The new series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” has taken the world by storm and is now among the most-watched series on Netflix, with 19.5 million views during the week of Sept. 23.
This is the second season of the “Monsters” show, a Netflix original directed by Ryan Murphy. This nine-episode season recreates the lives of Lyle and Erik Menendez, played by Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch. During the first few episodes, we are taken back to when the murders occurred.
On Aug. 20, 1989, Kitty and Jose Menendez were shot a total of 14 times with two 12-gauge shot-guns. Because of how brutal the attack was, police initially believed the story that the mafia was involved due to Jose’s work.
A few hours later, after attempting to create an alibi, Lyle called 911 and explained that somebody had murdered their parents. Though nobody suspected that the brothers had done it, six months later, Judalon Smith, who later took the stand for the prosecution during court, called in a tip to the authorities, ultimately leading to their arrest.
After the first few episodes, we are taken through the trial and learn about the brothers’ life in prison. It was portrayed that Lyle was more worried about his appearance and keeping in contact with family and close friends. Later in the show, it was revealed that he had been in contact with a woman who had been a “fan” of him. He ultimately taped their conversations on the phone and wrote a book about him.
Meanwhile, Erik was still extremely troubled by the murders and had a hard time getting taken into prison. During the trial, we hear of the horrifying acts that took place behind the doors that night in the seemingly perfect Beverly Hills home.
We see the brothers’ trauma and how much it changed their lives. These scenes are filled with emotion, which captures the audience. The trials in the episodes take us to the end of the series, where the brothers are ultimately transported to different prisons.
Murphy has sparked immense controversy in the media about the show and its negative portrayal of Lyle and Erik. Many people have been supporting the brothers on social media by making TikTok videos in their honor.
Because of the show’s success, though, there have been reports in the media that the case could reopen for the brothers. According to NBC Los Angeles, Robert Rant, the author of “The Menendez Murders,” found a letter in 2018.
This letter was written by Erik and sent to his cousin Andy Cano nine months before the murders. The letter contained details about the constant abuse he was suffering from at the hands of his father. If this new evidence is liable, a resentencing or a re-trial can occur.
Overall, this series is an emotional roller-coaster filled with comedy bits, but most importantly, we feel a sense of empathy throughout the show for the brothers.
Amid all the controversy about the show, the brothers have maintained their side of the story and are still revealing new information about what happened that night in that Beverly Hills home.
