You can check out anytime you like, but you can NEVER leave.
Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk Original release date: October 7, 2015 - January 13, 2016 for FX. Now streaming on HULU.
For all the complaining that we do about the lack of cohesion within the American Horror Story seasonal plotlines, AHS: Hotel is everything we anticipated and hoped to find from the American Horror Story franchise and so much more. Feeling like the Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk (Nip/Tuck, Glee) duo and the writers have finally worked out the fine tuning in their storytelling that truly manifests on the screen.
AHS: Hotel tells the story of the Hotel Cortez, from the construction through present day. Connecting the entire cast of unsuspecting guests to not only the Hotel Cortez but to its ageless occupant, The Countess. Seeing Lady Gaga’s name in the opening credits was almost enough to not bother with AHS: Hotel at all. We are survivors of the Madonna and Who’s That Girl (1987) debacle; holding firm to the “never again” credo wholeheartedly. Our will to persevere paid off, because AHS: Hotel is definitely NOT a musical.
There seems to be one actor each season that just brings it in such a way that, no matter who they are portraying, we find ourselves emotionally invested. AHS: Hotel was no different. Denis O’Hare (21 Grams) as Liz Taylor is, by a long shot, our most beloved character yet. Watching this man's journey into womanhood and her acceptance of her true self, unapologetically, left us speechless. Kathy Bates (Arthur 2: On the Rocks) as Iris, a mother desperate for her son’s love. Iris will do whatever it takes to get that love, too. Angela Bassett (Vampire in Brooklyn) as Ramona Royale, who will get her revenge no matter who or what may impede that task. Liz, Iris and Ramona’s exploits are those women usually don't voice out loud. Matt Bomer (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning) as Donovan, Iris’s son. Donovan thinks it’s “love”. Finn Wittrock (Halloweentown High) as Tristan Duffy, the newest “flavor” in the long line of playthings for The Countess. Expecting the true affections and nothing less. Lady Gaga (Machete Kills) as The Countess/Elizabeth Johnson. The Countess keeps control of the Hotel Cortez with her blood soaked machinations. Cheyenne Jackson (Smile) as Will Drake, the (allegedly) bisexual fashion mogul and current owner of the Hotel Cortez.
Evan Peters (Sleepover) as James Patrick Marsh. Mr. Marsh is a characterization of H. H. Holmes portrayed with a dignity befitting such a villainous person.Wes Bentley (American Beauty) as Det. John Lowe arrives at the Hotel Cortez unable to see that everything he’s been searching for is right in front of him. Chloe Sevigny (The Brown Bunny) as Dr. Alex Lowe, grieving the loss of her favorite child. What sins would Alex commit for the possibility of being with Holden again? Shree Crooks (Stephanie) as Scarlette Lowe, John and Alex’s daughter. What Scarlette stumbles on will change the course of the Lowe family's future, forever. Lennon Henry (Between the Pines) as Holden Lowe, John and Alex’s son just disappearing into thin air. Sarah Paulson (Serenity) as Sally McKenna, a junkie looking for love in the most fucked up, ridiculous, dirty, ghost infested places possible. Mare Winningham (Wyatt Earp) shines brightly as Miss Hazel Evers, Mr. Marsh’s loyal housekeeper. There is not a stain or spill Miss Evers cannot clean up, with flair and enthusiasm to boot! Not to mention, Gabourey Sidibe (Seven Psychopaths), who appears suddenly with a resounding strength no one expected. (We aren't gonna tell you who Ms. Sidibe is portraying because seeing HER as this character made both of us cheer.)
AHS: Hotel uses the Hotel Cortez as a character in itself. Loosely based on the H. H. Holmes Murder Castle that was built in Chicago, Illinois in the 1890s. Over 220 suspected murders took place within the Murder Castle's walls, the horrific stories still retold well into the present. Chef’s kiss weaving together the endless grotesque lore that tickles every horror fan’s heart just so. The brilliance using the actual Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles, California brought us back completely to each fantastic bygone era; always longing for what was, or what should have been. The attention to detail throughout AHS: Hotel left us gobsmacked. The nostalgia is real, making us even more sympathetic to each character’s plight. There were tears and everything.
Final Thought: AHS: Hotel is just brilliant. Best season yet.
