Nunok Sang: American Horror Stories just reacted to Sarah Paulson's criticism

American Horror Stories episode 7 spoilers follow.

The first season of the American Horror Story spin-off ends where it all began – in the infamous Murder House. But does it really though? Although we do revisit America's most haunted residence at multiple points here, an absurd amount of meta-themed twists keep pulling us back out until we don't even know what's real anymore.

Does anything in the American Horror Stories season one finale actually make sense then? Perhaps not, but when did that ever stop this show before? Regardless of all that though, one thing we do know for certain is that the opening scene, in particular, is an absolute treat for diehard fans who obsess over all the wider connections between each season.

'Game Over' kicks off with a new thrill-seeking couple played by Noah Cyrus and Adam Hagenbuch. Connie and Adam, as they're known here, are self-proclaimed American Horror Story fans who book a stay at the Murder House via Airbnb.

Even before they step through the front door, a huge number of references to previous seasons are just casually dropped, including the likes of Bloody Face and Sister Jude, as well as the Hotel Cortez from season five. It doesn't take long for the Rubber Man to appear either, and before you know it, Connie and Adam are banging in the same room where Violet and Tate first consummated their love, complete with a Tate-themed sweater.

That doesn't last long though, so Connie heads out hoping to find a ghost "who lasts more than two pumps." Unfortunately, her wish is granted all too quickly when a ton of murderous ghosts soon descend on them both, including a familiar-looking nurse, the Infantata, Piggy Man, Bloody Face, Twisty the Clown, and even Addie, a fan-favourite from season one.

But before they meet their grisly end, Adam second-guesses himself for a moment, suggesting that they could just eat some pancakes and binge-watch Roanoke at home instead. Connie shoots this idea down, but not before asking: "Why did Sarah Paulson shit talk that season? It's so good!"

Is Connie right? Is season six actually any good? Well, following the camp absurdity of Freak Show and Hotel, season six of American Horror Story dialled things down to the show's grisly roots and at the time, that was a welcome move. However, it also ended up being a divisive one to thanks to Roanoke's ambitious yet jumbled-found footage approach.

ahs, american horror story, season 6, sarah paulson

Fox

Ultimately, your own appreciation of season six comes down to personal taste, but did Sarah Paulson really "shit talk" Roanoke herself in real life? Back in June, the one true Supreme told The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast that she "doesn't care" for that season:

"I felt really kind of trapped by my responsibility and my contractual obligation to do American Horror Story..." said Sarah. "As much as [AHS is] my home and I've loved it always, it was the first time I felt like I wish I could have gone to Ryan and said, 'Please let me sit this one out. You know, let me out.' I was happy to be back for Cult, but Roanoke, I kinda went kicking and screaming."

In season six, Paulson played two new characters, Shelby Miller and Audrey Tindall, as well as Lana Winters, a fan-favourite who was first introduced in season two. But Sarah felt "underwhelmed" still because Roanoke came right after she had played Marcia Clark in American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson.

"I know people will get mad at me for saying it," said Paulson. "I felt like I had entered into a new place inside of myself in terms of what I thought possible, in terms of what I might be willing to see if I can do."

Since Roanoke first aired, Paulson has flexed her talents on plenty more Ryan Murphy projects, including Ratched and a new upcoming season of American Horror Story, so clearly, she's still keen to collaborate with him. And for what it's worth, Murphy will undoubtedly keep working with his muse too, although this might not be the last time that he pokes fun at Sarah's take on Roanoke.

What might Paulson say if Murphy asks her to bring back Shelby in a future episode of American Horror Stories? She probably won't be keen, but whatever happens next, there are only so many times that this spin-off can revisit the Murder House before moving onto pastures new.

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American Horror Stories will start airing in the UK on Disney+ from Wednesday, September 8. American Horror Story airs on FX in the US and FOX in the UK. Catch up on series 1-8 on Netflix, with seasons 1-9 available to buy on Amazon Prime Video.