Checking in to ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’

“American Horror Story: Hotel,” the fifth season of FX’s anthological series, aired on Oct. 7 and did not disappoint. The season premiere, “Checking In,” was Wednesday’s number two program for viewers between 18 and 49; Fox’s “Empire” took home the gold. With 5.81 million viewers the first episode, “Hotel” may be the series’ most anticipated season yet, even without Jessica Lange.

The bloody and risqué episode opened with two model-worthy Swedish tourists entering the Hotel Cortez, a beautifully architected building, greeted by disgruntled desk clerk Iris (Kathy Bates). As they were ushered to their room, the trippy and unique cinematography that AHS is known for came into play. When one of the Swedish guests went to fetch ice, she saw two creepy children playing in the halls and giggling. Shaking it off, she returned to her room only to be welcomed by a foul smell. Because of the horror they found in the mattress of their room, Iris brought them to room 64 and convinced them not to leave the hotel.

Meanwhile, as Detective John Lowe (Wes Bentley) is trying to solve LA’s most mysterious crimes, he is also juggling his family life. While investigating a recent case of a gruesome murder, Lowe receives an anonymous call from the murderer, warning that another murder will take place in room 64 of the Cortez. When he arrives there, the Swedish girls are gone and the room is empty.

Although the plot already seems complicated enough, it gets even better. The dynamic duo of The Countess (Lady Gaga), owner of the Cortez, and Donovan (Matt Bomer) made their way onto the screen in an unforgettable fashion. Clad in their signature clawed gloves, they left the hotel for a night out and came back with guests who then served as morbid sources of entertainment for the couple.

Although Jessica Lange will not be making an appearance in “Hotel,” Finn Wittrock, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett and Lily Rabe are a part of this season, along with many more crowd favorites.

Along with Gaga’s dramatic makeup and luxurious outfits, the episode had its own degree of elegance, despite the sexual violence and copious amounts of blood that AHS is famous for. The episode seamlessly wove together multiple storylines that one would never expect to connect. The creative cinematography, the unique wardrobe and the beautiful set all added to the eerie feeling that prepared viewers for the rest of the season which, according to creators Brad Falchuk and Ryan Murphy is much creepier than previous seasons- which almost seems impossible due to how intense and messed up “Murder House,” “Asylum,” “Coven” and “Freak Show” were.

As the brilliantly crafted “Hotel” premiere came to a close, the Eagles’ song “Hotel California” played, a perfect ending to an episode that is bound to lead to an amazing fifth season, delving into the extremes of human nature and the depths of gore.

The next episode of AHS is on FX Wednesday night at 10 p.m.