http://nerdist.com/how-american-horror-story-roanoke-connects-with-coven-and-freak-show/

Editor’s note: This post contains spoilers for American Horror Story. Proceed with caution if you aren’t caught up. 

Since the start of American Horror Story‘s mysterious sixth season, AHS’ creators and cast members have teased several times that there’s more to the docudrama-style Roanoke than meets the eye. According a recent remark from Ryan Murphy (via Entertainment Weekly), tonight’s episode will feature “the biggest plot twist” they’ve ever done on the show. Based on previous remarks from both Murphy and Brad Falchuk, we know that the twist will throw fans for a loop and make them question everything they know about the series. With the episode a few hours away, the showrunners revealed some pretty big spoilers about how this season connects with Coven, as well as their Freak Show-related plans for season seven.

“The season was sort of written as if the season was two different shows” explained Murphy. “Something happens where half the cast is revealed to be playing and doing something absolutely different than you’ve seen in the first five. There’s a startling announcement at the end of act 3 that resets the rest of the season up until episode 10.”

According to US Weekly, the season will pivot into an entirely different narrative during the last twenty minutes of episode six. With the change, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, and Kathy Bates will be playing entirely different characters. Whether they’ll be ones we’ve seen in the past or brand new to the series remains to be seen. The other big reveal the showrunner shared is that Lady Gaga’s witch of the woods character is the first Supreme–which is a direct tie to Coven. This makes me wonder whether Gaga’s witch took on the name Robichaux after escaping her cell and opened the Witches academy in season three, or whether the story she told Matt was even true. Based on what Murphy said, several characters have been lying this season, so anything is possible.

Speaking of Coven, Murphy confirmed that American Horror Story will touch on those characters again. “At some point, we’re going to do a return to the Coven season.” While he didn’t reveal which season that would be, he doled out another juicy detail about season seven: “Next year, we will be going back to some Freak Show characters, deeper histories and mythologies. So we’re sort of still exploring season 4 in season 7.” Does that mean we’ll finally see the return of Jessica Lange? One can dream.

While we already knew Finn Wittrock was set to return, Murphy revealed that his psychotic character will make Dandy Mott look like a teddy bear by comparison. “Finn Wittrock is coming back soon, playing his most f–ked-up character of all time. To the point where he was like, ‘This is so crazy that I don’t know that I can do it, but I’ll do it,’” Murphy confirmed. Dear Finn, thank you for committing to whoever the character ends up being. I seriously can’t wait to see what the writers have in store.

Taissa Farmiga was also confirmed for season six, though it is unclear when she will make her debut. She was a major character in the Coven season, so I’m hoping the connection to the season goes even further and she is playing a previous character.

All that said, if you weren’t a fan of the secrecy this year, I have great news for you. According to Murphy there will be no more secret seasons! Things will go back to normal once they start promoting season seven. The premise for that season will be unveiled in Spring 2017.

What do you think the big twist is going to be? How do you think Taissa Farmiga and Finn Wittrock will be incorporated? Are you excited for a return to Coven and Freak Show? Let us know in the comments below, join the conversation on Facebook, or start one with me on Twitter: @Samantha_Sofka.

We’ve got plenty more American Horror Story theories on Nerdist News!

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Images: FX