The Weight of Legacy: Ian Brennan's 'Monster' Explores the Female Serial Killer Through History

The Legacy of Narrative

When Ian Brennan announced that his Netflix series Monster would be expanding its scope beyond the traditionally male-dominated world of serial killers, the announcement stirred more than just curiosity. It marked a pivotal moment in how true crime is being told—by placing the spotlight on women like Lizzie Borden, whose story has long been buried under the weight of myth and sensationalism.

"We're not trying to glorify or vilify anyone," Brennan explained during a recent interview. "We're trying to tell the full human story behind the legend."

With ten seasons in development, the show's evolution is not just about plot progression—it's a deliberate act of reclamation. For years, the narrative around female serial killers has been shaped by fear, misrepresentation, and societal biases. Brennan aims to correct that through careful research and a deeply reflective tone.

Who Was Lizzie Borden?

Most people know her name but not much more—especially in the context of true crime. Lizzie Borden was a 19th-century American woman accused of murdering her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1892. The case, often referred to as the "Borden Murders," became one of America's most enduring mysteries.

Despite a lack of conclusive evidence, Borden was acquitted after her trial. Her story was quickly mythologized, especially by sensationalist newspapers of the time. The truth behind the events remains debated, and that ambiguity is what Brennan seeks to explore in his series. Through the lens of Monster, we don't just revisit this case—we reimagine it with a more nuanced understanding.

The Power of Storytelling

In many ways, the creation of Monster is about more than just entertainment. It's about accountability. Brennan, known for his thoughtful and respectful approach to historical storytelling, uses each season as a chance to reevaluate how society remembers its most controversial figures.

The show's decision to feature female serial killers like Borden speaks to an evolving conversation within true crime media. The genre has often focused on male perpetrators, leaving women's stories marginalized or misrepresented. By centering these narratives, Monster challenges the viewer to confront their own biases and assumptions.

• The first season of Monster will focus entirely on Lizzie Borden and her life leading up to the murders.
• Brennan plans to expand into other iconic cases, including those involving women like H.H. Holmes and the Black Dahlia.
• Each episode will include interviews with historians and legal experts to ensure factual accuracy.

A New Kind of True Crime

The legacy of Monster may be more than just its storytelling—it's the kind of thoughtful, responsible true crime that refuses to exploit trauma for ratings. As Brennan stated, the series isn't about turning victims into villains or vice versa; it's about giving voice to people who have been silenced by time and rumor.

This commitment to nuance sets Monster apart from many of its contemporaries. In a world where sensationalism often overshadows truth, Brennan's approach is a refreshing return to the human heart of the story.

"If we're going to tell these stories, we must do so with respect for everyone involved," he emphasized. "Even when that means challenging what people thought they knew."

Looking Ahead

With ten seasons planned, the journey of Monster is far from over. As Brennan continues to bring these forgotten figures into the light, we can expect a series that not only entertains but educates and provokes thought.

The true legacy of this show lies in how it reframes what we remember—and more importantly, what we choose to forget. In doing so, it honors the complex humanity of its subjects while reminding us all of the power of storytelling to shape history.