Spalding, portrayed chillingly by Denis O’Hare, is the mute, devoted butler and groundskeeper of Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies in American Horror Story: Coven. His unsettling presence, morbid fascinations, and complex relationship with the witches make him one of the series’ most memorable and unsettling characters.
Spalding’s Role in Coven: A Deep Dive
Spalding is more than just a silent observer. He’s a pivotal player in the power struggles within the coven, a figure whose loyalty is consistently questioned and whose motivations remain shrouded in ambiguity. His silence, forced upon him after attempting to reveal Fiona Goode’s murderous act against the previous Supreme, Anna-Leigh Leighton, belies a deep well of secrets and unspoken desires.
Spalding’s devotion to Fiona is particularly disturbing, bordering on obsessive. He harbors romantic feelings for her, which manifest in disturbing acts such as keeping her old dresses and performing necrophilia after her temporary death. His actions are often driven by a desire to please her, even when those actions are morally reprehensible. He ultimately serves as a corrupted guardian, enabling Fiona’s reign of terror while simultaneously resenting her power. His detachment from reality and his peculiar obsession with dolls reflect a profound loneliness and a yearning for connection he can never truly achieve.
Beyond his relationship with Fiona, Spalding acts as a key source of information (albeit non-verbal initially) for the new generation of witches. He understands the history of the academy and the secrets it holds, often guiding their investigations and influencing their decisions. He is, in many ways, the institutional memory of the coven, a repository of knowledge both helpful and dangerous. His willingness to manipulate and deceive highlights the complex moral landscape of the coven, where alliances shift and betrayals are commonplace. He becomes a crucial, albeit twisted, facilitator in Cordelia’s ascent to Supreme.
Spalding: More Than Meets the Eye
Spalding’s seemingly simple role as a mute butler is a carefully constructed façade. He possesses an intelligence and strategic mind that far surpasses his menial duties. His observations and manipulations play a significant role in shaping the events of Coven. He’s a master of deception, hiding his true feelings and intentions behind a blank stare and silent demeanor. His commitment to the coven’s traditions, twisted as it may be, underscores the deep-rooted history and power dynamics within the witch community.
His fascination with dolls adds another layer of complexity to his character. These aren’t just toys; they represent the girls he cannot have, the connection he craves but is denied. They are stand-ins for the powerful women who surround him, women he both admires and resents. This doll collection, coupled with his macabre actions, solidifies his status as one of American Horror Story‘s most disturbing and compelling figures. He is a tragic figure, driven by loneliness and unrequited love, whose actions ultimately contribute to the chaos and violence that plague Miss Robichaux’s Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Spalding
Here are some frequently asked questions about Spalding from American Horror Story: Coven, providing deeper insight into his character and his significance within the season’s narrative:
Why is Spalding mute?
Spalding’s muteness is a self-inflicted wound. He cut out his own tongue to protect Fiona Goode after witnessing her murder of Anna-Leigh Leighton, the former Supreme. He did this to prevent himself from revealing Fiona’s crime under questioning. This act of self-mutilation demonstrates the extent of his devotion, and perhaps obsession, with Fiona.
What is Spalding’s relationship with Fiona Goode?
Spalding harbors a deep, unrequited love for Fiona. This obsession drives many of his actions, including his act of self-mutilation to protect her. He admires her power and is willing to do anything to be close to her, even if it means engaging in morally questionable acts. His love is ultimately a twisted and unhealthy fixation. He views Fiona as the ultimate authority figure.
What is the significance of Spalding’s doll collection?
Spalding’s doll collection represents the girls and women around him that he cannot have in a romantic or intimate way. The dolls serve as substitutes for human interaction and connection. They symbolize his loneliness, his unfulfilled desires, and his distorted perception of relationships. They also represent a desire to control and possess, mirroring his attempts to manipulate events within the coven.
Did Spalding kill Madison Montgomery?
Yes, Spalding did kill Madison Montgomery. He did this after hearing her mocking Fiona and threatening to expose her secrets. Driven by his loyalty to Fiona and his own warped sense of justice, he murdered her and hid her body. This act further demonstrates his willingness to commit heinous acts in the name of his devotion.
How does Spalding communicate after cutting out his tongue?
Initially, Spalding communicates through writing on a chalkboard or paper. Later, he is able to communicate through telekinesis after receiving a new tongue from Myrtle Snow after the former supreme’s return as a ghost. This method of communication adds to his mystique and allows him to remain a shadowy figure, operating behind the scenes. The supernatural element of his later communication reinforces the magical world of American Horror Story.
What are Spalding’s powers, if any?
Spalding does not possess any inherent magical powers like the witches in the coven. However, his deep understanding of the academy, its history, and the witches themselves grants him a certain degree of influence and control. His knowledge is his power. Furthermore, his proximity to magic throughout his life appears to have granted him a degree of sensitivity towards the supernatural, as shown when he is able to sense ghosts and other supernatural forces.
Is Spalding a good or bad character?
Spalding is a complex and morally ambiguous character. He is capable of both great loyalty and terrible acts. He is neither purely good nor purely evil, but rather a product of his circumstances and his unhealthy obsessions. His actions are often driven by a warped sense of justice and a desire to protect those he cares about, even if his methods are reprehensible. He exists in a moral gray area, making him a compelling and unsettling character.
Does Spalding ever find happiness?
It is doubtful Spalding ever truly finds happiness. His life is marked by loneliness, unrequited love, and disturbing obsessions. Even in moments where he achieves a semblance of peace, it is often fleeting and tainted by his past actions. His fate is ultimately a tragic one, driven by his inability to connect with others in a healthy way.
What is Spalding’s relationship with Myrtle Snow?
Spalding and Myrtle have a complex, adversarial relationship. Myrtle distrusts Spalding due to his loyalty to Fiona and his past actions. She views him as a corrupting influence on the coven. However, she also acknowledges his usefulness and is willing to use him to achieve her own goals. Their relationship is marked by mutual suspicion and a begrudging respect. She is the one who eventually gives him a new tongue.
What happens to Spalding at the end of Coven?
At the end of Coven, Spalding remains at Miss Robichaux’s Academy. His ultimate fate is left somewhat ambiguous, but he appears to be resigned to his role as a silent observer. He is, in a sense, a permanent fixture of the academy, forever bound to its history and its secrets. He serves as a constant reminder of the dark side of the coven and the consequences of unchecked power.
Why did Spalding burn down Miss Robichaux’s Academy?
This is untrue. Spalding did not burn down the Academy. The burning of Miss Robichaux’s Academy was instigated by the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau as an act of war against the coven.
Does Denis O’Hare play any other characters in American Horror Story?
Yes, Denis O’Hare is a regular cast member and has played several memorable characters in various seasons of American Horror Story, including Larry Harvey in Murder House, Dr. Elias Cunningham in Roanoke, and Liz Taylor in Hotel, demonstrating his versatility and talent within the anthology series. He is a fan favorite known for his captivating performances and ability to embody complex and often unsettling characters.