'AHS' 13 Star Joey Pollari Breaks Down Ben's Surprise Romance and That Brutal Cliffhanger

Ben DeSoto’s survival from a fatal plane crash was only the first twist in American Horror Story: 13. The new hospice caretaker, played by Joey Pollari, is thrust into a world where his fear of the number 13 becomes a literal threat. As the series progresses, Ben’s lineage is revealed: he is the son of Satan, destined to rule Earth if the devil’s wager with God is fulfilled. Yet, instead of embracing his demonic inheritance, Ben allies with the Coven witches to halt his father’s plans. The stakes for Ben are personal and cosmiche must decide whether to become the villain he was born to be or to fight against his own bloodline.

Ben’s backstory is a classic horror tropean ordinary man saved from death by supernatural forces. Pollari’s portrayal of a nervous caretaker who suddenly finds himself in a New York penthouse with Constance Langdon (Jessica Lange) feels fresh. The character’s anxiety about the number 13 is a clever device that mirrors his internal conflict. The writers use Ben’s survival as a metaphor for the possibility of redemption, even for those born into darkness. Pollari himself noted that the scripts “made complete sense” and that it was “perfect” to bring an everyday anxious figure into a darker narrative. The audience is invited to root for a man who, despite his demonic heritage, chooses to side with the witches.

In episodes 11 and 12, the Coven’s battle against the devil takes a surprising turn when Ben arrives not to fight them but to help put his father’s plan on hold. His decision to side with the witches is a pivotal moment that flips the expected narrative. The show uses this alliance to explore themes of agency and free willcan a child of evil choose a different path? Ben’s newfound powers are not just a plot device; they represent the internal struggle between inherited evil and personal choice. The Coven’s willingness to accept him, despite his lineage, underscores the series’ recurring message that even the most unlikely characters can become agents of change.

The presence of seasoned actors such as Frances Conroy, who plays Myrtle Snow, adds depth to the storyline. Pollari shared that meeting Conroy was a highlight of his career. He described her as “clear‑sighted and incredibly generous,” and praised her ability to “watch a great dancer.” These interactions highlight how the show’s ensemble cast elevates the narrative, providing seasoned performers with roles that carry emotional weight and historical resonance. The collaboration between Pollari and Conroy illustrates how veteran talent can mentor emerging actors, enriching the creative process on set.

American Horror Story: 13 taps into a larger cultural conversation about redemption and the nature of evil. In a world where many African and African‑diasporic narratives grapple with inherited trauma, Ben’s story resonates as an allegory for breaking cycles of oppression. His choice to oppose his father’s plans mirrors the struggle of many communities to reject oppressive legacies. The show, through its horror framework, invites viewers to consider whether destiny is fixed or if individuals can rewrite their own stories. This theme aligns with the broader movement in contemporary media that foregrounds complex characters who defy simple categorizations.

Given Ben’s trajectory, it is likely that the season will culminate in a showdown where he must confront his father’s influence head‑on. The writers have set up a narrative arc that builds toward a climax where Ben’s agency is tested. I predict that the finale will feature a dramatic reversal, with Ben using his powers to dismantle the devil’s plan, thereby cementing his role as an unlikely hero. The series has always rewarded bold twists, and this payoff would satisfy long‑time fans while keeping the story fresh.

The next episodes promise to deepen Ben’s character and further blur the lines between good and evil. If the show continues to explore the nuances of its characters, we can expect more layered storytelling that challenges viewers to rethink their assumptions about destiny, choice, and the supernatural.