American Horror Story is back tonight and I mean really, really back. Your timeless stay at the Hotel Cortez will be something for the record books. If you are not pleased with your experience then feel free to write a review on Yelp, but they have a strict “no refunds” policy. Why the hell would you want to leave? American Horror Story: Hotel opens strong and I am optimistic that this season will be right on track with seasons 1-3. “Checking In” – “Detective and family man John Lowe investigates a chain of gruesome murders in Los Angeles. A mysterious tip points him to the enigmatic Hotel Cortez.” Written by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. Directed by Ryan Murphy. You are not going to want to miss the premiere of American Horror Story: Hotel tonight at 10/9c on FX.
American Horror Story: Hotel takes you to familiar territory with its luscious visuals and robust characters. All of your senses will definitely be slapped and tickled. The soundtrack advances the story perfectly. Ryan Murphy is scoring some big points with the music in Scream Queens and now this season of American Horror Story. Scream Queens is worth watching for the music alone. I’ll always say yes to some Corey Hart and Wham! American Horror Story: Hotel goes darker and deeper and it intensifies every scene. She Wants Revenge provides the music for one of the more profound scenes.
The episode opens with a couple of guests checking in. Iris (Kathy Bates) isn’t too pleasant or accommodating. You’ll find out more about her soon enough. I will tell you that you definitely don’t want her manning the blender at your party.
New Girl’s Max Greenfield takes on an interesting look for his stay at the hotel. He’s just as amazing as his hall-walking music. Right on!
Sally (Sarah Paulson) sees something that she likes and goes for it. Sally is a mystery. She has Pris’ (Daryl Hannah) hair from Blade Runner.
My favorite part of Freak Show makes his debut in Hotel, Mr. Wes Bentley. Wes plays Detective John Lowe. He has a complex past and an uncertain future. The first time you meet him you see a bit of CSI: Miami’s Horatio Caine, but that quickly passes. When Lowe goes to Hotel Cortez to investigate a tip, Liz Taylor (Denis O’Hare) hits the nail on the head when Lowe is sized up. I hope we get a lot more scenes with Lowe and Liz. Just the two of them walking down the hallway together was a thing of beauty. Denis and Wes are brilliant actors. Props to Denis for showing those shoes who the boss is.
Lady Gaga plays The Countess. I know that some people were hesitant about her being a lead, but I have to tell you she does a spectacular job. She knows exactly who her character is and she embodies her flawlessly. Don’t get me started on her gorgeous wardrobe. Wait until you see that red coat. There is so much behind her character.
Matt Bomer plays Donovan. He has a scene straight out of a Prince video. Donovan has a lot in common with The Countess. Their chemistry is unmatched.
The premiere really sets things in motion. I can’t wait to find out more about all of those twisted folks and meet some new ones. Character development has always been the strong point of this series. Some of the films that I thought of while watching the premiere were The Shining, The Amityville Horror, and 1408. There were a few elements in the episode that brought me back to those films. Several scenes would also work as stand alone music videos. I really loved the premiere. It was well done in every single aspect. Don’t miss the season premiere of American Horror Story: Hotel tonight on FX.
American Horror Story: Hotel airs Wednesday nights at 10/9c on FX.