Hold onto your wallets, folks, because “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” Episode 2, “Spree,” takes us on a whirlwind shopping spree with the Menendez brothers that’ll make your head spin faster than a roulette wheel in Vegas. After the shocking events of Episode 1, where we witnessed the chilling aftermath of the murders, you might expect a somber tone of reflection and remorse. But no, no, no, no, no! Instead, we’re thrown headfirst into a whirlwind of extravagant spending, luxury purchases, and a whole lot of questionable financial decisions that have me yelling, “Are you serious right now?”
Now, for those of us who remember this case unfolding live back in the day, it was a wild ride. These brothers were living the high life, dropping cash like it was going out of style. And let’s be real, it was a bit hard to reconcile their lavish lifestyle with the horrific crime they had committed. But as this episode dives deeper into their psyche, we start to see a more complex picture emerge.
“Spree” doesn’t shy away from the brothers’ conflicting emotions. They’re grieving, they’re guilty, but they’re also terrified and desperate to maintain a sense of normalcy. Their extravagant spending spree could be seen as a way to numb the pain, a desperate attempt to cling to the life they once knew. Or maybe it was a manifestation of their entitlement, a belief that they deserved to inherit their parents’ wealth, regardless of the circumstances.
The episode also sheds light on the brothers’ attempts to create an alibi. That whole “Batman movie” escapade? The math isn’t mathing, folks. I mean, who gets turned away from a movie theater for trying to buy tickets? It’s like they were trying a little too hard to prove their innocence.
And then there’s the whole Dr. Oziel situation. This therapist-turned-blackmailer is a character straight out of a soap opera. His attempts to manipulate the brothers and profit from their crime are both shocking and, dare I say, a little bit comical.
But amidst the drama and extravagance, “Spree” also touches on a crucial aspect of the case: the public’s perception of the brothers. Were they monsters? Were they victims? Could they be both? The episode highlights the difficulty of reconciling these seemingly contradictory labels, and it challenges us to consider the complexities of human behavior.
There is also a scene in this episode where Erik and Lyle kiss! Ryan Murphy did address this as there were claims made that he is portraying false incest dynamics between the brothers.
E news reports Ryan said: “I think the show is very interesting—what we’re trying to do is show many, many, many, many perspectives. In every episode, you are given a new theory based on people who were either involved or covered the case.” – By Hayley Santaflorentina Sep 24, 2024 5:10 AM
Very interesting that even in the same episode he is telling many narrative from more than one angle. I can’t say I think there was incest between the two brothers in real life, but it does make sense to explore many perspectives in this scripted narrative. The news feeds did showcase quite a close bond they had.
But as the 58-year-old noted, that doesn’t mean that every theory portrayed—including one that Erik and his brother Lyle were involved in an incestuous relationship—will be received favorably, especially for the subjects themselves.”
I’ve always believed that people are capable of both great darkness and great vulnerability. The Menendez brothers, in my opinion, are a prime example of this. They may have committed a horrific crime, but they were also victims of abuse, trapped in a toxic family dynamic that ultimately led to tragedy.
“Spree” is a fascinating exploration of the aftermath of a crime, the psychological toll it takes on the perpetrators, and the challenges of navigating a legal system that often struggles to understand the nuances of human behavior.
So, if you’re ready for another dose of true crime that will leave you both captivated and disturbed, “Spree” is a must-watch. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions, from shock and disbelief to empathy and confusion. And one more thing: Don’t underestimate the power of greed, the complexities of trauma, or the lengths people will go to protect themselves. This episode is a chilling reminder that the truth is often stranger than fiction, and the human psyche is a labyrinth full of twists and turns.
And hey, if you’re looking for a true crime binge-watching buddy, grab your aunt and settle in for a wild ride. My aunt and I devoured half the season in one sitting, and we’re still talking about it!
Rated: unrated (USA)
Runtime: 54 minutes
Release Date September 19, 2024
My rating: 8.0 Mainasty Masterpieces
https://www.netflix.com/title/81665094
| Episode Directed by | Carl Franklin |
| Episode Written by | Ian Brennan & David McMillan |
| Showrunners | Ryan Murphy Ian Brennan |
|---|---|
| Starring | Javier Bardem Chloë Sevigny Cooper Koch Nicholas Alexander Chavez Ari Graynor Nathan Lane |
| Number of episodes in this season | 9 |
