TVLine's Performer Of The Week: Sarah Paulson

Author's Summary

Sarah Paulson delivered a standout performance as Carrington Lane in "All's Fair" Episode 5, blending humor and heartbreak to reveal her character's hidden vulnerabilities, earning TVLine's weekly honors for its emotional depth and nuance. (148 characters)

Performer Details

The Performer | Sarah Paulson
The Show | Hulu's "All's Fair"
The Episode | "This Is Me Trying" (Nov. 18, 2025)

In the series' initial episodes, Paulson's portrayal of Carrington Lane came across as a witty irritant, mainly serving up sharp barbs and acting as a minor foe for the main legal team. Yet, the fifth installment shifted focus squarely on her, dissecting the role with a mix of poignant and comedic flair that truly showcased Paulson's talents and connected with audiences.

Key Performance Highlights

Paulson brought levity through Carr's mishandled sobriety test, where she belted out "Edge of Seventeen"—a nod to Stevie Nicks from her "American Horror Story: Coven" days—while veering down the road, capturing a rare blend of bravado and obliviousness that amused despite the gravity. Earlier, in a bizarre exchange with Chase, she undressed him, shampooed his hair, and skewered his traits while artfully sidestepping his bold moves, leaving viewers intrigued and reluctant for it to wrap up.

Deeper layers emerged as the episode explored Carr's fraught bond with daughter Amabel, played by Juliette Mae Diamond; Paulson conveyed a fierce desire to parent well, hindered by her own flaws, especially in a moving segment where Carr aids Amabel's school essay on resilience, weaving raw feelings into polished prose with skillful balance. Another gripping moment unfolded during Carr's tense reunion with ex-husband Sebastian (Jason Butler Harner), revisiting their pragmatic union; she resisted breaking down before admitting her struggles, bolstered by subtle support from Lorraine Toussaint's Alberta Dome, the first to spot her plea for aid.

Honorable Mention

Demi Moore shone in the "Landman" Season 2 premiere, redeeming her sparse Season 1 role with a commanding address to investors, where her character Cami subtly disarmed skeptics before vowing to dismantle rivals and quipping about footing the lunch bill with their funds—a bold display of underestimated power. Moore's poised menace, likened to a Serengeti hunter, hinted at more to come this season.

By Kimberly Roots
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