American Horror Story: Coven

After their first genre-bending outings in a haunted house and an insane asylum, American Horror Story's stock company of actors and writers take a bewitching turn towards New Orleans for a third season, where the sumptuous atmosphere pervades a creepy tale of an ancient society of witches that has been haunting the city since its earliest days. Jessica Lange stars as Fiona Goode, the elegant, modern-day coven queen who fears being dethroned by a younger, more powerful sorceress. She is joined by a terrific cast that includes Taissa Farmiga, Gabourey Sidibe, and Emma Roberts as Zoe, Queenie, and Madison, respectively—new students at Miss Robichaux's Academy (aka witch school). Following AHS's formula of shifting historical timelines within its anthology structure, the characters here pass through the narrative's chapters in increasingly inventive ways. Angela Bassett plays hairdresser/voodoo priestess Marie Laveau, who's been casting spells for centuries, while Kathy Bates is delightful as Delphine LaLaurie, an antebellum belle whose immortal evil has been felt through the ages. Sarah Paulson returns for another first-rate performance as Cordelia Foxx, Fiona's good-witch (sort of) daughter; and Frances Conroy shines as Myrtle Snow, a wacky enchantress on the coven's governing council. Compiling all 13 episodes from the 2013–14 third season, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes. Recommended. (T. Fry)