American Horror Stories Season 2 Episode 1 Review: Dollhouse
American Horror Stories returns with Season 2 Episode 1, “Dollhouse,” and in returning, tells the audience that it is still finding it incredibly difficult to be its own entity.
Sure, the last-minute mentions, the last names that allude to relatives in the AHS Universe (AHSU?) can be fun. Still, at some point, it feels like American Horror Stories is simply leaning on its predecessor because they’re not sure enough about their stories.
Unfortunately, “Dollhouse” falls into that category, even if it happens at the very last second.
Hello, Dolly!
“Dollhouse” jumps right in when Coby Dellum (who threw those letters together to form a name), played by Kristine Froseth, is kidnapped by Mr. Van Wilt, played by the indelible Denis O’Hare.
Then, in a small but noticeable way, American Horror Stories doubts the audience’s intelligence by telling us exactly what’s happening, when, and why.
There are no context clues to decipher because as soon as they’re introduced they’re being explained to us.
Understandably, Coby does need to be told these things, as she’s the new one here, but it feels more “reading from cue cards,” than “fearing for our lives.”
Though the script feels clunky, the acting from the “dolls” almost entirely makes up for it.
I Don’t Want HEA’s, I Want Horror
Obviously, a majority of horror movies nowadays, and even in the past, have been dead set on giving their characters (who survive) a happily ever after. That’s great!
Except when it’s not. At this point, especially with American Horror Story proper and now the spinoff, these happy endings don’t feel earned at all.
Perhaps this is just me grappling with having to see a woman dumb enough (albeit, caring enough) to go back for the literal murderer’s son.
The fact that she comes out of it being saved by witches from — you guessed it! — Miss Robicheaux’s Academy, should be interesting and fun, but instead, it comes with an eye roll because of course Coby is saved and of course it’s by witches.
This isn’t to say the story itself is bad, but American Horror Stories has always branded itself as a spinoff. If they keep allowing stories to be resolved, to surround places and events they’ve already done, how is it different than just rewriting Coven?
Allow Yourself to Be a Real Spinoff
When you consider spinoffs that are popular right now, you think 9-1-1: Lone Star, Station 19, FBI: Most Wanted.
The good thing about each of these shows is that they don’t rely entirely on already built locations and people to help push them along.
Sure, there’s the odd episode where there are crossovers, but American Horror Stories has gone from being its own entity to being completely dependent on American Horror Story proper.
It’s disappointing because though the tie-ins are sometimes very cool, I’d also love to see some original stories. Some original horror stories.
Stray Thoughts
- When the subtitles read “distorted clock ticking,” I audibly said “OK Vecna.”
- Is Mr. Van Wirt a horrible person who deserved death? Yes. Is he also kind of iconic for building an entire house based on a doll house? A little bit!
- Coby promising to be that little boy’s mommy was something I never expected and something I’d like to never see again.
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What did you think of this episode of American Horror Stories? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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American Horror Stories releases new episodes Thursdays on Hulu.
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Laura Wanberg
Laura is a homebody who loves everything about TV. Some of her favorite shows include Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Parks and Recreation, and The Morning Show. With her ever-growing list of new shows to watch and books to read, her favorite thing to do is to cuddle up with her cat and get lost in someone else's world.