October 18, 2012

“American Horror Story: Asylum”: A Torturing, Lingerie-Clad Nun, and Other Seasonal Joys

Courtesy of FX

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American Horror Story: Asylum opens with a scene in which the lead singer of Maroon 5 and Channing Tatum’s wife break into a derelict insane asylum, and start having ridiculous honeymoon sex. During a spout of fellatio, the frontman of Maroon 5 is suddenly attacked by ogre, sending an arterial mist all over his bride’s face.

Channing Tatum’s wife screams accordingly.

The show then flashes back to the year 1964, when the asylum Briarcliff was fully operation, and run by Catholic nuns, hardened priests, and one mad scientist. The great Jessica Lange plays a fanatical, trash-talking nun in red lingerie who views mental illness as “the fashionable explanation for sin,” and likes to torture nosey lesbian journalists. Mixed in with the gore and darkness is an intriguing (if sometimes glib) examination of faith, mid-’60s social politics, and the limits of progressivism. Also, there might be anal-probing space creatures involved somehow. (For the record, this all comes to you courtesy of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, the guys behind the hit show Glee.)

These are things that appeal to me. If they appeal to you, as well, then you’ve found yourself a new cable-TV treat just in time for Halloween. This season of American Horror Story premieres Wednesday, October 17 at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

Here’s a TV spot to whet the appetite:

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