: Through the character of Fran , the show introduces theories of government experimentation, grounding the horror in the real-world historical distrust the LGBTQ+ community felt toward federal health institutions during the 1980s. Institutional Negligence and Resistance
: The interrogation of Adam and the grimy, leather-bar aesthetic are direct homages to William Friedkin’s film. American Horror Story S11E02 FRENCH HDTV
: The character of Gino Barelli echoes real-life journalist Arthur Bell, who called out police apathy during the "Bag Murders" and the crimes of the "Last Call Killer". : Through the character of Fran , the
: Critics and viewers have interpreted the hulking, leather-clad "Big Daddy" not just as a physical threat, but as a supernatural manifestation of the encroaching AIDS epidemic—a presence that looms over characters even when they are unaware of it. : Critics and viewers have interpreted the hulking,
The episode draws heavily from 1980s queer cinema and true crime: