This new series is based around the Harmon family (Ben, Vivien and daughter, Violet) that moves into what is known around town as "The Murder House", for a "fresh start" - already a strange plot point, we know. Their new LA home is stunning, yet undeniably eerie. Their realtor informs them that a murder-suicide occurred in the house and she is therefore able to offer the home to them at a low price. The family accepts the offer, and so our story begins.
As the Harmons are getting settled in, they meet their neighbors from next door, who up the creep factor to the next level. There is Adelaide (Jamie Brewer),who is referred to as a "mongoloid" by her own mother, Constance (Jessica Lange). It is evident that these two are very familiar with the home’s history and past owners. Constance and Adelaide welcome their new neighbors, but there is a threatening nature to this exchange. It's a very odd dynamic, and you get the impression that the Harmons don’t quite know what to think of their new neighbors either.
Each character has its own, unique set of struggles. Vivien, played by Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights) is coping with the miscarriage she had back in Boston, and is also trying to forgive her husband, Ben played by Dylan McDermott, for cheating on her with one of his students. Ben is starting a new Psychiatry practice, which will be run right in his new home office. He is trying to prove to Vivien that his previous indiscretion was a moment of weakness, and will never happen again. Their daughter, Violet (Taissa Farmiga), portrays a dark persona, and is a loner from, what seems to be, by choice. She meets a boy named Tate (Evan Peters), who has a similar darkness to him. The two become fast friends and you can see an attraction spark between them.
Each episode introduces new characters, as well as provides history on those we’re already familiar with. We are shown flashbacks that can get confusing, so try to pay attention to the small details, as they’ll make sense later on. Both past and present timelines work effectively together to paint a complete picture of this multi-faceted story, as a whole.
FX continues to push the envelope with their programming, separating it from all the other sanitized bullshit you'll find on CBS. As per usual with shows on FX, curse words are frequently interwoven into character dialogue. It’s nothing excessive, just realistic dialogue. Even the occasional bare man-ass can be spotted. It certainly adds a bit of grit to each episode.
All in all, we highly recommend this series and think there is something in it for everyone - except maybe small children - just like our podcast. And while there haven’t been any jump-out-of-your-skin moments, the story is saturated in so much creepiness; it’s got us by the proverbial balls. This show is armed with a likable cast, plausible special effects and plot twists; all sprinkled on top of a solid storyline. Be sure to set your DVRs to FX, Wednesday nights at 10PM to judge for yourself. Or you can catch up on the first five episodes on Hulu for free.
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01.8.2012 ;)
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