Spoiler Alert! Recap and Review: AMERICAN HORROR STORY: FREAK SHOW Welcomes 'Edward Mordrake,' Emma Roberts

I was fortunate enough to have screeners of the first three hours of AMERICAN HORROR STORY: FREAK SHOW sent to me by FX, so that means that my reviews of those episodes (Episode 1 and Episode 2) are as well-thought out and developed as I could make them. However, I began to think that one of the most entertaining elements of the horror genre is being able to share your shock and disgust with other people. So, since FX did not send out screeners for this week's episode, I decided that instead of writing a lengthy analysis after tonight's hour, I would live-recap it, and hopefully be able to share those feelings of fear and enjoyment with all of you electronically.

We already know that in tonight's episode, "Edward Mordrake, Pt 1," we are introduced to Maggie Esmerelda, a fortune-teller played by Emma Roberts. We also see AMERICAN BEAUTY star Wes Bentley as the eponymous Edward Mordrake; beyond that, Ryan Murphy and company have been pretty tight lipped about what to expect, and when it comes to shows I follow, I try to avoid plot spoilers as much as possible.

If the first two weeks of the season are any indication though, these characters will bring dark secrets along with them to Fräulein Elsa's Cabinet of Curiosities. I am also interested to see if they will help bridge the gap between the Freak Show and Twisty storylines. Thus far, they have been to separate, but equally compelling journeys, with only Dandy appearing in both.

I am also interested to see how the violent attack by his secret-daddy at the diner last week will impact Jimmy's crusade for acceptance for his fellow "freaks."

Ok, enough with what I hope will happen. Join me back here at 10:00pm ET for my live screams reactions. I will also be tweeting at @BWWMatt using the hashtag #BWWFreakShow. So, let me know what you think of the episode all night, and maybe I will include your comments in the article. You can also always let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

---

Overnight: The first two weeks of this seasons AMERICAN HORROR STORY were a ridiculously exciting rollercoaster. They were able to artfully weave together the logistical basics of setting up a season with introducing a creative cast of characters and colorful universe for them to inhabit. This week took a step back from that latter goal, and focused on introducing a few more characters and an additional supernatural element to the show.

Many people have derided previous seasons when Murphy and Falchuk added in seemingly unconnected storylines, like the alien angle in Season Two, but I always enjoy those plot diversions. If we, as viewers and the creators and cast members, get stuck too far down the rabbit hole of this one, similarly-themed horror story, it loses its impact. How many HALLOWEEN movies did it take before Michael Myers wasn't as scary anymore? How many FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH films did was it before Freddy Krueger became more funny than scary?

With breaking up the intensity of the murderous Twisty (who is very much in line with the killers I mentioned above), they've allowed that story to breath, and to maintain its fright factor. So, I enjoy the supernatural detour the story took this week.

11:24pm: This episode was much more of an expositive placeholder than any of the previous three hours, but it set up a lot of interesting storylines moving forward. I will add some expanded thoughts on "Edward Mordrake Pt. 1" overnight. In the meantime, let me know what you think in the comments below, or on Twitter.

11:23pm: AMERICAN HORROR STORY is clearly not afraid of killing off characters, so I fully expect someone to become the newest companion of Mordrake next week, I'm just not sure who I want it to be. Clearly it's not going to be Elsa, like the preview suggested.

11:22pm: If we don't get a subtle "bag in the wind" reference in next week's "Edward Mordrake Pt. 2," I'm going to be very disappointed.

11:18pm: It really kind of bugs me that I enjoy Dandy as much as I do. He is an absolutely ridiculously evil and annoying character, but damn does he make me laugh.

11:14pm: The young Dell and Ethel's sound exactly like Michael Chiklis and Kathy Bates, kudos to you casting director.

11:05pm: I love the creative freedom that FX gives its series creators. Not only do they have carte blanche to push the envelope in terms of content, but they also do not restrict them to the traditional hour format. This episode is scheduled to run 83 minutes in terms of TV time? What other basic cable network would let their central primetime show get away with that? Just another reason to love FX, they let the content dictate form.

11:02pm: Wes Bentley could very easily star in Season 2 of PENNY DREADFUL with that costume. I could see Edward Moredrake joining Sir Malcolm's band of demon fighters.

10:53pm: I told you that saying clowns were delightful was going to come back to bite you.

10:52pm: I guess Denis O'Hare's Stanley is a freak in his own right, isn't he?

10:49pm: Oh Dot versus Esmerelda should be an interesting battle for Jimmy's attentions.

10:44pm: Over the past six months to a year, there has been a lot of discussion about the portrayal and representation on women in media. One thing you have to give to Ryan Murphy and Brad Fulchuk is that AMERICAN HORROR STORY has always been populated by strong, compelling female characters. That doesn't mean that all of AHS's women were good people, but that is even better. Not only are the protagonists female, the antagonists are female. We see all different types of strong, confident, independent women, and that gives AHS a unique feel that we don't see on TV or film often. Good for you AHS.

10:42pm: My heart may, or may not, have skipped a beat when Ma Petite jumped out of the jack-o-lantern.

10:38pm: Dell might be the Strong Man, but Desiree is one tough lady. Good for you girlfriend.

10:34pm: Theresa Caputo has nothing on Maggie Esmerelda.

10:30pm: Wow, Dot's dream was absolutely terrifying; and even more so knowing that Bette was watching. I guess that answered my question from last week's review.

10:23pm: Jimmy just poured a little out for his dead homey.

10:20pm: Oh my goodness, did Patti LaBelle just do the Woody Woodpecker laugh? I might want that as my new ringtone.
10:19pm: I want a full-length Eli Roth directed Edward Moredrake film.

10:16pm: Does Edward Moredrake live in the Murder House?
10:16pm: Wasn't Edward Mordrake a Bond villain at one point?

10:13pm: There's something very entertaining about Kathy Bates saying, "Sh*t, sh*t, sh*t," in that ridiculous Baltimore accent.

10:11pm: "I find clowns delightful"... more terrifying foreshadowing was never spoken.

10:06pm: I'm not sure how many episodes Denis and Emma are doing this season, but I really like the idea of outsiders coming in and posing a potential threat to Elsa's sideshow performers. It should set up an immediate, dangerous conflict for Jimmy and his band of revolutionaries in their battle for equality and a safe, happy life.

10:04pm: Seriously, I don't think there has ever been a more disturbing set of opening credits in TV history.
10:03pm: That wig on Denis O'Hare is about the third freakiest thing on the show this season!
10:00pm: Here we go, who's ready for some AHS?

Photo Credit: Michele K. Short | FX

Check out a sneak peek at next week's episode titled 'Edward Mordrake - Part 2':

To post a comment, you must register and login.