Mr. Jingles

Getting a bit disappointed. First episode was willing a lot more and now it looks like simple killing episode? No mystery, nothing complex , just too basic for me.

The second episode of American Horror Story: 1984, titled "Mr. Jingles," directed by John J. Gray and created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, delivers an intensified dose of slasher thrills combined with a deepening mystery and character development, further establishing a tone that balances homage to 80s horror classics with fresh narrative complexity.

"Mr. Jingles" continues immediately following the terror unleashed in the premiere, plunging viewers deeper into the menacing atmosphere of Camp Redwood. The episode opens with the arrival of Dr. Karen Hopple (Orla Brady), a psychiatrist from the nearby mental institution, who ominously warns camp owner Margaret Booth (Leslie Grossman) that Benjamin Richter, aka Mr. Jingles, has escaped and is fixated on exacting revenge against his tormentors and the camp itself. Hopple's cautionary presence introduces an unsettling blend of realism and foreboding, anchoring the supernatural horror within a framework of psychological terror.

The episode builds tension steadily through well-crafted set-pieces, including a chilling scene where Hopple's attempt to leave the camp is met with grisly violence as Mr. Jingles, portrayed chillingly by John Carroll Lynch, murders her in a brutal yet disturbingly quiet moment. This act firmly re-establishes Jingles as a relentless and terrifying antagonist, whose persistence and physical presence loom large throughout the episode. His chilling mutterings, including the haunting declaration "I am a monster," intensify the character's menace.

Parallel to the mounting horror, significant narrative strands unravel, enriching the story with multifaceted character backgrounds and interpersonal dynamics. Brooke (Emma Roberts) receives persistent, eerie phone calls from an unknown source, signaling her increasing isolation and the deepening mystery around her connections to the camp's dark past. Elsewhere, the episode explores the haunted legacy of the camp through characters like Jonas, the deranged wanderer believed dead but seemingly existing as a spectral presence, and Margaret, whose obsessive grip on the camp and dealings with the occult hint at her own complicity in the unfolding nightmare.

The episode also introduces complex dynamics among the counselors, especially highlighting Xavier's (Cody Fern) struggles with addiction and exploitation, which add contemporary emotional layers to an archetypal slasher setting. These nuanced character moments elevate the narrative beyond predictable tropes, inviting viewers to invest in their fates beyond their roles as potential victims.

Visually, "Mr. Jingles" sustains the premier's vivid color palette and dynamic camerawork, combining tight, claustrophobic shots with atmospheric framing that accentuates horror elements. The editing punctuates suspense with sudden, impactful bursts of violence, maintaining a gripping rhythm. The use of suspenseful sound design, particularly Jingles' trademark jingling and haunting silences, creates an immersive sensory experience that heightens tension effectively.

Thematically, the episode continues to explore motifs of madness, isolation, and the inescapability of past traumas, resonating with the slasher genre's enduring fascination with cyclical violence and corrupted innocence. The inclusion of characters haunted by past events, literal and figurative ghosts, and the unfolding mystery surrounding Jingles' motives deepens the narrative complexity, setting the stage for future revelations and escalating terror.

Despite its strengths, some critical voices highlight moments where exposition slows the momentum or where certain horror elements lean toward predictability. However, the episode balances these concerns with character-driven intensity and atmospheric tension, building anticipation for subsequent installments.

"Mr. Jingles" solidifies American Horror Story: 1984's commitment to revitalizing the slasher genre through a blend of thrilling horror sequences, character depth, and layered storytelling. John J. Gray's direction, coupled with strong performances from John Carroll Lynch, Emma Roberts, and Leslie Grossman, crafts an episode that is both terrifying and emotionally engaging. The episode's deft balance of homage and innovation makes it an effective continuation of the season's narrative, encouraging reflection on the nature of evil, trauma, and survival within a richly stylized 1980s horror framework.

Dr. Karen Hopple drives to Camp Redwood late night to tell Margareth that Mr. Jingles has escaped from Red Meadows Asylum, and she should not reopen the camp. However, Margareth refutes and says that she will open the camp on schedule. When Dr. Hopple is returning, she has a flat tire and Mr. Jingles arrives in a truck, kills her and takes her ear. Brooke overhears on the TV that the attendant of a gas station in Red Meados that they stopped was murdered, but her friends do not pay attention to her. Margareth arrives and asks the men to leave the cabin. Montana talks to Brooke trying to calm her down, and Brooke tells her about the tragedy that happened in her wedding and leaves the cabin to breath some air outside. Xavier meets Blake, who blackmails him because of a gay porn, and Xavier offers a replacement to him. While watching the men having bath, Blake is impaled by Mr. Jingles through the head. Brooke finds a dead body floating at the pier and stumbles upon the Night Stalker. She runs and the man they rescue from the road saves her. At the infirmary, Rita is attacked by Mr. Jingles. Margareth meets the Night Stalker in her cabin and has a long conversation with him. When people find Blake, they realize that Brooke is not lying and decide to flee in Xavier's van. But he collides his van on Margareth's car to divert from Rita. Now they need the keys of Rita's car and Trevor's motorcycle to escape from the two serial-killers in the Camp Redwood.

"Mr. Jingles" is the second episode of the "American Horror Story", now with a ghost and two serial-killers. The number of killings is increasing, including those in the marriage of Brooke. This season seems to be the season of the cliches of slashers in a summer camp, very usual in the 80's. Dumb decisions as usual, and the novelty is the presence of two serial killers (instead of one) and a ghost in the summer camp. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Mr. Jingles"

4 out of 5 stars.

Episode continues with the young adults being stalked by a killer. Characters makes dumb decisions. The series tries to step away from being serious and have plenty of dumb fun.

This season has been great so far! We learned so much this episode. There was plenty of 'edge of your seat' moments and you can really feel how intense the story is progressing. I am thoroughly impressed with the first 2 episodes of this season and I anticipate even better episodes ahead!! This episode gets a solid 9 out of 10 stars from me :)