Octoberfest Five: 5 Favorite Villains Of American Horror Story

by Marie Robinson

With the fifth season of American Horror Story under way, I’d like to revisit my five favorite villains from the previous seasons. What’s funny about AHS is that no character is truly good. Almost everyone in the show is a terrible person, but we love them because they are so deliciously evil. I started this out as a list of my favorite AHS characters, but I realized that all my “favorites” were the baddies… What can I say?

Oh yeah, and I would advise NOT reading this article if you aren’t familiar with the series, as there are SPOILERS!!!!

 

Dr. Oliver Thredson (Asylum)

Played by the amazing Zachary Quinto, Dr. Oliver Thredson is cool, collected, and dangerous. This renowned psychiatrist is brought in to Briarcliff to see if Kit Walker (Evan Peters), who is pinned as serial killer “Bloodyface”, is fit to see trial, or if he should be declared insane and forced to live out his days at the asylum.

The kind, understanding, and professional Dr. Thredson that Lana Winters (Sara Paulson) comes to know is all a carefully maintained façade, and poor Lana is forced to discover that he is the true Bloodyface. Thredson is a well-established murderer who has the most horrifying trait a serial killer can have: sanity. That means that there is no excuse for the depravity of this man. He’s a fucking psychiatrist, for god’s sake; he knows the ins and outs of people’s minds, and he sure as hell knows right from wrong. He is a cold-blooded killer with a passion for flesh.

I don’t know about you, but I did not see this one coming in the series. It wasn’t until Lana was in his house that I was like, “Oh, shit”. Part of this is great writing, but most of it is Quinto’s incredible performance. He is such a precise actor, and breathes life into his characters, even if they are people we don’t necessarily want alive. Not only was Quinto’s performance compelling, but Thredson’s character was complex, and is another character that can be filed away with fictional killers inspired by good ole Ed Gein. There’s a mix of other serial killers in there, as well, Ted Bundy being one that stuck out to me, but Bloodyface, and the man behind the moniker, will always stand out to me in a league of his own.

Marie Laveau (Coven)

Taking the name of a real historical figure, Marie Laveau (played by the badass and beautiful Angela Bassett) is the voodoo queen of New Orleans. While she is known to help people, it is either for her benefit, or for the price of loyalty. Beware to anyone who stands in her way or crosses her, for she has the power of black magic on her side.

Marie has many enemies, and most of her “friends” are dead or demonic. She has been alive for centuries, but at a terrible cost. She sold her soul to a Haitian God named Papa Legba, who keeps her in the realm of the living in return for soul of an innocent—usually an infant; she’s even offered up her own.

She and the tortuous Madam Delphine LaLaurie (Kathy Bates) have been at war ever since the latter killed Marie’s lover, Bastien. Ever since they have been exacting sinister revenge on one another, and not even death and dismemberment can end their historical feud.

I love a woman in power, and Marie Laveau is a queen, feared and respected. She is powerful, independent, lethal, and at times, even kind. I may not hold a grudge like Marie, but there are a few reasons to look up to her. And can we get Angela Bassett’s secret voodoo recipe to aging gracefully?

Constance Langdon (Murder House)

Tate gets enough love from troubled teens everywhere (just kidding I love him too), but in the question of nature vs. nurture; it’s a lose-lose with a mother like Constance (Jessica Lange). She is cold, unloving, and narcissistic enough to keep producing one fucked up child after the next. 

Her first was a poor deformed and mentally disabled creature named Beauregard (Sam Kinsey), who, despite being kind and friendly, was smothered to death because of his “repulsive” appearance. The second was Addie (Jamie Brewer), who graciously warns all away from the Murder House, but naturally to no avail. Constance is verbally abuse and manipulative to Addie, calling her a “pretty girl” when she’s good, and locking her in a room full of mirrors when she is bad. And then, of course, there’s Tate (Evan Peters); the murderous psychopath who stalked through the halls of his high school with a shotgun before committing suicide by force when confronted by a SWAT team.

Even though she probably fucked up all her kids with her perverse idea of parenting, she just can’t let ‘em go. That’s why she holds the “murder house” property across the street so dear. Well, it was once hers, but mainly why she covets it is because her children’s souls are trapped there, and so she may visit their ghosts whenever she gets that maternal itch.

Her final sin was seeking out and taking the only living twin born from her son’s rape of Vivien Harman (Connie Britton), which happens to be the freakin’ Antichrist. Of course.

Constance is that bitch you love to hate. She’s a snarky motherfucker who tells it like it is, and says what’s on everyone’s mind. She’s also a fucking train wreck that we just love to watch burn. The talents of Jessica Lange will sorely be missed in Season 5.

Sister Mary Eunice (Asylum)

Poor Sister Mary Eunice (Lily Rabe) started out as the sweetest, most innocent nun in all of Briarcliff. Until that time she got possessed by the devil. Now she is one bad mamma-jamma.

All joking aside, I think Lily Rabe’s transformation from one character to the next was seamless and totally convincing. Her character as the devil-inhabited nun quickly became one of my favorites. Especially because, even though it wasn’t her choice, she sort of got even with those who had abused and taken advantage of her as an innocent, like Sister Jude and Dr. Arden. It was hard to remember that there was a sweet little nun underneath that cool and confident demeanor; after all, Satan is the Master Deceiver, right? And, if we’re being honest with ourselves, the devil is pretty cool.

Dandy Mott (Freak Show)

Freak Show has probably been my (and everyone else’s) least favorite season of AHS, but I do just LOVE the character of Dandy Mott (Finn Wittrock). 

Wealthy and spoiled rotten, Dandy was raised by an overprotective but detached mother (Frances Conroy) who covers up her son’s homicidal habits. Dandy is possessive, manipulative, arrogant, and worst of all, charming. 

Dandy’s character fascinates me because I do think you can find a lot of complexity in him, but the main reason he’s on this list is I found him incredibly entertaining. I think he was the most exciting character in the season and Wittrock’s energy-driven performance was just a blast to watch. I’ll be looking forward to seeing him in other seasons.

Octoberfest Five: 5 Fab Men of Current Horror TV

The Creature - PENNY DREADFUL

While there are a plethora of really interesting characters on Showtime's ode to Victorian horror literature, when pressed I would have to choose the mournful and melancholy - yet extremely dangerous - John Clare, a.k.a. The Creature (Rory Kinnear).  His torturous existence by the hands of Dr Frankenstein has brought him nothing but confusion, sadness, and hardship.  Fitting into the world when you are essentially a monster has not been easy for our Mr. Clare, but there have been wonderful "normal" moments, particularly when he ound a friend in Miss Ives, reciting poetry and commiserating together about the cards they have been dealt.  The clarity of his anguish is ever-present, which makes his character one of the most intriguing and magnetic on television today, regardless of genre.

Bennet Drake - RIPPER STREET

Ripper Street is the one show you're not watching, but should be.  Set just a year or so after the Jack the Ripper case, it surrounds detectives working the Whitechapel beat, trying to deal with the sordid and horrific memories of the Ripper while attempting to keep up with the current state of dismal life in Victorian London.  With impressive performances from its three male leads, it was tough to choose one to highlight. But I feel the layers of Detective Inspector Bennet Drake (Jerome Flynn) make him the most interesting character of the lot.  As a former street thug who boxed his way into paying his rent and was married to a former prostitute,  he was devastated when his wife died.  Hence he rededicated himself to his career and tries to be the voice of reason of the three partners.  But sometimes that fails him and he has to take matters into his own, rough hands.  Falling in love again has helped steer him back on track, and his promotion in H Division has finally found him peace. He really is one to watch.

Daryl Dixon - THE WALKING DEAD

I'd be remiss if I forgot Daryl, and though he seems like a really obvious choice, I have to give credit where credit is due.  Daryl somehow ended up being the heart of TWD.  Fans adore him, enough to threaten anarchy if he were to be killed off.  With his trusty crossbow on his back, Daryl started out being a nasty redneck unsure of whether or not he wanted to fall in with the group and stick together. But once his brother Merle is killed off by zombies, he starts to come out of his shell and becomes a vital member of the core assembly of misfits fighting the walking dead.  These last few seasons we have witnessed true emotion from Daryl, as he grew close to Beth and lost her, and his almost inevitable relationship with Carol unfolds.  Brutal when he has to be, mysterious when he needs to be, and dependable - always.  For me, it's true when they say "If Daryl dies, we riot!"

Norman Bates - BATES MOTEL

I simply can't believe how much this show has grown on me in the last few years.  Psycho is one of my favorite movies (sitting at #2 with me and going nowhere soon), and Norman Bates is my favorite character in horror, hands down, so to expect a lot from another series plucked from Robert Bloch's masterpiece novel is asking quite a bit.  But the casting in this show is sublime.  Freddy Highmore as Norman is a revelation.  At this point of the series, he has everything down - the straight-backed walk, the nervous laugh, the stuttering speech, the uptight and agitated personality...and now he is morphing right into Anthony Perkins, with the last few episodes being his best yet.  When he does things like peeking into one of the motel rooms as someone takes a shower, hanging out in the basement perfecting his taxidermy, or when he gets up and makes blueberry pancakes at the ass-crack of dawn - in his mother's housecoat...he is Norman personified.  And I can't wait to see what's next!!

Tate Langdon/Kit Walker/Kyle Spencer/Jimmy Darling/James March
AMERICAN HORROR STORY

It may be a secret, but I'm letting the cat out of the bag.  I love Evan Peters. From the first season with the show playing a tormented and eventually homicidal teenager to his most recent turn on the Freak Show incarnation as "lobster-hands" Jimmy Darling, he transforms himself into someone different. Someone who always seems to have a heart of gold.  Even when he shoots up his high school in Murder House, he is still able to find love with the young Violet Harmon and shows an affectionate, yet melancholy side to his persona.  It's hard not to fall for the young Peters, able to warp into totally diverse characters and charm his way into our hearts. Even though he is seemingly playing a version of a monster in each season, you can't take your eyes off him in every scene - he's magnetic.  I can't wait to see how all the colors of his personality shine in AHS: Hotel.

TV Heats Up With Horror: Coming Attractions Autumn 2013

~ by Marie Robinson

I don’t know if it is just me, but it seems like there are a lot more horror series on at one time than ever before. Which is excellent for us! Here’s the scoop on some of the upcoming October television programs that are shot with a darker lens…

THE WALKING DEAD
This immensely popular, critically acclaimed zombie-thriller series returns this October for its fourth season on AMC. Based on a graphic novel, The Walking Dead has received insane amounts of success, including multiple award nominations and even a possible spin-off. There will be two new cast members joining the ranks this season—Christian Serratos (Twilight Saga) will be playing Rosita Espinosa, and Larry Gilliard Jr. (The Wire) will be playing Bob Stookey.
In anticipation of the upcoming season AMC has released several clips and still from episodes to come, as well as some teasers, promo posters, and glances behind the scenes. You can find most of this stuff by heading to The Walking Dead’s page on AMC’s website, HERE.

And here's a sneak peak:

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: COVEN
This October FX’s American Horror Story is returning for its third season. One of the things that sets AHS apart is that each season has it’s own individual storyline, and although a handful of the actors repeat (Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe), their characters change. The upcoming season is called Coven and focuses on a school for witches set in New Orleans.
American Horror Story is known for their innovative and breathtaking promotions, in teaser and poster form. You can watch all the spooky teasers and clips HERE at FX, and LTV has been kind enough to gather all of the posters as well as some on-set shots; check that out HERE.

And the teaser:

SLEEPY HOLLOW
Two weeks ago FOX launched their brand new series Sleepy Hollow, starring Nicole Beharie and Tom Mison. The show finds Washington Irving’s classic tale set in the modern day, as Ichabod Crane (Mison) finds himself in the present to help save the world from its demise.

Off to a strong start, Sleepy Hollow airs Mondays at 8 p.m. Central.
 HERE  is the show’s official website where you can check out all the tidbits as she series progresses. If you are like me and have yet to begin watching, why not start with the promo below?

WITCHES OF EAST END
Lifetime’s new show, Witches of East End will premiere October 6th. The plot concerns a woman and her two daughters who are about to find out a nasty little trait they inherited from their elders—witchcraft! Based on a best-selling novel by Melissa de la Cruz, Witches of East End looks like an updated Charmed with a lot more sex appeal. I could get into it.
Check out photos and video clips at Lifetime’s website.

DRACULA
Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors) will star as Dracula in the new NBC series premiering October 25th. Other classic characters such as Mina and Van Helsing will also be on the show, which takes place in late 1800’s London, where the Count has come to exact revenge on those who made his life a living hell all those many years ago.

NBC’s website only has a few photos, but Bloody Disgusting posted an article with character sheets, a poster, and a promo. Check it out HERE.

WiHM: Our Favorite Female Roles In Horror, Day 1

Today we start our Women in Horror posts focusing on some of our favorite female performances. Once again, Marie and I are both going to choose seven of our favorite performances in horror, two for each day with a total of fourteen.  I have spotlighted female performances before, with several relevant posts over the last four years or so.  In fact in February 2010, I shone the spotlight on over 28 female villains in horror, so don't forget to check that out if you haven't already.

But I tried to pick different women to drop the spotlight on, which isn't really that hard because there are a ton of fabulous women out there doing exemplary work. 

We're starting out with two of my picks, as Marie is a little under the weather. She'll be back later in the week, but for now I think you'll agree these two are currently giving consistently great horror television performances.

JESSICA LANGE (American Horror Story, AHS: Asylum)

I had to start out with Jessica because I am just so in awe of her talent.  An Academy Award winning actress (Tootsie, Blue Sky), Lange started out in horror (and in acting in general) in 1976's King Kong.  And even though she's played women of all types in her career, I love her best when she's doing crazy (Frances, Blue Sky, Hush). And in American Horror Story, she does crazy so goddamned well.

In season one (a.k.a. American Horror Story: Murder House), Lange portrayed Constance Langdon, a suppressed housewife and neighbor to the Harmon family in the so-called Murder House. She comes over unannounced to the house on various occasions, spouting off words of wisdom in particular to Vivien Harmon (Connie Britton).

Constance has a daughter Addie (Jamie Brewer) who has Down syndrome and rather bad manners, and a son Tate (Evan Peters) - a disturbed teenager who we later find out (SPOILER ALERT) is responsible for shooting up his high school, and is actually dead.  He later rapes Vivien while wearing the infamous 'rubber suit'.

Constance is always consulting her psychic for advice, and is told Vivien is pregnant with twins, one of them being Tate's son and the future Anti-Christ.  Yikes.  How's that for a bumper sticker: "My grandson is the Anti-Christ!"

Constance makes life difficult for the Harmons over the course of the season, forever warning them that bad things happen to those inhabiting the house, and at the end actually ends up with one of Vivien's babies after she (and and one of the twins she was carrying) dies during childbirth. The series ends with Constance scolding her grandson for murdering his nanny.

Set in 1964 (as well as in present day), season two (American Horror Story: Asylum) has Lange playing Sister Jude, a nun in charge of Briarcliff Mental Institution.  This is where Lange shines even brighter than in the first season.  Sister Jude's cruelty is evident in the first several episodes, when she -among other ghastly deeds - commits a completely normal (non-psychotic) woman to the asylum just for being a lesbian.

 As the season progresses though, we see several layers to Sister Jude's character, all masterfully depicted by Lange. We see Sister Jude as Judy Martin, a woman destroyed by guilt for a past that included a young girl being killed by her reckless drunk driving.  She becomes a nun for this reason but after discovering that the girl really didn't die in the accident, seems to think that it was God's plan all along for her.  She then decides to set in motion a plan to eradicate the evil in the asylum, in particular a Nazi doctor, a corrupt and lecherous nun doing the devil's work, and the Monsignor trying to preserve the asylum's many secrets.  Unfortunately, Sister Jude is herself committed to the institution, and her collapse into mental oblivion is an utter joy to watch. 

I really can't say enough about Lange's performances in the first two seasons of American Horror Story, and just knowing she will be starring in season three is enough to keep me up at night wondering about the brilliant possibilities.

For now though, I will have to be content to relive her fantastic success (she is the winner of multiple awards for her work on AHS, including a Golden Globe, SAG, and Emmy) by watching such clips as this one, with Sister Jude/Judy Martin in all her crazy, psychotic goodness:

Deborah Ann Woll - True Blood

Somehow on True Blood, all the female focus seems to be on the ever-present Sookie Stackhouse.
And while I'll agree Sook is a fun character (and Anna Paquin does a fine job portraying her), I think there's another fantastic female that deserves more than a passing nod.

Deborah Ann Woll has been playing Jessica Hamby since 2008, when Jessica was added to the cast after Bill's punishment for killing another vampire resulting in him having to turn a human to a vampire to replenish their "stock", so to speak. 

Only 17 when turned, Jessica had many lessons to learn after becoming a vampire, not the least of which was that she couldn't just bite anyone she wanted.  At first devastated by her new undead status, Jessica slowly turned a corner when Bill, as her maker, really took a special interest in her and treated her like a daughter - which is still their relationship to this day.  She quickly began to love her life as a vampire, seeing as how her previous life had her repressed and cowering to her God-fearing parents. Now there was no more church, no more rules, no more abusive father.  She was free to do whatever she wanted. Within reason, of course.  Enough of Bill's lingering humanity brushed off on Jess so that she was not too evil or too unapproachable.

Woll's take on the Jessica character is a layered one, running the gamut of emotions.  Pleading for her life before Bill effectively killed her, her youth and innocence shown through, making it nearly impossible for Bill to continue with the change. But when she adjusts to her new life, she certainly has a lot of fun, throwing caution to the wind and letting out the sexy Jessica that was hidden up until then.

When she and Hoyt Fortenberry became a couple, we saw Jess try really hard to make it work. Attempting to live a "normal" life (her normal being making a hidey hole in their new home to sleep in, and having to cook food for Hoyt when she can't eat) took a lot out of their relationship, as they were always trying to overcome the obstacles of an inter-species love affair.  When it ended, it ended badly.

This past season saw Jessica at her most appealing and entertaining best.  Because Bill was made King of Louisiana after dispatching Queen Sophie-Anne, Jessica considers herself a sort of vampire royalty because she is his progeny and more like a daughter to him. 

She has parties at the mansion, falls head over heels with Sookie's brother Jason, bonds with new vampire Tara then has a knock-down battle with her, learns vampire etiquette from Pam, and tries to make Bill understand that his infatuation with Lilith is bogus. 

Jessica's character isn't even in the source material (the book series by Charlaine Harris), but in my opinion she is a refreshing addition to the True Blood world. She's sassy yet emotional, is completely captivating and let's face it, downright sexy!  I very much look forward to her work in the upcoming season of True Blood in June!