The combination of online interaction, DVR, and "Lost" profoundly changed how people view television. Fans rewatched scenes to discover so-called clues, tried to predict the show's outcome and posted theories for the online community to pick apart or support. "American Horror Story" is receiving the same treatment, but it is not the new "Lost." Dissecting this show severely detracts from the viewing experience.
1. Unpredictable Twists
"American Horror Story" drops clear hints about upcoming plot twists, but the clues are not predictable enough to anticipate the whole story. For example, the real estate agent, Marcy, calls the house's original owner a "doctor to the stars." That combined with the rusty medical instruments and specimen jars of tiny body parts lining the basement shelves is a strong indication Dr. Montgomery was not doing nose jobs on the sly.
The show adds rich layers to an otherwise foreseeable source of the supposed dream house's unrest by giving the doctor a drug addiction, materialistic wife, slain child, Frankenstein obsession and crushing debt. Who could anticipate that combination?
2. Fast-Paced Mythology
The first few episodes frantically introduce many characters and tons of possibilities. Viewers wonder which ones have a pulse and why Moira alternates between Vampy Maid and Grammy Maid. The answers come quickly and, unlike "Lost," the mythology continues to progress with a steady supply of new information each Wednesday. Bigger mysteries, like the truth about the life growing in Vivien's womb, add to the suspense and deserve to develop over multiple episodes.
For the truly impatient, Ryan Murphy appears to have an affinity for giving major spoilers.
3. New Lore vs. Tradition
The show relies heavily on surreal images, jolting camera angles, and uncomfortable themes to create an emotional experience that does not always jibe with real-world logic or existing horror themes. Although the show explains, or at least acknowledges, two major cracks by giving the cash-strapped Harmons financial incentive to stay in the haunted house and having the undead teens ask Violet how she never heard of their high school massacre, it does not have to play by the rules.
By reimagining popular horror stories, legends and historical events, "American Horror Story" is creating new lore.
Theorizing and speculating about "American Horror Story" add to the unique appeal of this show, but there is no reward for giving it the "Lost" treatment. Instead, relish the combination of horror, suspense and mystery as the story develops.
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