Genre: Horror | Drama
Creators: Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk
Network: FX
Air Date/Time: November 20, 2013, 10/9c
Written by: Brad Falchuk
Directed by: Bradley Buecker
Synopsis:
American Horror Story: Coven tells the secret history of witches and witchcraft in America. Over 300 years have passed since the turbulent days of the Salem witch trials and those who managed to escape are now facing extinction. Mysterious attacks have been escalating against their kind and young girls are being sent away to a special school in New Orleans to learn how to protect themselves. Wrapped up in the turmoil is new arrival, Zoe (Taissa Farmiga), who is harboring a terrifying secret of her own. Alarmed by the recent aggression, Fiona (Jessica Lange), the long-absent Supreme, sweeps back into town, determined to protect the Coven and hell-bent on decimating anyone who gets in her way. American Coven features an extraordinary cast including Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Taissa Farmiga, Emma Roberts, Gabourey Sidibe, Frances Conroy, Lily Rabe, Denis O’Hare, Patti LuPone, and Danny Huston. Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Dante Di Loreto, Tim Minear, James Wong, Jennifer Salt, and Brad Buecker are Executive Producers of American Horror Story: Coven. It is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television.
Episode Synopsis: Chapter 7 – “The Dead” – Fiona finds new purpose in a dangerous love affair. A night out with LaLaurie leads Queenie to question her place in the Coven. Cordelia makes a fateful decision about her mother.
Another excellent episode. This one was written by series co-creator Brad Falchuk, and though I try very hard to not hold his work to a higher standard, he does not disappoint. It’s another episode of great storytelling, much like last week’s, but this one raises a few more questions than its predecessor, and doesn’t give that same feeling of satisfaction. This isn’t troublesome, though, because we are now on episode, sorry, “chapter” seven, the start of the second half of the season. It needs to be a strong launching pad. And wow do we have liftoff.
Director Bradley Buecker is no stranger to American Horror Story, as he previously directed “Murder House” and penultimte episode “Afterbirth” in the first season, and premiere “Welcome to Briarcliff” and Dr. Thredson’s debut in “Tricks and Treats” last year. His work on “The Dead” just might be his best to date.
Buecker’s touch is perfect for this script. Yes, of course, Dutched camera angles, creative shots, shots that could hang in a gallery as stills; they seem to be a requirement for every episode. But in “The Dead” it never ever gets in the way of any scene; it’s never too much, never too little, but simply organic to each scene. Like last week, the episode flows from storyline to storyline so very smoothly, and the highs and lows, the noise and quiet, are wonderfully balanced.
Truly, top form by everyone involved in the production, yet again. This episode is particularly beautiful visually, and if you’re ever able to drag yourself away from the performances, take a look at the eye candy of every scene. Lighting, sets, wardrobe, all quietly work together to create the perfect atmosphere for whatever comes in each scene, effectively supported by the music. The production values of this show continually set the high bar.
But the performances. Just wow. Kathy Bates has more screen time than she’s had since the beginning, and is given an opportunity to show a bit more of her chops, while Gabourey Sidibe is finally given her own storyline, which she handles skillfully. Angela Bassett is smooth as silk, guest star Danny Huston is pitch perfect as the Axeman, and Jessica Lange… Well, she’s Jessica Lange. She owns every one of her scenes. Kitten, cat, lion, even sometimes within seconds. Watching her is wondrous.
So get ready for another hour of being swept away, because this episode delivers a lot of action and twists and turns and promises a whole lot more to come. I can’t wait.
I give American Horror Story: Coven, Episode 7 “The Dead” Five Out of Five Stars.
