American Horror Story — Series 7: Cult — Episode 3 and 4: Neighbours from Hell and 11/9

10th September, 2018.

Yes: it’s officially true.

I wanted to catch some TV.

No, really.

It’s a day off, stuff’s been done … 

And, frankly?



I had some time to myself.

Yes: you’re right.

That meant I’ve bee free to watch more episodes of American Horror Story. 

Cult.



Yes: I THINK it’s shaping up … 

~≈§≈~

Episode 3 — Neighbors from Hell — opens by showing us Rosie (Laura Allen) consulting with Dr Vincent (Cheyenne Jackson): only for her and her partner to be killed by the Killer Clowns.

The episode focuses, though, on Ally (Sarah Paulson) and Ivy (Alison Pill).



Since Ally killed Pedro, the couple have been getting harassed: both online, and by the neighbours.

Who Ally believes have gifted Oz a guinea pig: only to sneak in and leave it in the microwave.

What’s more?

There’s protesters at the restaurant they own, dead birds on the lawn … 

And a suspicious smiley face on the front door.

A Suspicious Graffito

~≈§≈~

Episode 4 — 11/9 — moves the focus, somewhat.

Opening with Kai (Even Peters) dragging the serious injured Gary (Chaz Bono) to a voting booth.   

Then moving on to tell us the story of how Gary got so injured.

He’s behaved badly — to put it mildly — to Ivy at a Clinton rally.

And she — working with Winter (Billy Lourd) — manages to chain Gary to a water pipe in the basement of the store he works in.

Kai, at this point?

Has recruited Harrison and Meadow Wilton (Billy Eichner and Leslie Grossman*) to his small informal group.

And ALSO persuaded reporter, Beverly Hope (Adina Porter) that he can be of help: she has good reason to be angry, after all.





The scene of the two in the restaurant?   Was riveting …

Once’s she’s recruited … ?

Kai, cult leader in the making … ?

Makes sure she stays recruited … 

~≈§≈~

Now …

Impressed … ?   Glued … ?

Yes, and yes.

I have to admit to generally being impressed with American Horror Story.

Each season’s been a good example of how to make watchable ensemble TV.

And whilst — in retrospect — I think Hotel and Roanoke may have been weaker than their predecessors, that’s more than made up for by this season’s cast.

Paulson’s doing her usual solid job, Adina Porter is hypnotic, and Evan Peters … ?



Even Peters has some of the strongest material he’s had since Asylum — and doing well with it.

So far?

Cult’s looking ever so good.

*        I’m blowed if I can find any confirmation … but I’m curious.   Is Leslie Grossman related to Naomi Grossman, who played Pepper in Freak Show?    If anyone reading this knows, and can give me a link?   I’d appreciate it.