AHS: 13 — Confusing Chaos or Devilish Deal?

American Horror Story's 13th season, premiering September 24, has launched with its most incoherent debut to date, according to critics. The anthology series, co-created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, struggles to establish a clear narrative, despite its ambitious premise of resurrecting presumed-dead characters to combat an unclear existential threat. Early episodes suggest a pact with the devil, but the lack of clarity diminishes the perceived stakes.

This season attempts an "Avengers"-like feel, but its execution borrows heavily from Marvel and even its own past seasons, specifically 'Apocalypse.' The narrative prioritizes fan service, featuring brief cameos from beloved characters. Jessica Lange's return as Constance from 'Murder House' is a significant element, as she guides her son Tate in an endeavor involving the Black Dahlia and a speakeasy potentially acting as a portal to hell.

Constance also takes on the role of a caregiver to an ailing Mr. Nas, a Nosferatu-like figure. Her path intersects with home-hospice worker Ben, who is grappling with triskaidekaphobia. Ben's journey begins with a plane crash on Friday the 13th, a seemingly ominous event that aligns with a prophesied 'harbinger of doom.' Lange's performance provides a grounding element amidst the disjointed storytelling.

The series touches on themes of elder care as horror but fails to explore them. Instead, it focuses on assembling a cast of acclaimed actors, including Angela Bassett and Kathy Bates, for increasingly nonsensical plots. This reliance on familiar faces and vague allusions to dark pacts has led some to believe the actors are trapped in a loop of diminishing returns within Murphy's universe, leaving viewers feeling as though they are in a unique kind of hell.