American Horror Story: How Apocalypse Saved The Show
3. Jessica Lange's Return
The first four seasons of American Horror Story are not only held in high esteem because of their strong writing and direction, but also due to the fact that they featured award-winning performances from none other than the Jessica Lange. The celebrated actress' departure at the end of Freak Show signified a massive drop in standard for the anthology series, and none of the subsequent seasons have been able to live up to these unforgettable four outings.
That is, until now. Apocalypse not only boasts a return to form because of its brilliant storyline, but also because the star of the show comes back in an epic fashion. Lange reprised her role of Constance in two episodes of the season, both of which are the strongest of Apocalypse's instalments.
Watching Lange act - no matter how short the scene - is like a masterclass, and she delivered some of her best work yet, as Constance comes to terms with the fact that her final shot at motherhood is doomed, as her grandson is the Anti-Christ. Having the actress back on the show gave AHS that main-event television vibe, which evaporated after she left the show.
Fans can only hope that Lange will agree to pop up in the next season - even if only in a recurring capacity like here - because her presence clearly motivates the writers to do their best work.