AHS: Roanoke stitched together the Mott family tree with the introduction of Evan Peters’ character, architect Edward Philipe Mott.
AHS manages to grab big names for small roles. “Chapter 5” marks the debut for veterans Evan Peters and Frances Conroy, while also giving a Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals, a moment in the spotlight.
A biographer by trade, Goodwin spins the historical tale of Edward Mott and his lover Guinness. Retreating to the woods of North Carolina, Mott built the cursed home in which to live a life of sin and admire his prized possessions — his paintings. The tunnels were not for the safety of the occupants so much as the facilitation of an emergency evacuation of the two-dimensional portraits.
“Chapter 5” continues to spin a web of historical stories, hauntings, and, of course, more narratives delivered to unseen producers.
We’ll take any opportunity to bask in the glory of Evan Peters playing a period piece within the context of AHS. However, “Chapter 5” once again set down the path of a twisted backstory that took away from the urgency of the overall story.
Regardless, with this chapter of the Butcher’s story nearing completion, the exposition portion of the series can finally take a backseat. Let’s take a look at what we learned.
- Sarah Paulson has some incredible vocal chords. Not only does she yell “Flora” over and over and over again, she still has the stamina to scream for nearly half the episode in fear and pain.
- Flora is going to need some serious therapy. Pizza and a motel bed are not enough to erase that child’s memory.
- Have you ever gone through a haunted house and said, “Wow, I really liked the story they were trying to tell!” AHS is a haunted house. We’ll talk about the creepy contortionist girl, but just like the random dead bride in every haunted house, we won’t ask where she comes from or why she is important.
- The Polk family has an arrangement with the Butcher. Each year the family provides the Butcher with a sacrifice to consecrate the land and they can continue living without interference.
- Oh, the Polks are not afraid to eat human meat. RIP for real this time, Elias.
- The Mott fortune was not the only inheritable item in Edward and Dandy’s family line. Social anxiety, the need to feel watched over, and the sense of ownership over people also made its way through the ages.
- The best tantrum is a Mott tantrum.
- The Butcher’s quota for her annual slayings began with Priscilla, went through Mr. Pig, a slew of hunters on the land, Edward Mott, and the entirety of her village. Cricket did not count.
- The entire gang came out to play in the final stunt at the house. But not everyone felt inclined to follow the Butcher.
- It took the sacrifice of a child for the Butcher’s army of undead to turn on her. But what good does setting the dead on fire do in the grand scheme of things?
- The special episode of My Roanoke Nightmare draws to a close as the family begins to smile once more on camera and relax.
The Roanoke story we’re used to seeing is complete. The cameras are turning around and the producers, including Cheyenne Jackson, are taking control of the narrative. Is this story truly over or is it only just beginning?
Goodwin and Shelby echo the sentiment that no one in their right mind would return to that house. Is that where Jackson’s character is taking us? Are we going to spend one more night under the full moon?
It will be interesting to see if they keep Paulson, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Angela Bassett around now that we are making the switch from reenactment to reality. I hope the entire cast finds a way to make it into the new chapter of the narrative.
Watch AHS: Roanoke “Chapter 6,” Wednesday, October 19 at 10:00 p.m. ET on FX.