The Fan-Favorite Couple Some American Horror Story Fans Can't Stand
True love is never easy on "American Horror Story." A stark contrast to co-creator Ryan Murphy's musical extravaganza "Glee," the long-running anthology series is not peppy and is rarely heartfelt. Instead, disturbing material is the currency of a show that often pushes content over the line.
Each season explores a uniquely American take on the horror genre, from notorious haunted houses to the season inspired by '80s slasher films. There are some moments of levity and occasionally, characters arrive at an uplifting ending. But for the most part, tuning in to an episode of "American Horror Story" is just asking to be traumatized. That is why when there is a great couple on the show that manages to find a genuine connection despite the horror around them, fans tend to look at them fondly. A few noteworthy fan-favorite couples have emerged from the show's history, with one particularly twisted love story from the show's first season, "American Horror Story: Murder House," setting the tone for the series. However, despite being held in high regard by some fans, there are others who find few redeeming qualities in this problematic pairing.
Murder House gave birth to one of the most problematic couples
"American Horror Story: Murder House" sees the Harmon family moving into a bonafide haunted house in Los Angeles, where they are confronted with some of their worst fears. Meanwhile, teenage Violet (Taissa Farmiga) is comforted by a high school romance when she meets fellow teen Tate (Evan Peters), who is seemingly just as damaged as she is. However, this connection takes a dark turn when Violet learns about all the horrible things Tate has done. The relationship certainly made an impression on fans, and for some, the connection this troubled pair of teens made remains one of the hallmarks of the entire series. However, many fans on Reddit point out how problematic this couple actually is.
"Tate is an awful person who murdered a bunch of people and raped Vivian but refuses to own up to any of it so it is really frustrating to watch him," posted u/ItchyAzalea. Others jumped on the bandwagon, agreeing that Tate and Violet are actually a depiction of an extremely toxic relationship. Some even compared the couple to one of the worst couples in pop culture.
"Tate was a terrible person and idk why people fangirl on him," posted u/thommiah. "Kind of like how people think the joker/harely quinn from suicide squad is, like, 'relationship goals.'" Many seem to gloss over the abuse in the relationship, instead romanticizing the dark aspects of their love affair.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Should Return to Murder House really absolve Tate of his crimes?
Unfortunately, these types of problematic relationships aren't new on television. Many fan-favorite couples fall into similar territory, as therapist Claire McRitchie pointed out when speaking to Teen Vogue about "The Vampire Diaries" ship Klaus (Joseph Morgan) and Caroline (Candice King).
"What I see is a young woman romancing a violent person who has committed a violent act. She has 'split off' his evil parts as a way of normalizing him, and thus maintaining a relationship," McRitchie told the outlet. This relates to Tate and Violet as well. Tate has committed some of the most reprehensible acts, but in "American Horror Story: Apocalypse," the couple still makes amends, becoming romantic once again. This creates a confusing dynamic. Clearly, many fans aren't happy with the idea of Tate being portrayed in such a romantic light given his many transgressions, and even Taissa Farmiga weighed in when the episode aired.
"I try to see the good in people," Farmiga told TV Guide when the subject of Tate came up, "But just because someone is in a circumstance that is influenced by outside evil or outside darkness and they're led to do these actions, I don't think you can completely wipe the slate clean and fully take away the responsibility from that person." In the episode, Tate's actions are excused because it was really the fault of the house which manipulated him into committing his crimes. This creates a situation where some fans end up romanticizing his abhorrently abusive behavior without any expectations that he will have to change or admit any wrongdoing.