`7 Years Later, AHS: Apocalypse Is Still Confusing`

Ever since its debut, “American Horror Story” has rapidly ascended to become one of the most highly-regarded horror TV series, receiving praise with each new installment due to its unique anthology format. However, because it pushes boundaries in this manner, “American Horror Story” occasionally becomes muddled within its narrative, particularly during crossover episodes. The eighth season, titled “AHS: Apocalypse,” was perhaps the most perplexing as it intertwined stories and characters from previous seasons, and featured a main plot that moved at an overwhelming pace. Upon its initial release in 2018, “AHS: Apocalypse” may have been less confusing if it had signaled earlier that it would revisit these complexities later on. With enough time having passed since then, the intricate plot of “Apocalypse” should now be more easily understood.

Attention: Potential plot reveals for seasons Apocalypse, Murder House, and Coven of American Horror Story may follow. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers.

In the initial run of “American Horror Story,” titled “Murder House,” sets the stage for all subsequent events as it introduces the character Michael Langdon for the first time in the finale. When Vivien Harmon gives birth to twins, one unfortunately perishes during delivery. The living child is then raised by Constance Langdon, who later learns that he is actually the offspring of Tate. Given his origin – half human, half spirit – Michael’s potential for danger is foreshadowed, and this becomes evident when he takes the life of his nanny. A more comprehensive exploration of this narrative thread unfolds in the eighth season.

In the television series American Horror Story: Apocalypse, Michael’s character becomes crucial as he is unveiled as the Antichrist. The narrative centers around a group of characters who seek shelter in a bunker called Outpost 3 during the apocalypse. However, once inside, events become enigmatic and all characters eventually meet their demise. This premise is intriguing, particularly because Outpost 3 takes on a more significant role within the season. Yet, certain aspects of this storyline are puzzling, such as Wilhemina Venable’s true function in this scenario, which remains unclear. Additionally, the secret behind Outpost 3 and the existence of other shelters are never fully revealed. Furthermore, the condition of the world outside the bunker remains a mystery. Although this could have been meant to generate suspense, it results in an idea that feels half-baked and incredibly frustrating.

In the subsequent episodes, we witness Michael, now advanced in age, following Constance’s suicide due to her struggle with her grandson’s malevolence. As the narrative progresses, Michael’s powers intensify significantly, particularly when a group of warlocks seek him out, suspecting he could be the first male “Supreme.” This is where the initial encounter with the Coven occurs. After successfully passing the Seven Wonders test alongside witches, he gains recognition as an incredibly potent individual. From this point, his ties to The Cooperative – the entity that orchestrated the apocalypse – are established.

How do we stop the world from ending? By eliminating Michael. The witches from ‘Coven’ are instrumental in this, but first, we need to delve into the origins of the Antichrist. That’s when the ‘Murder House’ comes into play (as Michael had previously communicated with the house’s spirits after Constance passed away). Madison and a member of the Warlock Council purchase the house and encounter characters from the first season. They grill Constance, Ben, Vivien, and Tate about Michael’s past until it is disclosed that he isn’t actually Tate’s son, but rather the offspring of the malevolent spirit dwelling in that haunted house. This is also where we gain a clearer understanding of the villain’s true nature.

Michael’s development in the series is perplexing from the get-go, given the chronology of the narrative and its connection to other seasons. While Apocalypse may demand careful viewing to grasp all its intricacies, it presents an ingenious plot twist within American Horror Story. Born in 2012, Michael matures into an adult by 2021, which is rather unusual. Given his supernatural lineage, he undergoes a significantly accelerated physical and mental growth, leading to him gaining immense power almost instantaneously.

After this juncture, the narrative may grow increasingly complex as the reason behind Michael’s decline is uncovered. It turns out that Mallory, initially just an aide to Coco – a resident of Outpost 3 who survived – has ties to a witch and is even close to being the Supreme. When she successfully completes the Seven Wonders test, she gains the power to eliminate Michael. This unexpected development is not immediately suggested, as Cordelia – the coven’s leader – navigates various situations to determine the best strategy for combating the Antichrist. It’s at this point that Myrtle Snow discloses an ancient incantation, one that no witch has ever managed to perform – one with the ability to reverse previous occurrences.

In simpler terms, Mallory is tasked with attempting time travel. After she manages to do so (with considerable struggle), Cordelia proposes giving up her own life so that Mallory can be officially recognized as the new Supreme, since Cordelia’s health and Supremacy are fading. At the same time, it’s disclosed that the Cooperative is actually a rebranded Order of the Illuminati, who had made a deal with Satan. Another surprise unfolds when it’s shown that not only Mallory, but also Coco possess witch abilities. Both characters had been concealed within Outpost 3 under false identities to protect them during the apocalypse while Mallory’s powers were developing.

Ultimately, Cordelia makes the selfless choice to give up her life as Mallory lies dying. As the new Supreme, she ascends and travels back in time, tragically striking a young boy named Michael multiple times. This act prevents the events depicted in “Apocalypse.” However, at the season’s conclusion, another chance emerges involving Timothy and Emily, a couple who found love at Outpost 3 and have a son.

The tenth-episode run of “American Horror Story: Apocalypse” seems to have relied more on creativity than necessary for a satisfying conclusion. This is because the show’s innovative storytelling sometimes made it hard to follow, particularly toward the end which felt hurried and challenging to keep up with. However, the biggest challenge lies in its complex timeline, which remains unexplained throughout the series.

“Apocalypse” features two interwoven timelines: the apocalyptic end-times and the backstory of Michael’s transformation into the Antichrist. The audience is left to connect the dots themselves. In essence, the season’s main issue lies in its overabundance of information, which could have been streamlined while still maintaining all the intriguing plot twists.

All seasons of American Horror Story are available to stream on Hulu.

2025-02-09 00:10

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