Ep 7. Test of Strength

In American Horror Story season 4 episode 7, titled "Test of Strength", the freak show troupe is still dealing with the aftermath of the previous episode's events. With Desiree and Dell's secret out, tensions are high as the performers try to move forward.

The episode opens with Jimmy's arrest for the murders committed by Twisty the Clown. As Jimmy sits in jail, the other performers try to figure out how to save him. Ethel visits her doctor and discovers that her liver cancer has returned, giving her only a few months to live. This motivates her to try to make things right with Jimmy and to also get revenge on Dell.

Meanwhile, Stanley approaches Bette and Dot with an offer to sell them to a museum for a large sum of money. He reveals that he has already sold Ma Petite to the museum, which horrifies the rest of the troupe. This motivates the freaks to take matters into their own hands and to seek their own form of justice.

The main focus of the episode is the strongman competition between Dell and Amazon Eve. As the name suggests, the "Test of Strength" highlights the physical power of the performers. It's a brutal competition that eventually leads to violence and betrayal.

There are moments of great tension as Dell and Eve battle it out in a series of challenges, showing off their impressive strength. The other performers watch on, worried about the outcome. Eve proves to be an incredibly worthy opponent for Dell, and their competition quickly turns into a grudge match.

As the competition goes on, the drama between the performers continues to unfold. Ethel discovers Dell's violent past and confronts him, leading to a shocking revelation about Jimmy's parentage. This revelation sends shockwaves through the entire troupe, making them question who they can trust.

The episode ends with a shocking twist that sets up the rest of the season. The freak show is dealt a devastating blow, leaving them in a precarious position. The episode's title, "Test of Strength", takes on a deeper meaning as the performers are forced to confront their own inner demons and test their loyalty to one another.

Overall, "Test of Strength" is a strong episode that highlights the physical and emotional struggles of the freak show troupe. It's a pivotal episode in the season that sets up major plot points and character development for the rest of the series.