Cordelia's attacker is revealed. Fiona looks to form an alliance with Marie Laveau. Nan learns a disturbing truth about Luke's past.Cordelia's attacker is revealed. Fiona looks to form an alliance with Marie Laveau. Nan learns a disturbing truth about Luke's past.Cordelia's attacker is revealed. Fiona looks to form an alliance with Marie Laveau. Nan learns a disturbing truth about Luke's past.
- Spalding
- (credit only)
Featured reviews
"Salem" ...you mean "Jeru" Salem right?
The black "queen" says: you are wearing a wig.. but everybody knows most of the black women wear wigs every days. That was stupid, I'm not surprised
I stopped watching the serie 2 times by that episode...yes 2 years ago I stopped there, and today I stopped right 15 minutes on this one too.
The ..."Democrats will be after us" ...wow. And they are all men and portrayed as bad people, but the witches...they are cool right? Corruption of the logical sense, anti hero rust of the mind, you cannot differentiate good and evil when you are misled, they do that to kids, because they are the most easiest corruptible (corruption of the logical sense), the easiest prey
"Head" is another reasonable episode of the "American Horror Story" with new revelations. Hank and the witch hunters are the most engaging part, inclusive because the viewer learns who throw acid on the face of Cordelia. Myrtle Snow's revenge is cruel and unexpected. Cordelia now seeing again loses her ability to see the inner of people. The truth about the pious Joan is also a great surprise. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Head"
The episode opens with a haunting flashback to 1991, providing a formative glimpse into the backstory of Hank Foxx, the witch hunter whose conflicted loyalties and traumatic upbringing define much of the narrative's conflict. The stark father-son hunting scene reveals Hank's early indoctrination into the world of witch killing, setting up his motivations and inner turmoil. This personal history adds emotional depth to Hank's present-day role as he navigates his growing disillusionment and dangerous ambitions.
In the present timeline, Fiona Goode, portrayed with crushing intensity by Jessica Lange, seeks an alliance with Marie Laveau (Angela Bassett) against the common threat of the witch hunters, but Marie rebuffs the offer, suspecting Fiona's desperation. The tension between these two powerful matriarchs reaches new heights, symbolizing wider cultural and supernatural power struggles. In a dramatically charged scene, Marie orders Queenie to burn the head of Delphine LaLaurie-a symbolic act of cleansing and vengeance. Yet, Queenie chooses instead to expose Delphine to freedom-themed black spiritual music, underscoring Elizabeth Alexander's themes of redemption and resistance.
Meanwhile, Myrtle Snow (Frances Conroy) exacts brutal revenge on the witch council members who betrayed her, disposing of them with cold ruthlessness and using their eyes to restore Cordelia's sight. This operatic sequence, blending gore and symbolism, highlights Myrtle's transformation from sidelined outcast to power player within the coven's hierarchy. Cordelia's regained sight comes at the cost of her prophetic visions, creating new narrative tensions exploring the price of power and knowledge.
Joan Ramsey (Patti LuPone) bonds with Nan through mind reading, but upon revealing Joan's dark secret-that she murdered her unfaithful husband-is cruelly rejected, culminating in the chilling suffocation of Nan's comatose boyfriend. This storyline adds psychological and social depth, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and female rage beyond the witchcraft narrative.
The rising conflict with the witch hunters intensifies as Hank Foxx is urged by his father, Harrison Renard, to accelerate their assault on the witches. His clumsy execution results in a bloody massacre, but his recklessness leads to his demise when Queenie uses her voodoo doll powers, transgressing physical limits to shoot herself and kill Hank, halting the immediate threat and saving Marie. This climactic titanic clash punctuated by the spiritual anthem "Oh Freedom!" juxtaposes historical realities of racial violence with supernatural justice.
Director Bradley Buecker orchestrates the episode with a keen eye for atmosphere and pacing. The cinematography alternates between claustrophobic interiors and expansive, vibrant cityscapes, enriching the southern gothic setting. The editing maintains a sharp narrative flow despite the multiple intersecting storylines, deftly balancing suspenseful action, emotional poignancy, and symbolic sequences such as the execution of witch council members and the voodoo ritual acts.
Tim Minear's sharply written script explores themes of vengeance, racial identity, power dynamics, and the complexity of justice within oppressed communities. The dialogue is intelligent and layered, with poignant exchanges that reveal deep fault lines among characters. The episode effectively critiques patriarchy, institutionalized violence, and the cyclical nature of oppression while advancing supernatural intrigue.
Standout performances infuse the episode with energy and pathos. Jessica Lange's Fiona remains mesmerizingly complex, blending commanding presence and frailty, while Angela Bassett's Marie Laveau holds regal authority and nuanced cultural weight. Gabourey Sidibe's Queenie shines in moments of moral crisis and empowerment. Frances Conroy's Myrtle transforms bitterness into decisive power, and Patti LuPone provides chilling gravitas as a vengeful antagonist. The ensemble cast collectively elevates the rich narrative tapestry.
Key scenes include Hank's formative flashback and cold-blooded rampage, Queenie's morally charged rebellion with Delphine's head, Myrtle's ruthless execution of the Witch Council, and the explosive climax where Queenie's self-sacrifice halts Hank's massacre. These scenes crystallize the episode's thematic essence and propel the narrative toward its next phase.
Critically, "Head" was lauded for its deepening characterization, bold thematic exploration, and high production values, though some viewers found its dark tone and complex plotting challenging. The episode's willingness to address historical trauma through the lens of horror garnered particular praise for its relevance and emotional depth.
In the broader cultural and cinematic landscape, "Head" resonates within the Southern Gothic tradition, complex portrayals of race, and the British and American folk horror lineage. It manages to reflect contemporary social issues of justice, marginalization, and cultural survival through supernatural allegory.
Thematically, the episode confronts the repercussions of violent history, the fraught bonds of family and community, and the price of survival in a hostile world. The witches and voodoo practitioners embody a struggle for autonomy against erasure, while institutional forces like the witch hunters symbolize persistent oppression.
"Head" stands as a richly ambitious and emotionally resonant episode in American Horror Story: Coven. Through masterful direction, compelling performances, and incisive writing, it navigates complex themes of power, identity, and justice with flair and depth. The episode's blend of supernatural horror and social critique exemplifies the series' unique narrative voice, encouraging reflection on the intertwined legacies of history and magic.
Did you know
- TriviaAt 38:00 on the black and white TV is a performance by Odetta Holmes, known as Odetta, she was an American singer, actress, guitarist, lyricist, and a civil and human rights activist, often referred to as "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement". Her musical repertoire consisted largely of American folk music, blues, jazz, and spirituals.
- GoofsDelphine sings "Dixie" to distract herself from being forced to watch "Roots." However "Dixie" was not written until the late 1850s, while Delphine was buried since 1834.
- Quotes
Hank Foxx: You got a dog?
Fiona Goode: Well, one dog moves out, another moves in. You know, it's the cycle of life.
Hank Foxx: But you hate animals... and all other living things.
Fiona Goode: Well, that's true, but we needed some protection around here.
Hank Foxx: I know that. Why do you think I came back?
Fiona Goode: You? Ha! Protect? Really? Oh. You know why I got a female attack dog?
Hank Foxx: Because bitches stick together?
Fiona Goode: Because females are more loyal and aggressive when it comes to protecting their families. Good to see you, Hank.
- ConnectionsReferences Mandingo (1975)
- SoundtracksAmerican Horror Story Theme
(uncredited)
Written by Cesar Davila-Irizarry (as César Dávila-Irizarry) and Charlie Clouser
Details
- Runtime
- 43m
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 16:9 HD