WARNING: The following contains spoilers for American Horror Stories Season 1, Episode 7, "Game Over," now streaming on Hulu.
After six episodes of unique horrors and scares, American Horror Stories wrapped Season 1 with its seventh and final episode, "Game Over." The episode marked the spin-off's third return to the Murder House, made infamous by American Horror Story's first season. While "Game Over" seemingly begins with a horror-loving couple planning to get their jollies by spending the night at the house, it quickly turns into something entirely different, revealing the opening sequence is part of a video game. As the developer struggles to perfect the AHS game, it provides the perfect opportunity to slip in numerous references to the franchise.
While some nods are sly, others take a not-so-subtle meta approach. As such, long-time AHS fans will find no shortage of references buried within "Game Over." However, as far as the episode's best, we've decided that these moments should make the list.
The Names of "Game Over's" Protagonists
"Game Over" opens with two self-proclaimed AHS fanatics, Connie (Noah Cyrus) and Dylan (Adam Hagenbuch), who know everything there is to know about the franchise. While it's later revealed they are actually video game characters, the couple's names mark a more subtle nod to Murder House. Connie refers to Connie Britton, who played Vivien Harmon, and Dylan is for Dylan McDermott, who played Ben Harmon.
AHS Cosplay
Before even stepping into the Murder House, Connie and Dylan ramble off a plethora of AHS references to their driver, who warns them nothing good will come from their visit. It doesn't stop them from oversharing and briefly delving into how the two thrill-seekers met at Comic-Con. Not only did they bond over their shared love of horror, but specifically AHS. Connie recounts cosplaying as Asylum's Sister Jude and Dylan as Asylum's Son of Bloody Face, ironically also played by actor Dylan McDermott.
Calling Out Sarah Paulson's Roanoke Hate
Using a meta storytelling approach allowed "Game Over" to incorporate some real-life drama involving AHS veteran Sarah Paulson. When discussing the franchise on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast, Paulson confessed she disliked Roanoke and wished Ryan Murphy would have let her "sit it out." While it's a fair opinion for the actor, it caused a stir among fans nonetheless. Luckily, Murphy saw the fun in it and incorporated a little clap-back into "Game Over." Before Connie and Dylan descend into the Murder House's basement, Dylan tells them it's not too late to go home and "binge-watch Roanoke." At the mention of the season, Connie replies, "Why does Sarah Paulson hate that season? It's so so good," adding some hilarity to an otherwise creepy, suspense-building moment.
Watching Murder House
"Game Over" centers around Michelle (Mercedes Mason), an aspiring video game developer creating an AHS game. After creating the first draft, her son, Rory (Nicolas Bechtel), tests the product but quickly asks if she's ever even watched the show, failing to see the franchise's essence. The comment pushes Michelle to binge-watch AHS' first season. As far as meta goes, it doesn't get much meta than a character watching AHS: Murder House in an American Horror Stories episode about making a game on Murder House.
Pointing Out Continuity Issues
After testing his mother's game, Rory has multiple issues with continuity. He cites Addie's presence in the Murder House as a big fault because fans would know she died off of the property and, therefore, wouldn't be trapped there as a ghost. He also points out that including killers from other seasons, like Twisty, doesn't make sense. Overall, Rory's comments provide a "See! I told you so!" moment for audiences who likely took issues with these same things Rory did when "Game Over" first starts and fools viewers into thinking the video game is part of the episode.
AHS Killer Cameos
While Rory took fault with the video game's hodgepodge of iconic AHS killers, it was a fun moment for audiences nonetheless. Various killers make brief appearances, including Asylum's Bloody Face, Roanoke's Piggy Man, Murder House's Rubber Man and Freak Show's Twisty. In the video game's big battle, all the killers gather on the stairwell and work in tandem to kill Connie. Murder House's Infatata also has a terrifying cameo earlier in the episode, confirming that the mutated baby still lurks in the house's basement.
"Game Over" marked American Horror Stories season finale. All Season 1 episodes are currently available to stream on Hulu.