Explained: The Ending of “The Thing Under The Bed” from American Horror Stories Season 4

Essential Insights

Each episode of American Horror Stories concludes with striking twists that reinforce the unsettling narrative.
In the episode titled “The Thing Under the Bed,”a haunting revelation provides a blend of creepiness and memorability.
This particular installment explores themes of trauma, loss, childhood anxieties, and the lingering shadows of the past.

The finale of every episode in Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Stories is marked by an unforgettable twist that underscores the sinister theme presented throughout the episode. Although the series often features common elements of the horror genre, one episode stands out for its utilization of a classic trope. Season 4, episode 9, titled “The Thing Under The Bed,”delves into the fears children harbor about monsters lurking in the dark. For the main character, the situation may be rooted in reality rather than mere nightmares.

Similar to the twist ending of the AHS season 4 installment “Backrooms,””The Thing Under the Bed”delivers an unexpected conclusion. It tackles dark and weighty themes within its concise half-hour runtime, making it the briefest episode of the season, yet it delivers a truly haunting experience. While it may not offer the same uniqueness as the episode “Tapeworm,”it remains a standout within the beloved spinoff series that fans should not miss.

What Occurs at the Conclusion of the American Horror Stories Episode “The Thing Under the Bed”?

A young Mary from American Horror Stories

As “The Thing Under the Bed”wraps up, Jillian Fletcher (Debby Ryan) finds herself spending a night in the home of Mary (Melonie Diaz). The preview for AHS season 4 hinted that this season would delve into the realm of nightmares. In this episode, Jillian has been plagued by unsettling dreams for an extended period.

Upon realizing her recurring visions feature Mary as a child, Jillian recognizes the need for action. However, she soon discovers that she is neither quick nor powerful enough to confront the adult Mary, who has transformed into a menacing figure. Ultimately, Mary kills Jillian, concluding with a spine-chilling image of Mary sitting calmly while a sinister grin spreads across her face, morphing into that of a man—an unforgettable visual.

Many years ago, a man escaped from a mental institution and intruded into Mary’s home, hiding under her bed until he was killed by her father. Since that traumatic encounter, Mary has taken to lurking beneath the beds of others, eliminating people she deems threats to their happiness. Jillian learns that Mary was responsible for the death of her husband, Mark Fletcher (Matthew Holcomb), as he had been pressuring Jillian about starting a family. Though this aspect of the narrative could have used further exploration, it generally succeeds in conveying that Mary’s childhood trauma has driven her to act protectively toward others.

As viewers navigate through the episodes of American Horror Stories, they quickly see that most conclude with unsettling twists. In “The Thing Under the Bed,”Jillian’s ties to Mary ultimately lead to her demise. Mary’s intentions, despite being protective, turned fatal for Jillian, who paid a tragic price for that connection. Both Jillian and Mary grapple with haunting memories that refuse to fade, showcasing the show’s exploration of trauma and grief beneath its scary exterior.

What Is the Focus of the American Horror Stories Episode “The Thing Under the Bed”?

The episode “The Thing Under the Bed”examines Jillian’s strained marriage with Mark and their conflicting views on building a family. Following Mark’s sudden death at the hands of something lurking beneath their bed, Jillian embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind his demise, leading her to a mental health facility where she discovers Mary’s backstory.

The episodes of American Horror Stories tackle a variety of serious issues, including pregnancy, loss, and identity crises, intertwined with elements of horror such as supernatural beings, haunted settings, and eerie concepts like “backrooms.”In “The Thing Under the Bed,”the narrative delves into the process of mourning a spouse while also reflecting on childhood fears that continue to resurface. This distinctive horror anthology delivers both entertainment and thought-provoking commentary on key life themes.

Additionally, Debby Ryan’s portrayal of Jillian is commendable; she masterfully embodies a woman engulfed in grief, striving to unravel the mystery surrounding her husband’s death. Though others are skeptical of her perceptions, Jillian is resolute in her quest for the truth, making her exploration a dark and deeply unsettling experience, which elevates “The Thing Under the Bed”to a prominent position among the intriguing episodes of American Horror Stories.

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