Madison Montgomery, the telekinetic actress with a penchant for drama, certainly has a complicated relationship with mortality within the American Horror Story universe. The short answer is yes, Madison Montgomery dies multiple times in American Horror Story. However, her penchant for resurrection and return complicates the issue, making her fate one of the series’ most intriguing aspects.
Madison’s Many Demises (and Resurrections)
Madison’s journey through death and rebirth is central to understanding her character arc. She represents the intoxicating allure of power coupled with a desperate need for validation, often leading her to disastrous, fatal consequences.
Murder House: The Initial Fall
Madison’s initial introduction in Coven sees her arriving at Miss Robichaux’s Academy, already burdened by the weight of fame and a troubled past. Her power is evident, but her control is lacking. It’s within the walls of the Academy that her first documented death occurs. Fiona Goode, the Supreme Witch, murders Madison, fearing her potential as a rival. This act sets in motion the events that define much of Coven, exploring themes of succession, power, and the lengths to which witches will go to protect their place.
Coven: Brought Back from the Dead
While Madison’s lifeless body is prominently featured in the latter half of Coven, the story doesn’t end there. Zoe Benson, played by Taissa Farmiga, utilizes her unique power to revive Madison. This resurrection is not without its consequences, however. Madison returns with a slightly altered personality, perhaps hinting at the lingering effects of the afterlife or the trauma of her death.
Apocalypse: Another End, Another Beginning
Years later, Madison’s story continues in Apocalypse. This season sees her trapped in her own personal hell, working in a department store in Los Angeles. She is eventually rescued by Behold Chablis and Madison Montgomery (descendants of the witches) who need her particular set of skills to uncover crucial information about Michael Langdon, the Antichrist. Her journey in Apocalypse is marked by a search for redemption and a growing awareness of the consequences of her past actions. Though she faces immense danger and sacrifice during her time fighting Langdon, she ultimately survives the altered timeline created at the end of the season.
The Murky Future: Will She Die Again?
Given American Horror Story‘s penchant for bringing back characters, even those who have ostensibly met their end, the possibility of Madison facing death again remains open. The very nature of the show thrives on uncertainty and the blurring of lines between life and death. Therefore, while Madison currently exists in a timeline where she survived Apocalypse, the future of her character is far from certain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Madison Montgomery’s Death
Here are some frequently asked questions about the beloved (and often deceased) Madison Montgomery.
FAQ 1: How exactly did Fiona Goode kill Madison?
Fiona used her power of telekinetic strangulation to kill Madison. Fiona believed Madison was a potential threat to her position as the Supreme, thus justifying her brutal actions.
FAQ 2: Was Madison aware that Fiona intended to kill her?
Madison was somewhat aware of Fiona’s manipulative nature, but she did not anticipate the severity of Fiona’s actions or her willingness to commit murder. She underestimated Fiona’s ruthlessness.
FAQ 3: How did Zoe Benson bring Madison back to life?
Zoe used a unique combination of her own inherent power and the “Vitalum Vitalis” spell, a powerful act of transferring life force. Zoe sacrificed a portion of her own life energy to restore Madison.
FAQ 4: Did Madison’s personality change after being resurrected?
Yes, many viewers have noted a subtle shift in Madison’s personality after her resurrection. She appeared less impulsive and slightly more reflective, perhaps due to her experience with death and the realization of the consequences of her actions.
FAQ 5: Why was Madison trapped in a department store in Apocalypse?
Madison was trapped in her own personal hell, orchestrated by the Voodoo Queen, Dinah Stevens, as revenge for Madison’s past transgressions. The department store was designed to inflict constant boredom and superficiality, reflecting Madison’s perceived shallowness.
FAQ 6: How did Madison escape her personal hell?
Behold Chablis and Madison Montgomery (a different Madison from Murder House) used their combined magical abilities to locate and rescue Madison from her personal hell, specifically utilizing a spell to break Dinah Stevens’ hold.
FAQ 7: What role did Madison play in defeating Michael Langdon?
Madison used her telekinetic abilities to gather crucial information about Michael Langdon’s past and weaknesses, which ultimately aided the witches in their plan to alter the timeline and prevent the apocalypse. Her knowledge of his powers was vital to the witches’ counter-offensive.
FAQ 8: Is Madison Montgomery considered a powerful witch?
Yes, Madison is considered a powerful witch. Her telekinetic abilities are exceptionally strong, and she has demonstrated a significant aptitude for various spells and rituals throughout the series.
FAQ 9: Will Madison Montgomery appear in future seasons of American Horror Story?
While there is no official confirmation, Ryan Murphy, the creator of American Horror Story, has expressed his fondness for the character and a willingness to explore her story further. Given the show’s anthology format and its recurring cast, a future appearance is certainly possible.
FAQ 10: What are some of Madison’s most iconic lines?
Madison is known for her sharp wit and often cutting remarks. Some of her most iconic lines include phrases like “Surprise, bitch. I bet you thought you’d seen the last of me,” and her general sass and confidence in any situation.
FAQ 11: How does Madison’s death impact the other characters in Coven?
Madison’s death has a profound impact, primarily on Zoe and Queenie. Zoe is driven to revive Madison, showcasing her own growing power and moral compass. Queenie feels guilt due to her own involvement in the events leading up to Madison’s murder. Fiona’s actions sow further discord amongst the coven.
FAQ 12: Is there a connection between Madison’s resurrection and her acting career?
While not explicitly stated, there’s a meta-narrative element suggesting a connection. Actors “die” and are “reborn” in different roles, and Madison’s experience mirrors this, adding a layer of commentary on fame, performance, and the ever-changing nature of identity. The constant rebirth may represent the ephemeral nature of fame and her struggle to find genuine meaning beyond superficiality.