Anna Victoria Alcott's (Emma Roberts) journey in American Horror Story season 12 delves into a haunting tale right from the start. Balancing aspirations of stardom and parenthood is a nightmare for her due to fertility issues. The collaboration of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk in AHS has consistently impressed audiences, with AHS: Delicate evoking both admiration and frustration among its fans.
Even the renowned horror writer Stephen King, known for his works like It, Pet Semetary, and The Stand, is an avid follower of American Horror Story. His endorsement of the midseason finale of American Horror Story season 12 in fall 2023 confirmed that this season holds a cliffhanger that is both unforgettable and spine-chilling.
Stephen King's Reaction to American Horror Story Season 12's Mid-Season Cliffhanger
Following the mid-season finale of American Horror Story season 12 in November 2023, Stephen King took to X to express his thoughts on the episode's cliffhanger. In his post, he highlighted:
The tweet from Stephen King is a testament to the fact that the cliffhanger in American Horror Story season 12 is perhaps the most riveting one to date. The conclusion of episode five, "Preech," sees Anna confronted by her publicists with a tough question: Does she prioritize winning an Oscar over embracing motherhood? Although she affirms her Oscar ambition, viewers sense her untruthfulness. Subsequently, the American Horror Story season 12 mid-season finale cliffhanger unfolds: actress Babette Eno's tragic demise in a car crash and a disturbing phone call from Sibhoan Corbyn (Kim Kardashian). The implication that Sibhoan might be linked to Babette's death, or worse, the perpetrator, sets the stage for the forthcoming episodes, intensifying the tension between Anna and Sibhoan.
When fans dissected King's tweet on Reddit, opinions varied. Some believed he lauded the season 12 part 1 ending of American Horror Story, while others felt his frustration at the unresolved storyline and unanswered questions from AHS: Delicate. It's plausible that the celebrated horror maestro appreciated the show's tradition of captivating cliffhangers, tinged with occasional disappointments.
Given Stephen King's history of endorsing prior American Horror Story seasons, his deep investment in season 12 is unsurprising. In January 2014, he commended AHS: Asylum for its eerie finale, showcasing his enduring affinity for the series.
The Most Riveting Moments in American Horror Story Season 12
Several unforgettable instances punctuate American Horror Story season 12, with none more unsettling than the revelation hinting at Sibhoan Corbyn's potential involvement in Babette Eno's demise. Another pivotal moment occurs when Anna Victoria Alcott's husband, Dex Harding (Matt Czuchry), discovers his mother, Virgina Harding (Debra Monk), lifeless. This jarring episode from the midseason premiere of American Horror Story season 12 in "Opening Night" stands out as one of the most shocking deaths in the season, adding to the prevailing ominous and eerie ambiance since the series' inception.
Another gripping yet disturbing scene unfolds in the same episode, as Anna contemplates quitting acting and faces a startling slap from Sibhoan, who asserts society's expectations for women to sacrifice their careers post-parenthood. This moment underscores the season's exploration of personal and professional dilemmas and hidden truths even from loved ones.
Lastly, in episode 4, "Vanishing Twin," Anna's act of bringing in a deceased raccoon, dressing it in infant garments, and nurturing it takes center stage. While the season's second part premiere unveils significant revelations, this raccoon episode holds significance. Parallel to Anna and Sibhoan's interaction, it underscores the season's central theme of motherhood versus career, leaving a chilling impact akin to encounters with iconic American Horror Story villains like Twisty The Clown and The Rubber Man. Although the season finale promises visually striking and terrifying moments, nothing matches the macabre sight of Anna's unconventional nurturing of a raccoon.