Ep 9. The Coat Hanger

The Coat Hanger is the penultimate episode of the second season of American Horror Story, which aired on December 12, 2012. Set in the 1960s, the episode revolves around the aftermath of the violent events that took place in the previous episode.

The episode opens with Lana Winters (Sarah Paulson) being brought into Briarcliff, the mental institution where she has been confined since the beginning of the season. Her captor, Dr. Thredson (Zachary Quinto), seems to have finally lost his sanity as he shows her a new room he has prepared for her. Lana realizes she is running out of time as she is pregnant with Thredson's child and fears for her safety and sanity.

Meanwhile, Sister Jude (Jessica Lange) is in a desperate situation. After being hit by a car, she is brought back to Briarcliff as a patient. Her circumstances have changed significantly since the beginning of the season; she is now vulnerable and has lost her power within the institution. Her storyline is one of the most intriguing of the episode as it explores how even the most seemingly unshakeable of characters can be broken down completely.

In a parallel storyline, Kit (Evan Peters) is fighting for his life after being shot by a guard. He is facing a death sentence and is desperate to talk to his wife Alma (Britne Oldford) one last time. Their reunion is heartbreaking as they try to make peace with the fact that they will not be able to spend the rest of their lives together.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that things are not what they seem. The title of the episode, The Coat Hanger, is cryptic and unsettling; it leaves the viewer wondering what is in store. As the tension builds, the plot twists and turns, keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat.

Throughout the episode, there are moments of intense horror and violence. However, what makes this episode so arresting is the performances of the cast. They carry the weight of their characters' emotional journeys with ease, making it easy to become immersed in their struggles.

The Coat Hanger is a standout episode that showcases the show's ability to mix horror, suspense, and drama in a way that mesmerizes the audience. It is one of the most memorable episodes of the season and sets the stage for the climactic finale.