The show’s 100th episode connected every single season of American Horror Story.
Last week, the sixth episode of American Horror Story’s ninth season, 1984, saw the aftermath of the Camp Redwood massacre, jumping five years into the future to reveal the fates of the surviving characters (and the dead, too).
As it was the milestone 100th episode of the acclaimed horror anthology series, fans were expecting some major twists and surprise guest appearances. That failed to happen, but it did something else: connected every single season together.
In the episode, Brooke Thompson (Emma Roberts) is convicted for the murders that occurred at Camp Redwood while Margaret Booth (Leslie Grossman) boasts a real estate empire that transforms murder sites into tourist attractions.
During one scene, Margaret and her assistant Courtney (Leslie Jordan) discuss the success of her business and mention one particular investment: Briarcliff Manor, the setting for the show’s acclaimed second season, Asylum.
The connection to Asylum means 1984 connects to three other seasons of the series: Freakshow, Roanoke and Cult. How? Well, Asylum saw the introduction of fan-favourite character Pepper (Naomi Grossman), who also appeared in Freakshow.
Freakshow in turn featured the character of spoiled psychopath Dandy Mott (Finn Wittrock), whose ancestor Edward Mott was responsible for building the house inhabited by Shelby (Lily Rabe) and Matt Miller (Andre Holland) in Roanoke.
In the finale of Roanoke, Lee Harris (Adina Porter) is interviewed by Lana Winters (Sarah Paulson) – again tying the season to Asylum – who is then referenced by Beverley Hope (Adina Porter, again) in Cult. With us so far?
1984’s villain, the Satan-worshipping Richard Ramirez (Zach Villa), also appeared for a brief stint in Hotel, which featured Coven and Apocalypse character Queenie (Gabourey Sidibe), who then connects to Madison Montgomery (Emma Roberts).
Madison was a main character in both Coven and Apocalypse. During her stint in the latter, she memorably visited Murder House with Behold (Billy Porter) to discover a way to destroy another Satan-worshipper, Michael (Cody Fern).
So, there you have it. 1984 isn’t a standalone season like we originally thought, it officially ties to every other season of American Horror Story: but will it see the return of legendary characters like previous instalments?
Although Sarah Paulson ruled out a comeback this season, we wouldn’t be surprised if Lana Winters pops up in some capacity.
The next episode of 1984 airs this Wednesday in the United States on FX. It will premiere one day after in the UK on Fox.