Following the third episode, the latest installment of American Horror Story: NYC titled “Black Out,” continues to prey upon realistic horror and gore in 80s New York City. The episode has the perfect balance of crime and fear in addition to personal drama.

Gino, played by Joe Mantello (Boys in the Band, Hollywood), is rescued from being trapped in a cold locker in the local morgue. After his traumatic experience, he is (understandably) even more fired up about the crimes being committed against the gay community, especially when the police force still continues to turn a blind eye to the ever-growing issue. Gino even urges Adam, played by Charlie Carver (Hollywood, Ratched), to put his real name on the fire/explosion piece, but Adam is too afraid of being a target. Unfortunately, it’s as if Gino is really the only one confident enough in his sexual identity to speak freely for justice within his community.

Amidst this hubbub, there’s yet another dead body discovered, one that Patrick, played by Russell Tovey (The Pass, Looking),  actually notices. Later down the line at the precinct, Patrick finally comes out to some of his coworkers; whether this is a direct result of finally having a personal connection to one of the bodies or if he was truly fed up with hiding his identity is anybody’s guess, but it’s a large step for him nonetheless. 

Many confessions are in the air, with Theo, played by Isaac Powell (American Horror Stories), leaving the intimidating and controlling Sam, played by Zachary Quinto (American Horror Story: Asylum, Star Trek), for Adam. Sam controls Theo monetarily, but Theo is so appalled by his behavior that it simply doesn’t matter anymore – he wants out. While I find Theo to be a good-intentioned character, Powell’s acting performance feels very dull and sedated – there’s potential there, but he just seems perpetually weak and tired. Perhaps this will improve down the line.

As a literal black out occurs in the city of New York, dark moods settle over our newly familiar cast of characters and their relationships. Sam threatens Adam about now “being with” Theo, Patrick’s ex-wife, played by Leslie Grossman (American Horror Story: Apocalypse),  tries to convince Gino that Patrick could be the murderer, and Whitely a.k.a the Mai Tai killer, stabs unsuspecting gay men in his apartment elevator in a horrible montage of flashing lights and gnashing teeth. Very overwhelming and unsettling, but in the best way possible.

The peak moment, however, is when Patrick confesses occasional infidelity to Gino during a confrontation; even Patrick’s news regarding coming out isn’t enough to offset the tension between the two. Gino says Patrick only tells the truth when he’s about to be caught, questioning and disregarding any sort of comments his partner makes. Gino ends up having a heart attack, which is apparently something bacterial…could Gino be contracting the mysterious virus that Dr. Wells, played by Billie Lourd (Scream Queens, Booksmart), is studying? As an avid Gino fan, I sure hope not, but it would definitely add more conflict and meat to the plot.

Rating: 8.5/10.0