Netflix's latest series, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, has sparked debate over its portrayal of the infamous killer. In the penultimate episode, Gein is shown murdering a nurse with a chainsaw in his psychiatric institution. However, historical records confirm this event never occurred.
The episode, titled 'Ham Radio', depicts Gein hallucinating conversations on a ham radio and killing Nurse Roz after she imposes strict rules. The series later reveals this was a hallucination, as Gein's doctor diagnoses him with schizophrenia. In reality, Gein did not use a chainsaw; his weapon of choice was a .22 calibre rifle.
Ed Gein was deemed fit for trial in 1968 and found guilty of murdering Bernice Worden. He was not tried for the murder of Mary Hogan due to financial reasons. Gein was declared insane and spent the rest of his life in a psychiatric institution, dying of lung cancer complications in 1984 at age 77.
The series, created by Ryan Murphy and starring Charlie Hunnam, takes creative liberties with Gein's story, including the fictional nurse killing. Viewers are reminded that while the show is inspired by true events, many details are embellished for dramatic effect.
