Explained: Ending of “Clone” from American Horror Stories Season 4

Essential Insights

The episode “Clone”of season 4 of American Horror Stories delves into emotions and themes like ego, betrayal, and the implications of technology.
The dramatic conclusion reveals John being killed by David’s clone, driven by ego and self-obsession.
This episode uncovers David’s sinister plot to eliminate John in favor of his own clone.

Viewers of horror series, especially in anthology formats like American Horror Stories, seldom anticipate uplifting conclusions. The latest season continues this trend with particularly dark plots. Whether it’s Jillian Fletcher’s (Debby Ryan) quest for her husband’s murderer in “The Thing Under the Bed,”or Daniel’s (Michael Imperioli) existential musings in “Backrooms,”American Horror Stories season 4 offers a rich tapestry of thrills and memorable moments. While the endings are often grim, they satisfactorily address pivotal questions from the audience, leaving them eager for upcoming installments.

In “Clone,”the sixth episode of American Horror Stories season 4, the focus shifts to deeper emotional currents compared to prior tales this season. This installment also engages with critical themes such as ego, life and death, sacrifices in long-term relationships, and the impact of technology. The conclusion of “Clone”is particularly unforeseen.

What Occurs at the Conclusion of the American Horror Stories Episode “Clone”?

David (Victor Garber) in American Horror Stories

David has awakened from his coma and is doing well. John finds himself heartbroken since he unexpectedly fell for this clone of David.

When John confronts the clone at the lab, David ends up killing him, opting instead for a life with his own clone. This shocking twist stands out as one of the most stunning moments in “Clone,”arguably in the entire American Horror Stories anthology. Though David never truly reciprocated John’s feelings, the audience was blind to his elaborate and malevolent scheme. Overly self-absorbed, David’s technological pursuits have led him to believe he can never love anyone but himself. Following a shared experience with John, David ultimately realizes that the clone is the “one”destined for eternity by his side.

In the closing moments, David and his clone share intimacy in bed. Leaping back to the earlier seasons of American Horror Stories, fans understand that characters rarely find joy, and if they do, they often descend into perpetual nightmares. In this tale, John’s quest for love tragically leads him to his demise. David’s self-serving disposition transforms him into a remorseless assassin, preferring an artificial version of himself over a genuine human connection. The episode concludes with this chilling notion.

What Is the Narrative of the American Horror Stories Episode “Clone”?

John (Guy Burnett) and David (Victor Garber) in American Horror Stories

The episode “Clone”serves as a commentary on narcissism and a man’s ambition to alter the course of existence. David believes he has discovered the key to immortality and is determined to keep this breakthrough exclusive to himself. His willingness to kill the person he professed to love showcases a chilling resemblance to malevolent robots found in science fiction. His innocent facade initially conceals a much darker truth. John perceives the disquiet in their situation but chooses to dismiss his instincts, a decision that ultimately leads to catastrophic consequences.

At the start, viewers meet John and David, an age-disparate couple. The youthful John is a teacher yearning for enjoyment while feeling constrained by his relationship. Meanwhile, the older David, critiquing John’s profession, reveals warning signs of his character flaws. John often seeks solace with his friend Jordan (Casey Thomas Brown). Both “Clone”and the episode “Bestie”from season 3 of American Horror Stories delve into the depths of longing and dangerous companionship. The protagonists, John and Shelby Brubaker (Emma Hallen), grapple with loneliness, leading them to form relationships that ultimately prove perilous.

“Clone”adeptly illustrates John’s dissatisfaction. He confides in David about feeling like a “housewife”and grows furious over David’s decision to enter a coma and leave his clone to cohabit with John without prior consultation. This imbalance of power signifies the toxic dynamic that shapes John’s tragic fate. Overall, “Clone”stands out as a compelling entry in the American Horror Stories series, featuring remarkable cinematography, outstanding performances, and unexpected twists. The narrative is enriched with character development, an unpredictable twist, and an ending that leaves viewers pondering.

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