10 unforgettable American Horror Story characters

American Horror Story: Hotel, episode: “Checking In;” screengrab via FX.

#10: The Countess (AHS: Hotel)

For the past several years, it seems as though Ryan Murphy has been playing a game with himself called “How Can I Make This Even Ryan Murphy-er?”. And in season 5, he may have gotten the closest yet to claiming victory over himself by bringing in a secret, fabulous weapon: Lady Gaga.

Lady Gaga’s turn as the sex-craved, blood-thirsty Countess in AHS: Hotel is simultaneously one of Murphy’s more shocking twists and an inevitable move that had us all saying, “Of COURSE this is happening,” at almost every corner. As the owner of the Hotel Cortez and an immortal, terrifying, manipulative kween, The Countess’s significance goes far beyond murder and sex parties. Her backstory goes way, waaay, back: all the way to season 1. When Ryan Murphy revealed that all the seasons of AHS were intertwined, there was tons of conjecture, and countless fan theories flooded the Internet. So when we suddenly found ourselves watching The Countess waltz through the Murder House and interact with characters we thought we’d left 4 seasons and 80+ years in the past, we, again experienced that Murphy-specific blend of “WHAAAAT?!?!?” and “Sounds about right!” Here’s hoping season 6 is riddled with moments like this. We’re still rooting for you to win the game, Ryan!

Next: #9: Adelaide Langdon