The latest episode of American Horror Story: Hotel starring Lady Gaga, titled "Flicker," was met with universal acclaim from TV critics. On review aggregating website Rotten Tomatoes, the show received a 100% "fresh" approval rating and an average score of 8.8 out of 10.
Michael Calia of the Wall Street Journal wrote, "Through an extended glimpse at 1925, a time when the silent screen stars were on the verge of extinction thanks to the advent of talkies, we experience the Countess's introduction to immortality, and it's as sexy and disturbing as you'd think." Sam Ashurst of Digital Spy also gave a positive review, saying, "Seven episodes in and, as 'Flicker' shows, [American Horror Story] still has secrets to share -- as the gory cold open reveals a pair of new monsters in a bricked-up prison hidden deep within the hotel's walls."
Not only did critics enjoy the episode, but fans loved it too.
"What a crazy, intense episode. I've been wanting to know The Countess' backstory for so long, and this was more than I imagined. Real great acting by Gaga, and I can't wait to find the last pieces in the puzzle to her story," one Gaga Daily forum member wrote, while another added: "The Countess has suddenly gone from someone who had no emotion to someone who I care about and have sympathy more now than any other character. This season is super solid."
American Horror Story: Hotel returns on December 2nd with an all-new episode called "The Ten Commandments Killer."