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You're probably familiar with Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Perhaps you've also explored the books that served as the basis for the first two films. Now it's time to meet the man who inspired Norman Bates, Buffalo Bill, and the chainsaw-wielding villain. The infamous Ed Gein!

The initial installments of this anthology series focused on the Milwaukee monster – an individual possessing widespread notoriety. This was followed by the Menendez brothers – a somewhat specialized story for dedicated true crime fans. Now the spotlight turns to the Butcher of Plainfield. Although he doesn't possess the household name status of Dahmer, Bundy, or Gacy, and his confirmed victims number just two, his grave desecrations and macabre artistry with the deceased have left a lasting mark. Even now, any media featuring dismembered remains, removed epidermis, or skin-based artifacts likely draws inspiration to Gein's exploits from over 70 years ago.

A Dismissive Approach

Do I sound flippant? This appears to be the intended style of the creators. Rarely have I seen a drama that lingers so gleefully on the worst depredations an individual – and mankind – can commit. This extends to a significant plotline devoted to Nazi atrocities, presented with minimal moral context.

Structural and Stylistic Strengths

In terms of construction and style, the series excels. The rhythm is well-maintained, and the clever interweaving of different timelines is handled masterfully. We see Charlie Hunnam as the killer in action – the homicides, grave robberies, and assembling his collection. In parallel, the present-day narrative follows the creative minds as they craft the iconic film from the literary source. The blending of the real – Gein's religious mother and his obsession with female doppelgangers – and the unreal – lurid portrayals of Ilse Koch and Nazi party scenes – is handled with technical skill.

The Glaring Omission

What it lacks, and unforgivably so, is ethical commentary or deeper insight to counterbalance the lingering, loving shots of his immoral deeds. The show presents his vibrant fantasy life and positions him as a helpless individual of his controlling parent and an accomplice with dark interests. The implied message seems to be: How could a mentally ill man resist? During a key moment, the novelist speculates that without seeing certain images, Gein would have remained a small-town simpleton.

Breaking from Past Success

One might contend that a Ryan Murphy production – renowned for glossy, high-camp style – is an unlikely source for deep psychological exploration. But previous works like the OJ Simpson trial drama offered sharp analysis on the press and the legal system. The Assassination of Gianni Versace delved into celebrity and society. The Clinton scandal series 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 an underexploited true crime story. It asks for empathy for the man behind the masks without offering genuine insight into how he became a monster. Aside from the reductive "devout parent" reasoning, there is little effort to understand the creation or prevent future cases. This is merely voyeuristic pandering to the basest instincts of viewers. The Nazi scenes do have lovely lighting, though.