The final episode of Netflix's Monster: The Ed Gein Story depicts the serial killer's death and explores his lasting influence on crime and pop culture. Ed Gein, played by Charlie Hunnam, dies in a psychiatric hospital after a battle with lung cancer.
The episode opens with the kidnapping and murder of two girls in Washington by an unknown assailant. FBI investigators later visit imprisoned killer Jerry Brudos, who cites Gein as his inspiration. They then interview Gein himself, who provides details about the type of saws used in his crimes, suggesting the suspect may be buying similar equipment.
Meanwhile, mass murderer Richard Speck corresponds with Gein from prison, describing his crimes in vulgar terms. Gein helps authorities catch Ted Bundy by alerting them to a letter Bundy sent to Speck. After learning of Bundy's capture, Gein dreams of being wheeled through hospital hallways cheered by admirers including Charles Manson, Brudos, Speck, and Ed Kemper.
Gein's nurse informs him he has terminal lung cancer. He later confronts Adeline, who reported on his crimes, and they bond over shared mental health struggles. In his final moments, Gein hallucinates a music video-like scene where he is wheeled past dancing supporters and sees his mother Augusta.
The series highlights how Gein's crimes inspired fictional characters in Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs, as well as real-life serial killers like Speck and Bundy.
