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.  

Regis University's Haunted History

Austin Price, Editor in Chief

It’s my favorite time of year. The leaves are falling, the air is blowing, and the skies are gray. Yes, that’s right everyone, it’s Spooky Season! Some of you might remember that last year, I brought you a special section of ghosts, ghouls, and all ghastly things. This was the Spooky Series. Because I had so much fun reading, research, and reporting on some of the most unhinged, unsettling, and overall insane Halloween content last year, I figured I’d continue the trend of scaring my parents and worrying my friends about my Halloween obsession. And so, it is with great excitement and misplaced enthusiasm that I introduce part two of my Spooky Series! We are kicking it off with a look into the legends and lore of our very own school, Regis University. I present to you Regis University’s Haunted History.  

Since my freshman year at Regis, I have heard the superstitions and secrets surrounding the so-called “hauntings” of this university. As we all know, gossip and the passing on of supposed true stories can be easily misconstrued. But we also know that journalism is mainly organized gossip, so I’ve dissected and evaluated the most popular spooky stories. Our story begins in the potentially the most recognizable and iconic piece of architecture on campus, the Main Hall.  

Main Hall’s Haunted Walls 

Main Hall is one of Regis’ biggest, and most famous buildings. With its orange bricks, iconic bell tower, and overall aura of “fancy university” Main Hall serves as a host for classes, office of several Regis leaders, and overall tourist trap for prospective students. However, despite its outward appearance, legend has it that Main Hall has a deeply disturbing secret hiding literally within its walls.  

According to old Regis records and archives from The Highlander, the spirits sleep in an abandoned storage room. While it seems to be an unthreatening, non-imposing space, a hidden storage room, buried deep in the crevices of this massive building, serves as storage for a wall of spirits. The storage room has cracks in the plaster sides that reveal a layer of brick walls and a line of tombstones of deceased Jesuits. 

While I personally have yet to experience this, past visitors to this unusual room have reported hearing loud humming sounds, with vibrations rattling the old pipes of the ancient building. Other reported physical sensations include excessive sweating, flushed faces, and tightened chests. As far as we know, this room is still accessible to the public, for those who dare to enter.  

 Creepiness in Carroll  

Now largely used as a host for faculty offices and conference spaces, Carroll Hall is said to house one spirit with an ax to grind. In the former student newspaper of Regis University, The Brown and Gold, the specific attack on a room in Carroll Hall is examined.  

According to The Brown and Gold, “the third-floor Language House in Carroll Hall was ransacked by someone or something that replaced furnishings with items one would associate with a scholar or scientist”. This room initially served as a study for Rev. Armand Forstall, S.J., who has since passed. Apparently, the good old reverend wasn’t so revered and rather, came back with a raging vendetta. The Brown and Gold reports that “In a letter that’s supposedly from the culprit, the ghost of the late Rev. Armand Forstall, S.J., claimed responsibility for the vandalism, saying ‘no one has the right to make a language lounge out of my study’.”  

Rev. Armand Forstall, S.J. was clearly very defensive of his research and his scientific findings. His haunting is believed to be related to his death in 1948, when his scientific work was lost. Rumor has it that the reverend won’t find peace until his work is found. Personally, I think this ghost needs to get over it. Times change, people change, uses for different rooms change, etc. But that’s just me. Good luck to all the faculty members in Carroll. Please be sure to save all research on Word, that way we don’t have another issue like this.  

 Jack and the Jesuits  

As a student who has witnessed a medical emergency take place and had to call for help on campus, this next story bothered me a bit more than the others. It’s no surprise that unexpected medical phenomena take place, and while we always hope for the best, sometimes an emergency response is not enough to save a person in distress. Unfortunately for a student named John J. “Jack” McDonnell, this situation became a grim reality.  

On a bright, seemingly normal May afternoon in 1900, former student Jack McDonnell walked out of his class in Main Hall and headed north across the campus towards what is now known as the gym. Throughout his afternoon stroll, Jack met a tragic fate when, just north of Main Hall, Jack collapsed. According to archives in the Dayton Memorial Library, attempts to save Jack’s life were valiantly carried out. “Distraught classmates rushed to his side and Rev. Modestus Izaguirre, S.J., who was nearby, knelt beside Jack, trying to revive him, but soon realized all he could do was offer absolution,”. 

According to the College Diary, Jack “died between the Main Hall and Gym at 3:20 p.m. The cause was a violent hemorrhage from the lungs. In five minutes, it was all over.”  Quickly thereafter, the school’s physician, Dr. James Devlin, arrived and promptly pronounced Jack dead at the scene. Dr. Devlin claimed that even if he had gotten there earlier, there was “simply nothing” he could have done to save the boy. After Jack’s death and following extensive investigation, the College Diary noted that he had “weak lungs,” and had been sick a month before his death.   

Two days later, on May 12, 1900, John J. “Jack” McDonnell became the first, and only, student to be buried in Regis’ cemetery. This cemetery was officially dubbed “Regis' Little Cemetery of the Jesuits” and is stationed east of where St. Peter Claver, S.J., Hall stands now. While he may be the only student buried there, Jack is certainly not alone in the ground on Regis campus. Regis’ Little Cemetery of the Jesuits is also the final resting place for 43 Jesuit priests. 

While none of the above stories have been officially proven real, meaning no professional paranormal investigation has ever been done on campus, I firmly believe that there are spirits with us at Regis. My belief stems from a deep connection to my Catholic faith, religious values, and overactive imagination. Now that you know the stories, I encourage you all to go to these places on campus and see what you experience. While none of these spirits are ever described as “evil” or “harmful” I still recommend bringing along some Holy Water, and a positive and respectful attitude. Curiosity is good, but when investigating such powerful stories, please, proceed with caution.  

Notable Opinions the Editor Shares: Kindle Paperwhite Review

Photo by Morgan Jacobus

By Morgan Jacobus, Editor in Chief

Hey everyone, it’s the EIC back again with another recommendation. Since we have already covered my favorite stationery, I thought an appropriate article in time for the holidays is a product recommendation of mine: the Kindle Paperwhite. Who knows? It could make a great gift for that special reader in your life. Plus, if you want to treat yourself to one, it is lovely to curl under a blanket with (if you have festive jammies you get bonus points).

After all, being an editor involves quite a bit of reading, particularly articles, but I also consider myself an avid reader in general. Ask any of my staff members, and they will say that before meetings I am usually reading on my kindle. I carry it practically everywhere with me, and it helps me read more whenever I have some extra time to kill. Without any further ado, here is my official review.

Product Review: Kindle Paperwhite

I used to be an avid bookworm growing up, but then life and schoolwork got in the way. I used to read so many books, then I hardly read any books outside of my books for school, until I decided to make a change. At the beginning of this year, I made a goal to read more books, and I have read 49 books this year so far, which I owe to my Kindle Paperwhite.

I had a Kindle Fire since about 2012, and it worked just fine, but I found that I wasn’t reading on the kindle I already had because the screen would strain my eyes. However, I heard that the paperwhite isn’t like a screen.

The reason I chose to upgrade was primarily because of its “300 ppi glare-free display that reads like real paper even in bright sunlight.” And let me tell you, I tried scouring review sites to see if it actually looked like a book page rather than a screen. It seemed like it was, but there was a part of me that doubted. How could an electronic device actually look like paper rather than a computer screen?

After reading with it religiously for about almost a year, I can tell you that it truly does look like a book page. When I first received it and activated it, my mama and I were in shock. How can it even do that? I don’t know how it works, but it does. You have the option of backlighting the screen if you are reading in a dark or low light environment, but you can also read without turning the light on at all to get the experience of what looks like an actual piece of paper. Even with using the backlighting feature at night, I found it doesn’t strain my eyes and I am able to read longer.

Though part of the advertisable qualities of the paperwhite was its smaller size and being waterproof, what truly appealed to me was the screen. However, I will say that the size was smaller than I expected. It fits nicely in my hand, and I can bring it so many places with me. Part of why I have been able to read so much this year is because I have been able to have a book with me at all times, which is so easy when it is this small. It even fits in some big jacket pockets of mine. Its size is so much more convenient than a book or even a tablet, but it isn’t too small to read on either.

I am not going to lie; the colors it comes in definitely caught my attention when I was eyeballing the kindle online. The paperwhite comes in black, twilight blue, sage, and plum. It was difficult to narrow down the color I wanted, but I opted to go with the plum color, and it is gorgeous. I also opted to get the Amazon case for it, which reminds me of the super expensive Apple case people would buy to go with their iPad, but it was worth the extra money in my opinion (though I did use a coupon on it, which made me feel better). The case was made for this kindle, and it fits it perfectly. The kindle snaps into the hard shell of the case, and there is a flap that will put the kindle to sleep when it is closed. And guess what? It comes in the super pretty colors to match your kindle. Yes, I am a sucker for matching accessories, and I am not afraid to admit it. Though there are some other case options you could use, or not even use a case at all, I would recommend getting the Amazon case to accompany your kindle should you choose to buy it.

One of the specs that they emphasized when promoting this product was its battery life. I would say that the battery life is impressive, and I don’t have to worry about charging it every week or so, even when I read for longer stretches, like my trip to visit family in California (I did a lot of reading then). Though I think the battery would depend on how much you read, I can verify the claim that it lasts weeks rather than days. Not only that, but when its battery is running low, I have noticed that it is fast to charge, which is impressive.

Another feature I didn’t even realize I would want is its connection to Goodreads. I have had my account since middle school, and I love it. I believe every bookworm should have a Goodreads account to keep track of their books. When you open a book on the kindle for the first time, it opens a sidebar with a brief description of the book, about how long it would take for you to read (yes, this device actually learns your reading speed), and it updates the book as currently reading on your Goodreads shelves. It also updates the book as read once completed. Additionally, when you highlight the book (bonus of an e-reader – you can highlight your library books!) it saves your highlights under your Goodreads account so even after you have returned it you can look back on what you highlighted.

Though you can add notes, I mainly stick to highlighting, because a drawback of it not being a traditional screen is that it isn’t as sensitive or responsive to touch. Sometimes it isn’t as precise as a tablet would be, because sometimes it doesn’t select what you want to select, and sometimes it can be slow to respond. If you hold down and drag your finger across a paragraph, it is fairly easy to highlight that way, but it is more difficult to type. However, I bought this product because of its similar look to real paper, so I consider this a fair concession to make that doesn’t detract away from the overall experience. Plus, how much typing do you have to do on it anyways? Write in a notebook if you really want to.

There are so many countless benefits to an e-reader, even if you don’t get a Kindle Paperwhite. Not only does it save you money because online books are cheaper than physical books, but it also saves paper, and it saves space by storing hundreds of books on one device. However, I am sure you have heard these reasons before. Something people may not consider with e-readers is the ease of checking out books when you are away from your library. Being in college, it is so much easier to checkout eBooks from my library rather than worry about being home to return physical books. Additionally, I know I am less likely to have a book be overdue when I don’t have to worry about when I can physically return it to a library.

This is not a tablet or an iPad, it is just an e-reader, but it does its job well. If you want more out of one device, I recommend getting an iPad with a kindle app on it to read books. But, if you are like me and want an e-reader that doesn’t look like a screen, I think the Kindle Paperwhite is for you. To me, the impact it has had on my reading, as well as helping my goal of using my phone less is priceless. By being able to have a book with me at all times, I am able to reach for my kindle rather than my phone when I am bored or have downtime. It has also helped the ease with which I read by appealing to the traditional bookworm within me that prefers paper to screens.

You find the version I bought a year ago refurbished for about $100, or there are other paperwhite options out there depending on how new you want it and how much you want to spend.

Notable Opinions the Editor Shares: Paper Stationery Favorites

By: Morgan Jacobus, Editor in Chief

In my last article, I discussed my favorite writing utensils. As promised, I am continuing my editor series with my paper-based stationery favorites, so you have something to write on with my established favorite utensils. Among my favorites are my top notebooks, as well as sticky notes and notepads. After all, where would an editor be without a plethora of sticky notes and notebooks? 

Top Notebook Recommendations: 

Bullet journal: Archer and Olive A5 Dot Notebook

photo by// Morgan Jacobus

I cannot rave about this journal enough. It is such high quality, and so elegantly crafted. Some of my personal highlights include the ultra-thick pages (so there is no ghosting or bleeding from pens/ markers), lays flat when opened (ideal for any form of journaling), and features a pen loop! From an aesthetic perspective, its hardback cover is lovely (not to mention the countless other design options to choose from, including faux leather), it comes with an ampersand charm page marker. Furthermore, the box it comes in is wonderful, so it is like opening a present for yourself. I truly admire this company, so if you are looking to treat yourself to an exquisite notebook, look no further. 

Multi-section notebook: Opalhouse 3 Section Notebook

This is my official editor notebook that I use for anything related to the Highlander, since I have a lot to keep track of. It combines different types of notebooks into one, which is handy. For instance, it has three tabs that separate the sections (WITH divider pockets might I add) that make it easy to separate different types of notes. Not only that, but it also features different kinds of notebook paper, like to do paper (so you can create lists and check off tasks as you complete them), regular lined paper, and dotted paper. It unfortunately isn’t currently on the Target website, but you can find it in the notebook section. 

Personal journal: Leatherette Storage Journal

I like this notebook for journaling since it has a dating system on the top for journal entries, featuring the months of the year and numbers you can circle to indicate which day you are writing. It also has cute pockets on the front for pens and can even fit a phone, making it possible for everything you need to journal contained in this cute notebook that you can throw in a bag or purse. 

Small monthly notebooks: Composition Notebook Set Unruled Affirmation

I think this notebook set can be a cute gift for someone, or even yourself. There are twelve notebooks for each month of the year, each including a positive affirmation on the front. They are each small and handy to carry with you anywhere you go. The possibilities are endless: you can carry one with you for random thoughts, to have some paper handy, or you can use it for daily journals according to the monthly theme. Sometimes it is nice to just have a notebook you can keep with you in your pocket! 

photo by// Morgan Jacobus

Noted: Sticky Notes and Notepads

I am a sucker for packaging, like in the case of Noted, a series by post-It. They are beyond normal blank sticky notes, featuring different shapes and designs including circles, notes with tabs, lined notes with check boxes, and more. There are weekly notes, to do list notes, and even a self-care notepad for habit tracking. Plus, how cute are they? They come in an array of aesthetic colors in notes, pens, and pads, and even stickers to choose from. If you are looking to upgrade your sticky note game, check out Noted.

Notable Opinions the Editor Shares (N.O.T.E.S): Favorite Writing Utensils

By: Morgan Jacobus, Editor in Chief

photo by// Morgan Jacobus

Happy November everyone! As part of my personal celebration of my birthday month, I am starting a series of articles called Notable Opinions the Editor Shares: aka N.O.T.E.S. This series will feature favorite product reviews (especially stationery), nerdy editor opinions like fonts, and advice on things like common grammar mistakes and planner organization. Without further ado, I present the first installment: my favorite writing utensils. 

As a writer, it should be expected that I would have favorite writing utensils. Ever since I can remember, one of my favorite times of year has been school supply shopping because I love school/ office supplies. Always have, always will. I don’t know how to explain it, but there is something about having an arsenal of pens, markers, highlighters, notebooks, and everything in between. My collection has been steadily growing for a while, to the point that I feel confident that I can recommend the best of the best for various stationery categories. The places you will see linked to the different products I mention are usually Target and JetPens.com (which if you aren’t familiar with, you should check out immediately): my top two stationery stores. 

Pens and Pencils: EDC (Everyday Carry) Essentials 

Mechanical Pencil: Kokuyo FitCurve Mechanical Pencil .5 mm 

This pencil has been with me going on four years, and it is still going strong. Back in middle school and early high school I used the PaperMate ClearPoint mechanical pencil, but let me tell you, this pencil is more comfortable, more stylish, and longer lasting than those pencils that would often crack. Not to mention, it isn’t even an expensive pencil, on JetPens it is just $5. 

Multi-Pen: Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto 4 Color Multi Pen

I keep this pen in my backpack at all times, because it is easy to grab or bring with me without having to bring my whole pencil pouch. This pen body can hold four separate writing instruments within it, and you have a wealth of options available to choose from. Mine features three colors of 0.5 mm gel pen (blue, black, and purple), and a mechanical pencil. You can pick from 15 gel colors in 3 sizes, as well as a mechanical pencil component, and an eraser component. This pen offers the ultimate variety and choice within one pen body, and it comes in different sizes (3, 4, and 5 option varieties) as well as 6 different colors. 

Gel Pens: Pilot G2 Gel Pens

This is my pen essential for my planner. These pens come in so many different colors (and yes, I have them all) which is what makes them amazing for planning and color coding. I do not believe that there are smear-free gel pens out there, or if there are I have not yet encountered them. The way that I write usually includes pressing/ dragging my hand across the page, even though I am right-handed. However, these gel pens have minimal smear. I appreciate the retractable tip, as well as clip, and they have lasted me a long time. 

Fancy Pen: Pentel EnerGel Alloy RT Retractable Liquid Gel Pen 

I cannot emphasize enough how much I love this pen. It has such a sleek body, and it is very durable, not to mention the ink is smooth as butter. Personally, I think everyone should have different types of pens for different purposes. For instance, you ought to have disposable pens for convenience, colored pens for fun/ color coding, and one nice pen that is more professional and you will really enjoy using. This pen was a “treat yourself” moment for me. I love this pen so much I have bought refills for it so I can keep using it (which you can get at Office Depot/ Office Max by the way). 

Highlighter Recommendations: One simply cannot have too many highlighters, especially as a college student. 

Crayola Super Tips: If you can’t already tell, I like variety, and I especially like to have a variety of colors at my disposal, which brings me to this recommendation. I use these as highlighters as well as markers. They are cheap and cheerful, with different packs from 20 count up to 100, whatever best suits your needs. I personally chose the 50 pack for its wide array of colors, and it was only $7. Don’t let them fool you, these are quality markers, especially since their tip design allows use for both thin and thick lines, offering further versatility. 

Zebra Mildliner Double-Sided Highlighter: I love these highlighters because they have different types of colors (my favorite being their pastels), and they feature a chisel tip on one side for normal highlighting, and a fine tip on the other end. One of my favorites is the gray highlighter. Yes, you heard that right, and it is my mom’s favorite as well. They have different colors, plus you get two things in one. I would caution you, since depending on the page thickness it may bleed through, but the beautiful colors are worth it. 

Epoch Kobaru Sweet Tapir Scented Highlighter: The inner child in me couldn’t resist buying scented highlighters. However, these are definitely a grown-up upgrade from the Mr. Sketch scented markers of our past (I know you remember). The scents include melon soda, vanilla, peach, mint, sweet potato, and cookie in six lovely pastel shades. Another feature I love is the flat, rectangle shape that prevents them from rolling away on your desk. 

There you have it! My top writing utensil essentials and recommendations. Of course, I undoubtedly have more writing utensils in my larger collection, but these are the top of my list. Stay tuned for the second part of my series: paper-based stationery like notebooks and sticky notes.