The scariest aspect of this season, akin to Dahmer, lies in its integration of historical events. Moreover, the overall tone thus far mirrors that of Dahmer: while both share elements of horror due to their subjects, they also exude a sense of true-crime drama that AHS: NYC now effortlessly embodies. While there are rough scenes, such as Gino (played by Joe Mantello) enduring hot needles beneath his fingernails, they pale in comparison to the knife-dick sexual assaults and nail gun to the head we've witnessed in previous seasons. Even the opening theme, which we witness in the second episode, is tamer than usual. Often, these themes are the most frightening aspect of the show. If the theme is an indication of what's to come, perhaps this season will lean less on the "Horror" aspect of its name.
So far, AHS: NYC primarily functions as a mystery show, taking a refreshing and even optimistic turn for the series. Unlike the last season, which began with a powerful premise that fell into chaos within its five episodes, AHS: NYC appears committed to giving the plot room to breathe. Although we were quickly introduced to all the characters and central plot points, we still have little clue what's really going on after two episodes. Specifically, we don't know who is committing the murders or why. We don't even know if our main villain, the giant leather man, is real. On top of this, a second, even creepier killer adds to the death toll, and our detective appears to be lying for reasons that remain entirely unrevealed. The secondary plot, revolving around an illness ravaging deer and now humans, is still shrouded in mystery. Is this HIV? A fictionalized illness with similar effects? Is the illness somehow connected to the murders? These questions arise with the anticipation of many other pressing questions to come.
For now, we can rely on one thing about this season: It will be sexy. AHS is almost always that way, but the queer '80s New York City setting offers far more creative and erotic fodder than the dilapidated North Carolina colonial farmhouse of AHS: Roanoke. The leather, the coke, the soundtrack—even if the plot fails us this season, at least we'll be visually sated. There are no ghosts, vampires, witches, or demons yet, but if this season is entirely grounded in reality, it's at least a gritty and exciting one to see. Though it might not be as big a hit as Dahmer or The Watcher, AHS fans are unlikely to be starved of the campy theatricalism they've come to adore.
