Slaps, murders and more lesbian drama went down on tonight's American Horror Story: Cult. That sounds ridiculous, and the episode really was (in a good way though). Let's begin, shall we?
Before we get into the specifics of the episode, let me just say that the writing on tonight's episode was a treat. Meadow Wilton was hilarious, and even Ally had some pretty comedic lines herself. I'd argue that where Scream Queens was perhaps a little too meta/pop-culture focused and comedic at times, Cult finds a healthy balance. And beyond the writing, the episode felt engaging and unlike the previous two episodes (primarily the premiere), I didn't feel the need to check how long was left or zone out. Finally, it all seems to be coming together; we've had some character introductions and development, and now things are getting into the full swing. The fun has begun ...
Firstly, I want to go over what we've learnt tonight (and in the previous two episodes). So we know that most of the characters outside of Ally-Ivy-Oz, are connected in some way. Here's a very rough diagram I quickly threw together to illustrate the various connections (disclaimer; I may have forgotten or missed a connection but essentially its right). Tonight the murder of Rosie, another of Dr. Rudy's patients, illustrated he's a key player in the murders - she, like Ally, was tormented with her worst fear, something only Ruby knew (as far as we've seen).
You may notice that Ivy has only one connection, Ally (I didn't include the Oz connection with either mom because of space, but equally we don't know who biologically is his mother either). However, if you do some research online, you'll find an array of theories claiming Ivy is the clown in the diagram. The blonde hair poking through the top of the mark would fit, the clown wears a striped top very similar to one Ivy wore, and there's not one viewer who likely fully trusts Ivy anyway! There's even a promo shot where Ivy looks like she's cutting up a body or something sketchy with Winter in the background. Guess Ally can't trust anyone ...
Let's actually discuss some of the episode then.
"Racist" Ally
The episode primarily focused on the aftermath of Ally shooting Pedro. As I mentioned last week, I think in the comments rather than the review itself, this was always going to then work in favour of those against Ally. She was bound to look a little racist, in the show's warped mind. Of course, I would hope in the real world Ally's hiring and evident support and respect for Pedro would hold more weight then the clearly accidental murder of him, but this is a show. It's meant to be dramatic, and Murphy is perhaps satirising the way certain people do make their own truths up / see what they want to see. But anyways, Ally became the target of her own people, liberals, who created a backlash, protesting outside her restaurant and even putting her on Craigslist as in need of a man to spice things up in the bedroom with Ivy. You have to feel for the character, you really do. She may have been annoying at first, but things have escalated very quickly, and its not her fault. No, I don't want her to play the victim, but if she must, at least now there's quite significant reasons to do so.
The end of the episode saw Ally crushed even further, when Ivy discovered of the former's intimate bath moment with babysitter Winter. Taking Oz, Ivy began to flee the family home before more neighbourhood drama unfolded (more on that in a moment). So yes, Ally really has suffered a lot. If Ivy still leaves, she'll have lost her wife, her child, potentially her business if the protests continue, she's lost two employees, a guinea pig - man, the show really does love making her a victim doesn't it? Gotta feel for her though!
Meadow
Now, Meadow is probably my favourite character and so her (supposed) disappearance and assumed murder at the end of the episode is not something I welcome. Leslie Grossman is only supporting cast though, so it's possible Meadow's days are numbered, but hopefully there's still a few more appearances in the Real Housewives fanatic yet.
Detective Samuels & Harrison
This week saw a blossoming romance between the two men, much to Meadow's distaste, and I don't know how I feel about it. I want to ship it, but right now I have reservations. Harrison could mean bad news for the detective, if he's not already on side, and the pairing will certainly cause agony for Meadow. Obviously, I don't want that. If she's already dead though ... then maybe I can get on-board!
Poison Ivy
As I mentioned previously, Ivy is almost certainly connected to the clowns - likely one herself! Isolated from this though, she's a terrible wife. She treats Ally like rubbish, and yeah okay, Ally has caused drama, and is annoying, but Ivy doesn't handle it like a supportive wife. She hardly let Ally explain the situation with the bath before slapping her, and I personally think she should intervene when Oz speaks so poorly about Ally too - she stands there, saying nothing, each time, as if she condones what he says. Not a fan, I have to say. #teamally #poisonivy
Final Thoughts
Ivy is up to no good. I have very little faith or trust in her at this point, and especially with the theories I've read so far, I would bet she's a part of the cult (maybe even it's leader). Similarly, there's no doubt in my mind about Dr. Rudy informing the clown's about Ally and Rosie's fears. If this isn't the case then it's unrealistic or the clowns have access some other way to the psychiatrist's office. And finally, Meadow is the best. Period.
Yesterday I moved back to university so this week's review has been a little short and diluted (I apologise), but let's get discussing some theories and the episode in the comments section below. And of course, be sure to check out episode four when it airs next Tuesday night in the US, and next Friday in the UK.
