Lizzie Borden could help Monster Season 4 fix Netflix’s most controversial show

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It’s being rumored that Monster Season 4 is under development, although Netflix hasn’t made any official announcements yet. However, the central narrative of this upcoming season has already generated buzz in the media. Instead of focusing on a serial killer or sibling tale, this time it appears to be based on the infamous Lizzie Borden case.

Ryan Murphy’s anthology started off with the series “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” which sparked both viewership and controversy in equal measure. Victims’ families voiced their opinions, viewers engaged in discussions about its moral implications, but one point was undeniable: it ignited conversation.

2020’s “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” stirred up much debate. Critics labeled it exploitative, while even the real-life Erik criticized the series. Despite this, it continues to be one of Netflix’s biggest hits, with Season 3 currently in development and rumors of a potential Season 4.

As a gamer, I’m thrilled about the next installment diving into the chilling story of Ed Gein, a man whose horrific acts served as the foundation for iconic horror movies like Psycho and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Yet, despite any reservations, let’s hope that Season 4 brings something fresh and innovative to the table, just like Lizzie Borden did in its previous chapters.

Monster Season 4 could fix Netflix show’s biggest mistake

If the rumors are accurate and Monster Season 4 indeed centers around Lizzie Borden, it could potentially signal a shift in strategy for Murphy and Netflix, suggesting they’re open to new approaches.

Lizzie Borden’s situation isn’t solely dependent on sensational aspects like shock and violence (even though they are present) – it’s centered around subtle complexities. It’s a case that raises many questions, delving into themes of gender, class, and power during the late 19th century in America.

Unlike the cases of Dahmer or Gein, there’s no documented series of victims or footage from police cameras. Instead, there’s a woman, an axe, and a verdict that split public opinion.

its tendency towards sensationalism.

Earlier sections of the story have been criticized as excessively focused on violence and sexual content, with hints of incest from Season 2 being a notable example. However, the case of Borden necessitates a more nuanced approach. It’s not so much about her actions, but rather our interpretations of those actions, and how these perceptions have evolved throughout history.

The show hasn’t been entirely criticized up until now. It has its reasons for being popular and generating extensive cultural debates. However, it can’t be denied that in some aspects, it resembles the less sophisticated era of true crime, where sensationalism takes precedence over depth, focusing more on shock value.

The Lizzie Borden case is more than a rhyme

Inquire from anyone about this matter, and they’re likely to recite the well-known rhyme reminiscent of a playground: “Lizzie Borden chopped her mother with an axe, forty blows she gave, each one could hear.

As a fervent admirer, let me clarify a point: Although the portrayal is captivating, it’s essential to note that Lizzie Borden wasn’t convicted but rather accused of the gruesome axe murders of her father and stepmother in 1892. The crime sent shockwaves through Fall River, Massachusetts, not only due to its brutal nature, but also because she, a woman from a well-off religious family, was considered an improbable culprit by many.

In those days, certain historians suggest that one reason the jury hesitated to find guilt was because they believed women were incapable of carrying out such heinous acts, mirroring the perspectives prevalent during that period.

In this context, the concept of nativism is relevant. Lizzie, a white, domestically-born Protestant from an affluent household, might have benefited from officials’ perspective during periods of widespread nativist sentiment.

an innocent Portuguese immigrant who had recently moved to the town as part of its growing community of European workers.

The question about whether she actually perpetrated the crime remains undecided, and so does the reason behind it. Some people believe that the potential motive could have been linked to her inheritance, while others propose that she might have been a victim of abuse (and perhaps a combination of both).

Over the span of time, her tale has been retold and reinterpreted numerous times. Christina Ricci portrayed a dark, manipulative version in Lizzie Borden Took an Axe, while Chloë Sevigny’s portrayal of Lizzie presented a more subtle, psychologically-driven depiction.

Monster can opt for a fresh approach, by refraining from addressing questions that are beyond resolution. The series isn’t obligated to establish Lizzie’s innocence or guilt definitively. Instead, Monster might choose to delve into the ambiguous aspects of her character, rather than portraying her solely as a villain or victim.

Exploring the social and cultural context of the period, including class and gender dynamics, might shed light on how these elements influenced the development of the case. Moreover, this approach offers Monster an opportunity to narrate a genuine crime tale without trivializing or exploiting the situation for entertainment purposes.

To stay updated on true crime news, learn how to stream the latest Karen Read documentary for free, discover if Dov Charney from American Apparel ended up in prison, and dive into our analysis of the finale of The Mortician series. Additionally, don’t forget to check out the new documentaries hitting streaming services this month!

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2025-07-10 15:19