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American Horror Story has always been an intentionally dark show, but thanks to the events of our even darker world, it’s about to get more grim. EW has reported that the sixth episode of American Horror Story: Cult begins with a mass shooting. At the time of publication, FX and 20th Century Fox have declined to comment about whether or not the network will be delaying the episode.
Since Season 7 of American Horror Story finished production at the end of September, there was no way the show or FX had any knowledge of Las Vegas massacre prior to filming the episode. This past Sunday saw one of the most deadly shootings in American history, which left 59 dead and over 500 injured. Decider can confirm that Episode 6 “Mid-Western Assassin” opens with a mass shooting that is heavily featured throughout the episode. The disaster is not not taken lightly in-episode. However, the shooting is not featured in the teaser trailer for the new episode.
Created by Ryan Murphy, AHS’ election themed season has already seen complaints about being a bit too on the nose, but in this instance, it’s a tragic case of life imitating art. Cult follows a politically divided Michigan community that’s falling apart after the election of Trump. As the series has continued, it’s become clear this season is less about coping with Clinton’s loss and Trump’s victory and more about the unstable conditions that can breed cults. As the season progresses, Evan Peters, who plays the hauntingly intense modern-day cult leader Kai, is set to portray several cultish personalities throughout history.
Sadly, this isn’t the first time a real-life tragedy has affected fiction. Netflix and Marvel recently announced their decision to cancel their Punisher panel at New York Comic Con. The premiere of USA’s Shooter was delayed after the Baton Rouge shootings, and the finale of Season 1 of Mr. Robot was delayed because of its similarities to the live TV killings that took place in 2015. Even back in 1999, an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer that featured a mass killing was delayed because of Columbine. There’s precedent for FX to delay “Mid-Western Assassin,” which is set to premiere next Tuesday, October 10. However at the moment. It’s unclear what the network will do.
New episodes of American Horror Story: Cult premiere on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET
