American Horror Story: 10 Worst Characters

Ramona Royale is a tremendous waste of Angela Bassett’s considerable talent. In other American Horror Story roles, as well as parts in BoJack Horseman and Black Panther, Bassett is electrifying and compelling. Her voice fills every word with forceful importance, her sneering demeanour capable of gravitas, wit and disdain, occasionally all at once. Rarely (if ever) were these traits utilised as Ramona Royale.

Perhaps it’s because when paired with The Countess she was overshadowed and when paired with anyone else she didn’t seem to mesh. Or perhaps the character just wasn’t particularly good. Whatever it was, Royale was not only disappointing, she got in the way.

Yes, she’s tied to a few of the main narratives but with some more streamlined writing Hotel could have all its main arcs continue onward untouched if Royale had been written out.

Using her afflicted blood to save her Alzheimer’s ridden father had potential, especially as he struggled to understand what was happening, but it doesn’t go anywhere interesting. She murders him, which is sort of interesting, except it feels more like tying up a loose end than it does an emotional climax or her letting go of the past.