The season three finale of “American Horror Story,” FX’s hit anthology horror television series, did not disappoint. A new supreme rose to power and few fan favorites died.
The season premiere of “American Horror Story: Coven,” brought in 5.54 million viewers. Newly-added actresses Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett and Gabourey Sidibe helped the third season of American Horror Story become one of the better seasons so far.
“Coven” took us into a school that opened in New Orleans to teach witches descended from Salem, Mass. witches how to defend themselves. The Supreme of the Coven, Fiona Goode, portrayed by Jessica Lange, has returned to keep the coven safe. Her daughter Cordelia, portrayed by Sarah Paulson, teaches at the school. Most of the season is about the rivalry between the witches and the voodoo practitioners lead by the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, portrayed by Angela Bassett. This introduction of the voodoo practitioners introduces grudge between Marie Laveau and serial killer Delphine LaLaurie, portrayed by Kathy Bates.
The usual twists and turns that American Horror Story is famous for left us with Marie Laveau, Delphine LaLaurie, and even Supreme Fiona Goode dead. This is where the season finale picks up, with the Supreme newly dead, Cordelia and Myrtle Snow, portrayed by Frances Conroy, set up the Seven Wonders. The Supreme is the only one who can pass the test of the Seven Wonders. The test is comprised of telekinesis, concilium, pyrokinesis, divination, transmutation, descensum, and resurgence. Madison Montgomery, portrayed by Emma Robers, Zoe Benson portrayed by Taissa Farmiga, Misty Day, portrayed by Lily Rabe, and Myrtle Snow die during the episode.
After being pushed by Myrtle Snow, Cordelia decides to participate in the Seven Wonders. It is revealed that she is the supreme of the coven. She brings Zoe back from the dead and then has Myrtle, by her own wish, burnt at the stake. She ends the episode by opening the Coven back up to all girls who think they may be witches.
This was one of the best episodes of “American Horror Story” I have seen. The way the show was able to wrap everything up and bring the entire season full circle was amazing. Though I was disappointed in the death of Madison, I knew “Coven” would kill a fair share of the cast. Madison brought humor and wit to the show. She was also very manipulative, which generated a love/hate relationship with her character.
The mother-daughter theme throughout the season was finally brought full circle in a very cool way. Fiona Goode, the all-powerful supreme, had finally lost her power to her daughter and had to face fear and death as a normal, mortal human being.
I loved the choice of Cordelia as supreme of the coven. Her leadership and faithfulness to the coven, along with her awakened abilities make her the perfect choice to lead the new generation of witches.
Since the voodoo practitioners are dead and the witch hunters are dead, it seems with Cordelia at the helm the witches will be safe.
The one big issue I had with the episode was the ending. It was way too happy. How did a series with so much darkness and death, end with such a happy note? I wanted it to end with either everyone dying or only the Supreme stay alive. Other than that, I have no complaints with the season finale.
“Coven” was an amazing “American Horror Story” season with an awesome season finale that left me amazed, shocked and satisfied all at the same time.