In the first episode of American Horror Story season 4, titled “Monsters Among Us,” viewers are introduced to conjoined twins Dot and Bette Tattler (played by Sarah Paulson), who live in 1952 Jupiter, Florida. Elsa Mars (Jessica Lange), an amputee, invites them to join her circus, setting the stage for the season.
This episode serves as a perfect introduction, painting a mysterious yet captivating picture of the main characters while showcasing the unusual and eerie nature of the setting. This episode highlights why American Horror Story remains one of the best thriller TV shows of the 2010s.
Conjoined twins Dot and Bette face an emotional journey of survival (Photo: American Horror Story Season 4/20th Century Fox Television)The Struggles of the Freak Show Characters
The first episode also introduces Twisty the Clown (John Carroll Lynch), who becomes one of the scariest villains in American Horror Story. Due to his deformities and bullying in his youth, Twisty turns violent and dangerous.
This season brings in several unforgettable characters, such as Jimmy Darling (Evan Peters), a “Lobster Boy,” and Desiree Dupree (Angela Bassett), his former stepmother.
Emma Roberts portrays Maggie Esmerelda, a con artist who keeps everyone on edge, proving once again that in this horror universe, no one can be trusted, and everyone harbors secrets and dark motives. Throughout season 4, all the characters are lost, in pain, and searching for a place where they can finally belong.
This theme is most prominent in Dot and Bette. Sarah Paulson’s powerful performance as the conjoined twins captures their emotional journey from the start to the very end. They long to be loved and accepted, just like the other performers at the circus.
However, as the circus thrives on turning “freaks” into entertainment, their experience is filled with pain and difficulty. Each of their scenes carries the perfect level of emotional tension.
A Chilling Conclusion to Freak Show
How Does American Horror Story Season 4 End? The finale of American Horror Story season 4 is as well-crafted as the conclusion of season 3. Episode 13, titled “Curtain Call,” shows Dandy Mott (Finn Wittrock) going on a murder spree and kidnapping Dot and Bette.
Fortunately, Jimmy, Desiree, and the twins join forces to stop Dandy, ultimately killing him by drowning him. When comparing all the seasons of American Horror Story, season 4 stands out primarily because of its characters.
Beneath the tent, dark secrets and twisted characters emerge (Photo: American Horror Story Season 4/20th Century Fox Television)While watching Twisty the Clown’s rampage is certainly terrifying, the core of this season is about people searching for belonging. The audience becomes deeply invested in the characters, which balances out the violence and horror, giving the episodes more depth than just the typical slasher thrills.
Season 4 wraps up the characters’ stories in a satisfying way. Dot and Bette, now married to Jimmy, are expecting his child. They, along with Desiree (also a mother), watch Elsa’s Halloween show on TV.
Elsa, having faced the consequences of her past actions, has moved on to a successful Hollywood career after marrying Michael Beck (David Burtka), a prominent figure in casting. However, her success is marred by the public release of her adult movie, which tarnishes her reputation.
Whether or not American Horror Story season 4 is considered the best of the series, Freak Show offers terrifying moments, well-developed characters, and a fitting conclusion. Elsa, aware that Edward Mordrake (Wes Bentley), a ghost with two faces, will come for her on Halloween, eventually meets her end.
She is killed by Mordrake, and in the afterlife, she reunites with other deceased Freak Show performers. Mordrake had been waiting for this moment for a long time, and this chilling, well-executed ending completes the season perfectly. This unforgettable movie experience is currently streaming on Amazon Prime for all subscribers.
