American Horror Story: Season 2

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 23 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 746 Ratings

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8.3

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8.3	User Score Universal acclaim based on 746 Ratings

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American Horror Story

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Season Details & Credits

FX | Season Premiere Date: October 17, 2012

Starring: Sarah Paulson, James Cromwell, Zachary Quinto

Summary: Season two of the horror series begins with newlyweds Leo and Teresa stopping at Briarcliff Manor, an abandoned Catholic sanitarium. In the 1960s, Sister Jude (Jessica Lange) and Dr. Oliver Thredson (Zachary Quinto) had opposing ideas about treatment for the inmates who lived there.

Creator: Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk

Genre(s): Horror

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Season 2 Episodes

tbd
S2:E13. Madness Ends
Air Date: January 23, 2013
tbd
S2:E12. Continuum
Air Date: January 16, 2013
tbd
S2:E11. Spilt Milk
Air Date: January 9, 2013

See all Seasons and Episodes

Metascore

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Critic Reviews

Maureen Ryan

Oct 16, 2012

It's to the credit of Asylum's writers, directors and cast that the emotional pain of the characters often feels as real as their uncertainty and terror. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Matt Roush

Oct 17, 2012

Asylum delivers a much more evocative nightmare gallery without losing any of the franchise's provocative, look-ma-I'm-screaming bravado. Read full review

Willa Paskin

Oct 17, 2012

Asylum dives right in on racism, homophobia and sexism, and wrings something emotional out of them. Read full review

Zeba Blay

Oct 16, 2012

The most interesting thing here is the show's willingness to take risks: killing off major characters, running about 18 different plot lines at once, incorporating racy psycho-sexual and religious undertones, asking more questions than it intends to answer. Read full review

Matt Zoller Seitz

Oct 17, 2012

This is still a cheeky, trashy, nasty series, one that'll do or show pretty much anything if it thinks it'll get a rise out of you. But its sense of itself has become more refined. Read full review

Tom Gliatto

Oct 25, 2012

It's dark, big-top sadism, and we wait for a story to emerge. [5 Nov 2012, p.41]

Uncle Barky Ed Bark

Oct 16, 2012

Some of its imagery is arresting. But this is mostly a sorry, unfortunate and even contemptuous enterprise. Read full review

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User Score

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8.3

User Reviews

MatthewDon2002

Oct 13, 2015

And how exactly do you top off a season like MURDER HOUSE? With its erratic twists and turns and indomitable power to grasp ahold of its audience and really yank them in with its atmosphere, excellent script and fantastic acting, MURDER HOUSE really began AMERICAN HORROR STORY off with aAnd how exactly do you top off a season like MURDER HOUSE? With its erratic twists and turns and indomitable power to grasp ahold of its audience and really yank them in with its atmosphere, excellent script and fantastic acting, MURDER HOUSE really began AMERICAN HORROR STORY off with a loud, deafening bang. But, it is ASYLUM which proves the show can echo on; its vociferous noise was not just a twinkle of what a great show it could have been. It simply is a good show.

The second season bases itself around the tale of Briarcliff Mental Institution and the patients, doctors and nuns which occupy its dark, dank walls. The series, however, mainly concerns closeted journalist Lana Winters (Sarah Paulson), who is committed to the asylum against her will after Sister Jude (Jessica Lange, absolutely captivating as ASYLUM'S most conflicted occupant), a sly, scary woman disgusted by Lana's "sexual perversions" and the fact that she's snooping around puts her there. What follows is even more capriciously plotted than MURDER HOUSE (as unbelievable as that sounds), more tense, calculated, and much better resolved.

The cast do a great job (most stepping up from recurring roles in MURDER HOUSE), the show wears its Gothic influences on its sleeve and yet remains arguably the most unique show on television, meanwhilst the use of The Singing Nun's "Dominique" is maybe the single greatest use of music on TV, ever and the brutal, graphic atmosphere is savage than last time round. It's tougher to watch than last time, but much more rewarding. I again finished it in a day.

"Domi-nique -nique -nique s'en allait tout simplement,
Routier, pauvre et chantant.
En tous chemins, en tous lieux,
Il ne parle que du Bon Dieu,
Il ne parle que du Bon Dieu."… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

theswirlybird

Dec 29, 2013

I do not have much detail to give about this review but I was compelled to write a review. It hit me very emotionally and the characters felt real. I do not watch television/movies very often because I have never been very impressed but this season changed it for me. It made me feelI do not have much detail to give about this review but I was compelled to write a review. It hit me very emotionally and the characters felt real. I do not watch television/movies very often because I have never been very impressed but this season changed it for me. It made me feel different about my life after watching it, I felt legitimately happy and sad during parts. I cried during the last episode; it tied the whole season together VERY well. This is my all time favorite display of media; books, movies, stories, all of it. It can be very graphic but it adds to the realism of the story. I felt though as I had watched a movie or read a book, but I understand why it is a TV series. The emotion could not be captured in simply two hours.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

aasta12211995

Oct 18, 2012

What

10 of 18 users found this helpful108

ifoughtamducrab

Apr 19, 2014

This season, on my opinion, is tied with Coven in terms of quality. It is a fun ride that I was completely on board with the entire time
The concept is ones again rather cliché, as tends to be the case with American Horror Story. This being said, the magnificent cast does a lot to make itThis season, on my opinion, is tied with Coven in terms of quality. It is a fun ride that I was completely on board with the entire time
The concept is ones again rather cliché, as tends to be the case with American Horror Story. This being said, the magnificent cast does a lot to make it come alive. Jessica Lange makes an insane nun really come alive, and her character's interactions with James Cromwell's Doctor Arden are some of the highlights of the early season. Sarah Paulson takes a huge starring role when compared to the pervious season and completely pulls through. Lily Rabe and Zachary Quinto steal the show, though I won't say why as that could be a minor spoiler. Along with this, Evan Peters and Lizzie Brocheré nail there roles.
The plot of the season is strong. It is a tale of corruption and violence, with human elements mixed throughout. One of the best things this season does is have both modern and past timelines (with the focus being on the past), drawing parallels that created a strong overarching story arch. This season is not always as outright horrific as the first season in content, but is amazing in how tense the atmosphere constantly is. Though it seems slightly cheap, the season gives itself an easy out/justification that becomes apparent rather quickly within the show, though it is done with enough grace to be valid.
This season is the most disturbing in terms of content, thought that does not always mean outright horrific. Still, this is one of the best casts that the season has ever had and the plot makes sure to bring the audience along for one amazing roller-coaster.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Felindie

Jul 15, 2019

As good as the first season. A give this an eight just because Jessica Lange, she is a star.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

ekellogg

Feb 1, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Let’s speak with candidness and honesty; aliens always seem a bit far-fetched. However, in season two of American Horror Story, known as Asylum, serial killers, exorcisms, hauntings, mad scientists, insane asylums, monsters, AND aliens are all pieced together to construct hooking horror television show. The season opens with an abandoned mental institution and a couple who has set off to explore it. As they enter its walls, the setting reverts back to 1964, and the story begins with a female reporter, Lana Winters, who is attempting to expose Briarcliff Mental Institution, a home for the criminally insane, of its corruption. In the process, she comes to discover a new serial killer that is being housed there as he awaits trial. When Winters is denied the story by a nun that is running the institution, Winters trespasses on to the property. Discovered by the despotic head-nun, Sister Jude, Lana Winters is blackmailed, punished, and committed to the asylum for her homosexuality. Behind Briarcliff Mental Institution’s closed doors, all sanity is left as you embark on a twisting journey, with an ever-thickening plot, in to the despairing depths of crazy. Created and produced by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, American Horror Story: Asylum is one season in an anthological series that takes place in various locations. Each season has its own unrelated plot, characters, and horrors. First airing on FX in October 2011, American Horror Story: Haunted House delivered the series concept, and left viewers wanting more, as the biggest new cable series of 2011. Answering wishes, American Horror Story: Asylum began in October 2012 and aired its last episode on January 23. With 35 series award nominations and eight awards, clues to season three are being revealed and excitement is building, after a somewhat surprising ending to the spook-filled season. In watching American Horror Story: Asylum, the detailed plot is not only an attention ‘getter,’ but ‘keeper’ as well. Opening with a horror-packed episode, the series is sure to capture an audience. With each new episode, the characters’ lives are revealed, giving the viewer insights in to those that are sane, insane, and destined for the asylum. One of the highlights of the season is Jessica Lange’s portrayal of Judy Martin, also known as Sister Jude. As you see her character intensify, so does Lange’s acting ability. Her role hits a character turning point when she is committed to the asylum, and the viewer must feel Sister Jude’s agony as she is abandoned and left to handle the horrors herself. The deconstruction she faces leaves the viewer wondering how far writers Murphy and Falchuk are willing to retreat in to the complexities of darkness. The casting of each of the characters was done flawlessly, as each story elicits different fears and emotions. Another credit to the creators is their ability to write and face controversial issues. From homosexuality, to inter-racial marriages, religion to the American Health Care System, American Horror Story: Asylum is bursting with divisive material, and yet it is ultimately what makes the show so captivating to watch. No matter is too provocative and no issue is too scandalous. There is brilliance to be found in the complexities of controversy. However, one issue seemingly kept the show from achieving perfection. Despite the comprehensive plot, the story did seem to resolve too soon. Although all loose ends were neatly packaged, the show’s ending seemed rushed. Due to the content, the series has an air of endlessness, and sadly it seems to culminate while the characters are still developing. Regardless, it is clothed in genius and opens viewers to a new and upcoming anthological horror genre. Due to some of the content, it is definitely recommended for a mature audience who seeks drama, scandal, horror, and an all-inclusive journey every week. Season three is anxiously awaited.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

imax773

May 5, 2014

I watched all 12 episodes of AHS season one and like a good book,i couldn't putt down.
But was I ever disappointed in season two.
I want Violet back! and the housekeeper! There was never anything close to the originality of season,two,but after buying only2 of AHS Season 2,I won't buyI watched all 12 episodes of AHS season one and like a good book,i couldn't putt down.
But was I ever disappointed in season two.
I want Violet back! and the housekeeper!
There was never anything close to the originality of season,two,but after buying only2 of AHS Season 2,I won't buy anymore nor watch anymore.
Season two is a horror in itself.Shame on you for cheap old used tricks!… Expand

0 of 14 users found this helpful014

SEE ALL 74 REVIEWS

Seasons & Episodes

65

Series Overview
Season 11

tbd
- Season 11 Overview
  Air Date: October 19, 2022
Season 10

tbd
- Season 10 Overview
  Air Date: August 25, 2021
Season 9

tbd
- Season 9 Overview
  Air Date: September 18, 2019
Season 8

63
- Season 8 Overview
  Air Date: September 12, 2018
Season 7

66
- Season 7 Overview
  Air Date: September 5, 2017
Season 6

72
- Season 6 Overview
  Air Date: September 14, 2016
Season 5

60
- Season 5 Overview
  Air Date: October 7, 2015
Season 4

69
- Season 4 Overview
  Air Date: October 8, 2014
Season 3

71
- Season 3 Overview
  Air Date: October 9, 2013
Season 2

65
- Season 2 Overview
  Air Date: October 17, 2012
- tbd
  S2:E13. Madness Ends
  Air Date: January 23, 2013
- tbd
  S2:E12. Continuum
  Air Date: January 16, 2013
- tbd
  S2:E11. Spilt Milk
  Air Date: January 9, 2013
- tbd
  S2:E10. The Name Game
  Air Date: January 2, 2013
- tbd
  S2:E9. The Coat Hanger
  Air Date: December 12, 2012
- tbd
  S2:E8. Unholy Night
  Air Date: December 5, 2012
- tbd
  S2:E7. Dark Cousin
  Air Date: November 28, 2012
- tbd
  S2:E6. The Origins of Monstrosity
  Air Date: November 21, 2012
- tbd
  S2:E5. I Am Anne Frank (2)
  Air Date: November 14, 2012
- tbd
  S2:E4. I Am Anne Frank (1)
  Air Date: November 7, 2012
- tbd
  S2:E3. Nor'easter
  Air Date: October 31, 2012
- tbd
  S2:E2. Tricks and Treats
  Air Date: October 24, 2012
- tbd
  S2:E1. Welcome To Briarcliff
  Air Date: October 17, 2012
Season 1

62
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: October 5, 2011