In recent years, few series have made waves quite like Netflix’s “Monster.” This bold anthology has captured the public’s attention and provoked deep discussions regarding its complex characters and societal themes.
The show, co-created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, has recently focused on the infamous Ed Gein, a notorious serial killer from the 1950s. In a cover story for Variety, Murphy and Brennan reflected on the success of the show’s previous season, which delved into the lives of Erik and Lyle Menendez. This second season burst onto the scene in fall 2024, reigniting interest in the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents under claims of severe abuse. Despite their circumstances, both brothers remain behind bars after being denied parole in August and facing a judge’s refusal for a new trial in September. Nonetheless, calls for their release are intensifying, drawing attention even from Murphy.
Reflecting on the Menendez case, Murphy shared, “I do wish they had been paroled.” He recalled a shift in his perspective, stating, “Initially, I thought, Nope, kill your parents, stay in jail.” As he delved deeper into their story, he began questioning the efficacy of a penal system that keeps individuals incarcerated indefinitely. “What good does it do to keep people just sitting in jail? They could get out of prison and do something constructive,” he added, expressing doubt about the parole board’s assessment of them as dangers to society.
Brennan echoed Murphy’s sentiments, sharing his disappointment over the brothers’ continued imprisonment. “I was surprised and sad… I really thought it would go there given this new culture surrounding the case,” Brennan stated. He also pointed out that society’s understanding of male sexual abuse has grown more nuanced compared to when the crime occurred.
“At this point, the state of California has no interest in keeping them behind bars,” Brennan pondered, calling the continued incarceration a form of cruelty that’s hard to justify.
The narrative around the Menendez brothers has evolved since the beginning of the series, with the siblings initially expressing frustration over the portrayal. Erik Menendez criticized the show, claiming it was filled with “horrible and blatant lies.” However, Lyle later recognized the series for effectively “shining a light” on their story and conveyed gratitude for its impact.
Murphy noted the show’s reception and public misunderstanding. The Jeffrey Dahmer season aimed to explore father-son dynamics and issues of social justice, themes largely overlooked in the backlash against the series. “It was a constant stream of ‘How dare they, it’s so exploitative,’” Murphy complained. However, he found it telling that even Erik Menendez shifted his view to acknowledge the show’s positive influence.
This new season recognizing Gein opens a dialogue on America’s ongoing mental health challenges. Murphy and Brennan assert that they intend to use “Monster” as a platform for exploring the intricacies of such high-profile cases rather than sensationalizing them.
As for future stories, Brennan firmly stated that figures like John Wayne Gacy, who carries “nothing redemptive” in his narrative, are not viable candidates for the show. Murphy added, “When you look at those crimes, what themes are there to explore? It feels too murderous to engage with.”
Additionally, Murphy revealed that they’ve curated a “maybe one day” file for stories not yet suitable for adaptation, including one on Luigi Mangione, the alleged murderer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. “Right now, we just don’t have the information,” he explained.
Looking ahead, production on a fourth season is already underway, with Ella Beatty portraying Lizzie Borden, an axe murderer accused in one of history’s most famous crimes. Murphy describes this installment as a female-centric look at notorious women branded as “monsters,” exploring not only Borden but also figures like Countess Elizabeth Báthory and serial killer Aileen Wuornos. He emphasized the goal of redefining their narratives and questioning societal perceptions with, “Really, do you think so?”
