Is This The Smartest Character On American Horror Story: 1984?
American Horror Story: 1984 is the latest installment of the anthology franchise, with a 10th season on the way. Each season has a new storyline in a new era and a new set of characters, so when creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk decided to throw it back to the 1980s, fans of slasher films knew they were in for a treat. 1984 is loosely based on the movies from the Sleepaway Camp and Friday the 13th franchises, as well as one 1990s film in particular, I Know What You Did Last Summer.
The season dives into the characters' exciting backstories that lead to why they decided to spend time at Camp Redwood. Some backstories were more tragic than others, and viewers get a good look at their personalities and intelligence. This season had many moving parts, but when it comes down to it, which character made the best judgment and ultimately proved to be the smartest throughout? Let's find out.
Brooke is the final girl who gets her life back together
Brooke Thompson, played by Emma Roberts, might be an obvious pick, but the fact that she managed to nab "The Final Girl" card in this crazy season says a lot. Not only is Brooke an intelligent character, but she's strong and capable on her own as well. Before Camp Redwood is an option, a flashback shows viewers her traumatic experience at her wedding ceremony. When her husband-to-be Joey (Spencer Neville) shoots his best man out of jealousy, things go awry, and not only does the best man die, her father is killed as well.
When Brooke tries to move on and focus on going to veterinary school, she's attacked in her apartment. It happens to be Richard Ramirez (Zach Villa), who is based on the real-life serial killer of the same name, and while he only stole jewelry, he vows to come back and finish what he started. Even after that incident, Brooke decides to have a summer filled with fun, which, as we know, doesn't turn out that way. She's framed for murder and spends time on death row. Thankfully, she's broken out and rescued by self-proclaimed "final girl" Donna (Angelica Ross). Brooke exacts revenge on Margaret (Leslie Grossman) for framing her and almost dies in the process with her newfound freedom.
In the end, Brooke proves herself when she gets married, has a few kids, and seemingly leaves her horrific past behind. Without intelligence and pure will to survive, Brooke Thompson would've never been able to succeed at that.