Here’s a bold statement: Ryan Murphy’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story just dropped a Mindhunter Easter egg that’s got everyone talking—but is it a clever nod or a confusing misstep? And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the crossover; it’s about the clash of styles, ethics, and storytelling approaches that makes this moment so intriguing—and controversial. Let’s dive in.
Ryan Murphy, the mastermind behind American Crime Story and Monster, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. His adaptations of true crime stories often blur the line between fact and entertainment, sometimes sparking debates over accuracy and sensitivity. Monster: The Ed Gein Story, the series’ third installment, is no exception. Murphy takes significant creative liberties with the tale of Ed Gein, the notorious killer from Plainfield, Wisconsin. But here’s where it gets controversial: in the finale, Murphy introduces a crossover with another Netflix hit—David Fincher’s Mindhunter. Happy Anderson reprises his role as Jerry Brudos, the “Shoe Fetish Slayer,” and interacts with FBI agents John Douglas and Robert Ressler, who are styled after Mindhunter’s Holden Ford and Bill Tench. The episode shifts tone dramatically, leaving viewers scratching their heads.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, co-creator Ian Brennan explained that the homage to Mindhunter was intentional. He described Monster finales as “particularly difficult” and admitted they needed to elevate the episode by changing the show’s look and feel. Brennan and Murphy, both admirers of Fincher’s work, saw an opportunity to pay tribute to his style. But here’s the kicker: while Douglas and Ressler are real-life figures who inspired Mindhunter’s characters, their inclusion in Monster feels more like a superficial imitation than a meaningful tribute. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this crossover a respectful nod to Fincher’s genius, or does it expose the flaws in Monster’s approach to true crime?
Let’s break it down. Mindhunter is praised for its meticulous research, sensitivity to victims, and avoidance of harmful tropes. It’s a show that respects the gravity of its subject matter. Monster, on the other hand, plays fast and loose with facts and leans into sensationalism. For instance, the series continues to perpetuate the harmful “killer crossdresser” trope, a problematic portrayal that Mindhunter would never endorse. So, when these two worlds collide in the Ed Gein finale, the contrast is jarring. It’s like watching a tabloid headline interrupt a documentary—it just doesn’t fit.
And this is the part most people miss: the crossover isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a reflection of the deeper differences between these shows. Mindhunter approaches true crime with care and respect, while Monster often prioritizes shock value over accuracy. By directly copying Mindhunter’s aesthetic, Monster only highlights its own shortcomings. It’s a pale imitation that falls flat, leaving fans of Mindhunter—still grieving the canceled season 3—feeling underwhelmed.
So, here’s the question: Should Ryan Murphy stick to his sensationalist style, or would we all be better off if he left the nuanced storytelling of serial killers to Fincher? Let’s spark a debate in the comments. Do you see this crossover as a clever homage or a missed opportunity? And more importantly, where do you draw the line between entertainment and ethical storytelling in true crime? Monster and Mindhunter are both streaming on Netflix, so you can judge for yourself—just be prepared for a wild juxtaposition of styles and approaches.
