Ep 3. The Replacements

In American Horror Story season 3 episode 3, titled "The Replacements," viewers are taken deeper into the coven's world as they watch the students vie for power and establish their own hierarchy. Zoe, in particular, continues to struggle with the recent death of her boyfriend, Kyle, and her increasing powers, which she is still unable to control.

The episode opens with Fiona arriving at a hospital and seemingly communicating with a comatose patient. The scene is unsettling, and viewers are left wondering what is happening. Meanwhile, at Miss Robichaux's Academy, the coven continues to hunt for new members, leading Cordelia to discover that a new neighbor in their uptown neighborhood is a witch.

In the midst of this discovery, the coven welcomes back Madison, who had been missing for several days. Madison's return raises suspicions among some of the students, including Nan, who senses that something is off about her. Indeed, Madison seems to be different than she was before, and her behavior troubles the other girls.

The episode's title takes on a literal meaning later on in the episode, as we see Fiona and Cordelia discussing the importance of the coven's survival and how new members are necessary to ensure its longevity. They discuss the idea of "replacing" members who die or leave, and viewers see just how serious this issue is to the coven's leaders.

Zoe, meanwhile, is still struggling with Kyle's death and her own powers. She visits his mother and learns more about his troubled past, which only adds to her feelings of guilt. Later in the episode, Zoe receives an unexpected visit from Kyle himself - or rather, his reanimated corpse. This scene is one of the episode's most shocking moments and offers a glimpse into the increasingly dark and twisted world of the coven.

As the episode continues, tensions continue to rise among the girls. Madison's behavior becomes even more erratic, and she has an altercation with one of the coven's new members. Meanwhile, Fiona and Cordelia clash over the future of the coven, and Cordelia uncovers a startling secret about her mother.

"The Replacements" is a fascinating and deeply unsettling episode that offers viewers a glimpse into the dark world of the coven. The episode's themes - including power struggles, loyalty, and the importance of survival - are explored in depth, and the characters continue to evolve in complex and unexpected ways. Fans of American Horror Story will not want to miss this haunting and disturbing episode.