Though drastically-bizarre for mass audiences while often unscary in betrayal of its series title, Freak Show is a psychologically-stylish carnival-study with a masterful Lange performance, milky Jupiter FL setting, and clever self-worth themes. 7.1/10.

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Plot Synopsis: Jupiter, FL; 1952. A story of performers and their desperate journey of survival amidst the dying world of the American carnival experience is chronicled in AHS’ 4th season.

*Possible spoilers ahead*

Review: Though drastically-bizarre to the point of turning off many mass audience demographics and often-times un-scary at all in stark betrayal of its premise/title, Freak Show is a sophisticated carnival-study that completely understands the psychological fascination for millions of the circus. Adorned with a masterful Lange saviorishly-decadent French-accented performance aided by its recurring star-studded advanced cast, wildly-impressive make-up/costume design making the unimaginable look Emmy-worthily realistic, a phenomenal location setting in milky Jupiter FL tropics juxtaposed with golden-hued tents, and heart-warming themes of stardom-searching by less-than-desirables and social acceptance of those societally-discriminated against merely for being different out of their control (sometimes over-referenced to the point of self-congratulatory obnoxiousness sure, but an important, emotionally-resonant message) – with of course one horror angle in the now-infamous nightmare-haunting Twisty The Clown – S4 respectably pushes the envelope going for elegance and variative ambition/ballsiness in trying something completely new and intellectual/visceral over simple scares (it could’ve had a few more of for a complete package).

Official CLC Score: 7.1/10