This week on American Horror Story: Freak Show, Episode 2 “Massacres and Matinees” has brought us deeper into the lions pit and introduced us to the new Dell Toledo Aka the strong man and with him his lady-man, three breasted wife Desiree Dupree. We see hints of Emma Roberts making an appearance in later episodes with the sneak of next week’s episode as well.
“Massacres and Matinees” really brings into question who are the real freaks in AHS as we see the ugly side of those without the quirks of the freak show cast. Over spoiled Dandy Mott shows us a darker side to his twisted personality as his mother brings Twisty the clown home as a present. Aside from the Motts we also witness to a history between Dell Toledo and Ethel Darling; hinting at the parenthood of Jimmy Darling. Ethel and Dell’s confrontation brings forth a glimpse of flash-backing and we see that even with all the bravado and hostility between the pair (not to mention the sheer hatred oozing from Dell towards Jimmy) Dell does seem genuinely affected by the past and the Darlings; though we will have to see the story arch expand before we make too eager assumptions as it appears that this season will have more twists and turns than any previous season.
Speaking of the shows white knight; we see Jimmy’s heavy desire to be included and considered normal and you have to give the character kudos for attempting to make those around him no feel so much like ‘Freaks’. His actions cause conflict to arise between him and Dell however, which causes a massive backlash; resulting in a shocking twist and a heartbreaking ending. We also learn that Dell might be ‘The Strong Man’ but he’s not all brawn, there’s smarts too.
The Siamese twins Bette and Dot have their first show and we witness the true singing abilities of Dot and the jealousy that arises from both Bette and Elsa, with their song number giving hint to Dot having a bit of a crush on the shows Lobster boy and a possible conflict later in the series as there has been leaking of a romance between Evan Peters and Emma Roberts characters. Perhaps expanding on the ‘freak’ desire to be ‘normal’ as Emma Roberts character shall be a normal girl in appearance but with foreseeing powers and not two headed like the poor girls Bette and Dot.
We come to see that the members of Elsa’s cabinet of curiosities will do just about anything to keep one another safe and even Elsa herself isn’t beyond doing whatever she deems necessary to progress. Jimmy attempts to get rid of Dell and Elsa uses Bette’s disappointment in lacking the talent that her sister has to manipulate her and cause what may eventually be a massive rift between the inseparable sisters.
“Massacres and Matinees” has definitely given the viewers a lot to think about in regards to what has happened, what will happen and what the characters of this colorful season will truly be like; are some freaks on the inside as well as the outside? Are those that seem normal really not? And what really is ‘normal’? Be attentive with this season; I feel as though there will be a lot of little hidden tidbits as we eventually lead up to the finale.
Review Score: FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
American Horror Story: Freak Show airs in Australia on Eleven.
———-
