American Horror Story: 10 Most Horrific Moments

Season: Freak Show

Episode: 4 - "Edward Mordrake (Part 2)"

Rating: 2/5 Bloody Faces

Whilst an actual incarnation of John Wayne Gacy wouldn't appear in Horror Story until the fifth season, it is not hard to spot the similarities between the notorious killer and Freak Show's Twisty the Clown. John Carroll Lynch's turn as Twisty was as sympathetic as it was horrible - the Halloween episode revealed Twisty's backstory...but was it enough to redeem him?

A vicious troupe of carnies spread the rumour that Twisty was molesting children, so he could no longer find work as a clown. When his attempts to sell his toys fell flat, and his alcoholic mother died, Twisty blew his jaw off with a shotgun. Something saved him, and he adopted his clown suit once more. Somewhere in his warped mind Twisty thought he was helping children by killing their parents and keeping them safe. Due to the sadness of his tale, Twisty was raptured by Edward Mordrake to join his carnival of spooks. Ultimately it was Dandy Mott who took over the persona of Freak Show's biggest psycho, but this list isn't quite ready to visit Mr. Mott yet. The graphic detail of Twisty's origin, and then his demise made for uncomfortable viewing.