I was never a child scared of clowns, because, being into the horror genre from an early age, they always held a macabre fascination for me. I had two framed oil paintings of clowns, hanging on the wall in my childhood bedroom, back in Highland Park, New Jersey, and they never bothered me one bit.
Having just caught a bit of "Freak Show:American Horror Story," I can tell you I was captivated by Twisty, The Clown. Poor Twisty. He, Pepper, Bette and Dot (both played by the wonderful Sarah Paulson!!!!!!!!!!!) just cannot get a break. They are persecuted, instead of extolled for their differences.
Twisty just wants to be friendly. He wants to share his juggling pins with folk, even if it means knocking them over the head with one. And don't let his ghoulish appearance fool you, we all know he has a heart of gold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't wait to see more of Twisty. And learn more of his back story. And, most especially, Pepper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But, when are we going to see Lily Rabe, as Sister Mary Eunice???????????
Will be delivered to your eager hands as soon as the season ends in January, RQ! Until then, try not to watch random bits out of order: while "Freak Show" isn't nearly as cohesive (or incomparably brilliant) as "Asylum," what meager payoff it does offer relies on chronological viewing.
ReplyDeleteTo fully appreciate the backstory revelations of Elsa, Twisty and Pepper one really needs to slog thru the mediocre setup episodes (and alas the utterly gratuitous, misconceived, atrociously executed, tacked-on, pandering-to-senile-salivating-elderly-queens "Dandy" storyline).
The most recent episode before the holiday break gave the backstory of the entire Freak Show, and our heroine Pepper in particular. This marked the brief return of (pre-demonic-possession) Sister Mary Eunice, who admits Pepper to Briarcliff following the retroactive plot threads from Asylum.
By far the best-written and best-acted episode of the season, definitely in the top three of the entire series run. Naomi Grossman's near-silent, heartrending portrayal of Pepper deserves all the accolades being heaped upon it this week.
Tho sadly, the actress is too obscure (and too unattractive) to pass muster with todays incredibly shallow Tumbl'r-driven awards committees. She totally earned an Emmy, but likely won't even be nominated.
I cannot wait to see the whole thing. I am surprised by how much David loves this. "Asylum" was too much for him, but he seems able to handle this!
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