Suzanne Tenner/FXWelcome to the Hotel Cortez. Your room is nearly ready...
That's right, American Horror Story fans, it's almost time to check in to this year's Hotel! While you gather the necessary accessories required for tonight's first visit—we suggest a paper bag because the scares and sex will have you hyperventilating, for sure—let us fill you in on what to expect during your stay, with the help of AHS masterminds Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk.
A View To Die For
This season's exploits, the comings and goings of the inhabitants of Los Angeles' most intriguing hotel, harken back to season one's Murder House—especially for Murphy. "I think it's very similar to season one in that the only two seasons that I've ever done, and this is our fifth season, that I was afraid were the themes of season one and the themes of season five," he revealed to E! News at the show's recent premiere event. "I'm terrified of hotels."
"I had an instance where somebody broke into my room once when I was in the bed, and I feared for my life," Murphy continued. "They weren't there to kill me, they thought it was their room, but, whenever I go into a hotel, I always check under the bed and in the closets, which I don't do at home. So, it's a very primal thing."
Personal experience aside, Falchuk echoed the sentiment. "It is definitely the scariest one that that we've done because it has, at the core, a real ‘Zodiac' feel to it, so it's a real tension. It's not more violent, but it's scarier," he warned. "I think it's a little gorier. It pushes things a little bit harder…it almost feels more masculine, too. I don't know, I love it. I love season one because I thought it was so insulated and claustrophobic, and this one I love because it's just so scary. Truly scary."
Housekeeping!
Speaking of gore, the poor maids at the Cortez will be working overtime because this season is practically overflowing with blood—a messy side effect of Lady Gaga's Countess and her hemophilia (not vampirism!). "It's scarier. And bloodier," Murphy said. "We've never done a bloodier or, I feel, in-your-face season."
Just how much of the red stuff are we talking, here? "This season, after five episodes, we've gone through a full seasons worth [of fake blood,]" Murphy revealed. "We are doubling down on the gore." Consider yourself warned!
Room Service
The blood stains aren't the only thing in abundance at the Hotel Cortez. No, this season is upping the sex ante—which is saying something when you recall Murder House's Rubber Man and Coven's freaky snake sex. When asked what made Hotel sexier than ever, Murphy said we have his new leading lady to thank for that. ""Well, it's [Gaga.] I think she's sexy," he said. "And I think she and Matt Bomer and she and Finn Witrock are sexy."
He continued: "There's a lot of group sex happening on the show." (He's not kidding, either. Gaga and Bomer's first scene in the premiere will have you in need of a cold shower after, guaranteed.)
Guest Services
Beyond the shocks and the sex, this season plans to tackle some meaty ideas, as well. "This season deals with the themes of family and addiction, both of which are personal to me," Murphy said. So I think when it's personal like that, for me, in the writing, it taps into a deeper level of primal fear. It's scarier." In tonight's premiere alone, Sarah Paulson's Hypodermic Sally and Max Greenfield's Gabriel give a grim glimpse at where the show's planning to go with its exploration of addiction, while Wes Bentley and Chloe Sevigny's struggling parents John and Alex Lowe put a face to the fears of raising a child and keeping a family together.
What are you waiting for? Step on up to the front desk—your room is ready now...
American Horror Story: Hotel premieres tonight at 10 p.m. on FX.