Episode 8 of "Monster: The Ed Gein Story" opens with a chilling scene: a young man named Theodore "Ted" Bundy launching a vicious attack and kidnapping a young woman. We witness Ted descending into the depths of depravity, murdering his victims and then engaging in the unspeakable act of raping their dead and decomposing bodies.
So, why do the police officers investigating Ted Bundy's heinous crimes end up meeting Ed Gein? The detectives, desperate to find any connection that could lead them to the still-elusive Bundy, pay a visit to Jerry Brudos. Through their investigation, they uncover a disturbing pattern—many serial killers cite Ed Gein as their hero. Three years prior, Ed had spurned an interview request, but this time, he surprisingly agrees.
As Ed sits down for the interview, he is presented with photos of Ted Bundy's victims. Gazing at the gruesome images, he coldly announces that dead bodies no longer arouse him as they once did. In his twisted mind, he believes Ted Bundy is a kindred spirit, a loner like himself who searches for traces of his late mother in the women he exhumes from their graves.
The cops then drop a bombshell: Ted keeps the severed heads of his victims. Ed, ever the connoisseur of death, shares his own macabre experiences with dead bodies. He speculates that Ted might be using a hacksaw to mutilate his victims and even goes so far as to suggest the types of hacksaws Ted could be purchasing.
Meanwhile, in another prison facility, a different chapter of this dark tale unfolds. Richard Speck, another notorious serial killer, confides in a fellow inmate about his idol: Ed Gein. Speck lauds Ed for his cunning act of feigning mental illness to evade justice for his crimes. As Ed grows older and finds it increasingly difficult to navigate life within the mental health facility, he stumbles upon a letter from Speck. In the letter, Speck gushes about his admiration for Ed and inadvertently reveals details of Ted Bundy's murders, hinting at how Ed indirectly inspired Ted through him. The web of darkness and depravity continues to expand, intertwining the fates of these three monstrous figures.
How does Ed redeem himself, and what becomes of him?
Ed crosses paths with Deputy Will Stanton, the dedicated officer spearheading the investigation into Ted Bundy's notorious case. Drawing from the insights gleaned from the letter, Ed imparts to Stanton intricate details about the car Ted had penned about, basing his revelations on a meticulous perusal of the crime reports amassed against Ted. Acting on this crucial lead, the police apprehend Ted, and the news of his capture reverberates across every media outlet. Ed, watching the broadcast of Ted's arrest, feels a profound sense of relief wash over him, finally believing he has atoned for his past. Shortly thereafter, Roz breaks the news to Ed that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer. She reveals the grim prognosis—he has merely a few months left to live. Roz shares how others are already weaving their versions of his tale, selectively adding and omitting parts. She implores Ed to pen his own narrative in the dwindling time he has, but Ed demurs, insisting he doesn't want to contribute further to the cacophony of stories about him.
What transpires with Adeline?
One fateful day, Adeline makes an unexpected appearance before Ed, confiding in him her own struggles with mental instability. She admits she was on the verge of committing heinous acts, much like Ed had. Ed, with a heavy heart, professes his deep love for her, yet laments her indifference towards him. He urges Adeline to cast aside her resentment and choose a path devoid of violence. Ed then bids her a poignant, final farewell.
How does "Monster: The Ed Gein Story" conclude?
One serene night, Ed slips away in his sleep, his mind's eye envisioning his mother, Augusta, awaiting him. Augusta greets him with words of validation, telling Ed he has indeed carved out a legacy for himself through the myriad of films inspired by his life and how he has, in a twisted way, reshaped the world. Ed, with a gentle smile, confesses to Augusta that she was the sole person he ever yearned to impress. Following Ed's peaceful demise, the cinematic world continues to churn out a plethora of slasher films, with serial killers drawing inspiration from his haunting legacy.
