American Horror Story: Hotel – "Battle Royale" Review. Into the Sunset.

Liz and Iris form a deadly alliance that spells doom for many in their way

Season 5, Episode 11

Airdate: Wednesday, January 8, 2016 10:00 PM ET/PT on FX

Rating: ★★★★★

American Horror Story: Hotel (AHS: Hotel) returns with a vengeance in the penultimate episode aptly titled “Battle Royale.” After the intense winter finale, “She Gets Revenge,” the fate of both The Countess (Lady Gaga) and Donovan (Matt Bomer) hangs in the balance with Iris (Kathy Bates) and Liz (Denis O’Hare) setting the Hotel Cortez ablaze in a hailstorm of bullets. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect since the consistency with the various plot lines throughout AHS: Hotel has been erratic, to say the least. Surprisingly, the episode is strong enough on its own without much context needed. The difference between “Battle Royale” and previous episodes is the manner in which writer Ned Martel clearly outlines the motivations of each character so the direction remains focused from start to finish.

This is It

If there is ever a more apropos title for this episode, “Battle Royale” is it. Typically a term referencing an all-out war where the rules are thrown out the window, “Battle Royale” is bloody, suspenseful, and shocking. The American Horror Story (AHS) franchise is not a series where characters leave emotionally or physically unscathed. As intriguing as the Countess’ journey has been this season, I knew it would not end well. Donovan, on the other hand, has been living on borrowed time since the minute he left the Hotel Cortez early in the season. On the bright side, I’m glad he isn’t going to be haunting the hotel—one of the very few good things to happen. I wish I could say the same for the Countess; I know she is not supposed to be one of the good guys, but I like her overall backstory. She and Detective John Lowe (Wes Bentley) are the most consistent of this season’s cast of characters. The Countess can’t catch a break, and maybe her tragic end is karmic justice. Liz and Iris, however, are taking matters into their own hands. I can’t wait to see how their story plays out in next week’s season finale. It’s their actions that set into motion the big turning points later in the episode— events I don’t think I’ll soon forget.

Home Sweet Home

There’s something compelling about the Hotel Cortez in its design, a haunting beauty shrouded with so much bloodshed. Despite the improvement with the story lines in “Battle Royale,” there is little revelation as to how its creator, serial killer James Patrick March (Evan Peters), manages to summon an “addiction demon.” Ironically, in spite of the overall theme for AHS: Hotel, most of the drama has little to do with the space but the supernatural characters in it. Is the Hotel Cortez emblematic of the dark side of humanity as well as its frailty? I understand the concepts of what happens to souls of people who die in the hotel, but considering all the people March kills, I find it absurd we don’t see more ghosts roaming the hallways. As the season comes to a close next week, there remains too many unanswered questions.

Hello Again

The guest appearances in AHS: Hotel is what I look forward to in each episode. Worlds collide with seasons past as Queenie (Gabourey Sidibe), a face from AHS: Coven, enters the hotel! The use of crossover characters adds an edge to the episode, and “Battle Royale” is a perfect example of how. I love seeing how Ramona (Angela Bassett) and Queenie engage in their scenes, a witch versus a vampire-esque character is like a supernatural cage fight. Speaking of Ramona, I wish there had been more scenes with her but it seems she functions only to prop up the other characters. This time around, she aids March, whose sinister plan to trap the Countess leads to one of the most shocking events of the season.

Dear John

We find out what happens to Sally (Sarah Paulson) and John after he leaves the Hotel Cortez with her swearing vengeance. I couldn’t help but shake my head when he explains to his daughter Scarlett (Shree Crooks) the plans for their reunion now that her undead brother is back in their lives. I mean, really, will John continue murdering people á la Dexter?

Meanwhile, Sally tends to a wounded Countess, and explains her plans for revenge. Again, the unnecessary graphic sex doesn’t compare to the violence Sally inflicts on the people she loves. In the wise words of the Countess, “You have serious abandonment issues.”

Best laid plans don’t always turn out the way you expect

Overall

I cannot imagine how the finale will end the season. If “Battle Royale” were the season finale, I would be happy. March finally gets everything he desires, by hook or crook. We discover who ratted March out to the police, and it’s one I didn’t seeing coming.

Overall, I am eagerly looking forward to how the season will wrap up. Director Michael Uppendahl does a great job of piecing together every scene in “Battle Royale” using a great choice of angles and shots. And, for as much as the season frustrates me, the performances from the actors are what keeps my attention coming back for more. With so few favorite characters left in the aftermath of so much bloodshed, I can’t wait to see if there will be any more surprise appearances.

What did you think of “Battle Royale?” Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter @conallen.