James Wong

Over the past few weeks, Freak Show had been finally appearing to move somewhere. Dandy was establishing himself as the season’s definitive antagonist, Jimmy’s love triangle with Maggie and Imma was bizarre but intriguing, and Bette and Dot’s relationship was becoming a suitable emotional core. This week’s episode, “Orphans,” only briefly (and unsatisfactorily) addresses the latter two conflicts, and it entirely ignores the former.

Despite having a premise that would appear to push the high camp of this season even further, “Edward Mordrake (Part 1)” features some of the most touching and genuinely emotional moments seen in the season thus far. Though the elements of camp are certainly still present, “Mordrake” sees the season moving into more emotionally resonant territory.

American Horror Story Review, Season 1, Episode 10, “Smoldering Children” Written by James Wong Directed by Michael Lehmann Airs Wednesdays at 10:00 pm ET on FX Warning: Spoilers There’s very little to complain about in “Smoldering Children.” The wonderfully directed episode is a highlight of the season that wraps up several mysteries, moves the plot …