Season 4, Episode 4
Airdate: Wednesday, October 29, 2014, 9/8c on FX
Rating:
[warning] SPOILERS AHEAD [/warning]
“The world wanted a monster, so I gave them one.” – Paul the Illustrated Seal
In true American Horror Story (AHS) fashion, this week’s Halloween episode, “Edward Mordrake (Part 2),” is full of scary and disturbing tales enough to leave you with nightmares. As the conclusion of the two-part story of infamous carny legend Edward Mordrake (Wes Bentley), “Edward Mordrake (Part 2)” pulls out all the stops, taking viewers further down a murky path with a sinister phantom as their guide. From the appearance of a legend to the demise of some unsavory characters, this week’s installment of American Horror Story: Freak Show (AHS: Freak Show) pushes the envelope further, making you wonder: What are real monsters?
[singlepic id=12474 w=175 h=250 float=right] Ghosts of Sins Past
Everybody’s got a dirty little secret. Maybe it’s cheating on a lover or lying about your income taxes. For the main characters of AHS: Freak Show, their “sins” fall more along the lines of murder and snuff films. Previously, “Edward Mordrake (Part 1)” introduced viewers to Edward Mordrake, who not only represents death itself, but is on a mission to select a “freak” to take with him to the “other side.” Throughout the episode, there’s a constant sense of urgency as Mordrake, who manifests through the shadows out of an eerie green fog, continues his grim rounds among the Freak Show. “Before this night is through, I will find my grail, one pure freak…”
The first part of the episode blends and weaves together several characters’ stories in a montage as Mordrake evaluates each one. It’s a really interesting choice to depict supporting characters like Paul (Mat Fraser), the Illustrated Seal, by having them voice their own stories as if in a confessional. This gives Paul significance, making him more inclusive to the major events taking place. It’s a great choice on the parts of the writers and producers of AHS: Freak Show because otherwise, the viewers wouldn’t have the opportunity to know and understand such a large cast. Another surprise, one I didn’t expect, is Mordrake’s gentlemanly behavior, which is contrary to the menacing figure I originally imagined. In fact, Mordrake acts as if he is offering a kind of salvation even if he is there to reap a soul.
That said, all the plot points in “Edward Mordrake (Part 2)” hit their mark, and flow effortlessly like a campfire story or a scene from Tales from the Crypt. I couldn’t help but notice, too, how the tone seesaws between moments of poignancy and depravity. In one instance, your heart breaks a little listening to Paul’s revelation about keeping his face unmarked, but then the story shifts quickly to Elsa Mars (Jessica Lange), whose dark past—full of kink and turning tricks—leaves you shell-shocked. The revelation about what actually happened to her legs may give you nightmares, but even though I found her story unnerving, it does serve the purpose of shining a light on why Elsa is obsessed with fame. As Elsa puts it, “You trade your humility, trick by trick.”
Greatest Show on Earth?
The second half of “Edward Mordrake (Part 2)” continues where it left off with Jimmy Darling (Evan Peters) and his psychic friend, Esmeralda (Emma Roberts), heading back home past curfew. This part provides great continuity and becomes a turning point for the series. When Jimmy’s motorcycle runs out of fuel, leaving them heading back to the carnival on foot, one of Twisty the Clown’s (John Carroll Lynch) victims crosses their path. Not too far from Twisty is his shadow—I mean partner in crime—Dandy Mott (Finn Wittrock). Dandy is still an impetuous, psychotic man- child who, more often than not, has some great moments where Wittrock’s ability as an actor stands out. Dandy and Twisty working side by side is a wonderful way to show the contrast in their characters—especially when Dandy captures Jimmy and Esmeralda.
Twisty: “The children forgot that they love me…”
My favorite part of the episode is watching how Mordrake’s and Twisty’s separate story lines merge at the high point of “Edward Mordrake (Pt. 2).” When Mordrake and Twisty share their first scenes, Bentley and Lynch hit a home run; the choices for the voice of their characters, their mannerisms, and confidence make them dramatic rather than melodramatic. The moment I heard Twisty’s voice and understood his origins, I admit, I kind of felt sorry for him. Yes, Twisty loses his mind but more importantly, his life is a cautionary tale of what happens to someone “different” at the hands of cruel people who are supposed to support you. The tragedy about Twisty is not his psychotic break, but his inability to discern good versus bad; he is mentally twisted inside out. What I can’t help but wonder is whether we will see the same among our beloved “freaks” of Jupiter.
Small Town Heroes
When Twisty’s story line resolves itself, Jimmy finds himself in a much better light among the townspeople of Jupiter. For a moment, it appears Elsa’s carnival of curiosities will finally get some love. Unfortunately, this is American Horror Story, so I’m not betting on any signs of happiness to last long, especially when Dandy plans to carry on Twisty’s legacy. Wittrock definitely deserves high praise for his performance, which shows the evolution of his character in chilling fashion.
Bottom Line
[singlepic id=12479 w=275 h=325 float=right] When American Horror Story launched its fourth season with Freak Show, I was a bit let down. I had grown so accustomed to the series’ brand of shock value, twists, and supernatural qualities, AHS: Freak Show came across as a bit more subdued. In addition, the series’ expanding cast and stagnant character development made the story lines lag. However, the two- part story of Edward Mordrake more than makes up for the season’s previous flaws. “Edward Mordrake (Part 2)” is the best example of how amazing the American Horror Story franchise can be when it weaves the perfect balance of character growth and macabre subject matter. The decision to use the Mordrake storyline as a means to expose the “sins” and dark secrets of its main characters is a brilliant choice. Episode writer Jennifer Salt does a brilliant job of putting to words some of the episode’s most chilling moments while taking away from many of the dangers at hand. Salt also does a great job of writing the mysterious qualities of the Mordrake story line without losing sight of the ongoing threat offered by Twisty, which, down the line, may impact Jimmy. It’s a case of two worlds colliding that just gives the episode an added edge.
Overall, I think “Edward Mordrake (Part 2)” is AHS: Freak Show’s strongest episode yet, and I can’t wait to see what other surprises lie ahead!
What did you think of ” Edward Mordrake (Part 2)?” Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter @conallen.
Follow the series on its official site: American Horror Story: Freak Show.
Follow American Horror Story: Freak Show on Twitter @AHSFX.
Like American Horror Story on Facebook.
All photos © 2014 FX Networks. All Rights Reserved.
Connie Allen
Latest posts by Connie Allen (Posts)
- Black Sails—“XXXVIII” Series Finale Review. Legends and Legacies - April 5, 2017
- Black Sails—“XXXVII” Review. Let the Games Begin! - March 28, 2017
- Black Sails – “XXXVI” Review. Until the Bitter End. - March 21, 2017
- Black Sails—“XXXV” Review. A Woman’s Worth. - March 14, 2017
Follow Us!