“American Horror Story: Roanoke” offers a bleak vision of survival, with very few characters escaping the supernatural horrors of North Carolina. Ultimately, Lee Harris is the sole human survivor of the core cast, though her fate remains ambiguous as she faces potential legal repercussions for her actions and succumbs to the Roanoke curse.
The Carnage of Roanoke: A Deep Dive
Roanoke, the sixth season of “American Horror Story,” presented a found-footage format that chronicled the terrifying experiences of the Miller family – Shelby, Matt, and Lee – as they encountered vengeful spirits in their new, isolated home. Unlike other seasons with more substantial survivor counts, Roanoke delivered a brutal dose of realism, mirroring the historical mystery it was based on: survival was rare, and even those who made it out were irrevocably changed. The season played with perspective, shifting from a documentary style (“My Roanoke Nightmare”) to a reenactment (“Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell”) and ultimately a live-stream horror show, contributing to the sense of disorientation and impending doom.
The sheer relentlessness of the Supernatural entity, the Butcher, alongside the savagery of her undead colony made survival exceptionally difficult. The season challenged viewers to question what constitutes survival: physical escape, or enduring psychological trauma? The ambiguous ending further complicates this notion.
Examining Lee Harris’s Unlikely Survival
Lee Harris, played by Adina Porter, endured a harrowing journey throughout Roanoke. Initially portrayed as flawed and struggling with addiction and the loss of her daughter, Lee underwent a dramatic transformation. Forced to confront her inner demons and the literal demons of Roanoke, she ultimately became a reluctant protector, sacrificing herself to save Flora.
Her survival initially seems miraculous, considering the odds. She faced the Butcher, cannibalistic hillbillies (the Polk family), and her own internal struggles. However, her descent into the supernatural, culminating in her becoming a temporary vessel for the Butcher, explains her temporary resilience. Ultimately, her death is implied, but not explicitly shown, leaving a sliver of ambiguity concerning her true, lasting fate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roanoke Survivors
Here are 12 FAQs to further illuminate the intricacies of survival, or lack thereof, in “American Horror Story: Roanoke”:
1. What happened to Shelby and Matt Miller?
Shelby and Matt Miller, the original protagonists of “My Roanoke Nightmare,” faced grim fates. Matt succumbed to the hypnotic allure of the Scathach, ultimately dying at her hands. Shelby, distraught by Matt’s infidelity (even posthumous), killed him before being killed by the Butcher herself. Their journey highlights the dangers of romanticizing the past and underestimating the power of the supernatural.
2. Did the Polk family survive Roanoke?
The Polk family, a group of cannibalistic hillbillies, met a gruesome end. Their depraved acts made them targets for both the living and the dead. Members of the Polk family were killed by Shelby, Matt, Lee, and the Butcher’s colony, illustrating the brutality that permeated all factions of Roanoke. No members of the Polk family survived the events of the season.
3. What was the role of the Butcher and her colony in the deaths?
The Butcher, played by Kathy Bates, was the primary antagonist of the season. As the leader of the Roanoke Colony, she orchestrated the deaths of countless individuals, driven by a bloodthirsty devotion to her land and her deity. Her relentless pursuit of the Miller family and anyone who trespassed on her territory fueled the season’s carnage. The colony, comprised of the Butcher’s followers, served as her enforcers, carrying out her brutal commands. They were directly responsible for the majority of the deaths witnessed.
4. How did Dominic Banks and Agnes Mary Winstead die?
Dominic Banks, Shelby’s co-star and former lover, met his demise at the hands of the Butcher, who saw him as an unwelcome intruder. Agnes Mary Winstead, who played the Butcher in the original documentary, was driven mad by the role and the subsequent ostracization. She returned to Roanoke seeking redemption, but was ultimately killed by the real Butcher as a sign of defiance. Their fates underscore the dangers of both infidelity and obsession.
5. What happened to the production crew filming “Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell”?
The production crew filming “Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell” suffered heavy losses. Most were killed by the Butcher’s colony, showcasing the reality versus fiction element of the show. The crew’s lack of preparation and disregard for the supernatural dangers led to their swift and brutal demise. Their deaths highlight the arrogance and naiveté often associated with reality television.
6. Did any of the paranormal investigators survive the final night?
None of the paranormal investigators, including Ashley Gilbert (playing Cricket Marlowe) and the various “Spirit Chasers,” survived the final night. They were quickly dispatched by the Butcher’s colony, demonstrating their ineffectiveness against the overwhelming supernatural forces. Their deaths served as a reminder that some evils are simply beyond scientific understanding or paranormal investigation.
7. What was Flora’s role in the story and why was Lee so protective of her?
Flora, Lee’s daughter, was the subject of a bitter custody battle and a catalyst for many of Lee’s actions. Lee was deeply flawed, yet her love for Flora drove her to extreme lengths, even committing murder. Flora formed a connection with Priscilla, a young ghost in the Roanoke colony, and Lee ultimately sacrificed herself to ensure Flora’s safety and freedom from the supernatural. Flora’s character represents innocence lost and the enduring power of maternal love.
8. What was the significance of Scathach and her influence on the events?
Scathach, played by Lady Gaga, was an ancient forest deity, the source of the Roanoke curse. She held immense power over the land and its inhabitants, influencing their actions and manipulating their desires. She seduced Matt Miller, leading to his demise, and ultimately controlled the Butcher’s actions. Scathach represented the raw, untamed power of nature and the consequences of disrupting its balance. Her presence ensures the cycle of violence perpetuates.
9. Was the Roanoke curse real within the “American Horror Story” universe?
Absolutely. “Roanoke” unequivocally established the reality of the curse within the “American Horror Story” universe. The supernatural events, the Butcher’s unyielding power, and the constant presence of ghostly figures all confirmed the curse’s potent influence. The season explored the origins and consequences of the curse, demonstrating its devastating impact on anyone who dared to trespass on the land.
10. How did the “My Roanoke Nightmare” documentary impact the survivors’ chances?
The “My Roanoke Nightmare” documentary ironically worsened the survivors’ chances. The notoriety it brought attracted further attention to the Roanoke property, drawing in new victims and fueling the Butcher’s rage. The reenactment amplified the events, making them more sensational and further distorting reality. Ultimately, the documentary contributed to the cycle of violence and ensured that more lives were lost.
11. What happened to Lee after she sacrificed herself for Flora?
While Lee’s ultimate fate is ambiguous, it’s heavily implied that she dies. She takes on the form of the Butcher to protect Flora, suggesting that she will eventually suffer the same fate. The season concludes with police footage of the Roanoke house after more disturbances and deaths, further suggesting that the curse is still active, and Lee likely succumbed to its influence.
12. What is the lasting legacy of “Roanoke” within the American Horror Story anthology?
“Roanoke” stands out for its unique found-footage format and its unflinching depiction of violence. It explored themes of reality versus fiction, the power of the supernatural, and the enduring consequences of historical trauma. The season’s bleak ending and high death toll left a lasting impression on viewers, establishing it as one of the most terrifying and controversial installments in the “American Horror Story” anthology. Its emphasis on primal fear and the impossibility of true escape continues to resonate with fans, cementing its place as a pivotal season.