Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story episode 7 recap and review: “Showtime”

As a seasoned investigator with years of experience under my belt, I must say that this case of the Menendez brothers has left me quite bewildered, much like trying to decipher a Rubik’s cube after a glass or two of aged scotch. The twists and turns in this tale are as unpredictable as a roller coaster ride at Coney Island on a windy day.

Finally, we reach episode 7 of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” on Netflix, titled “Showtime,” where Erik and Lyle’s trial begins. However, it becomes clear that one of the brothers is growing increasingly arrogant about their chances of avoiding conviction, resorting to deceit in an attempt to sway the jury. Could this overconfidence ultimately be their undoing? For now, Lyle skillfully portrays his character, but there’s a chance his performance might expose his insincerity.

Major spoilers for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story episode 7 are below.

Trigger Warning: This episode explicitly references child sexual abuse.

Progressing towards the final episode of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”, episode 7 takes a different approach by minimizing flashbacks. Instead, it delves into the brothers’ trial preparations and the commencement of testimonies. Additionally, we get insights into why journalist Dominick has such a deep interest in this case, going beyond professional obligations.

Lyle asks his loved ones to lie

In the present scenario, I find myself behind bars, with my beloved Jamie making regular visits. I assure her I’ll be free soon, but she appears skeptical. She mentions that her parents are urging her to end things because they don’t trust my assurances. Desperate, I ask Jamie for a huge favor – I beg her to falsely testify that my father raped her. Taken aback, she refuses. Later, I’m seen asking friends and relatives during visits to fabricate stories suggesting José was attempting to murder me. This is an incredibly ill-advised plan.

While rehearsing with their attorneys Leslie and Jill, Lyle displays peculiar behavior. He appears emotionless and seems to fabricate information about actions taken by his parents. When left on their own, Leslie and Jill grow suspicious about the authenticity of Lyle’s statements, questioning if the brothers are telling the truth or fabricating the entire story. In solitude within his cell, Lyle peruses his mail, finding a letter from a supporter named Norma who advocates for his innocence. He contacts her and they establish a connection, starting a relationship.

Lyle angers the lawyers

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my concerns as I delve deeper into the brothers’ narrative. The trustworthiness of these two individuals has become increasingly questionable, with Erik openly confessing that he fabricated a tale about his parents to his therapist. In their subsequent meeting with Leslie and Jill, Lyle took things one step further by concocting an entirely fictional account when asked to recount the events of the day of the murders. This behavior has left the lawyers less than pleased, with Leslie emphasizing the need for Lyle to show genuine emotions to persuade the jury. Erik, on the other hand, is willing to bare his soul under oath, while Lyle continues to put on an act.

Lyle inquires if Leslie wishes him to shed tears, but Leslie fibs slightly and responds affirmatively. Lyle rehearses once more, discussing his mother and disclosing that he uncovered her suicide note. Emotions overpower him as he narrates the tale, leaving us uncertain about the veracity of his words. However, his emotional display is convincing enough to satisfy Leslie.

On July 1993, the siblings are en route to the courtroom. Upon their arrival, Dominick scans through the crime scene images of Kitty and José. The entourage of Erik and Lyle, predominantly women, greet them with posters and jubilant cheers outside. In her opening argument, Leslie informs the jury that they will delve into the motive behind the killings. She discusses the sexual abuse suffered by both Erik and Lyle, suggesting it was an act of self-defense. This enrages Dominick, who challenges Leslie in the courthouse corridor post-opening statement, questioning whether she fabricated the accounts of abuse as it had worked effectively for her previously.

Dominick’s alarming theories

At a gathering with some close companions, Dominick discusses the trial that’s been making headlines. He isn’t convinced the killings were in self-defense, pointing out inconsistencies in the story. For instance, he learned from his network of informants that there were three more individuals on the fishing trip alongside the family. This fact raises questions about why the brothers would be so terrified their parents intended to murder them. Furthermore, Dominick mentions that Kitty and José had planned to travel to New Jersey during that week to assist Lyle with a condo he’d recently purchased.

One of Dominick’s friends points out that the siblings of the brothers had testified about their challenging family environment, an assertion Dominick doesn’t dispute. The narrative briefly shows José’s sister testifying against him and a relative discussing José sharing showers with his sons. The relative mentions that although they never witnessed sexual assault, they did notice that José would shut the door when he was in a room with one of his sons, and Kitty would ensure no one disturbed them.

Dominick admits their home life wasn’t ideal, but then suggests that everyone experiences some form of child abuse, which is clearly a flawed argument. He discusses how his father used to physically abuse him, but he didn’t respond with violence. In response to his friend questioning why he didn’t mention sexual abuse, Dominick argues that neither Lyle nor Erik were either. He then brings up the fact that the brothers never disclosed their experiences of sexual abuse to their therapist and implies a connection between Erik’s sexuality and this. This results in an offensive remark when he suggests that Erik and Lyle might be involved in an incestuous relationship. The scene then shifts to Dominick sitting alone at a table, with a server coming over to say goodnight.

Lyle takes the stand

Dominick discusses his daughter’s case with the server, sharing that the individual responsible for her murder was sentenced to just three and a half years behind bars.

In the ongoing trial, Lyle is set to testify next. He admits to shooting his parents, discusses photos José captured of him in a compromising state with Erik, and details the sexual abuse he endured. His emotional testimony, complete with tears, appears genuine to everyone present. However, one can’t help but question if he’s telling the whole truth. Lyle asserts that he told his mother about the abuse, yet she didn’t believe him, and his father threatened to kill him if he ever spoke up. These new details have not been previously mentioned, which makes me wonder if he’s fabricating elements of his story to evoke sympathy from the jury. The courtroom audience sees Erik’s response; he looks furious and then breaks down in tears. Lyle also acknowledges sexually abusing Erik and extends an apology to him.

Previously incarcerated, Lyle conversed with Norma over the phone, displaying an overconfident demeanor regarding the ongoing case. He is convinced that he can manipulate the jury now, and even hints at writing a movie script from it. Oh dear.

Dominick apologizes

After being deeply troubled by the court proceedings, Dominick seeks out Leslie that evening to offer an apology. He confesses that he now believes Lyle, which implies either the events are genuine and José and Kitty deserved their fate, or Leslie managed to elicit a convincing performance from a psychopath. Dominick admits he can’t decide which possibility is more terrifying, but offers his congratulations, assuming she will emerge victorious. Leslie seems taken aback by this and once again expresses her regret over his daughter.

Dominick shares with Leslie that his daughter’s final words to him were “I love you, Daddy,” and this moment holds great significance for him. By the end of the episode, it appears Leslie is in a quandary. While she thinks the siblings may have suffered abuse, she also recognizes that Lyle might be exaggerating the situation. The truth will hopefully be revealed in time.

You can watch all nine episodes of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story right now on Netflix.

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2024-09-21 00:58