American Horror Story returns with its third season titled 'Coven' and delivers a well executed blend of southern gothic horror and teen drama. Coven stars Jessica Lange as Fiona Goode, the current supreme (leader) of her coven who is trying to extend her life as she feels the power draining from her; Sarah Paulson as Cordelia Foxx, Fiona's estranged daughter, Taissa Farmiga as Zoe Benson, a young girl who has just learned she is a witch; Kathy Bates as Madame Delphine LaLaurie, an immortal brutal slave owner; and Angela Bassett as Marie Laveau, the witch who cursed Delphine.
Coven is another season that has fans split on how they feel about it. In my opinion Coven is an extremely strong season of the show and creates a unique experience. From a technical stand point this is another season where Michael Goi continues to shine with his cinematography. He manages to take the typical AHS charm and apply it to a southern gothic feel creating a feast for the eyes throughout the entire season. The writing is excellent, with great twists and character development, and the cast handles the material very well.
It would be hard to review Coven without discussing the overarching theme of this season being the state of racism in the United States. This topic is hit very hard with scenes of Delphine trying to come to grips of a new world she has been thrown into where her views on race are no longer overtly accepted by the majority of the country. A stand out is when a young witch Queenie, played by Gabourey Sidibe, forces her to sit through Roots in its entirety.
Coven holds a special place with me since it does deal with witches. The witchcraft is handled in a similar way to shows like The Vampire Diaries or The Originals, however, they give each witch her own unique power. A large portion of the season is dedicated to the search to find witch one of the girls is the new Supreme as Fiona is slowly dying, witch culminates in a unique set of trials called The Seven Wonders. It's a refreshing departure from a lot of witchcraft in media showing a structured hierarchy unique to the show's universe.
The subplots are superb, the dialogue is witty and memorable, and the production is charming. All of this makes for a strong effort and wonderful season.
I give American Horror Story: Coven 4 out of 5 cauldrons!
Stand out episodes include:
Directed by Jeremy Podeswa
Written by Jessica Sharzer
Directed by Michael Uppendahl
Written by Douglas Petrie
Directed by Howard Deutch
Written by Tim Minear
Directed by Bradley Buecker
Written by Jennifer Salt
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