We all know how controversial the U.S. 2016 Presidential election was. Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, known for pushing the envelope, shed light on dealing with political and psychological turmoil in modern America.

1. Politics is one main factor of conflict in the show

While others might have been scared to approach the controversy, Murphy and Falchuk dive right in with the first episode, entitled “Election Night.” AHS demonstrates the major upset for some and the victorious celebration for others that came about when Donald Trump was elected.

2. The season takes place in Michigan

Due to the fact that Michigan is a swing state, it makes sense that the writers would choose to incorporate voters for Democrat Hillary Clinton, Republican Donald Trump, and Green Party candidate Jill Stein. Each point of view is represented through Ally (Sarah Paulson), Kai Anderson (Evan Peters), and Ivy Mayfair-Richards (Alison Pill) respectively.

3. Modeled after several different cult leaders, Peters as Kai pushes people to their breaking point

Murphy and Falchuk utilize famous inspirations for the character of Kai including Charles Manson and Jim Jones. The season is said to investigate the strange power cult leaders have over their followers and why.

4. Ally and Ivy are a lesbian couple

While the election of Trump certainly puts a strain on the couple, voting for different candidates and Ally’s psychological issues present additional hurdles for their relationship. The relationship is used in order to express the discontent and distress that was caused by the election; as well as, exemplify a typical American relationship in today’s world.

5. Killer clowns are another large part of the season

After the election, Ally’s deepest fears spring back to life: coulrophobia and trypophobia. Murphy has said that clowns are used in the season again because they are good at “causing anxiety.” Especially after the election, many people felt anxious over the state of the government and world. The clowns help bring about the level of stress and tension.

6. Trypophobia even creeps out the most rational of people

Ally’s second phobia that makes an appearance is the fear of small clusters of holes. Even for me, watching the first episode gave me chills and now think I have trypophobia as well. This fear is also where the portrayal of bees start to make sense. Both the hive mentality and the holes of a honeycomb tie into the other themes of the season.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or have never seen an episode before, this season of American Horror Story seems to have a promising plot line. I’m not positive how this season will end, but you can be sure that it’s going to be interesting.