American Horror Story, the 8th chapter in the hit anthology series created by Ryan Murphy, will return to FX on September 12th and, as is usual, we’re being bombarded by daily clips and teasers designed to establish mood and stoke curiosity. We’ve already featured the first full trailer forApocalypse, along with a complete breakdown; in addition to elements of Armageddon, imagery suggests the end of humanity will coincide with a nuclear war and the arrival of The Antichrist. Today, we’ve got a new poster and another teaser, both of which reinforce speculation that thespawn of Satanwill feature prominently.
First, we’ve got a birthday cake-of sorts. It’s actually an ominous, dour face that’s as pasty as white frosting, hair covered in purple wax. The fingers are held out menacingly, and each is capped by a purple candle, dripping rivers of wax. While there’s nothing childish about the poster, the connection to a new birth comes from a new teaserAmerican Horror Storyproducers released on Instagram: while it’s purposely fractured by static, there’s no missing the baby bottle with thick, almost black blood percolating from the nipple. Together, they effectively establish dreadful ambiance sure to pique the curiosities of new and returningAmerican Horror Storyfans alike. Check out the poster and teaser at the bottom of the article.
While details are still mostly nebulous, we know thatAmerican Horror Story: Apocalypseis a crossover/mash-up of Season 1 (Murder House) and Season 3 (Coven). Season 8 will see the return of former series mainstayJessica Lange, who departed the show after Season 4 (Freak Show). In addition to Lange, other confirmed cast members include series staples Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters, along with Taissa Farmiga, Lily Rabe, Stevie Nicks, Kathy Bates, Joan Collins, Cheyenne Jackson, Billie Lourd, Leslie Grossman, Billy Eichner, and Adina Porter; Cody Fern, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, and Kyle Allen have been announced as guest stars. You can read the synopses for Murder House and Coven below.
In Murder House:
“The Harmons face many conflicts going on in their new home; the primary one stemming from Ben Harmon’s adultery, and the subsequent fallout with his wife Vivien and daughter Violet. Other conflicts include the intrusive behavior of the neighbors, Constance and Adelaide, as well as intrusions from one of Dr. Harmon’s patients, Tate. A parade of mysterious visitors to their haunted home, including the scarred Larry Harvey make the first year of the Harmons in Los Angeles very dangerous. The house seems to have a vivid history, ranging from brutal murders to demonic manifestations, and it seems to have its own agenda.”
“American Horror Story: Coven tells thesecret history of witchesand witchcraft in America. Over 300 years have passed since the turbulent days of the Salem witch trials and those who managed to escape are now facing extinction. Mysterious attacks have been escalating against their kind and young girls are being sent away to a special school in New Orleans to learn how to protect themselves. Wrapped up in the turmoil is new arrival, Zoe (Taissa Farmiga), who is harboring a terrifying secret of her own. Alarmed by the recent aggression, Fiona (Jessica Lange), the long-absent Supreme, sweeps back into town determined to protect the Coven and hell bent on decimating anyone who gets in her way.”
ThoughAmerican Horror Story: Apocalypsewon’t be returning toFXuntil September, the series was recently renewed through Season 10, meaning we can expect the show to continue through 2020-at least! While few shows have managed to retain their core audiences andcultural relevanceafter more than half a decade (I’m looking at you,The Walking Dead) the anthology nature ofAmerican Horror Storymakes it incredibly adaptable and versatile.
