Blame it on the two week break or the dreary weather, but American Horror Story: Coven is starting to look a little too much like its predecessors as winter rears its ugly head. That’s not to say that The Sacred Taking made me despise this season and take back my claim that it’s the best so far (it still is), but things are starting to unravel a little too uncontrollably. Insane moments give this series color, and until now they’ve been a bit more subdued this season, but the fact that nobody can stay dead for long is starting to wear on the season.
When I say this, I’m referring to Myrtle’s resurrection at the hands of Misty Day, who both make their way to the coven, Misty seeking safety, Myrtle revenge. Delia, fed up with Fiona’s hostility, devises a plan to drive Fiona to suicide, getting rid of her while also making way for the new Supreme to rise. It’s a neat plan, and it sets up plenty of fantastic scenes that practically ensure Jessica Lange will walk away with at least a nomination come Emmy season.
Both Myrtle and Madison reappear to Fiona, who at this point thinks they’re both still dead. Madison convinces her that she really is the next Supreme, and Myrtle messes with Fiona’s head, showing her a vision of the Axeman leaving her as she becomes more frail from her cancer. It’s interesting to see how attached Fiona has become to her protective spirit, and especially weird to see the resurrected killer spending his time in the world with his lover rather than living up to his name. I never would have picked these two to have a romantic subplot, but so far it’s the sweetest of the bunch.
Although Fiona eventually decides to swallow a bottle full of pills and give in, Spalding’s spirit stops her just in time to give her some ipecac and spoil the fun for the rest of the coven, exposing their true intentions. He doesn’t stop there, though, and watching him tear Fiona a new one for trying to make herself a martyr is fantastic. Too bad he was killed before he really got to use that tongue of his.
Needless to say, Fiona refuses to die and instead makes it her mission to protect the coven. Her change of heart is definitely sudden, and she’s still far from a trustworthy character, but her newfound respect for Delia for plotting her murder/suicide is endearing. Nothing like a plot to make a loved one kill themselves to really bring the family together.
As clever as it is, this little plot would have worked a little better if there were ever any doubt that Fiona would make it to the season finale. At the rate that characters are resurrected or brought back by some other plot device, it’s becoming hard to really worry about anybody shuffling off this mortal coil. However, coming to terms with this brings a new perspective to the proceedings, and it’s enjoyable to see how the cast has drastically changed since the season premiere. Madison has begun to find her heart, Myrtle finally has a murderous spark in her eyes, and Fiona is…well, she’s still Fiona.
