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You've likely seen Psycho, the iconic thriller, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Maybe you've even read the original novels that served as the basis for the first two films. Now prepare to meet the man who inspired the Bates Motel owner, the serial killer, and the chainsaw-wielding villain. The one and only Ed Gein!

The initial installments of this anthology series focused on Jeffrey Dahmer – an individual possessing strong recognition. Then came the Menendez brothers – a somewhat specialized story for enthusiasts of the genre. Now the spotlight turns to the Plainfield Ghoul. Although he doesn't possess the household name status of Dahmer, Bundy, or Gacy, and his confirmed victims number just two, his grave desecrations and macabre artistry with female corpses have left a lasting mark. Even now, any film or show featuring dismembered remains, flayed skin, or skin-based artifacts probably owes a debt to Gein's exploits from over 70 years ago.

A Dismissive Approach

Do I sound flippant? It's clearly the deliberate approach of the creators. Rarely have I seen a television series that lingers so gleefully on the worst depredations a person – and humanity – can commit. This extends to a substantial narrative strand devoted to Nazi atrocities, 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 clever interweaving of different timelines is executed brilliantly. We see the actor as Gein committing his crimes – the homicides, tomb violations, and curating his gruesome trophies. In parallel, the contemporary storyline follows the creative minds as they develop Psycho from the literary source. The blending of the real – his devout parent and his fixation with women resembling her – and fictionalized scenes – lurid portrayals of Ilse Koch and Nazi party scenes – is handled with technical skill.

A Critical Shortcoming

The missing element, and unforgivably so, is ethical commentary or deeper insight to offset the protracted, admiring visuals of his immoral deeds. The show presents his rich inner world and positions him as a man at the mercy of his domineering mother and an accomplice with dark interests. The implied message seems to be: What is a poor, schizophrenic guy to do? In one scene, the novelist theorizes that without exposure to photographs, Gein would have remained an unremarkable local.

A Departure from Precedent

One might contend that a show from this stable – known for glossy, high-camp style – is the wrong place for profound human insight. But previous works like the OJ Simpson trial drama offered brilliant commentary on media and justice. The Versace murder story explored fame and culture. The Clinton scandal series scrutinized systemic sexism. So it can be done, and the producer has succeeded before.

The Final Verdict

Yet not in this case. The Ed Gein Story feels like an exploitation of a lesser-known criminal case. It demands sympathy for the individual responsible without offering genuine insight into his transformation. Beyond the simplistic "devout parent" reasoning, there is no attempt to understand the creation or prevent future cases. It is nothing but voyeuristic pandering to the lowest curiosities of the audience. The Nazi scenes do have excellent cinematography, though.