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Frights on the Small Screen

October is already known for its spookiness thanks to Halloween, but this month marks the season premieres for both “American Horror Story: Freak Show” and “The Walking Dead.”

“American Horror Story: Freak Show” is different than any other season, not because of the plot (because we all know it’s not a linear plot from season to season), but because of the creepy factor. While past seasons dealt with spirits, demons, witches and straight up crazy people, this season is focused on “freaks.” Just watching the opening credits gives a different feel than any other season: this stuff is what nightmares are made of.

Without giving away any major plot points, the season’s premiere episode is set in 1950s Florida and is focused on Elsa Mars (Jessica Lange) trying to get Bette and Dot Tattler (Sarah Paulson), two-headed sisters sharing a body, to join her freak show circus. Jimmy Darling (Evan Peters), whose hand deformities landed him a place in the freak show (along with other side jobs), seems to be taking on the role of the leader of the freaks. As far as I’m concerned, this is shaping up to be a riveting new season.

Oh, there’s also a clown. A really freaky clown. So if that’s not something you’re into, his scenes may the ideal time to refill your popcorn bowl.

“The Walking Dead” season premiere is not as filled with subtle humor, but it definitely makes up for it with suspense. This show is a bit harder to keep from giving away major plot points due to the fact that this, unlike AHS, has a linear plot. However, at the end of last season we found the group trapped in a boxcar at the Terminus sanctuary.

In the premiere we find out what becomes of the group (although it’s obvious they make it out of the boxcar if there’s a whole new season). One of the best/grossest plot points of the whole episode, though, is Carol covering herself with zombie blood to blend in; it really doesn’t take much to hide amongst the zombies, I guess.

While I’m not an avid TV watcher (mostly because we don’t have a TV or cable), the season premieres of these two shows definitely set the scene for some awesome television. Viewing parties for these two shows can (and should) be held on Sundays at 8 p.m. for AMC’s “The Walking Dead” and Wednesdays at 10 p.m. for FX’s “American Horror Story: Freak Show.” Get your spook on.

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