AHS 1984: It’s Episode 2 And Things Finally Get Interesting

In a very weird, sexually tension-filled scene, we watch camp owner Margaret Booth befriend serial killer Richard Ramirez and ask that he protect the camp from Mr. Jingles. Not only does this moment set up a future showdown between the two serial killers, it also revealed how layered Margaret is. Like everything else in this season, Margaret isn’t exactly who she seems to be, confirming that she’s probably not someone the counselors should trust.

Margaret and the Night Stalker vs. Mr. Jingles

The season introduces a whole new element beyond the current real-life events, when it is reveals that the lost hiker is actually from the 70s and was presumably a victim of Mr. Jingles.

So now you’re left to wonder, is he a ghost? A result of a time-loop wormhole? This twist made the episode far more interesting and made this hiker a sympathetic character I wanted to root for.

The first twist of the season

In this episode we learn that Xavier was being blackmailed for doing a gay adult film, by a man who helped him overcome his addiction and homelessness. This scene was well acted, especially by Cody Fern, who gives Xavier the vulnerability I thought he lacked in the first episode. We also learn that Brooke was engaged and on her wedding day, witnessed her crazed groom murder their wedding guests. The incident left Brooke feeling like she is cursed; a magnet for tragedy and death. These unique backstories gave these characters more depth beyond their archetypal roles.

The second episode of AHS 1984 picks up a few minutes after the events of the last episode. Brooke gets a scary message from a mystery-caller after she picks up the phone that’s not supposed to be ringing, and again, no one believes her when she tells them about it. However, things change this episode when the gang finds a dead body and finally agree that that Mr. Jingles’s is indeed at the camp. They try to hightail it, but of course, this doesn’t go to plan and the episode ends on a cliffhanger, with each group of counselors warding off a serial killer threatening to burst into their cabins and murder them.

This episode was a step in a better direction and makes me hopeful that there will be more to this portrayal of the 80s slasher genre. I still can’t shake the feeling that what we’re seeing isn’t entirely what’s happening, and it remains unclear if these are indeed illusionary tricks. I guess i’ll have to keep watching to get that answer. For now, here’s what I thought about the episode.

Warning: spoilers ahead!

Things I liked about the Episode

We Finally Got Backstory To Some Of Our Characters

That counselors tried to escape

We all know horror films alway feature a cast of dumb teens or young adults that decide to investigate what’s happening instead of running at the first sight of danger. Thankfully, these characters didn’t fall into the same stereotypical trap and made an effort to get out of there as soon as they could. I really appreciate that the show is attempting to subvert expectations in some regards.

Things I didn’t like about the episode

There’s really no One to root for...

Even with their backstories, it still didn’t change the way I felt about these characters by the end of the episode. I just can’t root for any of them because they’re all unlikeable to me…and maybe that’s always been the intention. I guess what gives me pause is just how duplicitous they are.

Like Brooke, for instance. She seems shy and fragile and yet she can kick ass and escape not one, but three violent attacks (by two separate serial killers). Brooke also seems smart; she tells the gang that summers have “higher murder rates” because people leave their windows open, only for her to do the stupidest thing and sleep underneath an open window and an unlocked door. They set her up as this very sensitive, scared, traumatized, yet smart girl, and yet she has the confidence and strength to fight and escape three violent attacks, while also being too stupid to avoid walking into danger.

I know irony makes for interesting conflict, but in this case it just makes me question whether these characters are this way on purpose and the truth will be revealed later, or if this just inconsistent character building.

Final Thoughts

For now, I’m currently not rooting for anyone’s survival at this camp, but I’m not waiting for all of them to get hacked to death, either. I’m just waiting for the big reveal that will get me fully invested in the season. So far, the possibility of that looks promising.

What did you think about episode 2? Leave a comment below!

Hi! Shantal here. I’m a writer and a storyteller. I created Shantal Writes to share my experiences with writing fiction. I also provide new writers with tips, tools, and writing advice. I hope you find something helpful while you’re here!