Yes, aliens definitively exist within the universe of American Horror Story, most prominently featured in the second season, Asylum, and hinted at in subsequent seasons. While their role varies, their presence fundamentally alters the narrative landscape and raises complex questions about humanity’s place in the cosmos.
The Alien Presence: A Deep Dive into AHS History
American Horror Story has never shied away from the bizarre and unsettling, and the inclusion of extraterrestrial beings only amplifies its already heightened sense of dread and intrigue. Their depiction is often intertwined with themes of government conspiracy, medical experimentation, and existential fear, making them a potent force within the show’s complex tapestry. Let’s explore how aliens have been woven into the narrative.
Asylum: Ground Zero for Extraterrestrial Encounter
The second season, Asylum, is undoubtedly the cornerstone of alien involvement in AHS. Set in the Briarcliff Manor mental institution in 1964, the narrative introduces a family, the Walkers, who claim to have been abducted by aliens. Initially dismissed as delusional, their experience is gradually validated as the season progresses.
We see direct evidence of alien technology, medical examinations conducted by the aliens, and even the implantation of a strange device into Alma Walker. Kit Walker, accused of being “Bloody Face,” also experiences alien encounters, leading to the birth of his children, both of whom exhibit unique abilities and are implied to be of hybrid origin. The season concludes with ambiguous hints that the aliens are benevolent, watching over humanity and intervening in moments of great need, such as preventing Sister Jude from dying. However, their methods remain opaque, leaving a lingering sense of unease.
Hints and Echoes in Subsequent Seasons
While Asylum provides the most explicit depiction of aliens, their presence lingers in other seasons. Cult features a character named Winter Anderson, who is fascinated by aliens and conspiracy theories. While the season focuses primarily on earthly horrors, Winter’s interest serves as a subtle nod to the extraterrestrial element established in Asylum.
Even Death Valley, season 10 part 2, brings aliens back to the forefront in a much more substantial way than just allusions. This section tells a parallel story alternating between the Eisenhower era and the modern era, each featuring alien interaction in different ways. The Eisenhower section tells a tale of secret treaties and horrifying experiments, while the modern era story focuses on a group of pregnant college students whose offspring are destined to be alien experiments.
The continued presence of aliens, however subtle, suggests that they are not a one-off element but rather a recurring threat or force within the AHS universe. This raises questions about their long-term goals and their potential impact on humanity’s future.
Understanding the FAQs: Decoding the Alien Mystery in AHS
To further clarify the role and significance of aliens in American Horror Story, let’s address some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Are the aliens in AHS based on real-life alien lore?
While American Horror Story takes creative liberties, the depiction of aliens often draws inspiration from real-life alien folklore and conspiracy theories. For instance, the Greys, a common alien archetype, are frequently referenced, mirroring popular abduction narratives. The show also incorporates elements of government cover-ups, similar to the Roswell incident theories. While not directly replicating any specific case, the show capitalizes on the anxieties and fascination surrounding extraterrestrial life that permeate popular culture. Death Valley leans even harder into the conspiracy theories, suggesting a governmental pact to breed alien/human hybrids to preserve humanity in the face of environmental catastrophe.
FAQ 2: What is the purpose of the aliens in Asylum?
The exact purpose of the aliens in Asylum remains ambiguous. They appear to be conducting observations and experiments on humans, potentially for research purposes or to monitor humanity’s progress. There’s a suggestion that they might be intervening to prevent disaster or guide human evolution, but their motives are never fully explained, contributing to the season’s overall sense of unease and mystery. One could argue that their inclusion serves as a broader commentary on the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the potential consequences of humanity’s reach for knowledge.
FAQ 3: Are all alien abductions in AHS real?
Within the context of American Horror Story, the alien abductions depicted in Asylum and Death Valley are presented as real events. However, the show often blurs the lines between reality and delusion, leaving room for interpretation. While characters experience genuine trauma, the true nature of their encounters may be perceived differently depending on their individual perspectives and the narrative framing. This ambiguity adds to the show’s psychological depth and forces viewers to question what they are seeing.
FAQ 4: Do the aliens have any weaknesses?
American Horror Story doesn’t delve extensively into the aliens’ weaknesses. However, their advanced technology and apparent ability to manipulate space and time suggest that they are formidable adversaries. Their reliance on human subjects for experimentation might indicate a vulnerability, but this is never explicitly explored. In Death Valley, humans are shown to be able to kill the aliens through conventional means when they are newly born.
FAQ 5: How do the aliens choose their targets?
The criteria by which the aliens select their targets are not explicitly defined. In Asylum, the Walkers are chosen seemingly at random, while Kit Walker’s abduction is perhaps linked to his connection to Lana Winters and his potential for bearing hybrid offspring. In Death Valley, those abducted are chosen for their physical characteristics and potential to breed “pure” hybrids. The show suggests that they may be seeking individuals with certain genetic traits or emotional vulnerabilities, but their motives remain shrouded in mystery.
FAQ 6: Are the aliens connected to other supernatural elements in AHS?
While not directly linked, the aliens share thematic similarities with other supernatural entities in AHS, such as ghosts, witches, and demons. All these elements represent forces beyond human comprehension, challenging our understanding of reality and mortality. The presence of aliens, alongside these other entities, reinforces the idea that the American Horror Story universe is governed by forces that are far beyond human control.
FAQ 7: What is the significance of the alien implants in Asylum?
The alien implants in Asylum serve as a tangible symbol of the aliens’ presence and their manipulation of human bodies. They also represent the characters’ loss of control over their own lives and the violation of their physical autonomy. These implants are a visual representation of the characters’ trauma and their struggle to reclaim their identities in the face of such profound experiences. In Death Valley, the eggs implanted are far more explicitly about control and the creation of hybrids.
FAQ 8: Do the aliens have any specific motivations for interacting with humans in Death Valley?
The aliens in Death Valley are motivated by the preservation of both their species and humanity. The Eisenhower portion of the story shows that they needed our help to procreate in order to avoid extinction; in return, they give us advanced technology. The modern section sees them use our bodies as host organisms in order to create offspring that will save their species.
FAQ 9: How do the aliens in AHS differ from typical depictions in science fiction?
American Horror Story‘s depiction of aliens often deviates from typical science fiction tropes. Instead of focusing on technological prowess or intergalactic conflict, the show emphasizes the psychological impact of alien encounters on individuals and communities. The aliens are often presented as ambiguous figures, neither entirely benevolent nor malevolent, creating a sense of unease and uncertainty. The show prioritizes exploring the emotional and spiritual dimensions of alien contact, rather than solely focusing on scientific or technological aspects.
FAQ 10: Are there any characters in AHS who are confirmed to be alien-human hybrids?
Kit Walker’s children, Thomas and Julia, in Asylum, are strongly implied to be alien-human hybrids. They exhibit unusual abilities and are linked to the alien presence. The children born in Death Valley are also alien-human hybrids by the end of the season, meant to bring about peace and a new world order under alien control.
FAQ 11: How has audience reception been regarding the alien storyline?
Reception to the alien storyline in Asylum has been mixed. Some viewers found it to be a compelling and thought-provoking element, while others felt that it detracted from the season’s overall focus on mental illness and societal oppression. The shift to aliens in Death Valley has been similarly polarizing. However, it undoubtedly added a unique and unsettling layer to the narrative, sparking debate and discussion among fans.
FAQ 12: Will aliens return in future seasons of AHS?
Given the show’s propensity for revisiting past themes and storylines, it’s highly probable that aliens will reappear in future seasons of American Horror Story. The writers have established a precedent for their presence and their potential impact on the human world, leaving ample room for further exploration. Whether they will be presented as benevolent guardians or terrifying invaders remains to be seen, but their return would undoubtedly add another layer of complexity and horror to the show’s already rich tapestry. Their increased prominence in Death Valley seems to suggest a greater role going forward.
In conclusion, the existence of aliens is a confirmed, albeit complex and multifaceted, reality within the American Horror Story universe. Their presence serves to amplify the show’s themes of fear, paranoia, and the unknown, challenging our perceptions of reality and forcing us to confront the unsettling possibilities that lie beyond our world.