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With American Horror Story tying with Mad Men at the Emmys with 17 nominations, it’s pretty clear that if you haven’t heard about this show, you will soon. Season two of Ryan Murphy’s horror anthology is just around the corner in October, giving those of you who haven’t seen season one plenty of time to watch so you can get acquainted with the show’s format. Until then, take these four reasons on why youshouldwatch season one instead of tuning in for season two blindly.
4. It’s pretty scary….
From gristly murders, half-robot babies, and ghosts in the attic, American Horror Story takes all the elements of a haunted house story and gives you a little bit more than you asked for. Actually a lot.
The Harmons, who are the main characters of season one, relocate from Boston to a restored mansion in California. Even though they are told of the house’s gristly history up front, they still opt to move in. Depending on how you look at it, this decision could’ve been either the best or the worst decision of their lives.
3. …but it’s not.
Even though someone is getting attacked or killed in pretty much every episode, it’s far too campy to be scary. One of the reasons I didn’t get into the show until mid-season was because I’m not a big fan of horror films. However, after watching the show, it came off more as an older family drama with horror elements infused. The family dynamic between the Harmons at the beginning of season one is shattered, and it’s interesting to see them attempt to piece themselves back together as things begin to fall apart even more. There’s drama dealing with infidelity, drugs, romance, and for a while, everyone goes a bit baby crazy.
2. There’s a (twisted!) romance.
While her parents are trying to figure out what’s going on, Violet, the Harmons’ daughter, has already figured it out. After she meets her father’s patient, Tate Langdon, the two form a friendship, and eventually, a romance. It’s not too long, however, until the relationship turns sour and Tate begins to show his true nature. Even though Tate is twisted, as a viewer, one can’t help but feel sorry for him and the circumstances he finds himself in.
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1. Jessica Lange as Constance Langdon.
The phenomenal Jessica Lange delivers as Constance Langdon, the Harmons’ nosy neighbor, and Tate’s mother. The Harmons find Constance to be overbearing at first, but after learning that she once owned the house, they turn to her for guidance. Lange’s performance is so moving and brilliant that it’s no wonder that she won a Golden Globe for her performance.
American Horror Story airs on FX. Season 2, which centers around a mental ward, will begin this October. American Horror Story is not available on Netflix Instant, but is available on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, and is out on DVD now.
