Wow. What more can be said about last night's "American Horror Story: Asylum" episode "The Name Game?" Not only do we get to see Francis Conroy return as the Dark Angel, but we also get two surprise deaths that completely change everything. Throw in two reunions and a wacky dance number, and you have got one heck of an episode. So what happened, well read on to find out.
Warning: This article contains spoilers from last night's episode.
The Good Sister Returns (for a moment)
Monsignor Timothy is alive, and now with a mission from God (well, according to the Dark Angel.) He must rid the asylum of the Devil who currently resides in Sister Mary Eunice (Lily Rabe.) After a failed attempt that ended with Timothy losing his virginity to Eunice, he runs to Jude (Jessica Lange) for guidance. Jude, however, has just had her brain fried and isn't much help. That is, until she hears about what Eunice did to Timothy, and instructs the Monsignor to kill the evil nun. His final confrontation with the devil brings out the real Eunice, who begs to be free since she is tired of fighting. Timothy obliges by throwing her over the stairs, leaving the Dark Angel to pick up the two entities within Eunice's body.
Monsignor Timothy was never one of my favorite characters, since he always seemed a bit too naive, but his last scene with Eunice was very well done. The shock of Eunice dying was a also a terrific choice, however I can't help but feel slightly cheated out of a showdown between Eunice and Jude. Of course, this is "AHS," so you just never know.
Dr. Arden, We Hardly Knew You
Okay, to be fair to Dr. Arden (and James Cromwell), the idea of someone who was such a monster getting a shot at redemption was a brilliant choice. However, because his motivations were never really that clear to begin with (unless something was missed), his death seemed a little cold. Gotta hand it to Cromwell, since he really did give it his all. Not only was Dr. Arden taken down a peg by Pepper (loved her speech about how the aliens were laughing at him), but he caught his beloved Sister Mary Eunice deflowering the Monsignor, which pushed him over the edge. He kills his monstrous creations and tries to take his life, but cannot bring himself to do it. That is, until he asks the Monsignor to allow him to cremate Sister Mary Eunice, where he jumps on top of her while slowly sliding into the fire.
A very powerful moment, and one that was just as shocking as the death of Mary Eunice. Too bad about the raspers though; so much potential just wasted.
You Work Where Now?
You didn't really think Oliver (Zachary Quinto) would stay away, did you? Nope, Thredson is back and is now employed at Briarcliff. Luckily for Lana (Sarah Paulson), he plans to keep her alive until after she is done breastfeeding the baby they made. He still wants the tape Kit (Evan Peters) made of his confession, and after finding Grace (Lizzie Brochere) giving birth, he finally has a way to get the upper hand. But Lana outsmarts him, keeping Kit and company alive (at least for the remaining episodes.)
The Name Game
Poor Jude. Not only does Sister Eunice seem to taunt her at every turn, she now has the power to give her electroshock therapy. The high voltage fries Jude to the brink of complete insanity, but also allows for a moment of escape. This leads to a brilliant and colorful dance number to "The Name Game," which was actually kind of fun to watch. Things get so dreary in asylum that any type of joy is a blessing. However, once reality (or is it) comes back, we realize just how bad Jude has become. Don't count Jude out though, especially since she has enough sanity left to inform the Mother Superior about Lana.
A Clue for Season 3
Ryan Murphy stated he placed a clue for season 3 in tonight's episode. From what I gather, it might have to do with either the song Sister Eunice picked from the jukebox, or the book Oliver found instead of the tape. What do you think?
What did you think of "The Name Game"? Are Arden and Eunice really gone? And what about the aliens? Do they have a point yet?
"American Horror Story: Asylum" airs Wednesdays on FX. For a local listing in the McAllen or San Antonio area, click here.
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