American Horror Story is dark, disturbing and sometimes all round terrifying. From brutal asylums to crazed cannibals, the hit show ticks off just about every horror checkbox there is. Every now and then, however, Ryan Murphy slips in an artfully jarring, colorful scene or musical number that reminds us he is the brilliant mind that brought us Glee long before he created the nightmare inducing series. Here are 5 of those moments.
The Name Game
The musical number in “The Name Game” episode of Asylum is quite disturbing in context. Out of context, however, it’s an absolutely banging musical number and brings the whole cast together in colorful outfits for an absolute show stopper.
Elsa’s “Is There Life on Mars?”
The setting of Freak Show is louder and brighter than any of the previous seasons. Elsa’s rendition of David Bowie’s “Is There Life On Mars?” is a subtle indication that Jessica Lange would later go on to work in theater and Murphy has a soft spot for musical numbers.
Seven Wonders
Stevie Nicks’ appearance in Coven was a wonderful surprise and her return for the season finale was welcomed. The music video of the girls preparing for the seven wonders trial while Stevie Nicks walks around in a top hat is a fun break from the darkness.
I Can Feel Your Heartbeat
The scene in Roanoake where The Patridge Family sing a romantic ditty right before a brutal murder occurs is a comically twisted break from the non-stop slaughter of the series.
Checking In
Lady Gaga’s entrance scene is one of the coolest moments of the series. Her and her gorgeous vampire partner seduce a mortal company to the sound of “Tear You Apart” by She Wants Revenge. It’s all very theatrical.
