This article includes discussions about murder, animal murder, drugs, and sex work.
The Distorted Portrayal of Ed Gein in Monster Season 3
Monster Season 3 introduces a fictionalized version of mass murderer Richard Speck, attributing Ed Gein as his inspiration. However, this depiction strays far from the reality of the killer known as «Birdman.» The latest season takes creative liberties in presenting the story of the serial killer and grave robber Ed Gein, ultimately distorting the events that shaped Monster: The Ed Gein Story.
The season finale attempts to suggest that Gein influenced a generation of future murderers, leading to the questionable decision to link Gein with Ted Bundy’s investigation. The show also portrays fans of other murderers accrediting Gein with inspiring their crimes.
One particularly intense scene features a fictionalized Richard Speck declaring Ed Gein as his idol and writing him a letter. This raises doubts about whether Ed Gein truly influenced the notorious criminal, with the simple answer being no.
Unraveling the Myth of Richard Speck and His «Birdman» Alias
When referencing a serial killer nicknamed «Birdman,» it is often associated with Robert Stroud, known as «The Alcatraz Bird Man» for his interest in ornithology. However, in Monster, the moniker «Birdman» is attributed to mass murderer Richard Speck.
Richard Speck, often mislabeled as a serial killer, was actually one of the first individuals to be classified as a «mass murderer.» The distinction lies in the fact that serial killers have a cooling-off period between murders, whereas mass murderers commit multiple killings in a single location without such intervals.
The «Birdman» moniker originates from an incident recounted in the book Mindhunter: Within the FBI Elite Serial Crime Unit by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, where Speck’s involvement with a sparrow is detailed.
While in prison, Speck nursed an injured sparrow in his cell but callously killed it by throwing it into a fan when told he couldn’t keep pets. His rationale was that if he couldn’t have the bird, then no one else could.
Separating Fact from Fiction: Richard Speck in Monster: The Ed Gein Story
The depiction of Richard Speck’s prison scene in Monster: The Ed Gein Story is intriguing yet marred by significant inaccuracies. A 1996 CBS Chicago report revealed home video clips of Speck in prison.
Contrary to what is portrayed in Monster, Speck dyed his hair blond, developed breasts from illegal hormone injections, and engaged in sexual activities in exchange for drugs and protection in prison.
The video footage, partially transcribed in the book The Crime of the Century by Dennis L. Breo and William J. Martin, shows Speck engaging in explicit acts and detailing his motives for his crimes, as depicted in the show.
Moreover, there is a stark disparity between Monster: The Ed Gein Story and reality, as Richard Speck had no connection to Ed Gein, never idolized him, and never corresponded with him. The narrative surrounding their interaction in the series is entirely fabricated.
The Legacy and Fate of Richard Speck
As depicted in Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Richard Speck was convicted of murdering nine women and initially sentenced to death. Subsequently, his sentence was commuted to 100 to 300 years in prison after Illinois abolished the death penalty.
Despite multiple attempts at parole, Speck remained incarcerated until his death from a heart attack shortly before his 50th birthday in 1991. The exposure of his disturbing video led to investigations into corruption at the Stateville Correctional Center, prompting reforms in the state prison system posthumously.
