American Horror Story Season 2: The Asylum That Will Haunt Your Dreams

American Horror Story Season 2, also known as Asylum, is a critically acclaimed television series that premiered in 2012 on FX. The show is a continuation of the original series, which was a huge success. Asylum is set in the 1960s and follows the story of a haunted asylum, where a group of inmates and medical staff must navigate the dark and twisted world of the institution.

The show's creator, Ryan Murphy, is known for his dark and twisted sense of humor, and Asylum is no exception. The series features a star-studded cast, including Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, and Zachary Quinto, among others. The show's storylines are complex and layered, with multiple plot twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

One of the standout features of Asylum is its use of historical events and figures. The show is set in the 1960s, a time of great change and upheaval in the United States. The series draws inspiration from real-life events, such as the invention of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and the use of lobotomies as a form of treatment for mental illness.

In addition to its historical themes, Asylum also explores the supernatural and the paranormal. The show features a range of ghosts and demons, all of whom are connected to the asylum and its dark past. From the vengeful spirit of a patient who was murdered by the doctors to the demonic presence that haunts the institution, Asylum is full of creepy and unsettling moments that will keep you up all night.

The Cast of Characters

Asylum features a large and diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique storylines and motivations. Some of the main characters include:

• Sister Jude Martin (Jessica Lange): A strict and unforgiving nun who serves as the leader of the asylum's Sisterhood.
• Dr. Arden (James Cromwell): A charismatic and unorthodox doctor who uses experimental treatments to try and cure his patients.
• Dr. Thredson (Zachary Quinto): A young and ambitious doctor who becomes embroiled in a series of sinister events.
• Lana Winters (Sarah Paulson): A journalist who infiltrates the asylum to investigate the mysterious happenings.
• Kit Walker (Evan Peters): A former soldier who becomes a patient at the asylum.

Character Development

One of the strengths of Asylum is its well-developed characters. Each character has their own unique backstory and motivation, which is slowly revealed throughout the series. For example, Sister Jude's character is revealed to be complex and multifaceted, with a deep sense of vulnerability and desperation.

Dr. Arden's character is also notable, as he is a charismatic and confident doctor who is willing to push the boundaries of medical ethics in order to achieve his goals. However, as the series progresses, his character becomes increasingly dark and twisted, revealing a sinister side that is both shocking and terrifying.

The Themes of Asylum

Asylum explores a range of themes, including:

• The dangers of unchecked power and ambition
• The consequences of playing God with human life
• The blurred lines between good and evil
• The power of trauma and the long-term effects of abuse

Historical Themes

The show's historical themes are one of its strongest aspects. The series draws inspiration from real-life events and figures, such as the invention of ECT and the use of lobotomies as a form of treatment for mental illness. The show also explores the social and cultural attitudes of the time, including the segregation of mental illness and the persecution of those deemed "different".

Supernatural Themes

Asylum also explores the supernatural and the paranormal, featuring a range of ghosts and demons that are connected to the asylum and its dark past. The show's use of horror and suspense is expertly crafted, creating a sense of tension and unease that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The Storyline

The storyline of Asylum is complex and layered, with multiple plot twists and turns that keep viewers guessing. The series begins with Lana Winters, a journalist who infiltrates the asylum to investigate the mysterious happenings. However, as she delves deeper into the institution, she begins to uncover the dark secrets and lies that lurk beneath its surface.

The story is divided into two main plotlines: the human storyline, which follows the characters as they navigate the asylum's dark past, and the supernatural storyline, which explores the ghosts and demons that haunt the institution.

The Human Storyline

The human storyline is a slow-burning plot that explores the characters' backstories and motivations. Lana's storyline is a central focus of the series, as she uncovers the dark secrets of the asylum and confronts the evil forces that lurk within.

The Supernatural Storyline

The supernatural storyline is a masterclass in building tension and suspense. The show's use of horror and suspense is expertly crafted, creating a sense of unease and fear that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The Impact of Asylum

Asylum was a critical and commercial success, attracting a large and dedicated audience. The show's use of horror and suspense created a sense of unease and fear that kept viewers on the edge of their seats, while its well-developed characters and complex storyline kept viewers engaged and invested in the story.

The show's impact can be seen in its influence on popular culture, with many of its characters and plotlines being referenced and parodied in other TV shows and films. Asylum also spawned a range of spin-offs and merchandise, cementing its place as a beloved and iconic horror series.

Conclusion

Asylum is a masterclass in horror and suspense, with a complex and layered storyline that keeps viewers on the