True crimeis a sensitive genre that can be challenging to do right. Done with respect,it can shed light on the victims, survivors, and their families. If done wrong, the real-life people affected by the crimes can be overshadowed by the killer or criminal. It’s these challenges that have madeMonstersone ofthe most binge-worthyyet frustrating shows on Netflix.Two seasons in, they revolve around the murders committed by, respectively,Jeffrey Dahmerand the Menendez Brothers that shocked and fascinated the public, with the various perspectives of those who knew or persecuted them. Two seasons in, the show has also received backlash for how it dramatized the non-fiction events.
That has done little todecrease the show’s popularitywith viewers, but that doesn’t mean the show should overlook the problematic elements, especially with a third season that is beginning production soon, and a fourth season thathas already been confirmedfor the near future. And it looks as if a change is happening that will be better for future installments.CreatorsRyan MurphyandIan Brennanmight have realized how they could avoid mistakesthat were made in the first two seasons. It’s all aboutwhenthey took place.
‘Monsters’ Is a Crime Show That Has Been Seen as Disrespectful
The appeal to watchingMonsters(for lack of a better word) is how well-made it is. Visually stunning cinematography, an eerie tone, and a talented cast make it addictive to let the next episode play, even with the disturbing content when it dives into topics of racism and sexual abuse. But it’s non-fiction, and the show can forget that. The phrase “timing is everything” rings true for this crime anthology. The crimes of Dahmer andLyle and Erik Menendezoccurred much more recently, with Season 1 taking place from the late 1970s to 1991, and Season 2 primarily moving into the 1990s. Many ofthe real people associated with these cases are forced to relive the tragedieswhenMonstershits the top spot on Netflix.
Rita Isbell, the sister ofErrol Lindsey,who was murdered by Dahmer,recalled not being contacted by Netflixand shared how she felt about the show’s recreations. “When I saw some of the show,” she said, “it bothered me, especially when I saw myself — when I saw my name come across the screen and this lady saying verbatim exactly what I said.” In the same article, Lindsey’s cousin,Eric Perry, spoke out on the show through a post on social media: “I’m not telling anyone what to watch, I know true crime media is huge rn, but if you’re actually curious about the victims, my family (the Isbell’s) are pissed about this show.“The authenticity that is put intoMonsterscan be detrimentalto the real-life pain and grief that is being adapted for TV.
Isbell went on to say, “The victims have children and grandchildren. If the show benefited them in some way, it wouldn’t feel so harsh and careless. It’s sad that they’re just making money off of this tragedy.“Another negative ishow much timeThe Jeffrey Dahmer Storyspends on the killerand how little it gives to the boys and young men who were killed. Season 2 then caused a new wave of backlash from the marketing that was excessive in sexualizing the young men who were imprisoned for the murder of their parents. Unlike how Dahmer had been killed long beforeMonstersand the depravity of his murders could not be mistaken,Season 2 had the added controversythat the Menendez brothers were currently in prison and had claimed self-defense from their childhood sex abuse.
‘The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Drew More Criticism for Its Portrayal
From the marketing to the early episodes inThe Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, the implied incest between the brothers feels sensationalized. The show doesn’t do itself any favors by leaving the viewers to make up their minds on who is guilty.In aColliderinterview, Ryan Murphy explains this approach by saying, “— I think there’s a case to be made that everybody involved is a monster. You know, the brothers certainly did monstrous things, the parents reportedly did monstrous things, and it was complicated.” His comments are why he feels the true crime fitsMonstersbetter than his othercrime anthology,American Crime Story.Again, it can make for compelling TV, withEpisode 5 capturingCooper Koch’s distressing performancein a long take. The popularity of the show has also renewed interest in the Menendez brothers getting resentenced and being eligible for parole.
An article fromTODAYhad Murphy respond to twenty-four family members of Lyle and Erik who called Season 2 “repulsive” and “character assassination.“The creator felt it was “the best thing that has happened to the Menendez brothers in 30 years,” and the case is now a major public conversation. But the crimes picked for a season ofMonstersis a problem that can be fixed. Instead of going forward in time, as it has from Season 1 to Season 2, going back in time might be the wisest.The third seasonis already doing this by focusing on the grave robbing and murders byEd Geinthat occurred in the 1950s and 1960s. The fourth season is set to go back even further.
How ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Has Impacted the Real Case
This controversial new series might have its issues, but there’s also an upside to these dramatized true crime stories.
The Next ‘Monster’ Seasons Will Be Different From What the Series Has Done Before
The season’s title is confirmed to be “The Original Monster,” and it will examine the notoriety given to its killer. Murphy said inan interview withColliderthat the aim for Season 3 was to research who started the “cultural interest in serial killers” and “the very first one who became a celebrity at that level was Ed, who was an instant crazy celebrity from the moment he was arrested.” The infamy of Ed Gein’s crimes has made him a source ofinspiration for the horror genre.It will be a very dark chapter, but the older time period is the right call. Season 4 will be doing the same, putting the attention onLizzie Borden, who was accused of killing her father and stepmother in 1892 but was acquitted.
That story took place over 100 years ago. A pair of distant cousins have evenembraced the grim family legacyat a museum. There are no raw emotions that come from recent decades in the first two seasons ofMonsters.Older true crimesmight be the best direction for the series. One of the most unusual cases in the United States was committed byH. H. Holmesin the 1890s, who is considered the country’s first known serial killer. He constructed a hotel for the specific use of trapping and murdering his victims,with truth and fiction blurringonce the tabloids got a hold of the story.DirectorMartin Scorsesehas tried for years to dramatize the true crime story as a movie and then as a series. Perhaps Netflix’s crime anthology could have more luck. The success ofMonstersmeans it won’t be going away. But the older crimes that are set to be covered can only benefit the upcoming seasons.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
