Why Episode 5 Of The Lyle And Erik Menendez Netflix Show Is SO Haunting

[@BrainPilot]

What did you think of this episode in the Monsters series? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

[@KrystyneY]

I found it fascinating. Such a horrible recounting his pain

[@RealisticPersonYeah]

I love this series, however, I think episode 5 good but pretty boring

[@danielsanmen5678]

Pff amazing, one single shot, super powerful script. Impressive acting.

[@Daniel-lq5qq]

Best

[@Daniel-lq5qq]

I prefer this before dhamer exploiting

[@dude7878]

He did that whole episode in one freaking take y'all, one freakin takeee. I literally clapped after that episode. Great actor.

[@bendover04me]

Actually, we shot 5 single takes in 2 days. The one on Netflix is the final take 😊

[@mariannaanagno6144]

technicaly, it was 8 takes but no cuts. each take was the whole episode. and they kept the last one. I'm sure the first one was amazing as well, but any director would feel safer if they had more options, so I get it

[@prittip9933]

I was listening and looking at the screen occasionally and I knew it was a one take shot!! My mind was blown that it was the whole episode!!!!!!!!!! Brilliant 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@mickeymouse2able]

I thought I was the only one. Truly mesmerizing

[@bendover04me]

@ wth

[@kayefbutterfly]

Every time Erik smiled in the show, it only made more sense why his lawyer called him adorble. It really helps that Cooper Koch is actually cute as hell. But that's also what made his description of the abuse so much more haunting. And only 5 minutes into episode 5, I was like "damn that's a long take." only to be surprised with the rest of the episode also being in one take. This episode is going to get nominated for multiple awards rightfully, mark my words.

[@mr.morale_digitized]

Really cause Erik looked more like a psychopath to me...

[@kayefbutterfly]

@@mr.morale_digitized Oh i definitely agree with you! Cooper's expression in every scene except where he wasn't smiling or crying felt odd to me. Like I wasn't sure if he was telling the truth or faking it all, which was probably what Ryan Murphy wanted. But yeah, all the scenes of him smiling made me melt.

[@FishHive]

Definitely deserves a nomination for this scene.

[@_monamono_2382]

Same, it was only a couple of minutes into the episode and i was already blown away by that 😅

[@MadeInSeventyFour]

So the description of the abuse was much more haunting because the actor was cute as hell? JFC 🙄

[@April7739]

Man deserves an Emmy. I’ve never seen anything like this before.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was a great performance!

[@LemonsAndSalt69]

His performance was ok. There is nothing particularly special about it. The guy who plays Lyle does a far better job, with far more range, and is convincing as a sociopath. This long shot has been done many many times in cinema, and it doesn’t fit at all in this series.

[@jigsorla]

​@@LemonsAndSalt69Just an ok performance sounds a bit moody. So what if its been done before, for some viewers he's still a skilled actor who's managed to turn this scene into an artwork.

[@JTKempo]

@@LemonsAndSalt69 interesting take, only point I cannot agree with is your very last, the episode was perfect, up until this point we’d known about the abuse, and it had been shown through dialogue and then passing scenes of flashbacks, etc, all a bit of a blur. Then this episode comes out of nowhere, no distractions, no scene cuts, no appealing colours, no body movements, just raw dialogue and varying facial expressions, an opportunity for the viewer to actually get an understanding of what Erik went through as a child, no flashbacks left me trying to picture (if that’s even possible) what it must have been like, leaving me only in what felt like fear, what the writer of this episode wanted me as a viewer to feel after finishing this episode is what they got, lost for speech, astounded, shocked, scared, blown away. I say bravo

[@nothingbutintroverted4372]

@@LemonsAndSalt69it’s safe to say you just think nicholas aka lyle’s actor is attractive so you’re spewing nonsense lol this episode is wildly regarded as the best in the series due to to the actor he is astonishing in this episode so don’t even try with that bullshit

[@JoeDiducaPhotography]

That’s a LOT of dialogue to remember….and then speak like you’re saying it for the first time! Best episode of the series. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was a great one!

[@nikfabbi87]

My guess is the actors might've been given a guideline and then freedom to improvise in the middle...

[@noahziegler3478]

​@nikfabbi87 nah, they memorized and practiced, then did 8 takes over 4 days. This was the last take.

[@jimmybags6598]

Probably a teleprompter or something off screen

[@18nysavinchhi83]

Cooper actually said that he'd made reading the script for his episode a part of his daily routine for almost 10 months (june- march), that's how he'd memorized all the dialogue

[@abby3359]

I wasn’t keen on Murphy’s depiction on these boys, but Cooper Koch’s performance as Erik was probably one of the best I’ve seen in years. This particular episode had every bit of my attention and gave me goosebumps. That level of acting in one take is Oscar worthy.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah he delivered such a strong performance

[@abby3359]

@@BrainPilot His talent is going to entice a lot more opportunities. I’m looking forward to the next project. Also, excellent review as usual. Keep up the great work!

[@R0MEES]

Exactly, like I don't want to recommend this show to people but Cooper Koch's acting is soooo amazing and he deserves all the credit and attention in the world for it

[@RobbyRockaholic]

Yes but I must say the other actor seeing him out of character. I think he brought a lot of the energy and fun stuff and really portrayed a sociopath very well I think they both are well talented and prepared actors . I think he was doing a really great prepared job , he looked soo like American psycho but younger devoid of soul . And yes Cooper is doing the most and willing to go further . This one take with soooo much dialog and Great choice this show was much better than I anticipated

[@katethawley4356]

Cooper is a talented guy

[@hoyageorge]

The acting by Cooper Koch on this episode is spectacular. This was a difficult episode to get through, but his acting was believable, sympathetic, heartbreaking, and of the highest level. A master class of restraint and sensitivity, made all the more amazing by the fact that he's only 28.

[@Skeez-zi7ev]

The last shot of the episode where he all the sudden goes cold almost seeming like he had 0 emotion was one of the scariest shots I've seen. Unreal acting from the kids.

[@BrainPilot]

Totally agree!

[@GSB1414]

He deserves an award just for that haunting look on his face! Great acting!

[@lenwelch2195]

This actor deserves an Emmy.

[@BrainPilot]

It was a great performance

[@thomasdunbar5996]

A painful episode to watch, but outstanding acting. Award worthy.

[@WinterSoldier0315]

I also realized about 5 mins in that there were no cuts. And the end where he asks how can someone so damaged even live and know who he really is in terms of romantic orientation really broke me. It really brought home how horrific that kind of abuse must be on someone growing and trying to figure life out. Cooper Koch made his career in this scene. I am seeing an Emmy nom for this, he was brilliant!

[@janetDT1904]

I agree 100%

[@mandala314]

I agree. As society is finally starting to hear from SA survivors, this story from a man's perspective is important. I hope someday all SA survivors can be heard and believed. (But not be excused for murder unless it's in immediate self-defense.)

[@MariaDonkova]

What I don’t like however, is the still implication (and correct me if I’m wrong, cause this may just be my interpretation) that Erik might’ve possibly been gay. It was heavily pushed throughout this whole series, and that prison shower scene didn’t help one bit. There are some people online trying to determine who Erik is because of this show, and coming to the conclusion that he must be gay if Ryan portrayed him that way. I’m not surprised though, they did the exact same thing with Dhamer, to where people started actually believing what they watched on the show, vs making their own conclusions

[@MariaDonkova]

What I don’t like however, is the still implication (and correct me if I’m wrong, cause this may just be my interpretation) that Erik might’ve possibly been gay. It was heavily pushed throughout this whole series, and that prison shower scene didn’t help one bit. There are some people online trying to determine who Erik is because of this show, and coming to the conclusion that he must be gay if Ryan portrayed him that way. I’m not surprised though, they did the exact same thing with Dhamer, to where people started actually believing what they watched on the show, vs making their own conclusions

[@MariaDonkova]

@@mandala314 In most peoples opinions, it is an excuse. At least morally speaking. I feel like any normal sane person would’ve probably done what they did, had they been in their shoes. Most parents would absolutely go ballistic if someone hurt their child, or any child for that matter. The only reason most people don’t act out on it, is because they don’t want to risk spending the rest of their life in prison.

[@glenysdiaz1971]

FINALLY SOMEONE IS TALKING ABOUT THIS! This is the best episode I’ve seen in a series PERIOD!! When it finished I called a friend to talk about it, and went to look who was the director. Hands down to Michael Uppendah, anyone involved in the artistic vision and Cooper Koch, What a great performance!! Only one shot, so intense, so beautiful it gets your indivisible attention. I’ve cried the 3 times I’ve watched it. I smell Golden Globes and Emmy nominations and wins.

[@angelapalmer3464]

I'm so glad that someone has done a video about this episode. This episode was executed (no pun intended) absolutely beautifully!! From the camera slowly zooming in to capture the raw emotion in his face whether he was lying or not. Pure masterpiece!

[@BrainPilot]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@genevaxo]

GIVE COOPER KOCH ALL THE DAMN AWARDS. I'M IN AWE OF HIM & HIS ACTING.

[@BrainPilot]

This was a great performance!

[@atticusfinch3845]

This was easily the best episode of the show. The way that the camera slowly gets closer to his face as the episode progresses was an awesome technique. Cooper kept it subtle. No hysterics. Like the real Erik on the stand during the 2 trials.

[@TheRexb1]

This episode was my favourite. The actor who played Erik Menendez, better get nominated for an Emmy, it was the only episode that stuck with me the most. It was raw, and felt like it was the real thing.

[@jordancrossgrove8827]

I am SO glad someone else is talking about this episode. It’s truly some of the best movie/tv show making I’ve ever seen

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was a great episode!

[@Kevin.Costner.]

DIMES👏DIMES👏DIMES👏DIMES👏DIMES ~ Lyle said calmly

[@gemini_islandgal268]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@rosee7011]

That was calm?

[@YoungBlaze]

"Grandma you're a dummmazz"

[@Mimibldr]

His acting performance deserves an award, how amazing it was to watch. It left me breathless

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was an outstanding performance!

[@redroselace9545]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 are you serious???? Have you actually seen the series the guy can barely act

[@natureseeker145]

​@@redroselace9545 His performance was top-notch.Besides,nobody cares about your opinion,lol

[@marcelacarrillogonzalez6085]

Cooper was magnificent, what a painful monologue. Both brothers in the real trial expressed themselves like that. So sad they are still on jail, they reacted violently to systematic violence for a whole life. The show is exploitation, as these men were victims, all their family spoke about knowing about the abuse

[@vintage_violet]

I agree, the show is sensational, I refuse to watch it. 😢

[@kundun5]

How were they victims? Beat the dad up and move out… not murder him and go on a shopping spree! You people are crazy!

[@ShakhnozaKarimova-nh5un]

​@kundun5 It's easy to say and judge someone else's life till it happens to you! Abuse can mess up some people very badly and not everyone reacts to it the same way. This whole story very heartbreaking and it ended up in tragic way for everyone!

[@kundun5]

@@ShakhnozaKarimova-nh5un so a high end shopping spree after you’ve killled your parents is a legimate response? You people would believe any sob story from these con artists!

[@Lucky-r7y7w]

​@@kundun5Beat up a rich, cruel, and controlling man, and then dust yourself off and think that's that? Dude...

[@trnigyul]

It was uncomfortable af but to me the most haunting part of the series is the part where they were being transferred to different prisons with "Girl Im gonna Miss You" playing in the background. Its been weeks and that scene still haunts me

[@allenroy9250]

This episode was one of the most riveting scenes in Cinematic history.

[@Lookfishlamp]

My god. This may be some of the best acting i have seen . And I've seen a lot. These two actors in the interview scene delivered some of the best moments I've witnessed acted out in any medium. They both deserve awards for the entire scene.

[@carolyn816]

BRILLIANT!!! Cooper Koch should win every award for this episode.

[@ShazamJamsandekar]

1:10 I knew Someone would Talk about this Shot...I Was Shocked That The entire 36 Minute Scene was Taken in A Single Shot** that's Very Amazing Thing to be Done by The director and Both the Actors of characters *Erik and Leslie*. It just felt like it was A real conversation...I love these Series and Hope Ryan Murphy Presents us more Such Web series like these ..❤

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

Listening to Nicholas response to the backlash made me understand why I felt cooper gave a stronger performance as Erik than Nicholas as Lyle I feel cooper took an approach to actually capturing who Erik was and how his abuse effected him particularly how he unalived his parents, having done a deep dive on the entire case, specifically reading the 2018 book on it as well as listening to the testimonies of friends, family and teachers i feel cooper captured everything of who Erik was at this time, the directing and writing did a disservice to both of the brothers equally but I feel Nicholas went off playing Lyle based off of the screenplay alone hence why his performance felt like a caricature while cooper went beyond the screenplay and did character building on his own

[@_monamono_2382]

Right, Cooper said himself in an interview that he spent hours and hours watching the trials, even falling asleep to it. He was really dedicated and it payed off

[@Ichi-San-1501]

Totally agree, same thought! Lyle performance: mere acting and remaining artificial, Eric performance: deep dive and becoming real. To me it was in their eyes where I saw it. Lyle actor had drama actor's looks, Eric actor had disturbing looks.

[@Lindygirl-s3v]

I thought they were both great. But this episode you could really connect to Eric and his pain. This whole trial was sad. Also Nicholas said in an interview he studied Lyle and also listened to the audio tapes that were published plus he watched the trial. His acting of Lyle during his testimony especially was very good.

[@natureseeker145]

​@@Ichi-San-1501I couldn't agree more 💯 Cooper's acting was unique & less dramatized, though.

[@Corbor523]

I am so impressed by the fact that this was one take. That takes some REAL talent to be able to delve into a character like that for that long without breaking.

[@naomismith1241]

In the first trials both boys had hung juries. It is normal at this point for the judge to order a retrial with a lower charge. The judge instead left the charge as murder hut removed evidence of the sexual abuse, like a pictures the dad had of their privates and testimony from some witnesses. The second jury said the abuse did not factor into their decision. The first jury in their debrief said the abuse factored massively into why they didn't think it was straight up murder, although it was not just self defence. The judge removed the evidence based on a precious senate ruling from a separate case, and not because he felt it was faked evidence. The judge massaged their trial to get the result he wanted because it was so high profile. Yes they read books about abused kids killing their parents. What abused child doesn't. And no they shouldn't have walked free because they had the option to get in their vehicle instead of getting guns out of it. But the jury is meant to decide that, not the judge. I was hoping the show would focus more on the miscarriage of justice, like the removal of the defences evidence instead of voyeurism of the abuse.

[@Kai_Mx]

I agree the second trial seemed biased. The prosecutor brought up the attorneys previous cases,and just stated things as though they are facts when it was an opinion to mislead the jury. I disagree though that every abused child reads books about killing their parents " what child doesn't ", I don't think that's remotely true.

[@firenze5555]

Judge, have mercy on these baby boys who are orphans because they murdered their mother and father!

[@curtisevans4100]

I agree the second trial should have had the abuse evidence.

[@laisrocha6234]

Real, raw and astonishing perfomance from Cooper Koch one of the best things I've seen in a netflix show

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah his performance was really strong!

[@OneThreeFiveSix1356]

I legit thought i was going crazy cuz i kept double checking if the camera was zooming in or not cuz it was so slow.. it was absolutely well done

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was such a good episode!

[@ariakay143]

Whoever says that this series wasn’t good or that the actors didn’t portray the brothers “correctly”…idk what planet you’re living on. Phenomenal work!

[@Tatyanatherealest]

Lyle and Erik said so themselves. In this film Erik was portrayed as gay when he’s fought so hard to all these years to set the record straight that is a straight man. Lyle is not this loud obnoxious raging lunatic that the film is portraying him to be. His family members said he rarely cursed or raised his voice and was more of a kind gentle person. Also, the storyline is very accurate, which is pretty wild, considering the fact that there’s a documentary where Eric is explaining every single thing that happened, the creator still went against them and decided to do what they wanted to do regardless of their testimonies. The film that Ryan Murphy produced was absolute dumpster fire. Ryan Murphy is a gay male that clearly used this film to play out his sick fantasies meanwhile trying to make the parents seem like they weren’t so bad.

[@charomiami]

Masterpiece... I've never thing anything like this ever before...

[@kidchriz]

Brilliantly done by Cooper Koch

[@LoudandClearChastity]

The scene is really Erik speaking for all hurt boys (and girls) that have been abused. The camera is focused on Erik only so that the audience have to LISTEN and not be distracted by other noise. It's uncomfortable but necessary. Almost like being a therapist for 30 minutes.

[@samfernandez5117]

This was the best episode of the season to me. His acting and retelling of the abuse was so captivating and hard to turn away from. I feel he really did embody the vulnerability and mannerisms that Erik has. I know the rest of the series takes it own approaches to the events. However, this is just a great stand alone episode. I know some of the commentators are saying its boring but I'm glad that it didn't do any flashback scenes. It felt so much more raw and real to just hear him tell his story to Leslie.

[@barbcarroll5265]

splendid episode and review. i was taken aback by it, rewatched lots of it, but i failed to note the final frame of the interview in which his eyes drifted upward toward leslie. i see now your thinking that this may have been a tell. i really wonder how anyone who had not suffered like this could understand the intracies and details, but at one point the prosecution pointed out a book said to be used by the defense. i can speak only to the series' merits. it had ups and downs but this was the best episode of the series. ryan seems be to able to find and tap into the enormous talent of many young actors. blown away by cooper and peter in the first series. i am very glad i stuck with this til the end.

[@BrainPilot]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Yeah it was a really interesting moment that final frame

[@rosee7011]

I can never watch any of this series again. It literally broke me.

[@PosthumousAddress]

​@@BrainPilot Im so glad you noticed that, so many others missed it

[@pazuzu126]

Yeah, it was a powerful episode but I really didn't know what to do with it in the context of the show's ending, which makes a hard case for them making it all up. The last few episodes imply that Lyle not only pulled all this from a book called "When A Child Kills" but that the lawyer had a history of getting criminals off by elaborating/fabricating histories of sexual abuse. What, then, was this episode? Was it a gut wrenching confession or a sort of rehearsal? Was she hearing it all for the first time or were they running through a witness stand monologue?

[@thefeels6848]

I don’t know if ryan Murphy was trying to be unbiased with the information or he was implying that they actually were lying. Even to the very end we were made to sympathize for the parents by including that very last scene of them talking about their future plans in Florida.

[@lorenacolmenares9228]

I think that the show never intended to imply that the brothers lied. I feel what it intended with those last few episodes was to express that there's not a white and black answer for what happened. I think it intended to imply they were abused AND also they had huge psychological problems because of that. Hence why Lyle would invent other things, exaggerate, glorify himself, or act out. That doesn't exclude that what they went through was very raw, real, and horrific. That also doesn't exclude that their parents although horrible, abusive parents, may not have seen it coming that their kids were planning to kill them. I think the show is beautiful because it shows so many complex angles and tries to express that there is not an easy answer to what happened nor it could be explained in a black-and-white way.

[@danta8592]

This episode is foreshadowing Erik's demise and hauntingly describes Erik's "prisons". I surmised the episode was a way of Erik telling this story of never escaping his hellish prison both in reality and metaphorically. From 6 years old to early adulthood, he kept the secret of his father incestiously raping him while their mother was complicit; the 'prison' of the emotional and physical abuse. He grew up privileged but his life was controlled by an overpowering father through means of wealth and intimidation and was never given the chance to have his own identity; a prisoner of control and lack of self-realization. He killed his parents and that only made him more depressed; a mental prison. At the end of the dialogue, Erik realizes and says he will never leave prison. Although I think he is referring to the physical prison that he is in, this could also be interpreted as the mental and physical trauma 'prison' that he never escaped from, and possibly, never will. It's a powerful message about victims of abuse and how they are given a shitty hand in life when their 'prisons' begin to manifest itself in unhealthy ways.

[@pazuzu126]

@@lorenacolmenares9228 Yes, that was what I thought at first, too, but the more I research about the Menendez brothers, the more evidence there appears to be for them telling the truth than the contrary. If it's more likely they actually were abused, it seems rather irresponsible of the show to try to cast doubt on it.

[@David_Xander]

​@@thefeels6848the ending definitely did not put the parents in a good light at all. However Ryan did leave it open ended for viewers to come to their own conclusion since we will never actually know the truth. However the ending definitely showed what a monster the father was, as up to the very end he was psychologically abusing his wife. He only stopped cheating and claimed she's all he wanted and implied she should go back to journalism because without his wife being happy and supportive his political campaign would be dead, and he jokes (tho he was being serious) he wanted her to go back to writing to put out good articles about him to put out a specific image about him for political gain. Meanwhile his son's were on the other side of the boat paranoid because their father also switched and started being super nice, which of course would trigger them into thinking the parents were plotting. It's just leave the show at a crossway where the parents did so much damage that there was simply no way to repair anything on either sides.

[@BougieOnABudgetFigiRated]

I was so uncomfortable viewing this episode, but it drew me in as if I wasn’t watching an actor. For what it’s worth, I don’t believe this series helped the brothers. Overall, they appeared cold and calculated. Watching the evidence and information from the real trial - OMG. I don’t think they deserved life in prison. Between the cousins testifying about weird stuff since they were little, writings from the Lyle as a young teen and the Menudo graphic allegations, they were tortured. Why did Lyle lose his hair like that so young?

[@SashaShoegazer]

Stress from child abuse could be contributed to early hair loss

[@mandala314]

I hope you understand premeditated murder is always wrong, correct? This wasn't self-defense, or defense of a child, it was murder. The brothers had the means to get away, to ask for help, to expose their father.

[@silviaetna9874]

@@mandala314of course murder is never the answer, but i think they have paid enough

[@firenze5555]

@@SashaShoegazer Or it's genetics. I knew guys who had early onset baldness in their 20's. Lyle was lucky that he could afford a multi thousand dollar toupee.

[@franceslarsen4037]

​@@mandala314Not saying it was the answer, but I think they did try to get away, I think they felt cornered because he had so much power, so many connections, I think they genuinely feared they were going to be killed.

[@sriwannawat]

50-minute dramatic long shot without cutting ! The actor is impressive!

[@BrainPilot]

It was a very impressive episode!

[@CalixLuv]

I think it was about 30 min. It was even wondering why this particular episode was shorter before I started. Still very impressive. It was an interesting choice to place this episode right in the middle

[@Martcapt]

It is rare to see something today that will shock me as this. There's usually a gimmick, or it fails somewhere. I'll find stuff that's good or clever. But something like this, all put together and with an insane execution... I literally can't remember. Can't get how it hasn't good viral as a feat of film and acting

[@theSupercasa]

The only thing that is keeping me from thinking he is a sociopath is the fact that he got caught because he was haunted by nightmares and he had to tell his therapist.

[@tnt01]

He is not a sociopath.

[@duckduckthethirdduckers]

at least in my experience there was a little bit of a mic glitch in the audio and i was like “Really? now theres a glitch” but still that twelfth of a second has no effect on the rest of the episode

[@recordScratch2003]

Literally cried the whole episode. Commendable acting truly.

[@BrainPilot]

It was a great episode!

[@anacurci3643]

Never seen anything so real. Cooper is an excellent actor. I cried

[@baalmolech]

This was all in one take????

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah!

[@bendover04me]

Actually, we shot 5 single takes in 2 days. The one on Netflix is the final take 😊

[@Angmillie7]

Was amazed with how cooper memorized all the lines in this scene. Too lomg with intense emotions😢

[@frankienino9050]

This episode is definitely one of the top 5 episode in television history…wow! If Cooper does not get an Emmy for this 1 scene, I will never watch another Emmy again.

[@mankicosmo3380]

I watched monster and although i HATED the way the brothers were portrayed. And how the entire situation was being portrayed on screen in general. Its no doubt that both NICHOLAS ALEXANDER CHAVEZ, And COOPER KOCH showcased masterclass acting and vulnerability. They did amazing and despote the negative (rightfully so) criticism of the show. i hope their careers take off and they stay booked and busy. I LOVED THE VIDEO TOO ❤

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah their performances were really strong! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@Lindygirl-s3v]

All this criticism of the show but I still thought it was good as it showed all angles and left the question of who really were the monsters - you decide. This episode was powerful.

[@bananaacquaintance569]

At the end, when he says "Maybe I am a sociopath" is moreso typical thought processes with abuse victims when an abuse victim has enough and lashes out as much, or worse than their abuser, they become sensitive to the idea that they are mentally ill and will be easily convinced that there is something wrong with them based on their reaction - regardless of the extent of the abuse they faced prior to lashing out They are used to an environment that paints them to be deserving of punishment and abuse, so punishing themselves with the thought that they're monsters, psychos, sociopaths, etc is a more familiar feeling than forgiving themselves

[@BlackRose-rk7zs]

In all honesty I am so glad I am not alone. This episode haunted me. I would pause at times just to breathe because of the emotional tax it was inflicting on me. This scene by far , made me feel almost exactly as when the ‘When they see us’ boys were being interrogated and getting exhausted from no breaks and no sleep. Bravo! It was heart wrenching! What brilliant acting!!!

[@BrainPilot]

It was an amazing episode wasn't it!

[@katielui131]

Yes that final look was so chilling and unsettling. So well done - the shot, and Cooper

[@BrainPilot]

It really was!

[@PosthumousAddress]

And it's also entirely ambiguous; is he a liar checking her reaction, or just an abused boy who is just looking at the person he's speaking to.

[@mandala314]

I think Ep 5 is haunting because Eric is describing what has happened, in some form or other, to far too many of the viewers. From those who fully remember the abuse, to those who scream silently, sealed inside the shell of PTSD for the rest of their lives, this episode hits way too close to home. I felt like Eric's sly side-eye at the end was him checking to see if Leslie was buying what he was selling. Sure, he may have been abused, but he could also simply have wanted to kill his parents. It's left painfully wide open.

[@tinku111100]

One take will all the emotions. Give him an Oscar. This is way beyond Emmy!

[@MajidAndary]

I was blown away by this episode. One shot with the camera slowly zooming in( the entire monologue you can just see how professional they are remember those lines in that one take and to act with it. It was sheer brilliance. This guy should get an Emmy or a golden globe. I just finished watching it seconds before making my comment. I’m speechless, I’m breathless, fantastic acting and incredible writing.

[@MelesMeles13]

I'm rooting for Cooper Koch the next Emmy season. Netflix would be INSANE if they didn't submit this episode for nomination and the Television Academy would be just as much if they didn't give him the Emmy.

[@scerahchui]

The acting is spectacular ❤❤❤ the actors did it justice. Eric is cute😊🥰😘

[@xongaming4456]

The show presents two opposing narratives: the brothers’ claims of long-term abuse and the prosecution’s argument that they killed their parents for financial gain. It seems to encourage the audience to form their own judgments, given the lack of absolute clarity in the case.

[@axel.lundell]

Bro deserves an Emmy for this!

[@BrainPilot]

It was a great performance!

[@mal7856]

this episode was gut-wrenching. i cried at the credits scene. my heart breaks for them

[@jacobpinkney5590]

Can't wait to hear your breakdown of You season 5 when it comes out

[@BrainPilot]

Thanks! I can't wait to see the show

[@dstalent4105]

A masterpiece episode. Brilliant direction and an amazing "monologue" from Cooper Koch. Truly amazing. Memorable in every way.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was a good episode!

[@4549uef]

After the episode ended, my sister said: "how did they do it without a cut?" I said: "they're actors, that was a theater play for them"

[@kaden_the_libra]

I knew cooper koch was a good actor but watching this show and this scene… WOW just WOW

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah the scene was incredible!

[@the_taydenrock]

This was my favorite episode by far! One take!!

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was a great episode!

[@UrsulaCherie]

Honestly, the real Erik is best at conveying the horror, the pain, the awe, the love, and the sadness of his relationship with his father, his mother, his brother and ultimately himself. Definitely not a sociopath.

[@MuzikFreak161]

I have a lot to say about my criticism of this show, but I have to say this episode, and this performance deserves awards

[@andreabancone162]

Felt exactly the same about last minutes of episode 5, and felt so terribly sorry for what he was feeling. Not sure the real Erik ever had this reflection on his own

[@barryjacobs8524]

What a great episode this was. The sideways look he gave her when she wasn’t looking amazing acting. I loved every moment and the series was great to.😊

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah that look at the end really made you question everything that he said

[@janetDT1904]

Now I have to watch it again!

[@MaxiBillion]

When I first watched this episode last week, I was blown away! And I was like, anyone gonna talk about this at all? and here we are, not even a week later, EVERYONE is talking about Cooper's performance and this specific episode (episode 5)! It is truly amazing!

[@jonespinomagpayo106]

A great actor, indeed. He has a resemblance of Paolo Ballesteros (a Filipino actor) at first glance.

[@lisaford9063]

Everything is not always about money. Mental health is real 😮😢😢😢

[@jean-alexandre59]

When I watch this episode, at the end I was like "wow. Now... I... I don't know what to think anymore!?!". This is an outstanding performance, from all the cast involved, no doubt! This is wonderful TV!

[@MarWoj96]

I know that the brothers have their qualms with this show, and that it’s inaccurate in a lot of ways, but this episode is the perfect encapsulation of why I never found it difficult to believe their story. The level of detail. The level of pain in their voices and reflected in their bodies. That was all present in their real testimonies about the abuse. Were they unlikeable? Yeah, in a lot of ways. Did they stand to gain a lot financially from their parents dying? Absolutely… but I still never felt like those facts even remotely clouded things for me. Rich, unlikeable, cartoonish people can be abused too. Maybe the abuse is in fact why they ended up the way they are.

[@ArielCoronel-r7i]

That scene can make him a best actor no one can beat that scene.

[@katierowen3166]

I loved the moment shown at 3:04 when he was congratulating her on her new adopted baby boy. I have no idea if it happened in real life but the two actors really sold it.

[@mickeymouse2able]

We've all seen plenty of t.v. shows /movies, but this scene has to be one of the greatest ever.

[@scarletheart8806]

This episode was absolutely brilliant! 👍

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was a great movie!

[@NoFirstNoLastName]

There is A LOT to criticize about this show, but to say this episode was brilliant is underrating it. I watched it (this episode) only because a friend told me I would hate the way the show tells the story otherwise but this episode would definitely reach out to anyone who enjoys great acting and anyone who supports the brothers irl. To which I am both.

[@allenmontrasio8962]

This episode was designed and engineered for the purpose of winning the Emmy.

[@BrainPilot]

It was good to be fair!

[@allenmontrasio8962]

@@BrainPilot for sure, they don't give out Emmys for free.

[@deborastork]

When the episode ended I said: Wow!

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was such a powerful one!

[@markdavepugay2487]

I was blown away….i have never seen a painful and so devastating scene as this….cooper koch need to have a grandslam best performance award next year….oh my gosh….the best acting ive seen in a series…😢😢😢😢😢

[@BlackRose-rk7zs]

You should try watch “When they see us”.

[@mirrors23]

Watched this last night, cried buckets!

[@atticusfinch3845]

Ryan did not do justice to Lyle as a person. He made him a clownish caricature. Overall the series did not match the quality of Monster Dahmer.

[@Daniel-lq5qq]

IT was different dahmer was exploit this was a tragic Event with scandals i enjoyed this more

[@sammymontana5658]

next season will be about Ed Gein. Hope for you it will match the quality of the Dahmer story. I personally like both seasons for now :)

[@monkeyrun]

considering he tried to "write" a book from jail which ultimately sealed their fate, he is pretty clownish.

[@firenze5555]

Lyle Menendez was that obnoxious. I thought the series was really creative in showing all the different perspectives of what happened in this double murder case.

[@pitalitta8814]

He was phenomenal

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah he did a great job!

[@mckymcobvious3043]

I couldn't believe how long the take was. it was brutal, I'm probably never going to watch it again. but it was an amazing performance, people are talking about awards, and I can't disagree.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was an amazing episode!

[@questorfilms]

Before watching the series I thought Monsters referred to the brothers. Now I think it was actually referring to the parents.

[@reginauzzardi8912]

Spot on per usual Brain P. To humanize and demonize during the series was outstanding

[@joseva]

this got me too!! i feel like how can he do it in like more than 30 mins?!! it's so emotionally intense!

[@MichaelBricardo]

This episode will win this man so many awards

[@BrainPilot]

It was a fantastic episode!

[@MsFleri]

The last shot gave me the feeling of ''Oh no ... am I been had?''

[@jenniferri7735]

he deserves a freaking emmy for this episode

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah he was great!

[@rn6253]

What was most brilliant about this episode was when you finally understand that the series isn't disjointed or incoherent at all. Each episode is based on the perspective of one character and their narrative and view point of others. The first 2 were clearly the audience and the press. Then Lyle. This episode was the lawyer's and how she viewed Eric through her prosective. It's ironic that this episode is the episode you never see her face, and it was her best performance of the season and the only time I believed a single word out her mouth. (Hard to follow Edie Falco, though). It is easily the best work Ryan has produced in some time, and he finally found a male actor who is capable of nuance in a performance or where every scene isn't some shade of anger no matter what's happening. Typically, that's only reserved for the actresses he works with as the men are usually just eye candy that know how to do a few tricks for anyone who has studied acting/directing. The directing and writing was primo.

[@Mimmy1995]

I want to praise the acting in this episode. A One-shot whole scene, such long monologue (very little dialogue if you ask me). Imagine keeping this emotion for this one singular, long, shot. It was rather hard to watch or listen because of the nature of the episode, but kudos for the acting performance.

[@chantintin10]

i am utterly disappointed with how inaccurate the show was because of how talented the actors are in conveying emotions. while watching the series, i felt myself get carried away because of their performance. however, in that sense, it is why this series is also so wrong because of how divorced it is from reality. what kept me present in the truth was being aware and generally educated with the case beforehand. not to mention, these are about REAL PEOPLE’s lives!!! what a waste of these actors’ talents when they could’ve made the series to vouch for the menendez brothers and serve them justice.

[@firenze5555]

I thought the acting was excellent but the abuse is just allegations and smearing the parent's names.

[@annohalloran6020]

Best performance on Netflix.

[@anamondani]

It was crazy good acting on that episode!!😮

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was really good!

[@rahultable]

This was so difficult to figured who was telling the truth and who was not :/

[@samueltabo3390]

These two actors are so attractive sometimes it's hard to believe their characterst committed those horrific crimes

[@MrJrises]

I was so confused why one episode was so much shorter then the rest. Upon watching i understood whstru'm pretty desensitised to most horrific things in films and tv but Jesus this episode was hard to sit through.

[@Thaibiohazard123]

5 mins in : "oh shit, that's a long take." Episode ends : "Oh Shit! That's a looooooooong take"

[@SlotMachineBonus]

I was just telling a friend about how wonderful this episode is just before I saw this.