Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Episode 9: “Hangman” – A Verdict, a Family Divided, and a Legacy of Controversy

Hold onto your gavels, folks, because “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” reaches its climax with Episode 9, “Hangman.” This season finale delivers a powerful punch of courtroom tension, emotional turmoil, and a verdict that leaves a lasting impact. But it also leaves us with lingering questions and a family forever scarred by tragedy.

The episode throws us right back into the courtroom, where the tension is thicker than a bowl of oatmeal left out in the Seattle rain. The jury deliberates the fate of Lyle and Erik, while the brothers grapple with the looming possibility of a death sentence. The weight of their actions hangs heavy in the air, and the emotional toll on everyone involved is palpable.

“Hangman” doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the case. We see the brothers’ conflicting emotions – remorse, fear, and a lingering sense of injustice. The episode also explores the impact of the trial on their remaining family members, highlighting the deep divisions and lingering resentment that have fractured their once-close bond.

And then there’s the verdict. I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t seen it, but let’s just say it’s a moment that will leave you breathless. The courtroom scenes are intense, the emotions are raw, and the sense of finality is palpable.

But “Hangman” is more than just a courtroom drama. It’s a reflection on the complexities of human nature, the enduring power of family, and the search for justice in a world where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred.

Ryan Murphy said “The thing that the Menendez brothers and their people neglect is that we were telling a story that was a very broad canvas. We were telling the story of Dominick Dunne [played by Nathan Lane], of Leslie Abramson [played by Ari Graynor]. We were also telling the story of the parents [José and Kitty Menendez, played by Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny], who they blew their heads off; we were also telling their story. We had an obligation to so many people, not just to Erik and Lyle. But that’s what I find so fascinating; that they’re playing the victim card right now — “poor, pitiful us” — which I find reprehensible and disgusting.”…“There’s Room for All Points of View” – The Hollywood Reporter By Jackie Strause, Rick Porter October 1, 2024 (article found here at The Hollywood Reporter)

This episode is a must-watch for anyone who has followed the Menendez brothers’ saga. It’s a powerful conclusion to a story that has captivated and divided the nation for decades. And while it may not provide all the answers, it leaves you pondering the nature of truth, the consequences of our actions, and the enduring impact of trauma and abuse.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the controversy surrounding this series. The Menendez family has called the show “repulsive” and a “character assassination.” But as Ryan Murphy himself said, “How do you assassinate the character of two people who killed their own parents?” (Sept. 24, 2024, 12:43 PM PDT  Source: TODAY By Gina Vivinetto and Anna Kaplan article found here)

I find this whole debate fascinating. Can a true crime series ever truly be objective? Or is it always going to be influenced by the perspectives of those involved? “Monsters” doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the case, and it presents a multifaceted view of the brothers, their family, and the events that led to the murders.

As for the incestuous portrayal of the brothers, Murphy argues that it’s not presented as truth, but rather as an element of the “folkloric tapestry” of the case. He’s interested in exploring the nuances and ambiguities of the story, not in delivering a simple, black-and-white narrative.

And that’s what makes “Monsters” so compelling. It challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths, question our own biases, and grapple with the complexities of human behavior. It’s a reminder that even in the most sensationalized cases, there are always layers of nuance and ambiguity.

So, if you’re ready for a true crime experience that will leave you thinking and talking long after the credits roll, “Hangman” 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 storytelling, the complexities of truth, or the enduring fascination with the Menendez brothers’ case. This episode is a chilling reminder that some stories never truly end, and the search for answers can continue long after the verdict is read.

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 this whole season faster than a box of donuts at a police station! This episode had me yelling at the screen, “Justice for the victims!” But hey, that’s what makes true crime so addictive, right? It forces us to confront the darkness within ourselves and question everything we thought we knew about human nature.

Rated: unrated (USA)

Runtime: 55 minutes

Release Date September 19, 2024

My rating: 8.5 Mainasty Masterpieces 

https://www.netflix.com/title/81665094

Other Reviews You May Like:

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Episode 2: “Spree” – Did Someone Say Shopping Spree? Because These Brothers Are Going Wild! (And My Head is Spinning) Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Episode 3: “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” – Therapy, Tapes, and a Whole Lotta Trouble Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Episode 4: “Kill Or Be Killed” – A Deep Dive into Trauma, Testimony, and a Twisted Family Dynamic Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Episode 8: “Seismic Shifts” – Earthquakes, Exposed Secrets, and a Trial That’s Shaking Things Up!