American Horror Story: Cult teaser: All aboard the clown bus
The preview basically features a chorus of clowns all running around in what seems to be the world’s creepiest bus. It’s definitely a different imagery than what we associate with clown cars — people with makeup and rubber noses pouring out of a tiny enclosed space. That’s comical, and this borders more on terrifying for those of you who are afraid of clowns. Personally we’re not, so trying to get these sort of scares from us ultimately doesn’t amount to much.
The greater significance of this preview to us is how people will surround themselves in squalor for the sake of a cause. Can’t some of these clowns find a better form of transportation than some broken-down bus? Almost certainly, but here they all find themselves in unity. They don’t have to deal with anyone or anything representing the other, and can instead just surround themselves with the like-minded. There’s something comforting about that, since you don’t have to confront anything that you don’t know or understand. Instead, you just wrap yourself in what you know, including the same values and ideals. These clowns can let their freak flag fly and nobody will tell them to stop.
The metaphor here should be easy to decipher, especially when you remember co-creator Ryan Murphy’s past proclamations that this season is meant to be one rooted in a certain degree of politics. What people often do on both sides of the political spectrum these days is surround themselves with thoughts and opinions that they know, while tuning out some of the white noise. They can live in their own ignorance and not have to associate with anything that challenges their point of view. That’s dangerous, and eventually that turns us into a misguided army of our own. We don’t know how hard American Horror Story wants to hammer down that message, but we almost hope that this is something that the show gets at rather than taking down one political party or group of individuals. As much as we’ve enjoyed doing that here and there the past year, there’s only so long that this message feels effective. Over time, this show could just end up feeling like everything else that is already out there.
As this preview does remind you, American Horror Story: Cult formally premieres on Tuesday, September 5. That’s a little less than a month away! Hopefully you’re prepared for some more scares and discussion pieces…
What do you think about this American Horror Story: Cult teaser? Be sure to share in the comments below!
Meanwhile, head over here in the event that you want to get some more news and insight when it comes to the show! (Photo: FX.)