"Charles (Manson) in Charge," the tenth and penultimate episode of American Horror Story: Cult, directed by Bradley Buecker, dives deeply into the dark legacy of cult leadership by invoking the chilling real-life history of Charles Manson and his infamous family. The episode notably employs Evan Peters to portray Manson himself, creating a metafictional layer in which the titular character of Kai Anderson both channels and interacts with one of history's most notorious cult leaders. This narrative choice serves as a thematic anchor, tying Kai's modern-day manipulation and horror to Manson's violent, chaotic influence, and provides a stark commentary on the cyclical nature of fanaticism and authoritarian violence.
The episode unfolds with Kai addressing his cult, recounting the Manson Family's history and advocating for the "Night of a Thousand Tates," a planned mass public killing intended to spark societal revolution. The reenactment of the brutal murder of Sharon Tate and other victims is executed with harrowing detail, providing one of the series' most graphic and unsettling moments. Billy Eichner and Leslie Grossman, recurring cast members, appear as Manson Family cultists, lending a disturbing familiarity and continuity to the portrayal of cult dynamics. The vivid depiction of this historical atrocity serves to amplify the horror embedded in Kai's aspirations, while also reinforcing the series' exploration of the destructive consequences of charismatic yet murderous leadership.
Simultaneously, the episode advances Kai's personal storyline and his unraveling grip on power. Scenes in Kai's prison cell show him struggling with paranoia over a mole in his cult and revisiting the murder of his brother Rudy Vincent, whose ghost he hallucinates. These sequences, incorporating surreal dialogue with Manson's apparition, underscore Kai's mental deterioration and escalating desperation. The narrative paints a picture of a man increasingly consumed by his delusions and haunted by the consequences of his own violent actions.
On the outside, Ally's story gains momentum as she maneuvers to counter Kai's influence. Her transformation into a formidable political figure is highlighted by a climactic debate scene where she exposes Kai's violent extremism. This confrontation is a pivotal catharsis within the episode, showcasing Sarah Paulson's dynamic performance of Allied strength, strategic acumen, and emotional resolve. Ally's victory in the debate, alongside the thwarting of Kai's assassination attempt, underscores a thematic shift toward empowerment and resistance against tyranny.
Director Bradley Buecker's style in this episode is marked by a tight, suspenseful pacing that balances graphic horror with psychological complexity. The cinematography toggles between stark, clinical prison settings and the chaotic theatricality of cult gatherings, visually reinforcing the contrasts between captivity and manipulation. The editing incorporates abrupt cuts and disorienting angles that reflect the narrative's tensions and Kai's fractured psyche, while the orchestration of violence is often stark and unflinching, emphasizing the severity of the stakes.
The performances elevate the episode's emotional depth and thematic impact. Evan Peters is hypnotic both as Kai and Manson, effectively embodying the menace and charisma necessary to convey the episode's dark themes. Sarah Paulson's Ally represents a raw and compelling figure of survival and defiance amid pervasive fear. Supporting performances by Billy Eichner, Leslie Grossman, and Colton Haynes add further nuance to the cult's internal politics and the broader social commentary.
"Charles (Manson) in Charge" explores the allure and dangers of cult leadership, the ethics of manipulation, and the cyclical nature of violence within extremist groups. By juxtaposing the real Manson Family and Kai's modern-day cult, the episode critiques how history's darkest figures continue to influence contemporary socio-political chaos. The motif of "Night of a Thousand Tates" crystallizes the apocalyptic visions that drive such movements, emphasizing the episode's grim meditation on authoritarianism and societal breakdown.
From a cultural standpoint, the episode is a continuation of American Horror Story's tradition of blending true crime with fictional horror to engage audiences with unsettling reflections on history and power. It references and reinterprets one of America's most notorious criminal cases, using cinematic and televisual language to evoke terror while inviting reflection on the social conditions that breed such horrors. The intertextuality enriches the viewing experience, particularly for audiences familiar with the Manson case and its cultural resonance.
"Charles (Manson) in Charge" is a powerful and unsettling episode that combines historical tragedy with contemporary sociopolitical allegory. Its adept direction, commanding performances, and unflinching depiction of cult violence deliver a narrative dense with meaning and emotional intensity. Although graphic and potentially disturbing, the episode effectively uses horror to interrogate cycles of manipulation and violence, culminating in a compelling confrontation that signals both narrative and thematic resolution. It leaves viewers reflecting on the nature of power, the persistence of evil, and the resilience required to confront such darkness.
