Spooky Season Series Selection Part 2 - Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

Austin Price, Editor in Chief  

In continuing my Spooky Season Series Selection, we have another series created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan for Netflix. Today’s selection is the second season of the Monster series and focuses on a controversial and highly debated case. The disputation of this case was mainly due to the extensive media coverage and exploitation of all involved through the televised process. In a harrowing account of childhood abuse and the greed of the American Dream, comes the biased story of the Menendez brothers. Today’s Spooky Season Series Selection is Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.  

On September 19, 2024, nearly two years after the show’s debut, the second installment in the Monster anthology series hit the streams. The second series centers on the 1989 murders of José and Kitty Menendez. The murders were later determined to be parricides, as the couple was killed by their own sons, Lyle and Erik Menendez. Nicholas Alexander Chavez portrays the eldest brother, Lyle, while Cooper Koch embodies the younger brother Erik. Javiar Bardem plays the head of the house, José, and Chloë Sevigny accompanies him as José’s wife, Kitty.  

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story incorporates the Rashomon effect. The Rashomon effect is the phenomenon of the unreliability of eyewitnesses. It is used by the show’s creators, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, to allow viewers to form their own interpretations of the story, by presenting key events through unreliable narrators. The narrators of the series are the brothers, Lyle and Erik, the leaders of the family, José and Kitty, Erik's lead defense attorney, Leslie Abramson, Erik's therapist, Dr. Jerome Oziel,  Dr. Oziel's mistress, Judalon Smyth, and Dominick Dunne, a journalist whose biased perception of the boys’ story was published in Vanity Fair.  

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has received a plethora of criticism, mainly due to the overly sexual themes seen in the episodes. While childhood sexual abuse is one of the main aspects of the Menendez brothers' case, many argue that the explicit sexual content and portrayal of the characters discount the severity of the issue in the true story. Additionally, the show garnered controversy for implying an incestuous relationship between the brothers. This relationship has been denounced by both Erik and Lyle. However, Lyle later expressed gratitude for its depiction of child abuse, that gave a new light to his side of the story, and a better reasoning for his motive.  

The series has 9 full episodes, each of which bounces between featuring different viewpoints and accounts of those involved. The soundtrack, costumes, set design, and mannerisms of each episode clearly demonstrate the spirit of 1989, when the crime took place. Out of the 9 episodes, halfway through the series, at episode 5, is The Hurt Man.  

Directed by Michael Uppendahl and written by Ian Brennan, episode 5 is a one-shot episode that features the magnificent talents of Cooper Koch and Ari Gaynor. The episode centers on a conversation between Erik, played by Koch, and his lead defense attorney, Leslie Abramson, played by Gaynor. This conversation reveals Erik’s account of the atrocities committed by his father, while his mother, aware of the situation, neglected to protect him. In a haunting conversation formatted in a confessional style, Erik expresses the nightmares of his past. Leslie serves as a mentor, guardian, and safe space for him to finally relieve himself of the horrors of his childhood.  

The series has gained various opinions from the public. Some were swayed by the passionate performances of Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez. Their depiction of the brothers garnered an unexpected sympathy from the current generation. This is due to the current generation’s more inclusive and empathetic outlook on life, as well as our distrust of the legal system. With this outlook, Erik and Lyle’s stories were finally told to a captivated audience, bringing their supposed injustice in punishment and time served under scrutiny. As a member of Generation Z myself, I will say that the performances of Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez were heartfelt and raw and gave a voice to the unexpected victims of the story.  

Unlike the first season of the series, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, season 2 is much more entertaining and is written for audience appeal. Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, was written in a no-nonsense way, clearly painting Dahmer as the villain, with no room for debate. Season 2 of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, is a more Hollywood studded, glamorized version of true crime, blurring the line between hero and villain and skewing the perception of truth and reality.  

Despite the multiple controversies, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story achieved global commercial success, debuting as the number one series on Netflix worldwide, the most-viewed streaming content on the Nielsen Streaming Chart, and the third most-watched Netflix series in the second half of 2024. Critics and academy members praised the performances of the actors involved. At the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, it earned 11 nominations, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Koch. For the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, nominations included Miniseries or Television Film for Koch, and Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film for Bardem.  

With the incredible success of the first two seasons of Monster, the series was again renewed for a third season, Monster: The Ed Gein Story which was released on October 3rd, 2025. It stars Charlie Hunnam as murderer and graverobber Ed Gein. Tune in again next week for the third installment of Spooky Season Series Selection for analysis of Monster: The Ed Gein Story, along with more productions by Ryan Murphy.  

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is available to stream on Netflix.  

Spooky Season Series Selection Part 1 - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

Austin Price, Editor in Chief  

Spooky season is upon us! That means it’s time to pop some popcorn, curl up under a plaid blanket, and light a pumpkin spiced candle while watching a relaxing tv show. If you’re like me, this relaxing show involves gruesome crimes, obscene murders, and intense trials. As a spooky season enthusiast and true crime nerd, I understand the excitement of diving into a new series focused on some of the most horrific events imaginable. And so, to feed both my October loving soul, and satisfy my true crime craving, I am creating the ultimate list of TV series perfect for spooky season, all based on real events and true stories. Come with me as I provide you with the best content to consume as the leaves change and the costumes are purchased. Each installment of this series will highlight one of my favorite TV series that fits the macabre and mystery of spooky season. First up, we have Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.  

On September 21st, 2022, Netflix, Ryan Murphy, and Ian Brennan partnered to bring an unfiltered and raw look into the disgusting and perverted nature of one of America’s most notorious serial killers, Jeffrey Dahmer. Evan Peters stars as the infamous cannibal and has received countless accolades for his performance. The show was initially conceived to be a limited series, with the first and only season planned to follow the life and crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer. However, it was later renewed for a second and third season.   

Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is one of the most visually upsetting and intense depictions of Jeffrey Dahmer’s life. I have listened to countless podcasts and read tons of articles regarding his life, but I will say that Ryan Murphy brought the disturbing nature of Dahmer’s personality, and the repulsive nature of his crimes to the screen in a nightmarish way. As a lover of true crime, it takes a lot for me to actually recoil and truly be terrified by a case. However, I could not watch this series in one go, because of the realistic depictions of Dahmer’s confessions.  

Evan Peters is a genius in the titular role, and metamorphosizes into one of the most deranged and appalling serial killers in American history. His performance was recognized when Peters won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film.  Watching the TV drama gives a feeling of poison in one’s consciousness, as it carefully follows and exposes the crimes and actions of Dahmer, without holding anything back. Ryan Murphy approaches the Dahmer story without fear of repercussions and does not limit his exposure of Dahmer's life to being culturally sensitive and politically correct. While this approach has been criticized by many, I found it to be refreshing. The media is constantly monitoring and censoring aspects of true crime. While I understand this approach is done to respect the sensitivity of viewers, I’d argue that consumers deserve to truly be immersed in the hideous reality of killers to fully understand the severity of their crimes, and to fully emphasize with victims.  

Sharing the spotlight with Peters is Niecy Nash, who’s portrayal of Glenda Cleveland, Jeffrey's neighbor, resulted in the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Nash’s character gives an often-suppressed side of the story, as an African American woman whose concerns over Dahmer’s behavior were repeatedly ignored by police. In this narrative, Nash brings awareness to the many victims of Dahmer that were considered minorities, and that did not initially receive the same levels of commitment and respect by authorities as some of his other victims did.  

Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story includes 10 full length episodes, following the timeline of crimes committed by Dahmer, and glimpses into the ending result of his behavior and court records regarding his accusations and charges. The show immediately made its way into all forms of digital media. The season rose to the number one spot on Netflix in the first week of its release. In the second week of its release, Netflix announced that Dahmer was its ninth most popular English-language TV show of all time, with 56 million households having viewed all 10 episodes.  

Following the gigantic success of an anthological look on Dahmer’s story, Netflix announced on November 7, 2022, that it had renewed Monster as an anthology series, with two further editions based on the lives of "other monstrous figures". These figures would later be revealed to be Erik and Lyle Menendez for Season 2, and Ed Gein for Season 3. Stay tuned for upcoming installments of Spooky Season Series Selection as both of these series will be covered and included.  

Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is available to stream on Netflix. 

Throwback to Trick or Treat Street at Regis University

Lily Berzoza, Staff Videographer

Last October, Regis University hosted it’s annual holiday event, Trick or Treat Street. This event gives kids and their families a chance to dress up, walk the campus, and safely go Trick or Treating on the university’s grounds. Many clubs and organizations, including The Highlander, hosted tables filled with games, toys and plenty of treats.

Squeaky Screen Door

Austin Price, Editor in Chief

Sound. It engulfs us. It overwhelms us. It excites us. It terrifies us.  

Hearing. A sense we have. A sense we experience. A sense that can be euphoric. A sense that can be torturous.  

Our ability to hear sound, a gift we are given upon joining the Earth, is both a blessing and a curse. We enjoy the perception of noise. The elongated waves of reverberation. The distant resonations of whispers in the dark.  

Like secrets shared at a sleepover, we digest the sounds of words, slithering off our tongues, and relish the hot air that touches our flesh, while we receive this sacred information.  

The same as many other things, sound can manifest differently. It can be soothing. It can be abrasive. The translation of vibrations into intricate, technicolor stories, all of which can produce varying interpretations.  

Some sounds we crave. Like the sound of an innocent child’s laughter, as they encounter the world before them, without the bruising of reality pummeling their complexion.  

Some sounds we dread. Like the screams of an inhuman killer. Their sadistic screeching, covering the pain of their prey.  

Some sounds we ignore. Like the background clamor of the TV, as commercials break up our preferred, comfort content.  

Some sounds we unconsciously acknowledge. Like the irritating, disturbing plop of water, dripping down from a leaky pipe into a large bucket.  

Despite the physiological hassle of these copious sounds, we accept their existence. Why? 

Because all the sounds above are things we can see. Things that can be recognized by our other senses. Maybe we see them, maybe we smell them, maybe we even touch them. Regardless, there is more than one sense activated by these sounds, ensuring our sanity and encouraging further curiosity.  

But what about the sounds that we can’t identify? The sounds that have seemingly no correlation with actions. The sounds that are not produced by visible objects. The sounds that are abstract from our distinguished reality. How do we explain those?  

Some things cannot be explained. Some sounds cannot be interpreted. Some noises cannot be replicated. Some experiences cannot be proven.  

But what if I told you there was a way to prove these unusual circumstances are apparent to me? Would you believe me?

Unoiled hinges, rusted metal, brittle materials.  

The squeaky screen door serves as an extra barrier between the haven of a home, and the wickedness of the wild.  

It’s strategically positioned to help prevent unwanted visitors from the outside. Insects, rodents, and other small, unfavorable travelers.  

The door serves multiple facets. It personifies the function of other, more elegant household appliances. It acts as a ventilator, welcoming fresh air through its woven squares of mesh, vinyl overlapping vinyl. It provides the benefit of a window. A view to the predators of the world, with a protective lace draped in front of potential prey.  

This squeaky screen door acts as a mediator between the inside and the out. It provides a sense of serenity and neutrality amongst opposing forces, the delightful, and the deadly.  

As time passes, and as things age, changes are made. Parents grow older, children grow wiser. Updates are made, and revisions are emboldened.  

Despite the natural time travel and unavoidable aging of those we love, the squeaky screen door remains the same. It still squeaks upon opening and closing. Its vinyl mesh still stretches taut across the frame, albeit with more scuff marks than before. The spider web of overlying material still lets the outside world peek through, but with more ferocity than before, because of the black substance fading to gray from the strain of constant sunlight.  

The squeaky screen door is a witness to the actions within the home. It watches the parents sit on the couch. Sipping red wine from sleek glasses after a long day at work. 

It watches the children argue as they roughhouse on the floor, an attack completed with hair pulling and constant teasing. 

It watches the grandparents, when they come to visit, as they sit with hands folded, critiquing the mother’s decorative style.  

It has watched the highs and the lows of the family. 

It has served as a witness to great victories, such as when the children proudly showed artwork they made at school, as intentional gifts and keepsakes for their parents to display for years to come.  

It has watched the joy spread across children’s faces when a new family member is introduced. A golden retriever puppy with floppy ears, silky fur, and high-pitched yelps, waiting to turn into echoing barks of warning.  

It has watched the parents enjoy a night away from the kids. Two lovers holding one another, gently swaying to silent sounds of music in the family room.  

It has served as a witness to the great moments, the cherished memories, and the irreplaceable encounters of the family.  

With such a catalog of joyous entertainment, the squeaky screen door patiently observes. It waits for the inevitable moment of a tainted sound, of a sneaky shadow, of an unsettling interaction that the family is not prepared for. 

While a menagerie of happiness and excitement normally perform for the screen door, one night, the unexpected occurs and the act is changed.

The night began like it always does, the soft shades of dusk permeating the room with a haze of sleepiness settling into the home. Suddenly, the mother and father, once tender lovers, come storming in. The man shouts at his wife, venomous anger seeping into a menagerie of cruel verbiage. Meanwhile, the woman cowers beneath her husband. The man that once vowed to protect her, strikes her with the hand that bears his wedding ring. Oblivious to her cries, the man continues his attack on the woman, eventually leaving her abandoned on the floor, with bruises blossoming over her bodice. Purple and blue splotches that require a masquerade of makeup to conceal.  

The woman collects herself, picking her broken body off of the floor and straightening out her now wrinkled clothes.  

As all women do, she composes herself after facing extreme cruelty, prepared to proceed with her evening as usual. Like nothing is wrong, like nothing ever happened. 

As she stands, the woman hears the signature sound of the squeaky screen door. She looks up, nervous that her former protector is back to continue his punishment. However, when her eyes look up from under her tangled hair, nothing is there.  

The squeaky screen door has not moved. The latch is still fastened, the lock is still in place, and the door is still completely shut, despite the verbal cue of opening it produced before.  

The battered woman walks closer to the door, trying to convince herself that she is hearing things. Hearing things she cannot see.  

She has nearly reached resolution from the abnormal experience when she approaches the door and rests her hand on screen. She drags her hand across the scratchy material, letting the familiar coolness of the door comfort her aching body, when suddenly, her hand falls through the door.  

The woman looks up and sees that her hand has pushed through the screen door entirely. She jerks away quickly, shaking her hand out and bringing it into her chest. 

Upon the extraction of her hand, she examines the door. Her eyes graze over the zig-zagged mesh and parades consistent stitching, until the place her hand went through the durable material. The hole in the mesh matched the shape of her fist perfectly.  

Despite this unexplainable event, the woman’s curiosity quickly permeates fear. Fear that her husband will enter, and the unintentional damage she has done. Fear that she will once again meet the brutality of his fist, and the volatility of his temper.  

Quickly and efficiently, the woman grabs her sewing kit and stitches the screen door back together with thin black thread. Her swollen fingers collide with one another, in her haste to repair the door, before her husband sees. As she finishes tying the knot, she hears her husband entering from the kitchen. She grabs her items and goes to hide in the bathroom before he can see her kneeling before the damaged door.  

Her husband storms in, one hand on his hip, the other holding his cigarette. The stench of nicotine threatens to overwhelm the senses, by coating the room with its fumes. However, the squeaky screen door ventilates the smoke, leaving the room smelling as dry and painful as before.  

After a few more puffs, the man opens the door, automatically wincing at the door’s signature squeak, and throws his cigarette outside, putting it out with the toe of his work boot. He stands outside for a moment, looking at the backyard of the home he and his wife, now his victim, have built together. With a long sigh and the shake of his head, he turns back to the doorway ready for it to engulf him in the safety of the house.  

As he turns around and steps forward, he bumps into the screen door head on. The door is closed. The man pushes his face into the mesh, trying to see the culprit. Trying to see the one who shut him outside. His eyes scan the empty room, and he comes to a quiet resolve that he must’ve shut the door behind him and simply forgot.

As the man steps back, and prepares to enter the house successfully, he notices a circular burn in the mesh. The shape and size of a cigarette burn, this dark hole ominously settles right where the man’s chest pushed into the door when he initially tried to enter.  

The man grazes his fingers across the mesh, and drags his hand across the scratchy material, letting the familiar coolness of the door comfort his aching heart. When he pinpoints the spot of the burn, he lets his fingers linger on the ashy splotch. A silent moment of reflection, shame, and pity settles over the man as he pulls his grimy finger away from the burn, opens the door, and heads inside.  

Later that night, as the former lovers lay on opposite sides of the bed, backs to one another, the eldest child, the only daughter, slips down the stairs. With hair pulled back, high heels on, and keys and phone in hand, the daughter prepares to make her daring escape, sneaking out without her parents' permission.  

Moving intently and silently, the girl goes to the screen door, ready to make her exit without triggering the motion sensored lights in the front of the house by avoiding the main entrance.  

The girl prepares to open the screen door, while applying pressure upwards on the door, to lessen the volume of squeakiness she knows is inevitable. Despite this obstacle, the girl is not worried about getting caught. Both her parents are asleep, and their golden retriever puppy, now a deaf old dog, will not hear her leave, he hasn't before.  

The girl begins to lift and push the door, when suddenly, a blood curdling shriek emits from the door. She jumps back away from the door, as if it has a disease and looks around to see if she has awoken the house. 

Upon assessing her surroundings, the girl turns back to try and open the door again. As she does, she feels a weight on her right foot. She peeks down to see the old golden retriever, sitting on her leg, preventing her from leaving. Apparently, this deaf old dog can still learn some new tricks and could hear her attempted escape.  

Accepting defeat, and realizing she won’t be going out tonight, the girl looks down at the dog and pats his head. The dog, content with his victory in keeping his human safe from the sinister world, pants and looks up at his owner with unwavering loyalty and ultimate adoration.  

Resolving to head back to bed, the girl begins to turn back into the house, and walk upstairs, back to bed. The dog follows her. Tail swishing with content. As she reaches the staircase, the girl is startled by another shriek from the squeaky screen door.  

She whips her head around to the door, expecting to see an intruder. However, nothing is there.  

The girl scrambles for her phone, and clicks on the flashlight app, shining it at the screen door. Once again, no one was there. However, upon closer inspection, the girl notices claw marks through the mesh. Deep, thick scratches mutilate the mesh and disfigure the fabric against the tight frame.  

These marks are too big, and too deep to be from a human. They’re too long and too jagged to be from a machine.  

Keeping her flashlight on the screen’s scratches, the girl walks closer to the door, once again, with her faithful pup padding behind her. As she reaches the door, she places her hand on the marks, and drags her hand across the scratchy material, letting the familiar coolness of the door comfort her aching soul. 

As her fingers trace the edges of the scratch marks, the dog erupts with a low growl, rumbling deep in his throat. The girl flings her hand away and looks at the dog, whose eyes are boring into the scratched screen door. The girl stands up, links her fingers under the dog's collar, and leads him up the stairs to her bedroom.  

The next morning, as the different family members traipse down the stairs, all of them stop and take a long look at the screen door. There is no hole in the shape of a fist, with no handmade stitching repairing it. There is no smudge of ash or sign of a cigarette burn in the center. There are no long scratches, or frayed edges at the ends. The squeaky screen door stands untouched, with all marks of pain completely erased.  

The last member of the family, the youngest son, was the only one protected from the ear-piercing sounds of the squeaky screen door. He trots through the living room, excited to run outside and play. The rest of his family observes his innocence and longs to have the same pure joy in life as he does. 

Their jealousy and wonder grow even more when the boy opens the squeaky screen door and runs outside. All while in complete silence. 

Portrait of A Black Cat

Alina Hussaini, Staff Photographer 

A black cat awaits Halloween night while shining in the moonlight.

A black cat sitting by darkened windows.  Photo by Alina Hussaini

McKamey Manor: An Extreme Experience

Gabriella Sandoval, Staff Writer 

Haunted houses across the world vary in design, visuals, execution, and levels of scariness. Although, there are some far more intricate than they initially seem. Known as the “scariest haunted house in America” is the notorious McKamey Manor. It has gained national recognition for its over-the-top model of a haunted house. Commonly referred to as a “torture chamber” due to the disturbing scenery and physical interactions, the Mckamey Manor offers a $20,000 cash prize for any attendee that completes the full attraction. This mission has yet to be accomplished.

The McKamey Manor calls for multiple requirements in order to participate in this extreme experience. These requirements include a completed sports physical, a doctor's letter stating physical and mental clarity, and the successful passing of a background check. Participants must also show proof of medical insurance, and sign a detailed 40 page waiver that includes the possible risks of entering the house. These risks include having teeth removed, being tattooed, and having fingernails extracted. 

The McKamey Manor advises participants to be in excellent health due to the physically, mentally, and even psychologically demanding environments that participants are prone to endure. Additionally, participants are screened through phone prior to visiting the haunted house, and information is gathered about participants so that the haunted house is tailored to each individual, based on personal fears and phobias. What makes this haunted house unique is how the experience is based on audience participation, where the attendees live out their own horror movie, by being tested to their core.

While average haunted houses prohibit actors to touch and confront participants, the McKamey Manor allows actors to come in contact with participants to deliver brutal and potentially traumatizing interactions. So, unless you can contain your words, this might not be an attraction suitable for you because foul language is not allowed during the whole tour.

It’s no surprise that the McKamey Manor has and still does face harsh criticism and legal scrutiny over safety concerns, the ethics of its scare tactics, and the extremity of its challenges. Despite all of this, there are currently 24,000 people waiting in line to potentially complete the haunted house and claim the prize offer.

When choosing a haunted house to visit this year, take your own fears and phobias into account, and enter at your own risk. If you're not a huge fan of bugs, snakes, being buried alive, or being lowered into a tank full of eels, visiting the McKamey Manor isn't in your best interest.