American Horror Stories Season 4: ‘Leprechaun’ Ending, Explained

American Horror Stories Season 4: 'Leprechaun' Ending, Explained

Key Takeaways

  • “Leprechaun” explores family trauma, poverty, and blind conformity in a bleak plot twist.
  • Hailey’s revelation as part leprechaun sets a tragic, cyclical tone for future generations.
  • Hailey’s complex character exemplifies the fine line between good and evil in AHS.

As a longtime fan of American Horror Stories, I must say that season 4, episode 8, “Leprechaun,” was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The plot twist at the end left me speechless and craving more.


Despite its straightforward title suggesting familiar territory, American Horror Stories season 4, episode 8, “Leprechaun,” manages to offer a few unexpected twists. This installment in Ryan Murphy’s horror anthology weaves a unique narrative around the legendary creature that has been extensively portrayed in popular culture. The ending, reminiscent of the conclusion in Backrooms, is melancholic yet fittingly concludes the grim tale.

In this chilling episode of “American Horror Stories”, character Hailey Dougherty (Jessica Barden) and her husband Colin (Henry Eikenberry), who are eagerly awaiting their first child, find themselves in tough times and seeking a means to escape the hardships of their impoverished town. When Colin and his companions devise a plan to generate income, they stumble upon an unexpected find that leads to a horrifying climax.

What Happens At The End Of The American Horror Stories Season 4 Episode “Leprechaun”?

American Horror Stories Season 4: 'Leprechaun' Ending, Explained

Toward the close of the “Leprechaun” episode from American Horror Stories, the characters Colin, Liam (Hudson Oz), and Finn (Angel Bismark) stumble upon an evil leprechaun within a bank’s safe deposit box. Their scheme to pilfer gold and enhance their lives has been thwarted by this menacing creature who seems intent on claiming all of their lives. A surprising plot twist unfolds, exposing a significant secret: Hailey is half-breed, meaning she possesses both human and leprechaun heritage. She discloses to Colin that they must consume human blood, hinting ominously that she intends to slay him so the monsters can sustain themselves for the upcoming season.

In an already heart-wrenching situation, Hailey presents bottles of blood to her grandmother (June Squibb), who had requested medication earlier in the episode. This leaves us pondering if Hailey’s actions were a premeditated murder attempt against her husband and his companions, or if it was simply an unexpected stroke of luck for them. Regardless, it’s the kind of shocking and indelible conclusion that viewers familiar with American Horror Stories have come to expect.

Even though some might have suspected Hailey was a leprechaun, it still came as a surprising turn of events. If one of the primary characters hadn’t transformed into a monster, it would have been anticlimactic. The conclusion of this episode is notably poignant as Hailey is set to give birth to a daughter who will be half human and half leprechaun, further perpetuating the cycle of monsters preying on humans in this small town.

In a less dramatic yet still expressive manner: Hailey, from the American Horror Story episode “Bestie,” is just as monstrous as the ominous online friend due to her actions of murdering her husband and potentially his unborn child. Despite giving an impression of being less wicked because she’s only partly a monster, her deeds suggest otherwise. Hailey and Colin are intricate characters, exhibiting both good and bad traits, making poor choices that cause harm but also displaying kindness and empathy. It’s evident that the act of killing the one she loves will be a heavy burden for Hailey to bear throughout her life.

What Is The American Horror Stories Season 4 Episode “Leprechaun” About?

American Horror Stories Season 4: 'Leprechaun' Ending, Explained

In the “Leprechaun” episode of American Horror Stories, we follow the storyline of family struggles, financial hardship, and the perils of conformity versus independent thought. A captivating character in this narrative is Declan O’Shaunessy, played by Daniel Zolghadri, who works as a remote surveillance operative for a bank. Seeking acceptance among his peers, he joins their plot to rob the bank. Despite knowing that the act is morally wrong, he fears that the authorities will discover his switch of the surveillance tapes. If this were any other reality, he might face imprisonment; however, given that this is a horror story, Declan instead meets a grisly end at the hands of the leprechaun.

Similarly to an episode of “American Horror Stories” exploring the Bloody Mary lore, “Leprechaun” imagines what life would be like if these mythical creatures were real. Although the narrative slows a bit in the middle and the bank heist plot isn’t as thrilling or intense as one might expect, it’s engaging to see Colin and his friends striving for a better life. It feels authentic that they’d want to improve their circumstances, even if their solution – robbing a bank – turns out to be a poor choice. Viewers can certainly empathize with their desire to make money and escape from their dismal small town.

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2024-10-31 21:03