"American Horror Story: Asylum" Lightens Up with Jessica Lange Singing "The Name Game"

Photo Credit: FX

American Horror Story: Asylum is simply brilliant. This week's episode, "The Name Game," featured (of all things) a musical number featuring the inmates of Briarcliff, including Sister Jude/Judy Martin (Jessica Lange). After Judy was subjected to an electroshock treatment, with the voltage turned way up high, she dissociates while listening to "The Name Game" (the popular song that was a hit back in the 1960s and continues to thrive today). As a result, Judy, along with many of the series regulars, get into the act by singing and dancing along. I sat in wonder and smiled the entire way through the scene, which is one of the best of the entire series. The lighter tone helped to soften the mood of the episode, which features two unexpected deaths, as well as a sign that the doom and gloom that has been cast over the likable cast of misfits may finally be lifting. Only three episodes remain of this season of American Horror Story, but a third season has already been confirmed and I cannot wait to see what creator Ryan Murphy has in store. (Please, more Jessica Lange and Evan Peters.)

Watch "The Name Game" performance here.

Recap: PopCultureGuy's 2012 Entertainers of the Year

Number 1 - Heart

Number 2 - Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Number 3 - Ryan Murphy

Number 4 - Jennifer Lawrence

Number 5 - Chris Hemsworth

PopCultureGuy's 2012 Entertainers of the Year: Number 3 - Ryan Murphy

Glee, American Horror Story and The New Norman are three of my favorite television series and they were all created by Ryan Murphy. Before Glee, I was an avid viewer of Murphy's Nip/Tuck for a few years, especially during the Carver storyline, and was impressed with the often controversial subject matter. The diversity of the aforementioned series speaks to the creativity of Murphy, who is willing to take chances and experiment with different genres. Despite the critical backlash facing Glee, I have remained a loyal viewer. Yes, the consistency is lacking, but some episodes are brilliant, including this season's "The Break Up." Glee also routinely introduces likable new characters who are portrayed by talented youngsters. There is still much to like about the series.

American Horror Story has had two terrific seasons and I am thrilled to see Jessica Lange prove that she has not lost her ability to steal every scene in which she appears. The series, like Nip/Tuck, is not afraid to explore controversial subject matter and the writing constantly challenges the actors to rise to the occasion and they almost always do.

The New Normal seemed to be an early critical favorite, but has since fallen out of favor. I am enjoying the series and I think the work that young Bebe Wood (Shania) has been doing is Emmy worthy. The writing for The New Normal is strong and the banter between Shania and Bryan (Andrew Rannells) is just perfect. I hope the series finds the audience that it deserves. Three is clearly a charm for Ryan Murphy.