Season 7 of American Horror Story is set shortly after the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, where Donald Trump was announced as the winner, triggering the rise of a cult that begins terrorizing people. The first episode, titled “Election Night,” introduces Ally Mayfair-Richards (played by Sarah Paulson).
Who is visibly shaken and emotionally disturbed by the election results? The series always brings back some familiar faces, and here again, Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters take on major roles that stand out. Through Paulson’s character, the show portrays the fear and confusion that many people genuinely went through during that time.
Ally’s world spun out the moment the votes were counted (Photo: American Horror Story Season 7/20th Century Fox)Evan Peters plays Kai Anderson, a highly manipulative and aggressive cult leader whose character is intense and intolerant. Season 7 focuses on how individuals are pulled into cults through persuasion, and Kai embodies that magnetic yet dangerous charm.
He comes across as someone who won’t stop until he achieves dominance.
Terror, Influence, and the Politics of Fear
Wearing clown masks, the cult members have a terrifying appearance that adds another layer of horror. Ally’s fear of clowns worsens as she begins seeing them everywhere she turns. Her experience is cleverly used to represent the heavy fear and anxiety that swept through many households following the 2016 election.
A frightening character, Twisty the Clown (played by John Carroll Lynch), who was first seen in Freak Show, appears again in this season. His physical look remains disturbing and difficult to forget. As the season moves forward, the frightening relationship between Ally and Kai becomes increasingly intense.
Peters portrays several real-life individuals, such as Andy Warhol and Charles Manson, bringing a historical layer into the season. This sets Season 7 apart from other seasons because it blends fictional horror with characters based on real people.
Since viewers are already aware of these figures, it creates a quicker connection to the storyline.
How Does American Horror Story Season 7 End?
What happens at the end of Season 7 is both unexpected and sharp in its message. Episode 11, named “Great Again,” brings the power struggle between Ally and Kai to a final confrontation. Ally is now a well-known public figure with dreams of becoming a U.S. Senator, and the episode confirms her political success.
Just like the final episode of Season 1, this last chapter manages to tie every plot thread neatly while focusing on the inner thoughts and emotional growth of the major characters. Audiences witness Ally’s journey from a scared woman overwhelmed by the 2016 election to someone who steps boldly into politics.
Kai didn’t build a cult, he built chaos (Photo: American Horror Story Season 7/20th Century Fox)Her development symbolises how many individuals started to get more involved in political matters after that election. Even though the story about a cult could have taken place in any period, linking it to this political event gave it stronger weight and meaning.
A major showdown takes place between Kai and Ally, and it becomes extremely tense and emotional to watch. After getting out of prison with the help of a new set of followers, Kai appears on television during a political debate and lashes out with hateful speech.
He even points a gun at Ally. Just before he can pull the trigger, Beverly Hope (Adina Porter) shoots him. This violent scene is hard to watch, but it adds a strong message. Kai remains one of the most powerful characters in the series.
His poisonous views and his ability to manipulate others left lasting effects throughout the season. Following her political win, Ally is seen putting her son Oz (Cooper Dodson) to bed. She then joins a group of women who are passionate about making social change.
The season ends with a powerful message, suggesting that a new movement-or even another cult—might begin. This ties back to the central message of Season 7: under certain circumstances, anyone could be convinced to join a group that promises meaning or direction.
