When Patti LuPone (Nora) strolled out of the moving van and into the house next door to the witches we were all ecstatic. Not just because it was her but because she was playing a manipulative religious nut who would rage hell on these witches. We were expecting a war, we were expecting the Salem Witch Trials being brought to the 21st century, we were expecting all kinds of gruesomely delicious things. What did we get? A seemingly redundant story that Nora had killed her husband and then her son and, in a rage, Nan kills her. So what, exactly, was Nora's purpose? Why was she in the show? You have to call into question the possibility that Ryan Murphy admires so many people and when he has his anthology show - which offers new parts each season - he has the luxury of inviting them on board. But should he do this? Is this good television? Bringing in a big name to act in a minor, unsatisfactory role? The problem with Patti LuPone coming is is that she was brought in with such promise. She brings a bible into the witch's house, she has a stare that could make you shiver, she has a cold voice. She's perfect for the show and they do nothing with her. We were shocked - disappointed more so - that she murdered her son but we were forgiving, we thought maybe she would go and be the witch's enemy, maybe she would even be a witch. These are interesting opportunities to take a character we've watched from the beginning. Instead, the show - doing this more so in Coven - realises that it's close to the end of the season and they need to wrap up these character's stories. If they hadn't opened up so many possibilities - so many story-lines - then they wouldn't have to. They have, therefore, shot themselves in the foot and Patti LuPone's along the way.
Thomas Stewart is a graduate from the University of Glamorgan and currently a student on the MA in Writing course at the University of Warwick. He is a Freelance Writer for Mens Fashion Magazine, Make and Believe, Smashpipe and more. As well as writing, he loves horror films, folk music, Raymond Carver, patterned jumpers, Richard Yates, curry, Scarlett Thomas, editing, chick-flicks, watches and biscuits.
