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You've likely seen Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, and the horror staple. Maybe you've even read the original novels that inspired the first two films. Now prepare to encounter the individual who inspired the Bates Motel owner, Buffalo Bill, and Leatherface. The one and only Ed Gein!

The initial installments of the series in question focused on Jeffrey Dahmer – an individual possessing strong recognition. Then came the Menendez brothers – a somewhat specialized story for enthusiasts of the genre. Attention now shifts to the Plainfield Ghoul. Although he doesn't possess the household name status of Dahmer, Bundy, or Gacy, and only killed two people, his postmortem violations and macabre artistry with female corpses have made a profound impact. Even now, any film or show featuring dismembered remains, flayed skin, or items crafted from human tissue likely draws inspiration to his actions from over 70 years ago.

A Tone of Flippancy

Is my tone too casual? This appears to be the deliberate approach of the production team. It's uncommon to witness a drama that dwells so eagerly on the worst depredations a person – and mankind – can commit. This extends to a substantial narrative strand devoted to Nazi atrocities, shown with minimal moral context.

Structural and Stylistic Strengths

Structurally and stylistically, the show is impressive. The rhythm is well-maintained, and the skillful blending of past and present is handled masterfully. We see Charlie Hunnam as the killer in action – the homicides, grave robberies, and assembling his collection. In parallel, the contemporary storyline follows the creative minds as they develop Psycho from Bloch's Gein-inspired novel. The integration of the real – his devout parent and his fixation with women resembling her – and fictionalized scenes – lurid portrayals of Ilse Koch and Nazi party scenes – is executed proficiently.

A Critical Shortcoming

What it lacks, in a truly unacceptable way, is ethical commentary or deeper insight to offset the lingering, loving shots of his immoral deeds. The series portrays his vibrant fantasy life and frames him as a helpless individual of his controlling parent and an accomplice with dark interests. The underlying suggestion seems to be: What is a poor, schizophrenic guy to do? In one scene, the novelist speculates that without seeing certain images, Gein would have remained a small-town simpleton.

Breaking from Past Success

You could argue that a Ryan Murphy production – known for sleek, exaggerated aesthetics – is the wrong place for profound human insight. But previous works like The People v OJ Simpson offered sharp analysis on the press and the legal system. The Assassination of Gianni Versace explored fame and culture. The Clinton scandal series scrutinized systemic sexism. Thus, it is possible, and Murphy has done it.

The Final Verdict

But not here. This installment feels like a commercialization of an underexploited true crime story. It asks for empathy for the individual responsible without offering genuine insight into his transformation. Beyond the simplistic "religious mother" explanation, there is no attempt to understand the creation or prevent future cases. This is merely voyeuristic pandering to the basest instincts of the audience. The Nazi scenes do have lovely lighting, though.