Okay, let's talk about something that's been bugging me. It's about American Horror Stories, specifically season one. You know, the spin-off of American Horror Story.
How many episodes were there? I think everyone remembers being slightly underwhelmed. And secretly wanting more (or maybe less?).
The Official Count: Seven? Really?
Officially, season one of American Horror Stories had seven episodes. I know, right? It feels like fewer. Or maybe that's just me.
Each episode was supposed to be a self-contained horror story. A bite-sized scare. Like a tiny, terrifying candy bar.
But were they all equally delicious? Hmm, that's debatable. I'm sure somebody loves all seven.
My Unpopular Opinion: Seven Was Too Many
Here's my hot take: seven episodes was too many for season one. Yes, I said it! Don't @ me.
Hear me out. Some episodes just didn't hit the mark. They felt… rushed? Uninspired? Pick your poison.
Maybe five super solid episodes would have been better. Quality over quantity, am I right?
Think about it. Imagine if they'd trimmed the fat. Focused on the strongest storylines.
We could have had a tighter, scarier, and ultimately more memorable season of American Horror Stories.
But Wait, There Were Some Gems!
Of course, not *all* the episodes were bad. There were definitely some shining stars in that spooky little lineup.
Remember the "Rubber (Wo)man" episodes? Those were genuinely creepy. That latex suit has some serious staying power.
And the one with the haunted house influencers? Pure genius! A perfect blend of horror and satire.
Those episodes showed the potential of American Horror Stories. The potential to deliver truly terrifying tales in a compact format.
The Problem with Anthology Series
Anthology series are tricky, aren't they? You're always going to have some hits and misses. It's just the nature of the beast.
But with only seven episodes, each one carries a lot of weight. If one episode bombs, it brings down the whole season.
That's why I think less is sometimes more. A curated collection of truly great stories can be more impactful than a scattershot approach.
Let's Rethink Season One
So, what if we could re-edit season one? What if we could pick the best episodes and create a tighter, more cohesive narrative?
I'd keep the Rubber Woman ones. Absolutely essential. Those were the highlight of the season, hands down.
And the influencer episode, of course. That one was too clever to cut. Plus, social media horror is always relevant.
Maybe add one or two more of the stronger episodes. And then, bam! A perfectly crafted, five-episode season of American Horror Stories.
The Verdict
Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference. Some people loved all seven episodes of season one. And that's totally fine!
But for me, seven felt like a bit of a stretch. A little too much filler. A little too much… meh.
I'm still a fan of the American Horror Story universe. And I'm always hoping for more terrifying tales to keep me up at night.
Maybe season two learned from the mistakes of season one. Maybe it delivered a more consistent and compelling set of stories.
Only one way to find out! Time to binge-watch (or selectively watch) the next chapter of American Horror Stories.
But let's be honest, even the worst episodes are still kinda fun, right? It's horror. It's supposed to be a little bit ridiculous.