American Horror Story Freak Show: Episode 7 Recap: The Toledo Lobster Clan

In "Test Of Strength" we catch up with Del. Not that I missed him last week. He is brokenhearted at the disappearance of his pretty boy gigolo. But Stanley knows Dell's secret and will use it to get what he wants (which of course is a dead freak).

Del first tries to meet Stanley's demands by attacking Amazon Eve. Sure, attack the biggest person in the camp. She beats the crap out of him and throws him out of her trailer yelling "who's the Strongman now?". Too funny. Next he plans to bash Jimmy in the head with a brick. But they get drunk, bond and reveal that they're father and son. Del finally moves to the most defenseless of the group-- Ma Petite. Just when I thought she was safe after last week's fake out murder. Yep it takes a big man to stranglehug a defenseless woman who's the size of a coke bottle. Ma Petite was the kindest of the freaks. You will be missed. Butterflies!

And This Is Why I'm Opposed To Hugging... And Del... And Hugging Del

In Other News:

A very sick Ethel and Desiree go to her doctor's house. But he is dead-- shot himself in the head after Del busted his hands. What a shame. He was such a kindly man.
Jimmy manages to rescue Dot and Bette from Dandy before he does something horrible to them. Instead of revealing to the others that Elsa sold them to the Motts, they blackmail her. Bette wants to be a star and of course Dot wants away from Bette. Elsa secretly works with Dot to find the surgeon for the separation surgery. You can bet there's no way in hell Elsa would ever share her spotlight.
Jimmy sings Nirvana's "Come As You Are". It's probably a fitting anthem for a freak show but do we seriously need a musical number each episode?
How is Paul still alive? Not that I'm complaining cause he's great. I for sure thought he was a goner last week. And poor Penny. Her evil father turned her into a freak by having her face tattooed and tongue forked.
Bette gets a makeover and dyes her hair blond.

Yes Blonds Have More Fun. Now If I Only Had My Own Body.

There are only three episodes left this season. Now is about the time that the wheels fall off the bus and any hopes I have of a cohesive finale are dashed. Will this season be any different?

Favorite Quotes:

"Who's the Strongman now?"- Amazon Eve to Dell after she kicks his ass.
"You're my Dad. Say it!"- Jimmy to Dell.
When Dandy asks Bette to stay she says "I chose my sister always". Its a touching sentiment but you do know your sister is plotting to kill ya right?
Jimmy telling Del he's heard about "the Toledo lobster clan" struck me as particularly funny. Probably because I imaged a gang of vicious lobsters terrorizing the residents of Toledo Ohio.

Jimmy's Finger Puppet Shows Are The Best

Grade: 3 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). The pacing of the show was a little slow until the end. Too bad Dandy didnt reappear to bump up the crazy factor. I continue to be confused by the musical numbers. Does there have to be one in each episode? I'm sad by the departure of Ma Petite. I hope both Del (and especially Stanley) end up in a nice glass case of their very own. Just a reminder AHS is off next week for the Thanksgiving holiday. I will be thankful that I never visited Jupiter Florida.