Ep 1. Pilot
- TVMA
- October 5, 2011
- 51 min
-
7.9 (9,103)
In the first episode of American Horror Story, entitled "Pilot," we are introduced to the Harmon family: Ben, Vivien, and their teenage daughter, Violet. They move into a beautiful Victorian mansion in Los Angeles, hoping to start over after a series of personal tragedies.
But the Harmons quickly discover that their new home has a dark and violent history, and that they are not alone. The mansion seems to be haunted by the ghosts of its former residents, and the Harmons soon find themselves in a living nightmare.
The episode begins with Ben (played by Dylan McDermott) meeting his new patient, Tate, a disturbed teenager who seems to be struggling with serial killer tendencies. Ben, who is a psychiatrist, agrees to treat Tate but quickly realizes that the boy's problems may be far more serious than he initially thought.
Meanwhile, Vivien (played by Connie Britton) is struggling with the aftermath of a miscarriage and is hoping that the move will provide a fresh start for her family. But she's quickly disturbed by strange occurrences in the house, including ghostly whispers and hallucinations.
Violet (played by Taissa Farmiga) is a lonely and troubled teenager who begins to explore the mysterious and creepy mansion. She meets a strange girl named Addie, who warns her about the dangers of the house and its dark history.
As the episode progresses, we are introduced to some of the mansion's former residents, including the ghost of a disfigured woman named Moira (played by Frances Conroy), who is only visible to men as a seductive young maid (played by Alexandra Breckenridge). We also meet the ghost of a teenage boy named Chad (played by Zachary Quinto), who seems to have a connection to Ben and his past.
As the Harmons struggle to make sense of the strange events in the house, they begin to unravel the dark secrets of the mansion's past. They learn about the murder-suicide of the previous owners, and are horrified to discover that their own daughter may be in danger.
The episode ends with a shocking twist that sets the stage for the rest of the season, leaving viewers eager to see what other horrors await the Harmons in their new home.
Overall, "Pilot" is a gripping and suspenseful introduction to the world of American Horror Story. The episode sets up the central characters and the haunted house setting with skill and precision, and leaves viewers eager to see what other horrors lurk behind the walls of the mansion. It is an excellent start to what would become one of the most beloved and terrifying series on television.