AMERICAN HORROR STORY: APOCALYPSE “The Morning After” (S8E2): Suspicion & Shame Loom As Old Characters Return

What began as a slow burning episode quickly descends into suspicion, shame and further confusion – and not just for viewers. Now don’t get me wrong, slow burning by no means describes this episode as boring. As each element of “The Morning After” is carefully laid out, the construction of this episode’s storyline is gripping, its intrigue maintaining your attention until the very end – where you will unfortunately be left with more questions than answers.

Coven is not the only thing slithering within Outpost 3

As Emily (Ash Santos) prepares for bed, presumably the same night as Michael Langdon’s (Cody Fern) arrival to Outpost 3, she is alarmed as her candles are snuffed out, and the door of her armoire swings open. Cautiously, she inches closer, slowly opening the other door, terrified to discover a snake coiled amongst her hangers. As members of the outpost respond to her screams, it is revealed not one but several snakes have emerged – providing a radiation free protein for the survivors. Dinner is prepared, and to the disgust of many, served for consumption. To everyone’s surprise and horror, when they remove the lids of their soup bowels, the snakes remerge, as though no harm had come to them.

It was exciting to see the introduction of the snakes, as this intro to the episode was also the further inclusion of Coven. Snakes were a vital element within the witchcraft and Voodoo that both secs of magic partook in. It is an eerie, yet exciting detail that foreshadows the expectant arrival of the coven, as well as the potential dangers that are to follow.

Yet, Coven is not the only element slithering into the lives of the survivors. Michael Langdon’s arrival to Outpost 3 has definitely heightened the tension within the subterranean compound, breeding an atmosphere of fear and suspicion amongst the inhabitants – specifically the elite “purple” class. Revealing the dire situation the Outpost and the Cooperative are in, Langdon informs the group that there is a sanctuary they can escape to, with no possibility of being overrun by the mutated survivors outside. Unfortunately, not all will be allowed, requiring a test be undertaken to select the most worthy of the group.

I was intrigued to hear of this “sanctuary” where only the chosen could escape to. Immediately, the Murder House was the first place that came to mind. It is located in California, and the house would be a great barrier from those who would threaten it. The ghosts have been known to protect their home, while adding to the caged souls within. Possibly, he could also be alluding to a place where the coven is located, whose magic could provide protection from the nightmarish world outside. It also could be the devil luring the elite to hell – anything is possible.

“So you’re in to Leather”

Mr. Gallant (Evan Peters) is the first to voluntarily undergo Langdon’s tests. With the beginning of the test, the episode felt as though it had transitioned to become a very Gallant centric episode, with everyone else’s story providing fillers – though not wasted filler I might add. While Langdon tries to reach the depth of what shames Gallant, the relationship between him and his grandmother (Joan Collins) more strained than anyone could have realized, sexual tension begins to stir between the two. Many will find excitement as they hear Langdon ask Gallant, “So you’re into leather.”

With Rubber Man from Murder House featured in the trailer, the reference will have many keen eyes looking for his inevitable appearance. Thankfully, fans of the series will not have to wait long as he makes his first appearance in the room of Gallant, bringing his anonymous seduction from season 1 into the sanctuary of Outpost 3. Yet, it is not just Gallant he has his eyes on.

His appearance leaves many questions as to the possibility of him being there. First, is he real or is he an illusion? Is Tate Langdon (Evan Peters) once again the man behind the latex suit – which would be eerie as Gallant and the Rubber get fairly intimate. Remember, both Gallant and Tate were both played Evan Peters – yup, let that possibility sink in for a moment. I have begun to wonder if Murder House is above the sanctuary, its entrance just outside, which could explain the reappearance of the Rubber Man. While this seems like a far-fetched theory, anything is possible in American Horror Story.

Stevie Nicks Returns

Well, kind of. She does not appear in person as Instagram photos of the Coven cast have alluded to – not yet anyways. But she does have a very vital role within this episode, both literal and metaphorical. Gallant sits in the common room in solidarity, his suspicions and hatred stirring within him. The radio plays “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce on repeat. This song in itself has been a representation of the end, the survivors saved in Outpost 3 and the unending time they endure. Thankfully, the song changes, a drastic call to attention not only because it is the first time it has changed in awhile, but because the music seeping from the speakers is the magically inclined voice of Stevie Nicks.

Coven fans rejoice. Murder House fans were given their first real taste in today’s episode, and so have you. “Gold Dust Woman” by Fleetwood Mac fills the room, just as the mystery man in leather reappears. Gallant follows, unknowingly entering into something he may not come back from. “Did she make you cry, make you break down, shatter your illusion” can be heard as Langdon overcomes his inner weaknesses, potentially changing the dynamic of his characters forever. As the scene concludes, “And is it over now, do you know how, pick up the pieces and go home” can be heard, leaving many to wonder if what they saw and what they heard means Gallant has passed Langdon’s test. Is he worthy now? Can he go home?

Is this the Perfect Illusion?

With the finally moments of the episode, and a big reveal surrounding the nature of Miriam Mead’s (Kathy Bates) character, many will be left questioning the entire season all together. In these last moments, I was drawn back to my favorite shot from episode 1 “The End“, the atomic blast reflecting in the eyes of Coco (Leslie Grossman). Is everything as it seems? Is what we are seeing an illusion?

This seems to be a possibility in a variety of ways. The illusion of power, illusions created by the image of the Rubber Man, the illusion of the end, the illusion of the sanctuary or, even more far-fetched, is there a possibility that this is a demented science experiment designed to see the outcome of rats in enclosed space? There are so many things that run through my mind as I have watched each installment.

Final Thoughts

Thus far, the titles of each episode have literally been exactly what they state. “The End” was literally the end, the nuclear bomb, where “The Morning After” turned out to be literally the morning after Langdon’s arrival. With the next episode titled “The Forbidden Fruit”, this could literally be referencing the fall-out of the sexual deviants that had broken the house rules.

With only two episodes down, this has been one of the most intriguing episodes. There was so much to it, a vast array of groundwork laid out, while still developing characters with further depth and intrigue. I am not entirely sure where this season is heading and how it will add, as well as work with, the existing anthology, but I am excited to be along for the ride.

What are your thoughts on the latest episode of American Horror Story? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!