American Horror Story fans eagerly prepare for Ryan Murphy's spin-off series, American Horror Stories. Following in its predecessor's footsteps, American Horror Stories delivers an anthology-style show with a twist, with each episode featuring a unique story. While Murphy promises various "horror myths, legends and lore," the actual plot is still vague. However, the trailer features a familiar character -- and a new female version -- that teases a possible connection to American Horror Story: Murder House. Given what's known about the Rubber Man, the identity of American Horror Stories' Rubber Woman seems to point in Violet's direction.
Who Is Violet In American Horror Story?
Murder House introduces Violet Harmon (Taissa Farmiga), a misunderstood teenager who feels further alienated by family drama resulting from her father's past affair. Upon arriving at the house with a history, she crosses paths with Tate Langdon (Evan Peters), another seemingly angsty teenager. The two engage in a romance that begins to fall apart when Violet slowly uncovers Tate's horrific past. Not only is Tate a ghost resigned to haunt the Murder House, but he's also a school shooter who murdered 15 students in 1994 before being killed by the police.
The revelation prompts Violet to commit suicide. However, the twist is, she has no memory of doing so. Although Tate tried to save her, he failed and hide her body in the house's crawl space. Later, he confesses to Violet what happened when her father threatens to take her away from the house, knowing that he can't because she's a ghost. Just when things seem like they might work out between the two dysfunctional, tragic teenage lovers, Violet uncovers a truth she can never forgive. Tate raped her mother disguised as the infamous Rubber Man. He also murdered and sexually assaulted the former occupants and current ghosts, Chad and Patrick. Both incidents confirm that Tate's darkness extends far beyond the school shooting, and Violet banishes Tate, refusing to speak to him for eternity.
While Apocalypse revisits Violet and Tate's story, it doesn't actually change things. Although Madison Montgomery seemingly convinces Violet to give Tate a second chance, Mallory's time-traveling storyline makes it so the apocalypse never happens. As such, neither does Violet and Tate's reunion. Therefore, going into American Horror Stories, Violet and Tate are still not on speaking terms.
Could Violet Be American Horror Stories' Rubber Woman?
As of right now, little is known about American Horror Stories' mysterious Rubber Woman. The trailer shows her in a blood-red field before entering a creepy-looking house where she witnesses various horrors. At the trailer's conclusion, she comes face-to-face with the Rubber Man and kills him by slashing him with a knife.
Although a few characters briefly put on the latex suit in Murder House, including Violet's dad Ben, it's most notably associated with Tate. Given Violet's bitter resentment toward him, she is a likely Rubber Woman candidate. She may be seeking revenge for the school shooting, Chad and Patrick's deaths and, especially, her mother's rape. While it's easy to associate the latex figure with evil, Violet's Rubber Woman may be more of a vigilante. Although, there's also the possibility her anger and hatred grew into something dark, akin to a supervillain origin story.
While there's no way to know for sure who/what role the Rubber Woman will have in American Horror Stories until the premier, the Violet theory is intriguing. Not to mention Violet's actor, Taissa Farmiga, is confirmed to appear in the spin-off, although her role is unknown at this time. Those anxious to uncover the Rubber Woman's identity will have to tune into American Horror Stories or hope Murphy drops a juicer hint.
Created by Ryan Murphy, American Horror Stories premieres July 15 on FX on Hulu.