cinematic-literature:

London Spy S01E01 (Lullaby) and American Crime Story S02E04 (House by the Lake)

The episode of ACS is basically the dark and tragic mirror of the first 30 (happy) minutes of the London Spy pilot. Many are the recurring themes, situations and objects.

1. In LS the concept of gay as a synonim for pervert (in the general opinion) is shown in Alex’s secret room; in ACS the objects that Andrew Cunanan displays on David Madson’s bed reinforce the social stigma on gay people

2. Both couples (Danny and Alex/David and Andrew) take a road trip. The hands of two of them (Danny and David) are out of the window, feeling the air outdoors

3. Both couples share a moment by the car trunk: Alex and Danny take their rucksacks and a map before going hiking, while David and Andrew have a sandwich

4. Both couples sit at a bar while someone is performing. In LS it is a geisha singing
Takeda no Komariuta; in ACS it is Aimee Mann singing Drive by The Cars

5. In both episodes two people share a hot drink. In LS it’s Alex and Danny, who drink hot tea; in ACS it’s David and his father, who drink hot coffee in two scenes: one happens in real life, during David’s childhood; the other in David’s mind, while being hunted and killed by Cunanan

6. The thermos!!! One of the most symbolical objects from LS is back thanks to Mr. Madson

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