The new FX original series American Horror Story lives up to its name, but not a whole lot else. It’s a shame because television is in need of a well-crafted creep-fest that keeps viewers both entertained and afraid. While for some the show may suffice, I’m left hoping for improvement.
American Horror Story centers around the seemingly average Harmon family: Ben, Vivian and their generically rebellious daughter Violet, all of whom have just moved from the East Coast to L.A. County. The episode unfolds as most haunted house stories do: the family buys a beautiful and affordable home, they find out its low price is due to a recent murder, weird things start to happen, etc. Based on the episode’s grim prologue depicting twin boys being murdered in the basement of the home, the audience already assumes the house is haunted. However, between the feared expressions of the real estate agent and the immediate disturbances that occur upon moving in, you would think the Harmon family would catch on as well.
As life in the new house begins, things naturally start to get creepy. Figures are seen from windows, wallpaper is torn off to reveal gruesome paintings and a mentally challenged next-door-neighbor finds her way into the house multiple times to chant to Vivian: “You’re gonna die in here.”
While the situations are frightening, there is a distant connection between the audience and characters that leaves the viewers asking questions throughout the show. What’s with the tension between Ben and Vivian? Who’s responsible for the body parts jarred in the basement? And why does the middle-aged house cleaner appear to Ben as a sexy, seductive maid in her mid-twenties? Being a pilot episode, it is natural that questions will be answered as the season progresses. Still, the episode concludes with too much left unresolved.
Unfortunately, American Horror Story is trying to do what so many horror stories have done before: have a haunted house interfere with a dysfunctional family to spark even more problems. Is Vivian trying to a forgive Ben after a past affair? The house will only make it worse. Is Violet a high school outcast who cuts herself habitually? The house will only make it worse. It’s a ticking time bomb that will continue to grow, because obviously the family will not come to their senses and move out.
Having said that, the show definitely has its chilling moments. The recurring ghosts throughout the house, the disturbing and violent woman in the basement and the mysterious relationship between Ben and the home during his sleep certainly make for a scary hour of television. However, despite my hands covering my eyes on more than one occasion, I couldn’t help but feel as though I’d seen it all before.
Just in time for Halloween, American Horror Story is filled with enough scares and T.V. drama to keep audiences both afraid and entertained. However, being on a network that is considered the HBO of standard cable, I was expecting something a bit more original. Still, I will probably tune in next week, and probably still get a fright from this new original series.
