Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy Is 1 of Peacock’s Best-Kept Secrets

by

October is the ideal time for scary movies and shows, but this year, true crime stories about real-life horrors have become incredibly popular on streaming services. It seems serial killers are a prominent topic again, and it’s best to keep them confined to our screens. The recent limited series on Peacock focuses on the disturbing case of John Wayne Gacy, an Illinois contractor who led a double life as a ruthless murderer. Gacy was responsible for the deaths of over 30 people during the 1970s. The show details the days leading up to his arrest and follows the subsequent investigation.

With the rise in limited true-crime series on streaming platforms, Devil in Disguise joins the conversation, particularly as a follow-up to the 2021 documentary John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise. It shares similarities with series like Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story, which explores the lives of notorious American killers. Despite these comparisons, Devil in Disguise offers a unique perspective and stands out as a compelling watch for true-crime fans and anyone fascinated by the darker side of reality.

Michael Chernus as Gacy Is Utterly Chilling

Michael Chernus is a seasoned actor with a strong track record in television and film. While you might recognize him from recent projects, many remember his memorable role as Cal Chapman on Netflix’s Orange is the New Black, Piper Chapman’s brother. He’s also appeared in films like Spider-Man: Homecoming and The Bourne Legacy. Recently, Chernus has received a lot of attention for his portrayal of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, and surprisingly, it’s been met with high praise.

It’s unsettling to learn that the murderer was actually quite charming. He had a disarming, humble way about him – a quality the series captures perfectly. Gacy was deeply involved in his community and initially seemed eager to help investigators, perhaps to distract them with his pleasant demeanor. This tactic ultimately backfired. From the second episode onward, the show effectively depicts Gacy’s disturbing shifts between being a seemingly kind man and a terrifying sociopath, culminating in his eventual confession to the police about some of his victims. The actor brilliantly portrays these complex and unsettling personality traits.

One of the show’s strengths is its unflinching portrayal of John Wayne Gacy as a truly unlikeable person. Many series about serial killers claim not to glorify them, but often, exploring the killer’s psychology inadvertently does. These shows sometimes leave the audience with the option to sympathize with the murderer or remain emotionally detached. However, Devil in Disguise immediately establishes its clear stance: it refuses to evoke any sympathy for Gacy, framing him not as a product of circumstance, but as a perpetrator, and consistently reinforces this through its storytelling.

Devil in Disguise Focuses on the Investigation and the Victims

What really makes this show different is its focus on the people hurt by these crimes. While many shows explore the lives of murderers, Devil in Disguise reminds us how shocking these crimes were and imagines the lasting pain Gacy’s victims’ families still experience. The series deeply explores their grief and the trauma caused by his actions.

The show doesn’t depict any murders directly, as it focuses on the week before John Wayne Gacy’s arrest. In fact, it’s remarkably low on violence. Devil in Disguise unfolds slowly, spending a lot of time establishing the atmosphere and details of the case. The story is constructed from the evidence found at Gacy’s home and other locations where he concealed his victims. Rather than relying on graphic imagery, the show emphasizes the disturbing details and allows the audience to imagine the horror themselves.

The show is also powerful because of the devastating impact Gacy’s crimes had on the victims’ families. The series highlighted several of the young men he killed, including Robert Gilroy, John Mowery, Russell Nelson, Frank Landingin, James Mazzara, and Robert Piest, all of whom were between 14 and 21 years old. These were young men just starting out in life, trying to find their way, and Gacy cruelly stole their futures. According to showrunner Patrick Macmanus, remembering these individuals and the tragedy of their loss is the most important aspect of the program.

Like other true crime shows, Devil in Disguise can be difficult to watch, but it doesn’t necessarily offer new insights. While it has some powerful moments, the series also raises questions about whether the legal system and police adequately protected children, particularly during the time period depicted. It focuses on the horrific sexual crimes committed by John Gacy against young boys and suggests that the Chicago Police Department may have overlooked warning signs. Ultimately, the show delivers a vital message about the importance of protecting children, as danger can hide in plain sight – someone may seem harmless, but quickly become a threat.

Read More

2025-10-23 14:06