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It’s about time American Horror Story tackled the wild world of influencers. American Horror Stories Episode 4 starts as a saga about the worst TikTok house you could ever imagine, Bro House, a place where its residents think it’s a great idea to film suicide. But it isn’t long before these four bros get their comeuppance at the hands of one of the most influential men around: Santa Claus.
“The Naughty List” echos some of the best parts of this universe. It’s a gory, self-contained story that never dives into being too self-righteous. Instead it relies on the idea that influencers are kind of annoying and it’s perversely fun to see bad things happen to bad people. Also? It’s an episode packed with familiar faces. If you’re wondering where you’ve seen Kevin McHale and that Santa Claus before, we have your back. Here’s what you may have missed in American Horror Stories Episode 4.
Kevin McHale's character had some serious 'Glee' references.
Gleeks, this one’s for you. Kevin McHale starred in “The Naughty List” as Barry, the only member of Bro House to have a conscience or any degree of common sense. The fact that a member of Glee appeared in American Horror Stories isn’t a huge deal. Ryan Murphy throws his stable of actors into all sorts of wild projects. Heck, Mr. Schue himself, Matthew Morrison, had a major role in 1984. No, what makes this casting interesting is Barry’s many nods to Artie Abrams.
The first big callback to McHale’s Glee roots was casting him in a Christmas-themed episode. Christmas was always Artie’s time to shine. He even directed a black-and-white Christmas special in Season 3. Just the fact that Barry is the team’s director and IT guide references Artie’s career aspirations. Then there are McHale’s legs. At one point “Santa” shoots Barry in the leg, forcing this bro to drag himself across the floor. That’s a pretty clear reference to the wheelchair-bound Artie. McHale, it’s great to have you back in another wild Murphy world. Speaking of…
All of the members of Bro House have been in the Ryan Murphy universe before.
Kevin McHale isn’t the only bro who should look familiar. Nico Greetham, who plays the borderline deranged Zinn, starred in The Prom as Nick, one of the high schoolers who harassed Emma for being a lesbian. He also appeared in Glee as a member of the rival singing club, Vocal Adrenaline.
Next up is Dyllón Burnside as James. Burnside broke all of our hearts as Pose’s Ricky, a dancer who started an on-again, off-again relationship with Billy Porter’s Pray Tell. James’ eagerness to try out becoming “homey-sexual” is likely a nod to that deeply emotional onscreen relationship.
Last but certainly not least is Charles Melton as the dim-witted Wyatt. Melton starred as Mr. Wu, a ghost who starts a polyamorous relationship with Agnetha and Vendela, in American Horror Story: Hotel. But that’s not all. Melton’s first credited acting role was as a model on Glee. See? Murphy loves his actors.
Yep, that was Danny Trejo.
Do you want to watch Spy Kids all of a sudden? That’s probably because none other than Danny Trejo stars as the murderous Santa Claus in “The Naughty List.” Trejo is an all-around acting badass, so his appearance is especially exciting. Trejo is best known for starring in Machete, From Dusk Till Dawn, Heat, Sons of Anarchy, and Mayans MC. Basically if you’ve watched anything in the past 20 years, you’ve probably encountered Trejo’s work and love him for it.
This is the second time 'American Horror Story' has had a bloody Christmas.
With “The Naughty List”, American Horror Story is intentionally repeating itself. Apocalypse introduced a movie star by the name of Bubble McGee (Joan Collins). We only got to see one of Bubbles’ movies, but it was a memorable one. A Christmas to Dismember revolved around her character trying to escape from a murderous Santa Claus, which you may recognize as the same plot of this episode.
Does this feel like a reference within a reference? Good eye. Bubbles’ fake movie has the same plot as “…And All Through the House” portion of Tales from the Crypt. And that episode starred none other than Joan Collins. We see you, American Horror Stories, and we applaud.
Santa Claus as the "Wild Man" is an actual myth.
While Barry and James are at their most scared, they’re sent a link from “Santa.” This article explains that some people believe that Santa Claus is actually the wild man, a figure that exists in European mythology. That urban legend actually exists.
The “wild man” can be dated back to the 12th century and can be defined by, well, his wildness. Most descriptions feature him covered in hair and unable to speak. Santa Claus, Last of the Wild Men: The Origins and Evolution of Saint Nicholas, Spanning 50,000 Years by Phyllis Siefker ties this legend back to Santa. All of that chimney climbing seems a bit spookier now.
