story - Season 2.

It has been confirmed that Jessica Lange will return for American Horror Story season 2 so we can all let out a huge sigh of relief. It’s also being reported that 4 other actors are also in talks to return, but sadly it definitely won’t be anyone from the Harman family. It hasn’t been cleared up whether the actors returning will play the same characters or if they will play someone entirely different but either way the return of Jessica Lange is cause for celebration.

So if you haven’t been informed already (and I’m sure you have) season 2 is going to be completely different to season 1. It will be set in a different location (a horror institute as Murphy put it) with entirely different characters and different storylines. So no more Harmans, no more Horror House and no more black gimp suit man.

The idea is completely new and amazingly clever but I’ve read around, judged people’s opinions online and I’m a little bit worried that the great TV viewing public may not be quite ready to deal with this new concept. Let’s face it, people don’t like change and there will be no bigger change then AHS season 2. I’ve never seen a show which has killed off its entire cast in one season and set their second season in a completely different environment and whilst I’m on board, I’m not sure people are going to be able to wrap their heads around watching what is essentially a new show with the same name.

I suppose The Wire did this to some extent throughout its 5 season reign. That changed themes each year (schools, docks, press etc) but ultimately it kept it’s core group of characters and that won’t be the case with AHS. Its unique selling point is a different cast and different set each year, Which I find bloody exciting but will everyone get it? For American Horror Story’s sake and mine I hope so.

My hope is that the 4 characters returning will be: Nora Montgomery, Tate, Zachary Quinto and Mena Suvari.

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Side note: How great were the final two episodes of American Horror Story. I thought the not so subtle nods to Beetlejuice, Halloween and Rosemary’s Baby were brilliant. I cannot wait to see where they get their influence from next year. Due to the lack of ‘Exorcist’ in season 1 I have a feeling we will be seeing a bit of demon possession in season 2. I really do think this is one of the most exciting shows out at the moment.

The amazingness of American Horror Story.

So lets be honest, how many of you out there have seen American Horror Story? I bet it’s not as many people as it should be. And for those who are watching it, how many of you thought it would be as good as it is? Anyone? I know I certainly didn’t and I also know there are many people out there, TV lovers like myself, who don’t realize how good this show is because they aren’t watching it.

It has come to my attention recently that when it comes to AHS there is a bit of TV snobbery going on. I’ve asked friends, acquaintances and general strangers if they have had the pleasure of watching American Horror Story but to my shock these were some of my replies.

‘Oh yeah that one in the house? With the ghosts right? No actually I’ve not got around to it’

‘No I’ve not, isn’t it done by those blokes that do Glee and Nip/Tuck? I don’t think it’s for me’

‘Hmm no I’ve not seen it I’ve been busy watching Sherlock. However have you seen The Artist yet?’

If are one of these people then all I have to say is SHAME UPON YOU!

You really do not know what you are missing. It in this dry, baron TV period of dreary cozy BBC Sunday night TV, American Horror Story has been a joy to watch. Yes I agree with my snobbish friends it isn’t on the same level as Breaking Bad and Dexter but it’s not trying to be. What it is, is pure unadulterated fun! It’s scary and sketchy and weird and camp and when it comes to Jessica Lange, well nothing I could write here would do her performance justice.  

I must admit, being a youngster-ish I was unaware of who she was and how good she was when the series started, but it didn’t take me long to work out that she is one of the best actresses I’ve seen grace my screen in a long long time. She’s funny and amazing and every scene she’s in feels like something from a Tennessee Williams play.

So now we’re 10 episodes in and there hasn’t been a bad one yet. In fact last Monday’s episode was an absolute belter. There was one scene, which has stayed with me all week, and I am desperate to watch the final two episodes. If mega video was still up I know what I’d be watching tonight! Also a quick mention for the Mum from six feet under who play the slutty maid, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having her back on my TV again.

So basically what I’m saying is if you haven’t seen American Horror Story, then you must find a way to start immediately. Put your snobbishness aside, ignore the fact it’s done by the same guys who do Glee and enjoy every second of it. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Well done Murphy/Falchuck you have again created a show that I adore! I cannot wait for season 2. 

American Horror Story - A Scary Treat.

The one word you could never use to describe American Horror Story is restrained. But, then again, it does come from Ryan Murphy, who after Glee and Nip Tuck knows a thing or two about going over the top.

We've seen the premise a million times a deeply troubled family, the Harmon's, looking for a fresh start move into a deeply troubled house. But trying to make a fresh start in this house of horrors is like trying to  take a relaxing holiday in Helmand Province. In fact it is the sort of place only Beetlejuice would feel at home in. You have to push through the familiarity because it is the sheer lack of subtlety that makes American Horror Story such creepy, melodramatic fun. This isn't The Others or The Turn of the Screw, this is slam bam lashings of The Shining and Amityville thrown in your face. If you haven't seen it yet, I won't spoil the sheer weight of horrors and bad behaviour coming your way. And this is only episode one. Add to that a motley collection of deeply Gothic characters, led by Jessica Lange who acts like she has just walked out of a Tennessee Williams play and you have a joyous, demented stew. OK, it is one of those houses you would run out of screaming after just the viewing, but that wouldn't make much of a show would it. I'm hooked.

So Monday nights will be lights off, headphones on and I will let this mad,nasty treat scare me into a night of bad dreams. Bliss.

Over