The Axeman Cometh

Another strong episode, introducing the real axeman into is kinda weird but in a way sort if kinda makes sense, overall great supernatural stuff in coven and I think its really well done

In 1919, the serial-killer The Axeman scares the population of New Orleans. When he orders the residents to listen to jazz music in a certain night, the young witches in the Academy decide to get rid of him. They listen to opera and when The Axeman comes to kill the listener, the witches join forces and stab him to death. In the present days, Zoe, Queenie and Nan use a Ouija board to learn what happened to Madison. The spirit of The Axeman is awakened and Queenie interrupts the contact; however, Zoe contacts him alone and finds the decay corpse of Madison. The trio interrogates Spalding, but he protects Fiona and says that he killed Madison. Zoe brings her to Misty Day and asks her to revive Madison. Meanwhile, Hank visits Marie Laveau and discloses the fate of Kaylee and others young women.

"The Axeman Cometh" is an interesting episode of the "American Horror Story", with new revelations. Zoe brings back the evil The Axeman that meets Fiona, who is with cancer. Zoe does not believe that Spalding killed Madison. The new power of Cordelia will probably disclose many dirty secrets in the coven. But the best part of the show is the revelation of who Hank is. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "The Axeman Cometh"

The sixth episode of American Horror Story: Coven, titled "The Axeman Cometh," directed by Michael Uppendahl and created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, injects a fresh layer of supernatural suspense and historical lore into the series. This episode skillfully blends gothic horror, intriguing mythology, and sharp character work, continuing to deepen the complex world of the coven while weaving in the chilling legend of the Axeman of New Orleans. "The Axeman Cometh" stands out for its fusion of period storytelling with contemporary supernatural intrigue, expanding the narrative's thematic and visual density.

The episode begins with a chilling flashback to 1919, dramatizing the real-life figure of the Axeman, a notorious serial killer who terrorized New Orleans. The voiceover by Danny Huston as the Axeman adds an eerie gravitas, setting up both the historical context and foreshadowing supernatural reawakening. The witches of 1919 are depicted banding together to kill the Axeman, showcasing the coven's historical roots and their blend of power and vengeance. This scene ties the historical murder mystery to the present-day magical conflicts of the season.

Returning to the current timeline, Zoe, Nan, and Queenie attempt to locate Madison Montgomery's missing body using a spirit board, leading to Zoe's tense and gritty encounter in the attic with the sinister Spalding, the coven's creepy butler. The search uncovers Madison's corpse, amplifying the mystery surrounding her death and resurrection. Meanwhile, Cordelia Foxx deals with her blindness and a troubled relationship with her unfaithful husband, Hank, who is revealed to be conspiring with Marie Laveau, played with commanding presence by Angela Bassett.

Michael Uppendahl's direction brings a rich, atmospheric texture to the episode, employing muted color palettes, shadowy interiors, and dynamic camera work to evoke a moody New Orleans ambiance. The episode balances suspenseful, horror-driven sequences, such as Zoe's interrogation of Spalding and the eerie manifestations of the Axeman, with quieter character-driven moments that probe themes of betrayal, power, and survival. The pacing is effective, maintaining intrigue while allowing audiences to connect emotionally with the characters.

The script by Douglas Petrie deftly weaves history, mythology, and interpersonal drama, exploring themes of legacy, violence, and power struggles both supernatural and mundane. The interplay between the witches and the voodoo practitioners highlights racial and cultural tensions, grounding the season's fantastical elements in real-world social dynamics. The dialogue sparkles with wit and subtext, especially between Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange) and Marie Laveau, whose simmering rivalry intrigues and captivates.

Performances are a highlight of "The Axeman Cometh." Jessica Lange's Fiona embodies regal menace and vulnerability, while Angela Bassett commands attention with her portrayal of the indomitable Marie Laveau. Taissa Farmiga's Zoe grows increasingly assertive and courageous, Emma Roberts's Madison remains provocatively dangerous even in death, and Gabourey Sidibe and Jamie Brewer bring their characters' distinct voices to the ensemble with memorable charm and intensity. Danny Huston's voicing of the Axeman adds chilling menace and period authenticity.

Key scenes that stand out include the witches' secret meeting to plot against the Axeman, Zoe's terrifying and claustrophobic attic encounter, the tense revelation of Hank's betrayal, and the episode's closing shot of the Axeman leering at Fiona in a bar-an evocative, eerie moment fraught with implications. These moments entwine suspense, horror, and complex character interplay, driving the narrative forward with heightened stakes.

While generally well received for its direction, performances, and plot development, some critics pointed to occasional narrative convolution due to the sprawling cast and subplots. Yet, this complexity enhances the series' tapestry, rewarding attentive viewers with rich storytelling.

Within the broader cultural and cinematic framework, "The Axeman Cometh" resonates with Southern Gothic traditions, American true crime lore, and horror's frequent engagement with historical racial violence and mysticism. By integrating legend with contemporary witchcraft narratives, the episode enriches Coven's thematic exploration of identity, power, and survival.

Thematically, the episode meditates on cycles of vengeance and justice, the intersections of history and haunting, and the contested spaces between cultural heritage and personal agency. The witches and voodoo practitioners each embody different facets of struggle and resilience within these dialogues.

"The Axeman Cometh" is a captivating and richly layered episode that further elevates American Horror Story: Coven through its blend of historical horror, supernatural tension, and character complexity. Through vivid direction, strong performances, and immersive storytelling, it broadens the season's mythos while compelling viewers to consider the enduring shadows cast by history and power.