Ryan Murphy has been a household name in the entertainment industry for almost two decades. I remember watching American Horror Story (AHS): Cult when I was in middle school and immediately became obsessed with the series. Even now, I rewatch AHS Murder House every October. But I was shocked when I realized Murphy also created Glee; the two shows could not be more different, but they are equally entertaining.
On top of obsessively binge-watching these shows and considering myself part of their respective fandoms, I’m also very into true crime. I think it stems more from a curiosity aspect, and I always make sure to be respectful of each victim and their families.
As Murphy’s older work has become less and less relevant, I’ve noticed that he’s tried to capitalize on the new social interest in true crime. I could name hundreds of recent movies, television shows, and documentaries related to or based on real-life events. However, I think that Murphy has gone too far by combining real trauma with drama and fantasy.
His most recent adaptation, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, made me particularly upset and uncomfortable. Lizzie was never found guilty and the case is still unsolved to this day. The way Murphy dramatized her trauma and completely made up elements of the show is disrespectful.
It makes me wonder how much of his other two Monster series were also inaccurate, since I’m not as educated on the Menendez brothers and Jeffrey Dahmer.
Murphy also brought Elizabeth Short, known as the Black Dahlia, into the plot of American Horror Story: Murder House, but even then, I think that he did it in a more respectful way than what we’ve seen recently. It seems like he’s grasping for any attention he can get and doesn’t care if it harms his reputation.
I’m just getting into the final season of American Horror Story, and it’s already a bit of a tough watch. The vibe is so different from previous seasons. And, to make my opinion of Murphy even worse, he’s rebooting Glee. Trying to replicate the show, especially after the death of three of the stars, seems equally as disrespectful as his Monster series.
I am aware that Murphy’s work is more for entertainment than education, but not everybody else knows that.
How far is too far, and who else will he offend in the near future?
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