Explained: Ending of ‘Leprechaun’ in American Horror Stories Season 4

Major Insights

“Leprechaun”delves into themes of familial trauma, socioeconomic struggles, and the dangers of blind conformity, culminating in a disturbing twist.
The revelation that Hailey is partially a leprechaun sets a sorrowful cycle for future generations.
Hailey’s intricate persona highlights the ambiguous boundary between good and evil found within AHS.

Despite its straightforward title, which summarizes the episode’s premise, American Horror Stories season 4, episode 8, titled “Leprechaun,”delivers unexpected developments. This installment in Ryan Murphy’s horror anthology presents a unique narrative surrounding the well-known creature previously portrayed in various facets of popular culture. Much like the conclusion of Backrooms, the ending of this episode, though melancholic, feels like an appropriate culmination of its grim storyline.

In this unforgettable episode of American Horror Stories, Hailey Dougherty (played by Jessica Barden) and her husband, Colin (Henry Eikenberry), who are expecting their first child, find themselves struggling financially as they seek a means to escape the cycle of despair within their impoverished community.

What Is Revealed at the End of “Leprechaun”?

Characters featured in the American Horror Stories

As the American Horror Stories episode “Leprechaun”draws to a close, Colin, Liam (Hudson Oz), and Finn (Angel Bismark) encounter a malevolent leprechaun hidden within the bank’s vault. Their intentions to pilfer gold and transform their lives take a disastrous turn, and it becomes evident that the creature poses a deadly threat to them all. In a significant plot twist, it is uncovered that Hailey possesses a dual heritage, being part human and part leprechaun. She reveals to Colin the necessity of consuming human blood and makes it clear that she intends to kill him to ensure the survival of her species for the next generation.

This revelation is already gut-wrenching, but then Hailey delivers vials of blood to her grandmother (June Squibb), who requested her medication earlier in the episode. This raises the question of whether Hailey had schemed to eliminate her husband and his companions all along or if circumstances simply aligned in her favor. Regardless, this ending encapsulates the tragic and impactful conclusion fans of the series have come to expect.

While some viewers may have predicted Hailey’s connection to the leprechauns, the twist still carries a logical weight. If a primary character evaded becoming a monster, it would likely disappoint audiences. The poignancy of the episode’s conclusion is further amplified by the fact that Hailey is on the verge of giving birth to a daughter destined to be half human, half leprechaun, perpetuating the cycle of violence between humans and monsters within this community.

Hailey embodies the same monstrous qualities as the scary online friend from the AHS episode “Bestie,”as she resorts to killing her husband, who is also the father of her unborn child. Despite her claims of not being as evil since she embodies only half a monster, her actions tell a different story. Both Hailey and Colin present layers of complexity, as neither epitomizes pure goodness or absolute evil. Their actions can lead to harmful consequences for others, yet they also show compassion and care. It is evident that the weight of her decision to kill the one she loves will haunt Hailey for the rest of her life.

What Themes Are Present in “Leprechaun”?

Leprechaun character from American Horror Stories

The episode “Leprechaun”from American Horror Stories tackles subject matter including familial trauma, monetary strife, and the perils of blind adherence to societal norms. One of the standout characters is Declan O’Shaunessy (Daniel Zolghadri), who monitors the bank’s surveillance. Eager to fit in with the group, he reluctantly participates in their plan to rob the bank, fully aware of its moral implications and that his actions could lead to legal repercussions. In a different narrative, Declan might face incarceration, but within this horror context, his fate is sealed by the leprechaun’s wrath.

Similar to an earlier episode that examines the Bloody Mary mythos, “Leprechaun”invites viewers to consider the implications of such monsters in reality. Though the episode may lose momentum at times and the bank heist isn’t as thrilling as it could have been, the motivations driving Colin and his friends to seek financial improvement are relatable. Their missteps might be understandable; after all, the desire to escape their dismal small-town existence is a compelling narrative driver.

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