American Horror Stories Season 1, Episode 7 recap: Game Over

American Horror Stories comes to an end with a resounding “meh,” which fits the general tone of this abysmal first season. Despite all the hype, Ryan Murphy and co. failed to deliver an engrossing spinoff. The only episodes worth watching are “Ba’al” and “Feral,” because, beyond that, it’s just a forgettable clump of disasters.

One good thing about the finale, “Game Over,” is might signify the end of the Murder House, for good. I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I am sick to death of that damn house. I hope it never shows up on American Horror Story, or its spinoff, again.

But what is the finale about? In a meta twist, the last episode begins with a couple of American Horror Story superfans arriving at the famed Murder House, which is now an Airbnb touting an “Escape from Murder House” experience. The couple, played by Noah Cyrus and Adam Hagenbuch, are named Connie and Dylan, a not-so-subtle wink at the show’s first season stars Connie Britton and Dylan McDermott, only one of whom returns in this hour.

At first, it looks like we’re going to get an interesting fourth-wall-breaking take on Murder House, which is about the only thing that could have made returning there interesting. But alas, it’s short-lived. No sooner do Connie and Dylan christen the house (while roleplaying as Tate and Violet, I might add) does it become apparent that something is amiss.

They’re both killed quickly by… wait, is that Addie (Jamie Brewer)? Bloodyface? And Twisty the Clown? Yes, it is weird those characters popped up in Murder House! Upon the deaths of the young couple, we leave Murder House and find out that the entire opening was actually part of an American Horror Story-themed video game.

American Horror Stories finale recap: The video game twist

A young mom, Michelle (Mercedes Mason), is working to make an excellent game to connect with her son Rory (Nicolas Bechtel), who is another American Horror Story superfan. Rory isn’t impressed with Twisty, Addie, or Bloodyface showing up as he notes that it would piss off fans. Many would immediately point out that Addie died on the street and therefore would not be stuck in the house, and the other two killers never even stepped foot in that house.

Rory doesn’t think his mom gets the “vibe” of the show. Taking that criticism to heart, Michelle binges the entire first season and then goes to get a little hands-on experience. She asks a realtor to take her to the real house, which is for sale yet again.

Once inside, Michelle meets Ben Harmon, who is as obnoxious as ever. It turns out the Harmons have not had a happily ever after in the years since we’ve seen them. Ben is back to cheating on Vivian with Hayden and having issues with his teen daughter Violet.

Not long after this little catch-up, Michelle is murdered. Rory is pissed when he finds out. But together, he and his mom decide to burn down Murder House once and for all, an idea supported by every ghost in the house except one: Ruby.

Ruby (Kaia Gerber) and Scarlett (Sierra McCormick) have continued their annual visits since the first episode of American Horror Stories. The idea of never seeing her girlfriend again sends Ruby on a murderous tailspin. She manages to send a text asking for help to Scarlett, but by the time Scarlett arrives, it’s too late. Rory burns the house down.

American Horror Stories finale recap: What happens in the end?

Three years later, Scarlett returns to the plot of land. In place of the haunted manor is an ultra-modern condominium complex. Scarlett buys the last available condo. Even though no apparitions have been spotted in the years since the house burnt down, she still tries to get in touch with Ruby to see if she’s still hanging around somehow.

That night, Ruby appears to Scarlett and the two reconnect. Ruby explains that while most of the ghosts, like Scarlett’s dads, moved on when given a choice, she stayed behind, hoping that someday Scarlett would come back.

Then we return to Rory and Michelle at home. The entire latter half of the episode was actually Rory playing an updated version of Michelle’s game. This time, he’s far more satisfied. He wonders what happened to all the ghosts released from Murder House. Does Michelle think any escaped into their world? It is doubtful, but then a familiar red ball rolls into their living room shortly after they depart to get food.

So, what was real and what wasn’t? Did Michelle not actually die? Is she still a ghost, and did she leave when the house burned down? Did the house even burn down at all? Did Michelle not actually go to Murder House? Are she and Rory characters in the game? I don’t know! It’s very confusing, and I suppose, intentionally left up to interpretation. But personally, I hope the show’s second season is much better. And as Rory said, it would be a lot better if we never went back to Murder House.