American Horror Story: Double Feature Review: Inside (Season 10 Episode 8)

American Horror Story: Double Feature Season 10 Episode 8, “Inside,” reveals more of the backstory on the aliens of Death Valley.

“Inside” does remarkably well explaining vital information, unlike Season 10 Episode 7, “Take Me to Your Leader.” The 1950-1960s storyline continues to blow the present timeline out of the water with its storytelling. The backstory is where the promise is and where Death Valley is excelling so far.

The premise of the government signing a treaty with aliens for peace is an amusing one that keeps viewers hooked. The spinning of past American events can be a hit-or-miss type of situation, but AHS hasn’t missed it just yet.

This fresh twist on a classic story that has been re-told time and time again is superb. This time around, the aliens need to work with the humans to save their species from extinction. It’s an interesting spin to watch play out, but it also begs the question: why a peace treaty? Why do the aliens have to work with the government to keep their race alive?

If the aliens wanted to do so, they could abduct as many civilians as they wanted without question. They have the firepower to take down whoever gets in their way. Instead, they are trying to prove that they come in peace, somewhat, and want to establish a relationship. Personally, I find that small detail quite interesting. What are the aliens ulterior motives to getting in cahoots with the American military? What drives them to not pick a fight when they can clearly win? 

The chemistry between Sarah Paulson and Neal McDonough is radiant. At first, there is no indication, besides her marital status in the first introduction, implying Mamie will play a major role in the season. But, after “Inside” and her autonomy being removed via the aliens, I suspect she will enact revenge somehow.

One confusing aspect of the alien body snatching is how prevalent it is. Mamie, before the alien kills its last host, is for the alien treaty. She pushes Ike to work with them and not allow them to take their inventions to Russia.

So, has Mamie been possessed the entire time, or are her viewpoints simply a plus for the aliens when they pretend to be her? Hopefully, Ike poses this question to the aliens before the end of the season. 

With all of that being said, there is significant improvement story-wise for the present, thankfully. However, it’s no thanks to the main four, it’s all thanks to the introduction of Leslie Grossman and Angelica Ross’s characters. The two of them are by far the best things about the current timeline, and I doubt that changes. 

In fact, the introduction of the two into the AHS world, in general, has been fantastic.

Grossman and Ross are both well-versed actors that understand the assignment every single time. Even when the characters their portraying aren’t written well, they give it their all and it’s noticeable. This is something that the AHS universe needs as it continues to grow and lose its main attractions. With the rumors of Sarah Paulson not returning after Season 10 it would be a nice change to see these two take the lead in an upcoming season. 

Other Thoughts:

• Lily Rabe continues to be done dirty this season with her death on “Inside.” She has a tremendous potential storyline, but it’s clearly cut prematurely due to the lack of episodes in the season. I need one season where Lily Rabe is the main focus and she isn’t dealt a crappy hand. 
• Angelica Ross’s makeup is absolutely phenomenal; I almost couldn’t recognize her. We know nothing about her character at the moment, but I think that she may be the first successful alien hybrid baby to be birthed. 
• Calico plays as if she’s friendly, but something feels off about her. Besides Steve Jobs, which is a weird cameo, Calico is the only one in the room who doesn’t seem to be pregnant. It might be too early to call, but I have a strong feeling that Calico is not as innocent as she seems.
• I am not enthused with the new set of actors this season. Their acting is not up to the standards that American Horror Story has, so I hope that they aren’t considered for major roles in the upcoming season afterwards. The AHS universe has a remarkable list of talented actors, so it would make sense to make them mains in the future. 

Favorite Quotes:

• “Can you believe the ‘New York Times’ says adults across the country are starting to celebrate birthdays? And all because of me and the ones I throw for myself.” – Mamie
• “Ignorance is bliss, sweetheart. Sit down, trust me.” – Calico 

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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