"Room Service" episode discussion

[LebaneseDude 6,146]

I did feel it was completely out of the Countess' character to be that sympathetic though, but then I guess she needed to become a bit more rounded out as a character.

It wasn't necessarily. You could tell from the flashbacks with Ramona that the Countess helped those in bad situations. Of course it might not necessarily be completely altruistic, given that Ramona was a lover and Liz was ultimately employed, but it was still consistent.

We also haven't really gotten the chance to see her interact in such a way in the present time. Although giving Alex the chance to be reunited with her son somehow fits it. Given that Alex is now working as a governess for the Countess, this also fits the "not completely altruistic" angle.

[Dark Anatomy 2,284]

How was this episode for you?

My favorite so far. After Devil's Night I was literally going to quit watching. 

[LebaneseDude 6,146]

Amen  That song is timeless and I never get sick of it. I think it would be especially fitting for Gaga because she is similar character to Bette Davis, who was fearless, bold, witty and refused to just accept that it was a man's world, and also Gaga certainly does have "Bette Davis Eyes." Also Gaga's smoky, deep vocals would fit the song perfectly. 

Well she did "I want your love" and that was featured in a Countess AHS scene too. Perhaps she'll cover Better Davis Eyes. 

[Slayer 9,227]

Quite a fun episode this week. But I wish Gaga would have more scenes and more space to show her versatility as an actress. She has had a couple of amazing scenes so far where she has proven that she can do emotion really well. But the composed, serene nature of the Countess isn't giving her the opportunity to really prove herself. Hopefully we will see more of that in future episodes. 

 

[Felicia 124]

Yes. And just because one actor or actress is in an episode doesn't automatically make it good. There were several episodes that Jessica was in that weren't good. 

I get it.

You just said it was one of your "favorites".

You never said it was "good".

When accounting for taste, one person's "favorite" could be a complete critical flop.

[djBuffoon 12,123]

It wasn't necessarily. You could tell from the flashbacks with Ramona that the Countess helped those in bad situations. Of course it might not necessarily be completely altruistic, given that Ramona was a lover and Liz was ultimately employed, but it was still consistent.

Exactly. The Countess is very much an opportunist. She has been around humans for 100+ years, she can predict exactly what they'll say and do, and she knows what someone wants more than anything,just by observing them. And because she is who she is, she can offer them exactly what they seek. But it always comes at a price.

[Jay.P 2,336]

I loved the use of the Depeche Mode song

[JustPokeHerFace 2,564]

I get it.

You just said it was one of your "favorites".

You never said it was "good".

When accounting for taste, one person's "favorite" could be a complete critical flop.

But isn't critical opinion just a collection of personal taste? What differentiates the two, or places the value of one above another? 

[Felicia 124]

But isn't critical opinion just a collection of personal taste? What differentiates the two, or places the value of one above another? 

Yes. Nothing.

[Swando 300]

Damn, those newly turned kids are going to make the Countess absolutely crazy.

like, how is she going to get rid of all those kids? xd 

[JanPianoMusic 730]

I think this was a great episode for Gaga's character. She was shown as two extremes: the violent killer and the caring friend. The moment where she chuckles as she tells Liz to fetch ice in the hallway made her character very real. I wonder if that was even scripted. 

It's really cool that Liz Taylor is just a cross-dressing straight man. The way his colleagues intimidated him was really cruel. That AIDS comment was horrible!

Kathy Bates also impressed me. I've always liked her character, but seeing someone snap will always be fascinating. 

Also, that classroom scene where the principal (?) was attacked really scared me. It reminded me of Cabin in the Woods (the scene where all the monsters escape and attack the staff) or King Kong (the scene where the larger-than-life insects devour the crew).

Finn Wittrock, the only person who can work that costume is Gary Oldman.

[Felicia 124]

I think this was a great episode for Gaga's character. She was shown as two extremes: the violent killer and the caring friend. 

Yeah, it was ok. Gaga just needs way more screen time.

I think at this point in the run she's reached the point where hopefully Ryan Murphy has grown out of limiting her screen time b/c he feels he's shepherding an amateur.

[LebaneseDude 6,146]

What differentiates the two, or places the value of one above another? 

 

Nothing.

Not true.

Professional critics are often more experienced in certain topics. They could offer insight on the material that a regular person would not. So opinions can be valued based on the level of experience of the critic.

Of course professional critics themselves are also divided based on personal taste. This is where bias comes in. It's up to the regular person to find the professional critics most aligned to their own tastes and biases.

[Felicia 124]

 

So opinions can be valued based on the level of experience of the critic.

Of course professional critics themselves are also divided based on personal taste. This is where bias comes in. It's up to the regular person to find the professional critics most aligned to their own tastes and biases.

I see where you are coming from.

But, ultimately, it all comes down to how much value one places on any given opinion (whether rendered by a professional or amateur).

And everybody knows what they say about opinions. Even the most misinformed idiot has one, etc.

As far as the second sentence that I quoted, there are enough "professional critic opinions" floating around that any person can find something that they can cling to in their search for confirmation bias,

[JanPianoMusic 730]

Yeah, it was ok. Gaga just needs way more screen time.

I think at this point in the run she's reached the point where hopefully Ryan Murphy has grown out of limiting her screen time b/c he feels he's shepherding an amateur.

I'm optimistic Ryan was doing this with the intention of not forcing Gaga on AHS fans to prove that this season is not relying on Gaga for a story.