American Horror Story has been the foremost dystopian horror anthology for almost a decade. It brought twists, turns and mind-blowing plot-lines to the table and will likely go down in history as one of the most creative television shows ever. But after eight seasons, maybe it’s time to wrap it up.
Since 2011, one of the series’ greatest strengths was its variety. AHS has conquered cliché haunted houses, freakish asylums, covens, haunted hotels and a circus freak show. There have been psychotic serial killers, creepy clowns and, of course, ghosts.
The characters change every season, often preventing viewers from getting bored, annoyed or frustrated with characters overstaying their welcome. But since season 4, viewership has plummeted, spiked and spiraled. Despite season 7 tying in current events in the form of the ludicrous election, after eight seasons, it’s exhausted potential plot lines.
While season 8 has brought back many disillusioned viewers by resurrecting main characters, it’s still nothing new. This season, American Horror Story: Apocalypse, takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where a select group of people have been chosen to live in an underground outpost, free of radiation, disease and mayhem.
Everything is fine until supplies plummet and a grown-up Michael Langdon (the baby from Murder House) shows up and promises a select few a safe haven in another underground establishment.
The season, told partly in flashback, brings back nostalgic series favorites, including Constance Langdon (the nosy neighbor from Murder House), Rubber Man and the witches from Coven. There’s also a visit to the beloved Murder House, the hotel from season 5 and the coven mansion from season 3.
Bringing back beloved characters and plot lines is a smart move on the screenwriters’ part. It reignited viewers’ passion for a series that’s been problematic for many since Freak Show (season 4) or Roanoke (season 6). But could it also be a sign that the writers are lacking new ideas and material?
Season 8 is strong and eventful. In any long-standing series, it’s difficult to make a comeback after a downward spiral. Nonetheless, Apocalypse has accomplished that feat. So why not end on a high note?
In the current season, while viewers are introduced to new characters, they’re also reunited with old ones. The stories come full circle and overlap — a first in the series’ seven-year history. The only thing missing is the favorites from Asylum.
The series appears to be tying the loose ends together and pleasing the audience, yet it’s been renewed through season 10.
As much as I love American Horror Story, it’s pointless to keep around a show this indecisive and unreliable. While it’s great they were able to resurrect the show for season 8, there’s no telling if it’ll remain alive through season 9. It’s time to cut the cord and end on a high note before it (literally) runs the plot lines and characters into the ground.
