American Horror Story: Double Feature Review: Blue Moon (Season 10 Episode 9)

American Horror Story: Double Feature Season 10 Episode 9, “Blue Moon,” continues its rushing theme and attempts to entice viewers further.

Death Valley‘s concept is fun because it gives a horrific twist on events in real life. However, there is not much pleasure because of how rushed everything is. With the proper character development, Death Valley could be the best American Horror Story season. But, there is nothing to connect the audience with the characters involved, past or present.

Without any character build-up, there will never be any emotional connection with the viewers. Aliens are a concept American Horror Story fans have been asking for since Season 2 ended in 2013. So, to give fans a rushed, sloppy version of what they’ve been asking for since 2013 seems like a slap in the face.

The lack of material and storyline development is one of the most detrimental pieces to the season.

As I’ve said before, there should have been better planning around a season featuring two main storylines. Ten episodes are not nearly enough and never will be. A minimum of eight episodes is a must for enough time for a proper story to unfold.

There would be far fewer issues if American Horror Story: Double Feature were running a sixteen-episode season. This season feels entirely too much like American Horror Stories, and whatever the issue is, it needs resolving before Season 11. Sadly, not even Sarah Paulson is saving Death Valley.

The jumping back and forth between different time periods in the first half is erratic, making it slightly easy to get confused. However, whether it’s the feel aimed for or not, the constant little one-liners throughout the episode are enough to warrant anything besides a chuckle.

Instead of being this dramatic, suspenseful series viewers are used to, Death Valley has turned into a semi-comedic sitcom-type story. Besides the exploding of heads, the first half of Death Valley has lost its scare factor.

The present timeline has been a dumpster fire of a situation since the beginning of episode 7, “Take me to Your Leader.” The introduction to Calico and Theta can only do so much, especially when Theta is given barely any coverage.

With the season finale only a week away, there’s no telling how Red Tide and Death Valley will intertwine. But, at this point, there won’t be any shock if there is no connection between the two. If it happens, it’ll more than likely come out that Death Valley is Harry’s screenplay from Red Tide.

Other Thoughts:

• Marilyn Monroe’s character would be a hit in a season that gives her the proper amount of screen time.
• The gay couple wanting a baby trope, classic. While I generally appreciate gay storylines and representation, I can’t get into Cal and Troy’s relationship. I don’t care that the alien baby comes out part squid and kills Troy, sorry.
• With Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Stanley Kubrick, and another Steve Jobs namedrop, it’s clear these characters are only thrown in for shock value. They have no natural substance to them, which is why mentioning them at all feels like a misstep and waste of time.

Favorite Quotes:

• “Thank you for listening. It’s nice to reminisce with someone other than Steve Jobs.” – Calico.
• “By the way, he loved my fudge.” – Mamie.

What did you think of this episode of American Horror Story: Double Feature? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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American Horror Story: Double Feature airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on FX.

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