American Horror Story season 7 episode 9 Recap and FAQ
Episode Summary
The narrative intertwines the dark histories of several cults with a modern-day political movement. It recounts the Heaven's Gate suicides, where members ingested poison to join a spacecraft, and David Koresh's Branch Davidians, who saw Koresh as a divine figure. Similarly, Jim Jones's Peoples Temple ended in a mass murder-suicide. These stories parallel the protagonist's cult-like political group, where loyalty and sacrifice are paramount. A central plot involves the custody battle over a child named Oz, with the protagonist possibly being his biological father, thus increasing his control over the group and Oz's mothers.
Full Episode S07E09 Recap
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Heaven's Gate cult's belief regarding their suicide?
The Heaven's Gate cult believed they were leaving their bodies to board a spacecraft in a comet's tail.
Who was the leader of the Heaven's Gate cult?
Marshall Applewhite, also known as Do, was the leader.
What extreme measure did some members of Heaven's Gate take?
Some members voluntarily underwent castration in Mexico.
Who was David Koresh?
David Koresh was the leader of the Branch Davidians, claiming to have divine authority.
What was unique about the relationships within the Branch Davidians under Koresh?
Koresh dissolved marriages among his followers, fathering children as the only male allowed to engage in sexual activity.
Who was Jim Jones?
Jim Jones founded the Peoples Temple, which aimed to create a utopian society in Guyana.
What tragic event is associated with Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple?
Jim Jones orchestrated a mass murder-suicide involving over 900 people, known for the phrase "drink the Kool-Aid."
What is the significance of the Kool-Aid in the narrative?
The Kool-Aid was used in a council meeting to test the group's loyalty, but it was revealed to be harmless.
What is the main conflict regarding Oz in the story?
The conflict revolves around the custody and well-being of a child named Oz.
Who claims to be Oz's biological father?
The protagonist of the story claims to be Oz's biological father.
How does the revelation about Oz's paternity affect the story?
It complicates the custody battle and deepens the protagonist's control over the group.
What does the protagonist compare his political movement to?
The protagonist draws parallels between his political movement and historical cults.
What themes are explored through the protagonist's leadership?
Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the power of charismatic leadership are explored.
How does the protagonist test his followers' loyalty?
He orchestrates a fake mass suicide using Kool-Aid.
What was the outcome of the fake mass suicide?
It was revealed that the Kool-Aid was harmless, proving the members' loyalty and readiness for greater challenges.
