Hold onto your tissues, folks, because “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” Episode 4, “Kill Or Be Killed,” takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as we delve deeper into the brothers’ troubled past and the alleged abuse that shaped their lives.
This episode shifts the focus from the sensational aspects of the case – the murders, the spending spree, the legal drama – and shines a light on the dark underbelly of the Menendez family. We hear harrowing accounts of alleged sexual and emotional abuse, painting a disturbing picture of a household riddled with secrets and manipulation.
Lyle takes center stage in this episode, recounting his experiences with his father, Jose Menendez, in an interview with Leslie Abramson. He describes a childhood filled with fear, intimidation, and a constant struggle to live up to his father’s impossible expectations. He even reveals the physical manifestations of this pressure, like losing his hair. The episode doesn’t shy away from the graphic details of the alleged abuse, leaving you feeling both heartbroken and disgusted. We also learn that José had previously “saved” the brothers from trouble with the law, adding another layer of complexity to their relationship.
But “Kill Or Be Killed” is more than just a recounting of traumatic events. It also explores the psychological impact of abuse, the long-lasting scars it leaves on victims, and the complex ways in which trauma can manifest itself. We see Lyle grapple with his conflicting emotions, his anger, his guilt, and his desperate attempts to make sense of his past, including the disturbing revelation that he began abusing Erik as a way to normalize his own abuse.
The episode also raises questions about the credibility of the brothers’ claims. Were they truly victims of abuse, or were they manipulating the narrative to gain sympathy and leniency in court? The inclusion of Dominick Dunne, a vocal critic of the brothers and Leslie Abramson, adds another layer to this debate. Dunne argues that the brothers are simply evil and undeserving of forgiveness, a perspective that many in the public seemed to share.
But one thing’s for sure: “Kill Or Be Killed” is a powerful and emotionally charged episode that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It’s a reminder that behind every headline-grabbing case lies a human story, often filled with pain, trauma, and unimaginable struggles.
So, if you’re ready for another dose of true crime that will challenge your perceptions and leave you pondering the complexities of human behavior, this episode is a must-watch. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions, from anger and sadness to empathy and confusion. And one more thing: Don’t underestimate the power of trauma, the resilience of the human spirit, or the importance of seeking help when you need it. This episode is a chilling reminder that the scars of abuse can run deep, but with support and understanding, healing is possible.
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! This episode had me yelling at the screen, “Those poor boys! Someone get them a hug (and a good therapist)!” But hey, that’s what makes true crime so captivating, right? It forces us to confront the darkness within ourselves and question everything we thought we knew about human nature.
Rated: unrated (USA)
Runtime: 49 minutes
Release Date September 19, 2024
My rating: 8.0 Mainasty Masterpieces
https://www.netflix.com/title/81665094
| Episode Directed by | Paris Barclay |
| 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 |
