Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story episode 2 recap and review: “Spree”
As a seasoned detective with years of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu when reading about the Menendez brothers’ shenanigans. It seems like they’re following a script straight out of a crime drama, complete with twists and turns that would make even the most jaded viewer raise an eyebrow.
The second episode of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” on Netflix unfolds, delving into the aftermath of the brothers’ parents’ murders. In the initial episode, we witness Erik grappling with their actions, ultimately confessing to the killings to his therapist. The narrative then slightly shifts back in time for “Spree,” revealing the steps Erik and Lyle took immediately following their parents’ deaths. A key point of contention is the matter of money, as the brothers are determined to claim their inheritance while simultaneously insisting on their innocence.
WARNING: Major spoilers for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story episode 2 are below.
In the second installment of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story“, we begin by swiftly revisiting the crime scenes – the brothers committing the heinous acts of shooting and taking the lives of their parents. Subsequently, they grapple with concocting an alibi before eventually returning home and dialing 911. The remainder of this episode primarily focuses on the events that unfold post-arrival of the police at the crime scene, and what transpires for both Erik and Lyle in the subsequent hours. Upon the arrival of the authorities, the brothers assert that the mafia was responsible for the murders – a claim that initiates the initial line of investigation.
Erik and Lyle give their statements
The siblings are escorted to the police station where they provide their testimonies, which coincide with investigators examining the crime scene at their home. Erik remembers discovering his parents and expresses that his father had an uneasy feeling about the mafia targeting him. At the crime site, detectives ascertain that the time of demise was 10:00 PM, contrastingly, a 911 call was placed at 11:47 PM. They also note that the murders appear messy for a typical mob hit.
Lyle makes a statement resembling his brother’s without directly referring to the mafia, hinting at their father’s association with shady organizations. Later, authorities question why the brothers claimed smoke filled the house hours after the murders took place. The brothers are taken back home for a search, and Lyle finds it necessary to head towards his car. In his trunk, he discovers shotgun shells which he conceals in his tennis bag. There’s also a receipt found in his car – could that be for the guns?
Erik and Lyle prepare themselves for their parents’ memorial service, conversing with one of José’s contacts named Peter (Jeff Perry). He hints that they might inherit something from José, but the brothers express doubts about it. However, a memory surfaces of an argument between José, Kitty, and Erik and Lyle, where they were accused of stealing. This incident made them resentful because they felt they had already been given enough by José, who then decided to remove them from his will.
Money, money, money
Peter tells the brothers that the company will cover the costs of bodyguards for their safety, and he’s surprised when they ask for another limo along with a hotel room in Bel Air. Erik and Lyle are not hiding the fact that they’re used to luxury, but the timing has those around them scratching their heads. In their conversation with Peter, they learn that police have a potential lead in a car that was parked at their house the night of the murders.
Erik and Lyle move into a lavish hotel, and Erik cautions them about spending money wisely. However, Lyle is elated following his escape from committing murder and wishes to savor the moment. He expresses this to Erik saying, “We’re not turning back now.” They indulge in shopping at the Rolex store, enjoy extravagant living, learn tennis, attend parties, use cocaine, and Lyle even acquires a new vehicle. Cleverly discreet!
In a recent development on the case, detectives Linehan (Drew Powell), Zoeller (Justin Butler Harner), and Edmonds (Gareth Edwards) meet with an officer and share their latest information, which unfortunately doesn’t lead them any closer to identifying the murderer. As they continue interviewing suspects, the case continues to expand, causing people to feel increasingly uneasy about their safety, and attracting more media attention. The pressure mounts on the detectives, with the Chief of Police expressing concerns that they may be perceived as incompetent. However, this criticism only fuels their determination to find answers swiftly.
Erik and Lyle need to get ahold of the will
The financial advisor talks to Erik and Lyle about their excessive spending. Although they expect to receive an inheritance soon, it’s on hold until their uncle, who manages the estate (Enrique Murciano), arrives for the will reading. Upon hearing this, Lyle gets emotional and attributes their overspending to their sorrow, which makes the advisor feel sympathetic.
In private moments, Erik brings up to Lyle their father’s statement about disinheriting them from the will. However, Lyle remains unfazed. He is aware that the will is kept in José’s safety deposit box at home, and they both know how to access it. Yet, the question of whether they can actually open it arises. When they arrive at their house, they grapple with finding a solution to gain entry into the safe. Eventually, they contact a friend of Erik’s who happens to have an attorney father. The friend comes over and listens as they explain their predicament, expressing their need to open the safe. But opening it isn’t going to be straightforward; the attorney informs them that the executor must be present and suggests leaving the safe at home overnight to prevent any potential illegal activities.
The following day, Uncle Carlos visits the lawyer’s residence and they manage to open the safe. However, before everyone gets a chance to inspect its contents, Lyle deceitfully claims he wishes to examine it first, fearing there might be compromising photos of José’s mistresses that he doesn’t want revealed. Remarkably, they consent to his request, and upon his return, he informs them there is no will inside. Was he truthful? We can’t tell for certain, but it could be a possibility. Shortly afterward, the maid seems to discover the will hidden in a closet at their residence. Did Lyle plant a fake will? While I can’t definitively say, it’s plausible. They subsequently find out from the will that their father left them all his possessions.
In the public reading of the will, it becomes clear that José bequeathed all his possessions equally between Lyle and Erik. Eager to invest a portion of their inheritance in starting his own buffalo wings restaurant, Lyle successfully convinces his uncle. Together they scout for potential properties while Erik decides to pursue modeling instead.
Dr. Oziel needs insurance
Two months down the line, Erik and Lyle ponder over the possibility of eliminating Dr. Oziel, but Erik strongly objects. Lyle argues that they must ensure Oziel won’t betray them if they decide to let him survive. Furthermore, Lyle hints at his brother that if Oziel reveals their secrets to others, he might have to eliminate him. However, Lyle claims it as a jest. But is it truly a joke? This conversation sheds light on the power dynamics between them, which unfolds further in this episode.
Dr. Oziel asks Judalon for assistance, explaining he’ll provide her with notes from a therapy session to be stored in a safety deposit box. However, she urges him to contact the police, but he refuses due to the brothers being his patients. Judalon expresses concern for her own safety and proposes moving into his house, yet Dr. Oziel clarifies that this isn’t an option because he is married. Judalon fears the Menedez brothers may harm her. (Paraphrased from original text)
The investigators mull over their line-up of hypotheses, suggesting José and Kitty may have been killed by the mafia, the cartel, or a group of thugs. However, none of these possibilities seem to fit; there were no indications of forced entry or signs of a struggle, implying that the killers were familiar with their victims. The investigators express remorse for not examining Erik and Lyle’s hands for gunpowder residue on the night of the murders, considering them as potential primary suspects. One of them is hesitant, though, reminding his colleagues that they need solid proof before making an arrest. Just then, a call arrives from one of Erik’s friends.
Craig and the screenplay
In a consultation with Dr. Oziel, it transpires that Erik penned a script involving the murder of his parents, collaboratively with Craig. This revelation upsets Lyle, and Oziel is perplexed as to why they would contemplate such an act against their own parents. He also mentions the safe deposit boxes and expresses his intent to document their sessions. The brothers object to this idea, but Oziel explains that he requires some form of protection if he continues to assist them.
In a conversation with the detectives, Craig explains that Erik seemingly confessed to murdering his own parents. He shares details about a screenplay but stresses that this isn’t definitive proof. However, Craig offers an important lead: arranging a dinner with Erik while wearing a wire. During the meal, he subtly brings up the screenplay and reminds Erik of their past actions, but Erik shows reluctance to discuss it. Craig persists, reminding Erik of his earlier admission, to which Erik denies any involvement in the murder of his parents. Specifically, Erik insists that he and Lyle did not commit the crime.
During the conversation, Dr. Oziel inquires from the brothers about their mother, as they seem to have a motive to harm her. However, Erik expresses a desire to liberate their mother, while Lyle appears reluctant to discuss the matter further. It seems Erik has something he wants to disclose, yet Lyle prevents him from doing so.
Judalon resided with Oziel and his household, but eventually evicts her when she transgresses a boundary with his daughter. As she departs, he advises her to keep quiet about anything related to the Menendez case for her own protection. However, she disregards this advice, immediately visiting the police station to share information about the brothers with Detective Zoeller.
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2024-09-19 18:58