American Horror Story: 1984 (Season 9) (2019)

The latest season, Season 9 of the horror anthology series American Horror Story that centered on a different tale of horror for each season, has just concluded. Just when I was feeling a bit weary of the series from its disappointing last two season, Season 9's "1984" helped saved the day. In fact this is probably one of my favourite if not THE favourite season for me. This feat is accomplished despite the absence of many of AHS's big name regulars like Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Katy Bates, Lady Gaga, Sarah Paulson or Angela Bassett. It proofs to show that star power is not necessary if you have a great cast, excellent story and a fresh original style. Plus we still have the beautiful Emma Roberts taking on a major character.

1984 as the title suggests, pays tribute to the pop culture of the 80's and all those 80's horror slasher movies. AHS made full use of this rich background to the maximum from the spot on costumes, behaviour, language and of course the music. The first few episodes were already unique in that it appeared to be running on real time as it follows the perils of a bunch of half brained teenagers trapped and terrorised by a serial killer (or maybe killers) on the loose in a haunted retreat camp, Cape Redwood. We have the expected exaggerated and very gross and disgusting kills depicted throughout the season but hey, isn't that what AHS fans are here for? These kills were done mostly tongue in cheek and as a throw back to the 80's. As the season progresses, we are transported back and forth the timeline to provide juicy backgrounds to the initially one dimensional characters, and how the plot progressed beyond the year 1984. What really stood out for me in this season is the consistency in which each episode never fails to surprise and entertains with its ever witty script, and the wonderful performances of the entire cast.

Two actors stood out for me in particular .. Leslie Grossman as the eccentric Margaret Booth and John Carroll Lynch as the menacing Mr Jingles. Leslie Grossman have a much bigger role this season compared to the previous seasons and we are all the better for it. I love the way she delivers her lines and she always comes across as one crazy but hilarious bitch. Leslie Grossman is a revelation! He starts off seemingly bland and one dimensional but by the end of the season, the range of emotions displayed and his performance is award worthy.

Finally, the season dares to be different and does something unexpected for its ending that no horror movies or series has done. (Slight spoiler ahead ....). Not everybody dies at the end as one might have expected, and on top of that, the story actually concluded with a happy ending that seems so natural and befitting the story. I am not ashamed to say that the sweet ending even managed to bring a tear in my eye. No, that is definitely not something I expected from a gross-out horror series. A big thanks to film makers Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk for sharing their vision and creativity with us and making this season such an unforgettable fun ride. With the season just concluded, those of you who haven't yet seen this can have the added bonus of being able to binge watch the entire season without having the endure the agony of waiting 7 days for each episode to continue like I did.