American Horror Story season 4 episode 3 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In an episode filled with eerie Halloween themes, characters at the American Morbidity Museum are entangled in a scam involving a fake specimen. A young girl's fear of clowns casts a shadow over her trick-or-treating experience. The performers at a freak show are haunted by the legend of Edward Mordrake, a cursed figure who's believed to take a soul if they perform on Halloween. Personal stories of struggle and despair are revealed, including Ethel's heart-wrenching tale of her past and her son's exploitation. The arrival of Mystic Miss Esmeralda, a fortune teller, brings new dynamics, while Elsa's performance on Halloween night unwittingly summons the ominous Edward Mordrake.

Full Episode S04E03 Recap

### Introduction at the American Morbidity Museum - The scene opens with a tour guide at the American Morbidity Museum, celebrating the oddities and abnormalities of the human body. - Dr. Mansfield and Miss Hemmings, along with their assistant Miss Rothschild, attempt to sell a fraudulent specimen to the museum. - The museum curator exposes their scam and suggests that they could make a deal if they brought something truly unique and authentic. ### Trick or Treating and the Clown Fear - Jessie, a young girl, is frightened of clowns, affecting her Halloween experience. - Her mother tries to comfort her, but Jessie insists she saw a scary clown. ### Medical Diagnosis and Emotional Response - A character receives a grim diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and has an emotional reaction, expressing gratitude for being treated with respect. ### The Legend of Edward Mordrake - The performers at a freak show discuss the legend of Edward Mordrake, a man with a second face on the back of his head. - They believe that performing on Halloween would summon Mordrake's spirit, who would then take one of them to hell. ### Relationship Struggles and Personal Revelations - Various characters navigate through personal struggles and relationship issues. - Ethel, facing her mortality, asks Dell to look after their son Jimmy. - Dora confronts Dandy, who is struggling with his own inner demons. ### Arrival of Mystic Miss Esmeralda - Mystic Miss Esmeralda arrives at the freak show, seeking employment as a fortune teller. - She impresses Elsa with her fortune-telling skills, predicting a bright future and stardom for Elsa. ### Elsa's Performance and Edward Mordrake's Arrival - Elsa performs a song, unaware that it's Halloween and her act could summon Edward Mordrake. - Edward Mordrake appears, demanding to hear Elsa's story, which she reluctantly shares. ### Ethel's Story and Mordrake's Decision - Ethel recounts her painful past, including her son's birth and exploitation. - Mordrake, after hearing her story, decides she's not the one he's looking for. ### Halloween Night Continues - The Halloween night proceeds with trick-or-treating and further developments among the characters. - The episode concludes with a sense of foreboding, as Mordrake continues his search for a soul to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Dr. Mansfield and what does he try to sell at the American Morbidity Museum?

Dr. Mansfield, along with Miss Hemmings and their assistant, tries to sell a fraudulent medical specimen at the museum.

What is the reaction of the museum curator to Dr. Mansfield's specimen?

The museum curator exposes the specimen as a fraud and suggests a deal for something truly unique and authentic.

Why is Jessie afraid during trick-or-treating?

Jessie is terrified of clowns, which affects her Halloween experience.

What diagnosis does a character receive in the episode?

A character is diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.

What is the legend of Edward Mordrake?

Edward Mordrake is a man with a second face on the back of his head, and it's believed that performing on Halloween summons his spirit, which then takes a freak show performer to hell.

Who is Mystic Miss Esmeralda and what does she do?

Mystic Miss Esmeralda is a fortune teller who arrives at the freak show seeking employment.

What prediction does Esmeralda make for Elsa?

Esmeralda predicts stardom and a bright future for Elsa.

What happens when Elsa performs on Halloween?

Elsa's performance on Halloween inadvertently summons Edward Mordrake.

What story does Ethel share with Edward Mordrake?

Ethel shares her painful past, including her son's birth and exploitation.

Does Edward Mordrake take Ethel with him?

No, after hearing her story, Mordrake decides Ethel is not the one he's looking for.

Watch American Horror Story season 4 episode 3 Online

Edward Mordrake (1)