American Horror Story: 10 Most Hated Episodes
1. Valerie Solanas Died For Your Sins: Scumbag (S7E7)
Cult makes its final appearance on the list in the number one spot. American Horror Story loves its flashbacks. Sometimes they add to the story and sometimes they bring groans from the fans. This is a case of the latter.
The episode bounces from 1968 to 2016, relaying the story of real-life radical feminist Valerie Solanas, the woman who shot Andy Warhol. It shows how she formed SCUM (the Society of Cutting Up Men) and wrote her SCUM Manifesto following Andy Warhol's mistreatment of her (losing a script she wrote).
On the surface, some may think this episode is hated due to the casting of Lena Dunham in the role of Valerie Solanas. Dunham is a notorious, vocal feminist who has received hate from time to time, but she's not wholly to blame. It's fair to say her acting was a bit over the top or her performance scenery-chewing, but the real problem is with the entire flashback.
It should've been reserved as a short opener instead of the focus of the episode. And the attempt to try to tie Valerie to the Zodiac Killer fell flat. The twist came out of nowhere and felt more like a ham fisted way to add something interesting to an already eye-rolling moment.
Though it was a valid attempt, the main complaint from fans was how the episode seemed to slam on the brakes. Perhaps if it occurred earlier in the season or was shortened, it could've worked.