American Horror Story: Apocalypse Finale - 7 Ups & 2 Downs From ‘Apocalypse Then’

2. The Strong Writing Allows Us To Empathise With Michael

While having the opportunity to revisit most of our favourite Murder House and Coven characters was a highlight of Apocalypse for all of us, none of them were the star of this show. That honour undeniably belongs to Michael Langdon - and the actor behind him, Cody Fern.

While many viewers were critical of the flashback-driven episodes, the truth of the matter is that without them, we simply wouldn't have gotten to know who Michael truly was. Via those five Michael-orientated instalments, viewers were given the opportunity to not only get to know Michael, but also to understand the fact that a lot of the darkness within him is actually beyond his control.

That's what makes the character's demise so upsetting. As Mallory went back in time and ran over a younger Michael, it was hard not to feel for the adolescent boy, who had no inkling as to why this was happening to him. In spite of the horrifying things he's done - or in this version of the timeline, would go on to do - it's incredibly difficult to not be upset as the character breathes his last breath. Perhaps the emotion stems from the fact that, in this moment, the witches aren't exterminating the Anti-Christ, but rather they're killing a confused teenage boy, who couldn't find anyone to love him.

To feel emotion towards such a character is truly a testament to both Murphy and Fern, who's characterisation of Michael Langdon has been utterly sublime.