Ep 10. The Name Game
- TVMA
- January 2, 2013
- 39 min
-
8.8 (6,515)
In season 2, episode 10 of American Horror Story, titled "The Name Game," the residents of Briarcliff Manor continue to face their own personal horrors. Sister Jude has taken on a new identity as a lounge singer after suffering a devastating breakdown, while Dr. Arden is still grappling with the aftermath of his experiments. Meanwhile, Kit and Grace are faced with the possibility of losing their child after Anne Frank, who is actually Charlotte, reveals the truth about her identity.
As the episode begins, Sister Jude, now going by the name of Betty Drake, is performing at a local bar. She seems to have left her old life behind her, but memories of Briarcliff continue to haunt her. Later, Dr. Arden approaches her with an offer to return to the hospital, but she declines, saying she has moved on.
Meanwhile, Kit and Grace are struggling with Charlotte's revelation. She tells them that she is not Anne Frank, but rather a woman who assumed the identity of the famous Holocaust victim after her parents were killed. Kit and Grace are both stunned by the news, but Charlotte assures them that she still believes in their cause and will help them fight against the injustices of Briarcliff.
As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Charlotte is not the only one with secrets. Dr. Arden confesses to Kit that he was responsible for the death of Grace's father, and that he may have played a role in the disappearance of Kit's wife. Kit is horrified by these revelations, but Dr. Arden promises to help him find the truth.
Meanwhile, Sister Mary Eunice is still possessed by the demon, and her behavior has become increasingly erratic. She tortures a patient in the hospital and taunts Sister Jude with memories of her past. However, her reign of terror is short-lived when Dr. Arden injects her with a serum that temporarily cures her of the demon's influence.
The most memorable scene of the episode is the titular "Name Game," in which Sister Jude and patients of Briarcliff Manor break into a musical number and makeover session. The sequence is both surreal and delightful, a moment of levity amidst the darkness of the rest of the season.
Overall, "The Name Game" is another strong episode of American Horror Story that continues to explore the themes of identity, trauma, and redemption. The characters are complex and flawed, and the storylines continue to surprise and shock. The striking visuals and memorable soundtrack make it a standout episode of the season.