I’m not 100 percent sure what to think of American Horror Story’s 12th season, Delicate, yet. I love Emma Roberts, and I’m happy to have Matt Czuchry back on my screen again. But evil baby stories have been done so many times. Even American Horror Story has dabbled in this storyline before. This version is more modernized with dealing with IVF, though.
Also, with all the women who have gone through IVF, there should be a trigger warning before. This could be a very triggering season. Trying to have a baby can be traumatizing enough, and this is bringing a horror element to it. It can work well to pull on real things, but American Horror Story must walk a thin line for this one.
Delicate’s episode one follows Anna Victoria Alcott (Emma) as she’s going through her third round of IVF treatments. The fertility clinic they go to, which is supposed to be the best in the city, is pretty creepy. It’s right on brand for AHS. Her husband, Dexter Harding (Matt), is going through it right with her. A lot of creepy things happen during this process, and it seems like someone doesn’t want her to get pregnant. (This part could also be very triggering but will relate to many women’s fear.)
Anna is a rising star with Oscar buzz around her latest movie, but she’s been a working actress for a long time, and a TV show brought her into the public eye. Dex still seems to be grieving his ex-wife, who died in an accident, and he’s a gallery owner. We get a better glimpse into Anna than Dex, but I’m definitely here to learn more about Matt’s character. I’m pretty excited about his AHS debut.
This is also Kim Kardashian’s AHS debut and acting debut. This role was definitely made for her and a good fit for her. It really makes sense. It will be interesting to see what Ryan Murphy does with it. I was not happy with her casting, but after the first episode, I’m open to seeing how she does.
Delicate is very stripped down from what many of the recent seasons of American Horror Story have been. It feels more like Murder House. There isn’t as much going on, and there’s one straightforward story. It looks like Emma will play a central role, and everyone else will be supporting her. I’m fine with that as long as I get enough of Matt, too.
As much as I hate when a series drops more than one episode for the premiere because there is too much TV already, American Horror Story could have dropped two episodes. We got a glimpse at this season, and while I enjoyed it, if it wasn’t for Emma and Matt, I don’t know if I would be as excited to continue the season. Because I have loved past seasons of AHS, I would watch a few more episodes regardless, but episode one may not be enough to draw you in.
