The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks
- Episode aired Jan 8, 2014
- TV-MA
- 45m
Fiona attempts to out the new Supreme with a visit from Stevie Nicks. Cordelia learns the truth about Hank and the Witch Hunters. Madison tries to eliminate her competition for the Supremacy... Read allFiona attempts to out the new Supreme with a visit from Stevie Nicks. Cordelia learns the truth about Hank and the Witch Hunters. Madison tries to eliminate her competition for the Supremacy.Fiona attempts to out the new Supreme with a visit from Stevie Nicks. Cordelia learns the truth about Hank and the Witch Hunters. Madison tries to eliminate her competition for the Supremacy.
- Kyle Spencer
- (credit only)
- Spalding
- (credit only)
- Madame Delphine LaLaurie
- (credit only)
Featured reviews
"The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks" is a strange episode of the "American Horror Story", with the cameo of Stevie Nicks. It is hard to like any character in this season, since most of them are liars, murderers, traitors and ambitious or stupid like Cordelia. We can point out the worst, like Fiona, Marie Laveau, Madison, Queenie, Hank, Spalding, Joan Ramsey and Delphine. But the others are also bad news, except for the free-spirited Misty Day. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks"
The episode opens with the eerie tension mounting as Fiona Goode, desperately clinging to her waning powers and failing health, attempts to consolidate control. Jessica Lange's portrayal of Fiona is both fierce and vulnerable, providing an emotional anchor as she confronts her own mortality and the impending Supremacy battle. Fiona's complex relationship with Marie Laveau, the enigmatic voodoo queen played with commanding presence by Angela Bassett, provides a simmering backdrop of rivalry and uneasy alliance reflecting themes of power struggles rooted in both supernatural and socio-cultural contexts.
Central to the episode is the character of Misty Day, portrayed by Lily Rabe, whose devotion to Stevie Nicks-the Fleetwood Mac icon-is a rich motif symbolizing mystical femininity and artistic inspiration. When Fiona introduces Misty to Nicks, it offers a surreal yet poignant moment where fantasy and reality blur, underscoring the series' self-aware tone and layered storytelling. Stevie Nicks' ethereal piano performances, including a haunting rendition of "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?" provide an atmospheric and emotional depth rarely seen in horror television.
The episode also progresses multiple character arcs with subtlety and emotional complexity. Madison Montgomery's jealousy and Machiavellian tendencies intensify, Cordelia Foxx wrestles with her blindness and strained relationship with her husband Hank, and Myrtle Snow's eccentric but wise presence continues to inject levity and wisdom into the unfolding chaos.
Director Gomez-Rejon's visual storytelling is lush and atmospheric, expertly capturing the moody, mystical ambiance of New Orleans and the distinctive aesthetic of Miss Robichaux's Academy. The use of soft lighting, naturalistic interiors, and carefully composed shots lends a dreamlike quality that complements the episode's themes of memory, legacy, and transformation.
The script balances supernatural horror with incisive social commentary and sharp, witty dialogue. Themes of mortality, artistic legacy, empowerment, and survival are explored through the characters' struggles, symbolized through the blending of pop culture and occult traditions. The inclusion of Stevie Nicks is a meta-commentary on fame, inspiration, and the passage of time, enriching the narrative texture.
Performances are a standout throughout. Jessica Lange delivers a masterful performance as Fiona, blending strength, desperation, and vulnerability. Lily Rabe's Misty is enchanting and grounded, while Angela Bassett portrays Marie with regal authority and complexity. Emma Roberts' Madison continues to fascinate with her ruthless ambition, and Frances Conroy's Myrtle provides memorable charm and insight.
Key scenes include Fiona's emotionally charged conversations and confrontations, the magical introduction of Stevie Nicks and her musical performances, Misty's joyful yet verging on overwhelmed reaction, and the subtle family drama surrounding Cordelia. These moments collectively sustain the episode's emotional and thematic resonance.
Critically, the episode was lauded for its originality, performances, and innovative blending of genres and cultural elements. While some viewers found the inclusion of Stevie Nicks slightly jarring, most appreciated the unique tonal shift and its contribution to the season's eclectic atmosphere.
"The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks" situates itself at the intersection of television horror and pop culture, blending mythology and music through a distinctly modern lens. The episode's reflection on artistry, immortality, and feminine power enriches traditional Gothic themes.
The episode delves into the costs of power and fame, the search for belonging and identity, and the redemptive potential of art and legacy. It highlights the ambivalence facing women wielding power in a world that is both fascinated by and hostile to them.
"The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks" is a richly textured and emotionally nuanced episode that elevates American Horror Story: Coven's narrative and aesthetic ambitions. Through vivid direction, strong performances, and a unique blend of horror and pop culture, it invites viewers to reflect on mortality, power, and the enduring magic of artistic inspiration.
Did you know
- TriviaPapa Legba is the gatekeeper of the spiritual world in voodoo religion. Also known as Vilokan.
- Quotes
Misty Day: Who are you?
Stevie Nicks: You must be Misty. I'm Stevie Nicks.
[Misty faints]
Stevie Nicks: Is she all right?
Fiona Goode: [laughs] You owe me five bucks. I told you she was gonna do that.
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- 45m
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