The Monster Series: Ed Gein's Tale – An In-Depth Look of the Producer's Dark Murder Show

You're probably familiar with the Hitchcock classic, the iconic thriller, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Perhaps you've also explored the books that served as the basis for the first two films. Now prepare to encounter the individual who inspired Norman Bates, Buffalo Bill, and Leatherface. The infamous Ed Gein!

The initial installments of this anthology series focused on the Milwaukee monster – a name with strong recognition. This was followed by the sibling duo – a somewhat specialized case for dedicated true crime fans. Attention now shifts to the Butcher of Plainfield. Although he doesn't possess the brand recognition of other notorious killers, and only killed two people, his postmortem violations and gruesome creativity with the deceased have left a lasting mark. To this day, any film or show featuring mutilated bodies, flayed skin, or skin-based artifacts likely draws inspiration to his actions from over 70 years ago.

A Dismissive Approach

Is my tone too casual? This appears to be the deliberate approach of the production team. Rarely have I seen a television series that dwells so eagerly on the worst depredations an individual – and mankind – can commit. This includes a substantial narrative strand devoted to the horrors of the Third Reich, presented with minimal moral context.

Effective Pacing and Narrative

Structurally and stylistically, the series excels. The pacing is flawless, and the skillful blending of past and present is executed brilliantly. Viewers witness Charlie Hunnam as Gein committing his crimes – the murders, grave robberies, and curating his gruesome trophies. Simultaneously, the contemporary storyline follows the creative minds as they craft the iconic film from Bloch's Gein-inspired novel. The blending of the real – his devout parent and his fixation with female doppelgangers – and the unreal – lurid portrayals of Ilse Koch and SS officer gatherings – is handled with technical skill.

A Critical Shortcoming

What it lacks, and unforgivably so, is ethical commentary or meaningful analysis to counterbalance the protracted, admiring visuals of his immoral deeds. The show presents his vibrant fantasy life and frames him as a helpless individual of his domineering mother and a morbidly fascinated girlfriend. The implied message seems to be: What is a poor, schizophrenic guy to do? In one scene, the novelist speculates that without exposure to photographs, Gein would have remained a small-town simpleton.

A Departure from Precedent

One might contend that a Ryan Murphy production – renowned for glossy, high-camp style – is an unlikely source for deep psychological exploration. However, earlier series like the OJ Simpson trial drama offered brilliant commentary on media and justice. The Versace murder story explored celebrity and society. Impeachment examined systemic sexism. Thus, it is possible, and the producer has succeeded before.

The Final Verdict

But not here. The Ed Gein Story feels like an exploitation of a lesser-known criminal case. It asks for empathy for the man behind the masks without offering genuine insight into how he became a monster. Aside from the reductive "religious mother" reasoning, there is no attempt to comprehend the origins or avert similar tragedies. This is merely gratuitous spectacle to the basest instincts of the audience. The wartime sequences do have lovely lighting, though.