Every season of American Horror Story is comprised of a talented ensemble, but one actor who has been overlooked for her memorable contributions is Emma Roberts. The horror anthology series premiered in 2011. Season 1 American Horror Story: Murder House starred Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Dylan McDermott, Connie Britton, Taissa Farmiga, Phil O'Hare, Sarah Paulson, and Jamie Brewer. The series reignited Lange's career and thrust Peters and Farmiga into the spotlight.
Every year, Murphy keeps American Horror Story fans guessing what twisted and macabre tricks he has up his sleeve, and no subject no matter how taboo ever appears to be off-limits. His distinct vision attracts A-list talent. Each season includes a sizable cast, and over time, many have achieved the distinction of becoming fan favorites, including Paulson, Peters, Lange, Adina Porter, Lily Rabe, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Denis O'Hare, and Frances Conroy. While Roberts has appeared in four installments of the franchise, even if she's listed as a main character, she often takes a backseat to her co-stars. Actors who have appeared in far fewer episodes such as Lady Gaga, Finn Wittrock, and Wes Bentley received critical accolades that elude Roberts.
Season 8, American Horror Story: Apocalypse, brought back a ton of great characters and introduced a few new ones as well, such as Cody Fern as the Antichrist and Billy Porter as Behold Chablis. The anemic aftermath that was American Horror Story: 1984 featured none of the usual perceived heavy hitters, relying on what many might consider the B-team: Roberts, Lourd, Fern, Tanya Clark, John Carroll Lynch, and brief pop-ups from Rabe, McDermott, Wittrock, and Leslie Jordan. When Murphy announced Roberts would be returning for season 9 ahead of revealing the full cast, it seemed to be an attempt to generate some buzz around Roberts. However, Roberts' time in the spotlight was overshadowed by what season 9 was missing, mainly Paulson and Peters. Even so, she managed to salvage 1984 and earned her spot as an integral cast member of the show.
Why Emma Roberts Was The Perfect Addition To The Cast
Roberts made her debut in season 3, Coven, joining a cast that included two of Murphy's primary creative inspirations, Sarah Paulson and Jessica Lange. Two-time Oscar winner Lange had garnered Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her work on the show, winning an Emmy for her role as Constance Langdon on Murder House. Paulson was nominated for an Emmy for her role as Lana Winters on American Horror Story: Asylum. The Coven cast was stacked with well-known powerhouse actresses, including Oscar-winner Bates, Oscar-nominee Bassett, and Conroy, who, in addition to her four nominations as Lead Actress for her work on Six Feet Under received an Emmy nod for her role as Moira O'Hara on Murder House.
Since Coven's narrative about a school for witches required young actresses who would appeal to a Millennial audience, Murphy tapped Murder House's Taissa Farmiga and Jamie Brewer. Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe and Roberts rounded out the magical student body of Miss Robichaux's Academy. At the time, Roberts was best known for her role as Sidney Prescott's homicidal cousin, Jill Roberts, in Scream 4, helping to rejuvenate the lagging franchise. Playing Jill, Roberts nailed the keen sense of self-awareness that fuels successful meta cinema, and she infused this precocious skepticism into the character of Madison Montgomery.
The role of Madison required an actress who possessed the physical beauty, confidence, and charisma that would make her a credible threat to Lange's fading Supreme, Fiona Goode. It didn't hurt that Roberts was a self-professed fan of the show and dating one of its breakout stars.
Roberts Made The Best Out Of A Lackluster Role & Season
Roberts did a complete turnabout in season 9, 1984, ditching her mean girl persona to become the underestimated "final girl" Brooke Thompson. The installment was a campy, over-the-top-homage to 80s slasher flicks like Friday the 13th, but fans have come to expect more from Murphy and his long-time collaborator Brad Falchuck. Roberts was finally recognized as the star but in a mundane installment. She gave a more subtle performance than most of the cast. She never crossed the line from believably terrified to gratingly hysterical. Brooke was deprived of an interesting backstory (no fault of Roberts), as were most of the characters except for newcomer Angelica Ross' Donna Chambers and John Carroll Lynch's Mr. Jingles. However, it's unclear if Murphy did the latter any favors. After seeing Mr. Jingles exposed as a mentally-traumatized dupe, fans may never view the terrifying iconic Twisty the Clown the same way ever again.
It was interesting to explore what happens after help arrives. Finally, there was a realistic response from authorities who find a lone survivor covered in blood who is understandably considered a suspect, and even found guilty since the bogeymen disappeared. Lourd's hypersexed, homicidal aerobics instructor Montana appeared to be just another hapless victim. Brooke's journey outside of Camp Redwood provided some respite from watching another instance of vengeful ghosts trapped where they met their untimely ends.
Roberts does wicked so well she's criticized for not being capable of much else, and when she plays a more grounded character who is continuously shocked and disheartened by her bad luck, she's not edgy enough. Roberts could have easily taken on the role of Montana and infused it with her particular brand of snark and sex appeal. Roberts should teach a master class when it comes to nailing that type of role. Instead, she dialed it back. Brooke's efforts to overcome her trauma could have come across as cheesy and boring compared to the bloody hijinks that continued to ensue at the Camp. Roberts played it straight, and it was touching—more so than Mr. Jingles' happy ending, hammered home by Mike + The Mechanics "The Living Years". If Roberts has to shoulder any blame for the season's flaws, she also gets credit for its success.
Madison Montgomery Is One Of AHS's Most Iconic Characters
Liz Taylor, Tate Langdon, Pepper, the Countess, Edward Mordrake, Dandy Mott, Constance Langdon, and Sister Jude Martin are just a few of American Horror Story's most memorable characters. Coven gave birth to Marie Laveau, Queenie, Fiona Goode, Myrtle Snow, Misty Day, Delphine LaLaurie, and Madison Montgomery. Roberts' portrayal of the resident mean girl of Miss Robichaux's Academy was a highlight of a season that garnered 17 Primetime Emmy nominations. Madison's villainous behavior paled in comparison to the show's primary antagonists, but her provocative behavior raised eyebrows. Roberts made Madison unapologetically awful, but emotionally raw at the same time. A post-reincarnated Madison delivered a monologue that acknowledged even before her death she was empty, damaged, and shallow.
Roberts reprised the role of Madison on Apocalypse. Her character was rescued from her literal bargain-basement Hell by Michael Langdon. Roberts and Billy Porter—who played the warlock Behold Chablis—were perfect additions to the highly-anticipated Murder House crossover episode. Madison was still as sharp-tongued and stylish as ever, and she and Porter had a great dynamic. Roberts slightly sanded the hard edge off Madison for season 8. It was vital that someone as dark as Madison would be emotionally affected by the tragic and frightening events that occurred in that house.
It's hard to imagine any other combination of characters blending so seamlessly into Murder House's established history. On Apocalypse, Madison became a character capable of redemption, even if that path didn't interest her. Roberts can't take credit for Madison's razor-sharp wit, but it's all in the delivery. With her cat-eye sunglasses, Veronica Lake locks, hot pants, and a cigarette permanently attached to her hand, Roberts' portrayal of Madison was a mix of old-school femme fatale and ultra-hip ingenue.
It's arguable that if Roberts hadn't sat out seasons 5, 6, and most of 7, she would have had more opportunities to showcase her abilities. The seedy glam of American Horror Story: Hotel would have suited the actress. Roberts' portrayal of a female reporter who was willing to sleep her way to the middle made her the odd woman out on American Horror Story: Cult: a season that focused on feminism and female empowerment. Roberts isn't returning for season 10, but American Horror Story has been renewed for three additional seasons, so maybe viewers will gain a greater appreciation for this underrated actress in seasons yet to come.