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American Horror Story: Cult

Cult is the seventh season of American Horror Story. It’s actually a solid season that progressively got better later on.

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“Lesbians, we’re under attack!“

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Yes, at first I was really irksome about this season. Not only does it follow politics so closely in the aftermath of 2016 US Presidential Election, but it also took obvious sides against Trump and for Hilary. It’s progressive to the extreme and downright simplistic, and thus childish in a lot of its dialogue.

However, while the first half of the show started very weakly, the second half became so much better to the point that it became actually entertaining, incredibly fun and suspenseful television. I find its villains great, and its twists and turns are some of the best of the entire show. The horror elements are lacking, but it excels as a thriller for sure.

Let’s talk about the characters. What I liked about this particular season is the lesser number of characters and that led to a lot less messy season than usual as well as better focus and character development. Chaz Bono is quite good in his crazy role, Colton Haynes plays such an interesting, confused gay man and Adina Porter is fine once again.

Billie Lourd and Cheyenne Jackson are both pretty good in their roles, but the highlights are of course the lesbian couple played so well by Alison Pill and especially Sarah Poulson who here gets to truly shine in a complex, powerful role. This character was genuinely unpredictable and she had a real journey in terms of her arc. I loved her, but yes, this relationship was very toxic for better and for worse.

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But Evan Peters is another standout in what is one of his greatest roles on this entire show. His Kai Anderson is such a crazy character, but it works because he is never too over-the-top and he’s genuinely smart which led to an actually competent, terrifying villain. I bought his cult throughout, I loved his manipulations and I found Evan’s acting fantastic.

Overall, Cult is actually a solid season. Yes, it’s aggressively one-note politically speaking and in terms of its messages with the feminism angle being incredibly forced. The first half was quite problematic in that regard. But the second half was so much better, more entertaining and genuinely thrilling which led to an overall satisfactory season which ended on a high note.

Worst Episodes: Holes and Mid-Western Assassin.

Best Episodes: Winter of Our Discontent and Drink the Kool-Aid.

My Rating – 3.6