Premiered: October 9, 2013

On: FX

Starring: Sarah Paulson, Taissa Farmiga, Frances Conroy, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe, Emma Roberts, Denis O’Hare, Kathy Bates, Jessica Lange, Angela Bassett, Gabourey Sidibe, Danny Huston, Patti LuPone, Stevie Nicks, Jamie Brewer, Josh Hamilton, Alexander Dreymon, Lance Reddick, Michael Cristofer, Leslie Jordan, Robin Bartlett, Mike Colter, Riley Voelkel, Christine Ebersole, Michelle Page, Grey Damon, Ian Anthony Dale, Lance E. Nichols, Andrew Leeds, Gavin Stenhouse, P.J. Boudousqué, Ameer Baraka, Dana Gourrier, Alexandra Breckenridge, Mare Winningham, Grace Gummer & Kyle Secor

In the third installment of Ryan Murphy’s horror series, strong women are at the forefront.

Zoe Benson (Taissa Farmiga) is sent to live with a coven of witches in New Orleans run by Coredlia Foxx (Sarah Paulson). Cordelia’s mother, Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange), is the reckless leader of the coven coming to the end of her time, but desperate to keep her power.

The leading ladies of the show are all at their best in the series. Frances Conroy, specifically, as Myrtle Snow is a scene-stealer and a truly iconic character. The few male characters in the show tend to fade into the background with it feeling like the producers don’t know what to do with them.

Toward the end, the plot seems to unravel a bit, but the ending is satisfying.

Final say: Wickedly entertaining. ★★★★☆