The highly anticipated spin-off series, American Horror Stories, has finally arrived, offering a fresh take on the American Horror Story universe. This anthology series, streaming on Hulu under the FX on Hulu banner, delivers self-contained tales of terror each week, marking a departure from the season-long narratives of its predecessor. The two-part premiere, “Rubber (Wo)man,” revisits the iconic Murder House, a location steeped in AHS lore, and introduces a new generation of victims to its sinister clutches. This article delves into the premiere, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and its place within the broader American Horror Story mythology.
Revisiting a Familiar Haunt: The Murder House’s Legacy
American Horror Story fans will instantly recognize the Murder House, the central setting of the show’s inaugural season. This infamous residence, home to the Harmon family and a host of malevolent spirits, including the notorious Tate Langdon and his Rubber Man persona, has become a cornerstone of the AHS universe. Its tragic history continued to unfold in subsequent seasons, playing a significant role in Hotel and Apocalypse. The latter revealed the house itself as the true source of evil, manipulating its inhabitants as vessels for its dark purposes. While the events of Apocalypse seemingly offered a resolution to the Murder House’s horrors, American Horror Stories reopens its doors, presenting a new chapter in its bloody history.
A New Family, a Familiar Terror: The Story of Scarlett
“Rubber (Wo)man” introduces the audience to Scarlett (Sierra McCormick) and her fathers, Troy and Michael (Gavin Creel and Matt Bomer), who purchase the Murder House with the intention of transforming it into a haunted house-themed Airbnb. Unbeknownst to them, they are stepping into a nightmare. Scarlett’s discovery of a latex bodysuit, reminiscent of the one worn by Tate Langdon, sets in motion a chilling chain of events. Donning the suit, she encounters a mirrored reflection of herself, clad in the same attire, foreshadowing the horrors to come. Disposing of the suit seems to offer a temporary reprieve, but fate, or rather, the Murder House, has other plans.
Scarlett’s struggles with bullying and her subsequent discovery of the latex suit intertwine as she exacts revenge on her tormentors. Luring them to the Murder House under the guise of reconciliation, she dons the Rubber Woman suit and brutally murders them in the basement. This act of violence, set to the chilling melody of “Tonight You Belong to Me,” echoes Tate Langdon’s own murderous spree, firmly establishing Scarlett as a new inheritor of the house’s dark legacy. The episode concludes with her concealing the bodies within the house’s walls, a grim reminder of the countless souls trapped within its confines.
Scarlett discovering the latex suit
A Fan’s Perspective: Nostalgia and Missed Opportunities
While “Rubber (Wo)man” delivers the thrills and chills expected of an AHS installment, it also falls short in certain areas. The absence of familiar faces and the lack of direct connection to the established Murder House storyline create a sense of detachment. The narrative, while engaging, feels somewhat generic, lacking the unique character dynamics and intricate plot twists that define the main series. However, the nostalgic return to the Murder House itself provides a powerful draw for longtime fans, and the introduction of new characters like Ruby (Kaia Gerber) offers intriguing possibilities for future installments.
The Future of American Horror Stories: Experimentation and Expansion
Despite its flaws, American Horror Stories serves as a valuable platform for experimentation within the AHS universe. It allows for the exploration of shorter, self-contained stories that may not fit within the confines of a full season. This anthology format also opens the door for revisiting other iconic locations from the AHS canon, such as Elsa Mars’ Freak Show or Camp Redwood, offering endless potential for future tales of terror.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in the AHS Saga
American Horror Stories marks a new era for the American Horror Story franchise. While it may not replicate the magic of the original series in every aspect, it provides a fresh perspective and expands the universe in exciting new ways. With its weekly release schedule and anthology format, American Horror Stories promises a constant stream of horror, ensuring that fans will always have something to fear. Whether you embrace it as a worthy addition to the AHS legacy or view it as a separate entity, American Horror Stories undoubtedly offers a thrilling ride into the darkest corners of Ryan Murphy’s imagination.
