American Horror Story - Coven: The Complete Third Season

American Horror Story: Coven (2013) has over 7700 reviews on Amazon Prime in 2022.AHS: Coven, is rated five stars for the entertainment, acting, story, and special effects.It is not easy to know everything about horror shows, witches, voodoo, and the south, and AHS makes it entertaining. There are witches that have magic powers and the supreme is the leader being the most powerful. The powers include The Seven Wonders: Telekinesis. Concilium (mind controlling magic and manipulation), Pyrokinesis, Transmutation (teleportation, moving from one place to another instantly), Vitalum Vitalis (the magic of witches transfering their power to the dead bringing them to life), Descensum (magic of traveling to hell or afterlife then using that experience to bring back the dead or communicate with evil spirits or dead), and Divination (seeing a persons life story in revealing details by senses or honlding their hand). These powers were at the level of horror, but also had some strong life after death scenes which can possibly be considered optimistic. Witch craft in AHS is not the same as a miracle being its history is seperate in the show. There is a close similarity to the show and some of the miracles of Jesus Christ. Jesus brought the dead back to life, he healed the sick, and was resurected from the dead. Knowing about the detailed background of witch history in the story story, and the seven wonders being explained, added to the 5 star rating. The special effects are realistic looking.This season has some original cast and new cast members that include:Jessica Lange (Fiona Goode), Sarah Paulson (Cordelia Foxx), Taissa Farmiga (Zoe Benson), Frances Conroy (Myrtle Snow), Evan Peters (Kyle Spencer), Lily Rabe (Misty Day) and Stevie Nicks, Denis O'Hare (Spalding), Kathy Bates (Madame Delphine LaLaurie), Angela Bassett (Marie Laveau), Gabourey Sidibe (Queenie), Jamie Brewer (Nan), Grey Damon (Archie Brener), Ian Anthony Dale (Dr. David Zhong), Ameer Baraka (Bastien), Josette Barchilon (Tourist), Maureen Brennan (Tour Guide), Milton Crosby (Brian), David Dahlgren (Chief Magistrate), Haley Drago (Sorority President), Lucy Faust (Mercy), Arabella Field (Nora Benson), Henry Frost (Frat Boy #2), Raeden Greer (Pauline LaLaurie), Raion Hill (Bus Driver), Scott Michael Jefferson (Louis LaLaurie (as Scott Jefferson)), Kurt Krause (Charlie), Margaret Lawhon (Newscaster), Armal J. Perkins (Contortionist (as Armal Perkins)), Morgan Roberts (Frat Boy #1), Ashlynn Ross (Marie Jeanne LaLaurie), LaJessie Smith (Slave Boy (as La'Jessie Smith)), Ash Taylor (Director), Jennifer Lynn Warren (Borquita LaLaurie), Ben Wisdom (Preacher), Scheryl W Brown(Peeled Back Face Slave (uncredited)), Edward J. Clare (Suitor #3 (uncredited)), Cody Dickinson (Pentecostal Dancer (uncredited)), Cassandra Eastwold (Party Guest (uncredited)), Errol A. Eastwold (Suitor #1 (uncredited)), Lyle R. Guidroz (Pedestrian (uncredited)), Andy Kimbel (Asylum Patient (uncredited)), Cynthia LeBlanc(Train Passenger (uncredited)), A.J. Leitell(Tourist (uncredited)), Sir Maejor (Albino Guard (uncredited)), Allen Gibson Mann(Shadow Figure (uncredited)), Jakel Marshall(Pancreas Guy (uncredited)), Jacqueline Harris Matherne (Outdoor Church Goer (uncredited)), Quintin McKemie II (College Boy (uncredited)), Starlette Miariaunii (Slave in the Attic (uncredited)), Timothy Pickles (Creole Gentleman / Dancer (uncredited)), Logan Douglas Smith (Pedestrian (uncredited)), Nathan Alan Thomas (Frat Boy (uncredited)), Michelle Torres (Tourist (uncredited)), Joseph Uzzell (Witness (uncredited)), Sarah Reid Vinyard (School Witch (uncredited)), Bob Walker (Suitor #4 (uncredited)), William Shannon Williams (Bar Patron (uncredited)), Jonathan Wright (Party Guest (uncredited)), and more.The seasons with magic powers mentioned bt Fandom include Coven (2014), Hotel (2015), Roanoke (2016), and Apocalypse (2018). But, there was a lot of paranormal activity that could be magic in every AHS season and episode.Below is some trivia about Coven from IMDB, and it helped the rating.The seasons with magic powers include Coven (2014), Hotel (2015), Roanoke (2016), and Apocalypse (2018).Production CompaniesBrad Falchuk Teley-VisionRyan Murphy Productions20th Century Fox TelevisionDistributorsFX Network (2013) (USA) (TV)Filming locations:1410 Jackson AvenueNew Orleans, Louisiana, USAEpisode 1 BitchcraftThe LaLaurie Mansion on Royal Street in New Orleans, is reputed to be haunted by the many slaves tortured and killed by Delphine LaLaurie in the 1830s. It is notoriously considered to be the most haunted house in the United States.Denis O'Hare (Spalding) remained in character while on set, refusing to speak to anyone, and had to rely on gestures when being directed.The episode won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Costumes for a Miniseries, Movie or Special.Jessica Lange plays a character called Fiona Good. Her surname could be a reference to Sarah Good who was one of the first three woman killed in the Salem witch trials in 1692. Like wise, Queenie, played by Gabourey Sidibe, says she is a descendent of Tituba, who was apparently the first woman accused of being a witch.Actor Nicolas Cage purchased the LaLaurie Mansion on Royal Street, New Orleans in 2007 for $3,450,000.While this episode gives an account of the fate of Delphine Lalaurie, in real life it was never found out what become of her. It is known that she escaped justice by fleeing New Orleans on the night her crimes were discovered, allegedly fleeing to Paris where by all accounts she lived a quiet, luxurious life in anonymity. At some point she either returned to New Orleans in secret or else her body was returned there for burial, since her hidden tomb was discovered there in 1924, over seventy years after her death."Marie Laveau", Angela Bassett's character is closely aligned to the Vodun (voodoo) demigoddess or Loa "Maman Brigitte" of Haitian Vodou and Louisiana Voodoo. This is evident by the pattern she draws on the ground when performing magic and on the cover of her spell book. This symbol is called a "veve" and is religious symbol commonly used in different branches of Vodun throughout the African diaspora. Among the fifteen "voodoo queens" in neighborhoods scattered around 19th-century New Orleans, Marie Laveau was known as "the Voodoo Queen", the most eminent and powerful of them all. Her religious rite on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain on St. John's Eve in 1874 attracted some 12,000 black and white New Orleanians. It was said that politicians, lawyers, businessman, wealthy planters - all came to her to consult before making an important financial or business-related decision. She also saw the poor and enslaved, and gained influence over her clientele by her work as a hairdresser, which gave her intimate knowledge of the gossip in town. Her customers also came to her to buy voodoo dolls, potions, gris-gris bags, and the like. Her influence continues in the city. In the 21st century, her grave-site in the oldest cemetery is a major tourist attraction; believers of Voodoo offer gifts here and pray to her spirit.Frances Conroy and Kathy Bates worked together previously on Six Feet Under (2001) Conroy as part of the main cast, and Bates as director and later guest cast.Fiona makes a comment about hanging with Shirley MacLaine. Both ladies played best friends in Wild Oats (2016) 3 years laterA television newscaster talks about a Louisiana county. Louisiana does not have counties, it has parishes, a holdover from French times.There is a clue in this episode about what the following season is. Fiona, played by Jessica Lange, says that social networking will lead to the witches being looked upon as "some viral Freakshow". The next season is about a Freakshow.Episode 2 Boy PartsFrances Conroy is credited but does not appear.When Fiona first leaves Madame Delaphine LaLaurie in her room she shoves a black gag into her mouth. When she arrives back to the room her mouth is bound.During Cordelia and Hank's ritual the eggs crack open completely, but afterwards the eggs are seen intact.Episode 3 The ReplacementsJessica Lange (Fiona Goode) and Christine Ebersole (her mentor supreme Anna Leigh Leighton) both played the role of "Big Edie" Beale of Grey Gardens. Lange in the film adaptation of the 1975 Maysles brothers' documentary and Ebersole in Act 1 of the off-Broadway and Broadway adaptation/musical. Ebersole also played "Little Edie" Beale (the daughter) in Act 2.Episode 4 Fearful Pranks EnsureFor over 200 years now bodies have been buried above ground in New Orleans, due to the fact the city sits below sea level. The practice started when severe rains would lead to caskets and bodies floating down the streets.The tray that Spalding (Denis O'Hare), uses to clean crumbs from the dinner table is called, coincidentally, a silent butler.Alexandra Breckinridge returns as a young woman named Kaylee; the actress previously appeared in season 1 as young Moira O'Hara.The only male member of the Council, the short writer that Fiona calls endearingly an "old queen" - 'Quentin' - is based on Quentin Crisp. The spread collar shirt, silk scarf, and fedora were all staples or Crisp's wardrobe.Frances Conroy's character Myrtle Snow appears to be a tribute to U.S. Vogue's Creative Director Grace Coddington, who is known for her full red hair. Myrtle makes references throughout her appearances that relate to fashion, and also mentions having a cat - all links to Grace Coddington.This episode is written by Executive Producer (one of several) Jennifer Salt, who is a 1970's Horror Movie Scream Queen from Brian De Palma's Sisters and the TV-movie Gargoyles.Riley Voelkel, who plays the younger version of Fiona in this episode, returns to New Orleans as Freya Mikaelson, a powerful witch in The Originals (2013).Lily Rabe is credited, but does not appear.Episode 5 Burn, Witch, Burn!The opening "Zombie Siege" is very similar to this show's horror cable show competition, The Walking Dead.Evan Peters is credited, but does not appear.During the zombie siege sequence from Season 3, Episode 5, American Horror Story: Burn, Witch. Burn! (2013), Quennie (Gabourey Sidibe) jokes they're under attack from the "Army of Darkness". Later in the same episode, when Zoe (Taissa Farmiga) lures the army from Nan (Jamie Brewer) and Luke (Alexander Dreymon), she goes for the work shed and grabs a chainsaw. These sequences could be a reference to the The Evil Dead (1981) series.Episode 6 The Axeman ComethThe letter the Axeman (Danny Huston) is shown typing at the beginning of the episode is an actual letter that was written by the real Axeman of New Orleans in 1919.The actress who plays Millie, the young witch reading the letter in the newspaper from the Axeman (Danny Huston), is Grace Gummer, the daughter of Meryl Streep.One of the messages received by the coven through the spirit board is "ATTIC", which is the same message the sister witches receive in the first episode of Charmed (1998)Gabourey Sidibe (Queenie) calls Denis O'Hare (Spalding) Riff Raff, a character from The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), whom he resembles.Angela Bassett (Marie Laveau), Danny Huston (The Axeman), and Gabourey Sidibe (Queenie) are credited as Special Guest Stars. Frances Conroy (Myrtle Snow) and Kathy Bates (Madame Delphine LaLaurie) are credited but don't appear.The QR Code on Fiona's (Jessica Lange) chemotherapy bag is readable. Oddly It decodes to www.blackberry.com.Episode 7Riley Voelkel, who plays the younger version of Fiona in this episode, returns to New Orleans as Freya Mikaelson, a powerful witch in The Originals (2013).In Cordelia's (Sarah Paulson) room is a hint of Paulson's character for season 4 Freakshow - a photo on the wall of conjoined twins.Episode 8 The Sacred TakingFiona (Jessica Lange) asks that her portrait be hung in her chosen spot and not stored in the basement with "the disgraced Russian witch". This is a reference to Madame Helena Petrona Blavatsky, the Russian-born occultist and founder of Theosophy, which later evolved into the New Age Movement. Blavatsky was charged with fraud and plagiarism by many of her critics.Fiona (Jessica Lange) tells Myrtle (Frances Conroy) that she is going away to Patmos. That is the island the disciple John was exiled to in the Bible and it's where he's said to have written Revelation.Fiona (Jessica Lange): "I'm starting to look less Samantha and more Endora every day." Referencing the 1964-1972 ABC TV series Bewitched (1964), starring Elizabeth Montgomery as a witch, Samantha, who marries a mortal man, Darrin Stephens (Dick York). She vows to forsake her powers and live life as a mortal woman, but is usually called upon to cast spells, usually to cope with her magic-wielding relatives who disapprove of the marriage. Samantha's mother is Endora (Agnes Moorehead), a meddling older witch who disapproves of her husband and makes her feelings clear at every opportunity.Around 25:07 Fiona asks Myrtle Snow if she remembers, "Levon" the drummer with the band. This is a reference to Levon Helm the drummer of 'The Band', who played at Woodstock, and also had a successful career as a film actor, appearing as Loretta Lynn's father in Coal Miner's Daughter, as Chuck Yeager's friend and colleague Captain Jack Ridley in The Right Stuff, and as a Tennessee firearms expert in Shooter.As mentioned, Fiona brings up her affair with The Band drummer Levon Helm at Woodstock, who later became an actor. How he connects with Jessica Lange is he co-starred in Coal Miner's Daughter, about Loretta Lynn, and a few years later, Lange played Lynn's friend, singer Patsy Cline in Sweet Dreams. Helm also starred alongside Lange's future husband, Sam Shepard as Chuck Yeager, in The RIght Stuff in 1983.At about 24 minutes in, Fiona (Jessica Lange) tells Myrtle (Frances Conroy), "life is a carnival". This keeps with the series' tradition of giving a hint into the next season. AHS season 4 is titled "Freakshow", which is in a carnival setting. This is in addition to the hint from episode 3.1 (American Horror Story: Bitchcraft (2013)), in which Fiona references witches being looked upon as "some viral freakshow", again, the title of season 4.This is the second time Jamie Brewer's character breaks into "next door house". She previously did it in Season One as Addie.Episode 9 HeadAt 38:00 on the black and white TV is a performance by Odetta Holmes, known as Odetta, she was an American singer, actress, guitarist, lyricist, and a civil and human rights activist, often referred to as "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement". Her musical repertoire consisted largely of American folk music, blues, jazz, and spirituals.Highest rated episode of season 3.Angela Bassett (Marie Laveau) and Gabourey Sidibe (Queenie) are credited as Special Guest Stars.(Warning: Contains spoiler for later seasons) This episode is first time of the series that a character played by Kathy Bates is decapitated. The second time is in Season 4 (Freak Show).Episode 10 The Magic Delight of Stevie NicksPapa Legba is the gatekeeper of the spiritual world in voodoo religion. Also known as Vilokan.Acting debut of Stevie Nicks, who plays herself in this episode.The instrument played by Myrtle Snow (Frances Conroy) is a theremin. It was invented in 1919 by a Russian physicist named Lev Termen (US name: Leon Theremin) and it is the only instrument that is played without the need to touch it.Stevie Nicks's songs, which are omnipresent in season 3 (Coven), are historically copy-written under the title "Welsh Witch Music".Madison (Emma Roberts): Players only love you when they're playing. Referencing the song Dreams, written by Stevie Nicks for the group Fleetwood Mac. The song was released in 1977.When Papa Legba (Lance Reddick) goes to seal the deal with Fiona (Jessica Lange), he tells her the deal is off and that Fiona has no soul. This is because Marie (Angela Bassett) bound Fiona's soul earlier in the episode when she secured a lock of Fiona's hair to a voodoo doll.According to the soundtrack listings for this episode, Stevie Nicks has three of her songs featured in this episode. The Stevie Nicks songs are "Gypsy" from the album "Mirage" (1982), "Rhiannon" from the album "Fleetwood Mac" (1975), and "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You?" from the album "Rock a Little".Episode 11 Protect the CovenThe Axeman (Danny Huston) uses the phrase "little death" AKA La petite mort (French) is an expression which means "the brief loss or weakening of consciousness" and in modern usage refers specifically to "the sensation of orgasm as likened to death".In the boardroom scene where Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange) and Marie Laveau (Angela Bassett) meet with the Corporation, Fiona mentions that it took less effort to take down the company than it takes to mix herself a Rob Roy. Jessica Lange starred opposite Liam Neeson in Rob Roy (1995).Evan Peters' tattoo on his hand is visible in some scenes.Angela Bassett, Danny Huston, and Gabourey Sidibe are credited as Special Guest Stars.The scene where Kathy Bates stabs Angela Bassett's character resembles the scene of Misery where she also stars as a psychopath.Episode 12 Go to HellThe song that is played by the piano during the beginning scene (The Seven Wonders) is Frédéric Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9, No. 2. It is also featured in Behind the Candelabra (2013).As shown on Fiona's passport, her full name is Fiona Borgia Goode (née Vandenheuvel), and her date of birth is October 17, 1950.Denis O'Hare is credited but doesn't appear. Angela Bassett, Danny Huston, and Gabourey Sidibe are credited as Special Guest Stars.Episode 13 The Seven WondersThere was a poll for who people thought the new Supreme would be. In order from most voted, the results were: Zoe (Taissa Farmiga), Misty (Lily Rabe), Madison (Emma Roberts), Queenie (Gabourey Sidibe), Nan (Jamie Brewer), Other.This episode features two Fleetwood Mac songs: "Seven Wonders" from the album "Tango in the Night" (1987) and "Silver Springs" from the B-side of the single "Go Your Own Way."At one point Madison says "It's all just some jacked up version of Celebrity Rehab". Madison is played by Emma Roberts whose father, Eric Robert's starred on a season of Celebrity Rehab (2008).Spoilers (2)It was considered a plot hole when Zoe, played by Taissa Farmiga, was not declared as the Supreme, given that throughout the season she's shown all seven powers. However, Cordelia (Sarah Paulson) says that a witch can manifest many powers without being the Supreme, and in times of crises (the situation in the final episodes), the powers can be even stronger, and she still won't be the supreme. So, even with Zoe having performed all seven powers, it's completely acceptable that she doesn't have supremacy in her bones.Myrtle Snow's (Frances Conroy) parting word before she goes up in flames is "BALENCIAGA!" Balenciaga is a haute couture designer (Cristóbal Balenciaga). Myrtle's red dress is actually designed by Carolina Herrera, another haute couture designer. From the very first episode when Myrtle is introduced and through out the season remarks are made by, and about, Myrtle's fashion. Yelling "BALENCIAGA!" just before her death holds as much meaning to Myrtle Snow as William Wallace crying out "FREEDOM!" held for him at his death.There is more AHS: Coven trivia on IMDB.Viewers should know there are several acts of violence that are very real, but in a fictional show.If you have post traumatic stress disorder from horror movies, witches, and the paranormal, do not watch this show. If you do not like horror movies this is not for you.If you liked this show, there are several more seasons on Amazon Prime.Travel safely.***** FIVE STARS FOR AHS: COVEN (2013) *****

Video quality is good, I thought there was an issue with Horizontal lines going across screen while viewing the disc, but it was a cable problem on my side. Very satisfied. Thank you.

I think season #3 is the high point of AHS. There were great themes and memorable scenes throughout the show's evolution but Coven isunsurpassed.

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: COVEN takes us to new levels of horror, terror, debauchery and suspense. The writers throw in everything imaginable in Season 3. Witchcraft, voodoo, incest, murder, torture, mutilation, resurrection and maybe…just maybe some redemption. It’s a freakingly creepy and chilly.COVEN is a women’s story. The main characters are women of all ages from teen to senior. Finally, the women are in power and older actresses have surprisingly meaty roles. The young actresses have their parts to play but finally we see some delightfully talented older actresses show the youngsters what it is all about. Jessica Lange again plays the aging beauty in a race against time. This time she is Fiona Goode, the SUPREME witch and needless to say there is nothing good about her.Cast members from previous seasons also return. Evan Peters has been “put together” and gets to show some fine acting chops and emotions without the use of words. Jamie Brewer returns as Nan. She’s not your typical witch. Kudos to the writers for using this lovely actress with Down Syndrome. Nan’s romantic story with a neighbor boy begins to shine and then fizzles. Here was a wonderful chance for a different love story that was not fulfilled.COVEN is not for the weak spirited. Blood and gore flow in this season in a story that sometimes loses its way in a mesh of story lines. Kathy Bates as the gloriously wicked Delphine LaLaurie makes the horror of slavery seen in 12 YEARS A SLAVE seem like a day in the park. LaLaurie, based on a real person, abuses and tortures her slaves in a way that would make even the strongest weak in the heart. COVEN seems to have crossed some lines with this horror. Nonetheless, Bates gives the role her all and nothing can outshine her. And then there is the lovely Angela Bassett looking more sexy than ever and somehow has worked her magic to look 20 years younger than her age in real life. Her Marie Laveau is deliciously evil in a shockingly frightening way.Gorgeous Lily Rabe is the witch named Misty Day who has the power to resurrect the dead. She is obsessed with Stevie Nicks and before we know it the rock legend appears in an a couple of odd scenes where she plays herself. Stevie sings a couple of songs and it all seems so out of place—a chance to just fill some air time it seems.Sprinkled in all the horror are bits of comedy. Hey, come on. If you are a good witch looking in to an open grave and you know a bad witch is standing behind you, can’t you or the audience guess what is coming next? The light moments provide some respite from all the decadent evil and horror in this season.Here is a magnificent cast in some seriously meaty roles in an often gruesome story. It is not for the easily offended or upset. The storyline can get confusing as people die but are resurrected and it seems like even those who are immortal somehow end of dying. At times, nothing is clear. If you are in some sort of witch induced limbo for decades and are released are you dead or alive and how do you end up with an apartment and job? Ask the ax man.Surprisingly, COVEN loses steam and energy in the last two episodes as the witches test each other to be the next SUPREME. It becomes slow moving and tedious as if the writers had exhausted all their creativity by the end of the season. It is a disappointing and unfulfilling season finale but it was sure some wild ride getting there.

Love this show so much!

With witches an endangered species, Cordelia's Academy in New Orleans offers them a secure haven for learning their craft. Few takers as yet, in premises very large. Enter Cordelia's formidable mother, Supreme Witch Fiona (Jessica Lange delivering another tour de force). Toughen up, everyone - witches should be a force to reckon with!13 episodes full of feuds, treachery, gruesome despatches (here coming back from the dead seemingly a way of life). Particular enemies are local practitioners of voodoo, witch hunters and lurching zombies.After Season 2's decidedly grim Asylum, the creators aim here for something much lighter - some of the shocks decidedly tongue in cheek, occasional aspects so OTT they will provoke laughter rather than gasps. Note what happens to highly racist Madame Delphine (Kathy Bates excellent) when she emerges from one hundred and eighty years in a coffin. She is appalled to learn who the President now is. Later she is forced to watch the whole series of "Roots". Plus the sequel.Chillingly, however far-fetched they may seem, the historical aspects are largely based on facts, the tortures inflicted as describedSome may feel the series could have been more focussed, certain developments rather casually contrived. In one of the three bonuses, creators confess only deciding at the last moment who the new Supreme Witch will be.Stalwarts from previous series are joined here by interesting guest stars. (Long to be savoured is Frances Conroy in that extraordinary orange wig.)Recommended to fans of the genre, provided they do not take it too seriously.

DVD set of the third season of American Horror Story - entitled "Coven". This series is about a coven of witches and their rivals, the voodoo. It's well acted and well scripted. Any fan of Gothic material will enjoy it.You can enjoy season three even if you haven't seen any of the previous ones - American Horror Story changes its characters and plot for each season.

A wonder to behold fine acting outlandish production a sinful pleasure for those who like this sort of thing. I sat watching it after seeing the other ones and was blown away and in some ways i liked this series the best. The first haunted house set the foundation the second series primed the canvas and coven finished the masterpiece a hard one to beat but roll on freak show!

Entertaing with high production values but me and my daughter who loves this sort of thing sometimes found the storyline over the series a little hard to follow. We enjoyed, watched to the end but I’m still a bit puzzled as with all the American horror series we’ve watched so far 😂

Completely riveting.Danny Huston, although not in it much and Jessica Lange play off each other in this twisted version of a fairytale romance.Absolutely loved the acting, the storylines, the actors and actresses themselves and if I look as good as Jessica Lange does when I'm her age, I will be one happy bunny. Sexy, stylish and sultry - if you like your horror to be intriguing - BUY IT!