After nearly six hours of Peacock’s Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, we see the infamous killer slipping into his clown makeup and costume. For many viewers, this costume symbolizes Gacy’s horrifying legacy. However, this moment feels anticlimactic and somewhat cheesy, contrasting sharply with the series’ earlier subtler tone.
This shift reminds us of iconic superhero moments: think of Clark Kent donning his cape or Bruce Wayne putting on his cowl. But here, the transformation feels less impactful. Many true crime shows often focus on sensationalism, but this series aims for a different approach.
Patrick Macmanus, who created Devil in Disguise, takes a more serious route. We see Gacy in his full clown attire just once, and then the show lacks the expected chaos of typical serial killer dramas. Instead, the series opts for a somber atmosphere, mirroring the icy feel of winter in Des Plaines, Illinois. Within its eight hours, it explores Gacy not just as a monster but also as a product of a society that allowed him to thrive.
What’s striking about this portrayal is its balance. While Michael Chernus delivers a chilling performance as Gacy, the series doesn’t dwell solely on his terrifying actions. It also delves deep into the humanity of the victims and the struggles faced by law enforcement. This thoughtful approach gives equal weight to emotional stories alongside Gacy’s grisly history.
However, the length and pacing can feel exhaustive; trimming it down may have made for a tighter narrative. The finale, which centers on Gacy, risks losing impact by focusing more on context than confrontation.
The show begins its story not with Gacy himself but with Elizabeth Piest, whose son goes missing in 1978. When she approaches the police, she’s faced with indifference. It’s a stark reminder of how victims are often overlooked. Elizabeth’s determination contrasts sharply with the dismissive attitude of Detective Joe Kozenczak, who embodies the struggle for justice that many families face.
As the investigation unfolds, we see a series of interrogations and chilling discoveries. Despite the horror, the show cleverly avoids graphic violence, instead building suspense through the unfolding tragedy and the psychological torment of Gacy’s victims. Strikingly, it prompts the audience to question society’s role in enabling such atrocities.
The show cleverly structures itself around three elements: the police investigation, Gacy’s legal battles, and flashbacks highlighting both Gacy and his victims. These do not follow a strict timeline, but they provide crucial insights into what made Gacy’s victims vulnerable. Instead of highlighting Gacy’s evil, the show emphasizes the societal failures that allowed him to act unchecked.
Interestingly, Gacy’s victims are portrayed not just as statistics but as individuals with stories, dreams, and struggles. This sensitive approach contrasts starkly with how media often sensationalizes their suffering, reducing them to mere footnotes in Gacy’s narrative.
Gacy’s house, where many of his victims’ lives ended, serves as a haunting backdrop. Rather than display gruesome details, the show spotlights the lives of those who sought opportunities but were tragically led to Gacy. It shows how desperation can sometimes create pathways for predators to exploit.
The series also features poignant real-life footage and images of victims towards the end of each episode, grounding the story in reality. Surprisingly, the real Gacy’s footage is notably absent, possibly to maintain focus on the real victims. Each episode closes with a subtle reminder of the ongoing issues of alienation among youth today.
In Chernus’s portrayal, Gacy combines menace with occasional dark humor. The supporting cast, including Dale, Luna, and Angarano, excel in their roles, reflecting the heavy emotional weight of their characters. The show’s muted color palette effectively captures the despair of those involved.
The finale, which jumps to 1994, addresses Gacy’s execution and brings survivors and victims’ families together. However, it only briefly touches on the complexities of the death penalty, missing a rich opportunity to delve deeper into the ethical implications of justice.
While Devil in Disguise may not engage thrill-seekers seeking sensationalism, it offers a reflective narrative in an oversaturated genre. Its focus on real human experiences over cheap dramatics gives it a unique standing, even if some may find it slow-paced. In a time when crime dramas abound, this series stands out for its thoughtfulness, encouraging viewers to engage with the underlying societal issues highlighted by these tragic stories.
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Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy,Gabriel Luna,James Badge Dale,John Wayne Gacy,Marin Ireland,Michael Chernus
