Ep 8. Rubber Man

In season one, episode eight of American Horror Story, titled Rubber Man, the viewer is taken on a journey through the twisted pasts and dark desires of the show's characters. As the title suggests, the episode's central focus is on the enigmatic figure "Rubber Man," a masked and rubber-suited being that haunts the Harmon family's haunted house.

The episode opens with a flashback to 1994, where we see a young Moira (the house's ghostly maid) and Constance (the neighbor with questionable motives) discussing the strange occurrences happening at the house. Moira mentions the Rubber Man, who she claims is a malevolent spirit that possesses people who wear the rubber suit. We then fast forward to the present day, where it is revealed that Vivien (one of the Harmon family's matriarchs) has been impregnated by the Rubber Man.

As Vivien tries to come to terms with her situation, the rest of the episode delves into the psychological and sexual motivations of each of the show's characters. We see a flashback to Larry (the house's resident burn victim) and his wife before his disfigurement, where we learn that his wife had an affair with a man who wore a rubber suit. This revelation sheds light on Larry's obsession with Constance, who he believes can cure him of his guilt and pain.

Meanwhile, Ben (the Harmon family patriarch) continues to spiral out of control as he tries to cope with the death of his former mistress and the betrayal of his wife. He becomes obsessed with protecting his family from the Rubber Man and convinces himself that he is the only one who can stop him. This obsession leads him to making dangerous and unethical decisions that put himself and his family in jeopardy.

The episode culminates in a series of shocking reveals that will leave the viewer reeling. As the true identity of the Rubber Man is revealed, the characters' motivations are laid bare, and the implications of their actions become clear.

Overall, Rubber Man is a thrilling and suspenseful episode that explores the depths of the human psyche. It features standout performances from the show's talented cast and is a must-watch for any fan of the horror genre.