KOOL TV CLASSIC IMAGE: 'AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM's BAD SANTA!

And what do you want for Christmas, little girl? Ian McShane brings menace and terror to AMERICAN HORROR STORY. Image: Ryan Murphy.

The season to be jolly is not always enjoyed by everyone, as the 1960's residents of the doomed AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM particularly found out tis week with the re-emergence of a man they all thought they had very definitely under lock and key forever: Lee Emerson, a sexual sadist and serial killer of families who makes his horrific mark dressed as Santa Claus. Released for a little "festive spirit" over the holiday period by the devil possessed Sister Mary Eunice (Lily Rabe), the iconic Brit star of LOVEJOY and DEADWOOD gave a brilliant, deranged and highly brutal performance that wouldn't have been out of place in a Quentin Tarantino film, as he very definitely kissed the girls (and boys) and made them cry. The sequence where he ultimately tried to gets his revenge on his incarcerator (Jessica Lange, who has been pitch perfect in her performance this year as the all-seeing, all-knowing Sister Jude) was easily one of the second series shows most potentially harrowing moments and very well played. Thankfully, the spirit was behind our determined Jude and Santa's rein of terror was soon over.

Up to no good at all with the inmates decorated Xmas tree... Image: FOX.

Right now, though, with the shows mid-season break, all manner of classic horror icons are still at liberty throughout the Briarcliff institution: there's an alien of some kind lurking in the basement, grotesque horrors, created by former Nazi Doctor Alden (James Cromwell), running about the grounds, visitations from the Angel of Death (a sublime performance from Season One's Frances Conroy) and the return of the dreaded Leatherface, capable of giving the cast of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE a run for their money, in a truly wicked performance from STAR TREK and HEROES star Zachary Quinto. Just who, or what else, will be coming through those doom-laded doors next, when the show returns to the UK's FOX channel in early January, remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure it won't be pleasant...

Happy Christmas and sweet dreams...