The t-shirt “Nor­mal Peo­ple Scare Me” Tate Lang­don in Amer­i­can Hor­ror Sto­ry

The Evolution of Tate Langdon in American Horror Story

(SPOILER Alert if you haven’t already binged the series)

Tate Langdon, portrayed by Evan Peters, is a complex character in the first season of American Horror Story, also known as “Murder House”. Introduced as a 17-year-old psychiatric patient with dark secrets, Tate’s evolution throughout the season showcases his troubled past, psychological instability, and his connection to the haunted Murder House.

Tate’s backstory reveals that he was born on March 9th, 1977, to Constance and Hugo Langdon, making him the brother of Adelaide, Beauregard, and Rose. Tate’s upbringing was marred by his absentee father and neglectful mother, as well as the sadistic influence of the Murder House itself. At the age of six, Tate witnessed his mother killing his father but was misled to believe that his father had abandoned the family. This trauma, coupled with his mother’s perfectionism and abusive behavior, contributed to Tate’s psychological disturbances and resentment towards his mother.

The pivotal event in Tate’s evolution occurs in 1994 when he commits a mass shooting at Westfield High, claiming the lives of 15 students. Following the shooting, Tate returns home and is killed by a SWAT team in his bedroom. However, he continues to reside in the Murder House as a ghost, manipulated by the house’s malignant influence.

Throughout the season, Tate’s personality and appearance reflect his troubled past and inner turmoil. He resents his mother for her destructive influence on his life and blames her for the loss of everyone he loved. Tate is depicted as a sensitive and emotionally unstable individual, drawn to Violet Harmon’s independent strength. His relationship with Violet develops, and he becomes infatuated with her, ultimately falling in love with her.

As the season progresses, more dark aspects of Tate’s character are revealed. He is involved in violent acts, such as attacking intruders and participating in the murder of Chad and Patrick, stealing the Rubber Man costume. It is also uncovered that Tate is the father of one of Vivien Harmon’s twins, conceived during a sexual encounter while dressed as the Rubber Man. His relationship with Violet becomes even more complicated as he conspires with Hayden to drive Vivien insane and take her twins.

Tate’s evolution in American Horror Story showcases a deeply disturbed character, haunted by his past actions and the supernatural forces within the Murder House. His complex relationships and involvement in violent acts contribute to the dark and chilling atmosphere of the series.

“I prepare for the noble war. I’m calm, I know the secret. I know what’s coming and I know no one can stop me, not even myself. I kill people I like. Some of them beg for their life. I don’t feel sad. I don’t feel anything. It’s a filthy world we live in, it’s a filthy goddamn world, and honestly, I feel like I’m helping to take them away from the shit and the piss and the vomit that run through the streets. I’m helping to take them to somewhere clean. There’s something about all that blood, man, I drown in it.”
— Tate Langdon telling his psychiatrist Dr. Ben Harmon about his mass murdering fantaisies.