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You're probably familiar with Psycho, the iconic thriller, and the horror staple. Perhaps you've also explored the books that inspired the first two films. Now it's time to encounter the individual behind Norman Bates, the serial killer, and the chainsaw-wielding villain. The infamous Ed Gein!

The first two seasons of this anthology series focused on Jeffrey Dahmer – an individual possessing widespread notoriety. This was followed by the Menendez brothers – a somewhat specialized case for enthusiasts of the genre. Attention now shifts to the Plainfield Ghoul. While he may lack the household name status of other notorious killers, and only killed two people, his grave desecrations and macabre artistry with the deceased have made a profound impact. Even now, any media featuring dismembered remains, removed epidermis, or skin-based artifacts likely draws inspiration to his actions from over 70 years ago.

A Tone of Flippancy

Do I sound flippant? It's clearly the intended style of the production team. Rarely have I seen a drama that lingers so gleefully on the worst depredations a person – and mankind – can commit. This extends to a substantial narrative strand devoted to the horrors of the Third Reich, presented with little to no justification.

Effective Pacing and Narrative

In terms of construction and style, the show is impressive. The rhythm is well-maintained, and the skillful blending of past and present is handled masterfully. Viewers witness the actor as Gein committing his crimes – the homicides, tomb violations, and curating his gruesome trophies. Simultaneously, the present-day narrative follows the creative minds as they craft the iconic film from Bloch's Gein-inspired novel. The blending of factual elements – his devout parent and his obsession with female doppelgangers – and the unreal – fetishistic depictions of the Buchenwald criminal and Nazi party scenes – is executed proficiently.

A Critical Shortcoming

The missing element, in a truly unacceptable way, is any moral dimension or deeper insight to offset the lingering, loving shots of Gein's depraved acts. The series portrays his rich inner world and frames him as a man at the mercy 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, Robert Bloch theorizes that without seeing certain images, Gein would have remained an unremarkable local.

A Departure from Precedent

You could argue that a show from this stable – known for glossy, high-camp style – is the wrong place for deep psychological exploration. But previous works like The People v OJ Simpson offered brilliant commentary on media and justice. The Assassination of Gianni Versace explored celebrity and society. Impeachment scrutinized embedded misogyny. Thus, it is possible, and Murphy has done it.

The Ultimate Assessment

But not here. The Ed Gein Story feels like a commercialization of a lesser-known criminal case. It demands sympathy for the individual responsible without providing understanding into how he became a monster. Aside from the reductive "devout parent" explanation, there is little effort to comprehend the origins or prevent future cases. It is nothing but gratuitous spectacle to the lowest curiosities of viewers. The Nazi scenes do have excellent cinematography, though.