Throughout the 2000s, crime drama has been one of the most popular genres of TV drama shows. From “Dexter” to “Law & Order,” viewers are enthralled by the thrill of crimes, serial killers, and murder, but also by how the show and characters develop. However, when true crime – another popular topic – is incorporated into fictional dramas, it becomes a weird mix of real life and dramatized interpretation.
The “Monster” series on Netflix focuses on famous cases of serial killers and true crime, such as Jeffery Dahmer, the Menendez Brothers and, most recently, Ed Gein. However, the show is not a non-fiction documentary; instead, it takes the liberty of adding fictional elements in between facts from the cases.
The show doesn’t work as historical fiction because it is inherently restricted by the true crime aspect. Handling the subject takes a great deal of care, especially when portraying real victims, as well as their families and the horrific truths of the case. The show fills in the blanks with dramatized performances of real events or creates fictional scenes instead of documenting facts.
This odd mix between profiting on shock value and a half-hearted attempt at creating a compelling narrative does not work; “Monster” is neither a good true crime show nor a fleshed-out drama.
“In the end, the narrative feels futile and bizarre,” critic Aramide Tinubu wrote in a Variety review of the show’s second season based on the Menendez Brothers case. “Despite the gripping subject matter and the outstanding performances, [the show] has no idea what it wants to be.”
In iconic TV series like “Breaking Bad” or “Dexter,” their success lies in the fact that they are completely fictional. Despite being based on similar themes like crime or serial killers, the absence of non-fiction story elements gives the narrative freedom to create a genuinely captivating and well-written show.
Characters like Dexter Morgan and Walter White are considered morally grey: although they are protagonists in their series, they make questionable decisions with flawed motives. The writers can choose the character’s actions and how they will affect the narrative. This shows viewers the true nature of the characters, instead of “guessing” what real criminals were thinking or the reasoning behind their actions.
Issues also lie in the demographic that is watching “Monster.” Viewers interested in true crime would prefer actual documentaries or podcasts, such as NBC Dateline, that provide the gruesome facts of the case professionally and objectively. Viewers interested in drama would watch more engaging series, like “Succession.” Unfortunately, there is a strange demographic being drawn to “Monster”; people who find the main actors attractive. Evan Peters, who played serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in the first season, experienced a lot of attention on social media – particularly from young adult women. Sure, viewers can find Walter White or Dexter Morgan “hot,” too (no shame), but with a key difference: they are completely fictional characters, not portrayals of real-life killers or criminals.
The popularity of crime drama series has captivated audiences for decades, but recent shows like “Monster” that attempt to profit from true crime are problematic. Using real events and victims’ lives to portray a dramatized and even romanticized version made for TV isn’t tasteful; it’s weird.
