Netflix's Monster: The Ed Gein Story ending explained as fans left 'confused'

*Warning: May contains spoilers for Monster: The Ed Gein Story*.

Netflix's latest true crime series has dropped, and as viewers binge-watch the newprogramme, some have been left too scared to continue.

The eagerly awaited Monster: The Ed Gein Story was launched on Friday (October 3), centring on killer Ed Gein.

It serves as the sequel to the popular anthology's retelling of the Menendez brothers and Jeffrey Dahmer cases, featuring Charlie Hunnam in the role of Ed Gein.

The eight-part series has proved a success with audiences, with some viewers only now discovering that Gein's chilling crimes actually provided the foundation for numerous iconic horror films, including The Silence of the Lambs and Psycho, reports the Mirror.

Nevertheless, reactions seem split regarding the programme's conclusion, with some feeling "confused" about what might be genuine and what could be fabricated.

Taking to Reddit, one user commented: "This is the most I've ever googled/questions during a show."

Another posted: "I could forgive all this if it's revealed at the end that it's all fantasy and myth."

A third remarked, "I'm super confused. And disappointed."

The fresh series takes audiences through how Gein's offences shaped beloved horror cinema, but the concluding episode also exposes how his crimes affected subsequent serial killers and criminal acts.

In the final episode, Gein discovers a "new purpose" as he aids investigators in solving a chilling case, with Netflix hinting: "But as the past and present blur, his terrifying legacy looms larger than ever."

The episode portrays Gein, through his fantasies, assisting FBI agents in apprehending murderer Ted Bundy, a scenario that hospital nurses seemingly accept without question.

While terminally ill in hospital, Gein is confronted one last time by his girlfriend Adeline, who declares her intention to carry on his work, a proposition he rejects. Despite Adeline Watkins being a real person, Gein has never disclosed any involvement with her, contradicting her claim of a 20-year relationship with him.

As his life draws to a close, Gein envisions the many killers he inspired, receiving their accolades.

Co-creator Ian Brennan told Netflix's Tudum: "It's a really interesting sort of atonal note that we hit at the end, which I think in a way is right, because we've been with him for so long, but he's also a ghoul. He's also this deeply strange man who did really, really dark things that changed our culture."

The concluding episode also acknowledges cultural influences, as Ed Gein ultimately passes away, leaving some fans puzzled.

One point of confusion among fans is whether Ed Gein actually played a role in capturing Ted Bundy. However, this is untrue and merely another manifestation of mental illness and the inability to distinguish between reality and fiction.

In reality, Ted Bundy was apprehended after attempting to flee from a patrol car, with officers later linking him to his horrific crimes.

Ed Gein confessed to the murders of two people: Bernice Worden, a 58 year old hardware store owner from Plainfield, and Mary Hogan, a 51 year old tavern owner.

He killed both victims using a firearm, not a chainsaw. In addition to these murders, Gein's other criminal activities included grave robbing, exhuming bodies, and crafting various items from their parts, which were discovered in his home.

Some fans have queried whether Charlie Hunnam's portrayal accurately reflects Ed Gein's real voice. According to Netflix's Tudum, Hunnam's chosen voice for his interpretation was inspired by an audio recording of Gein himself, taken at the time of his arrest.

Hunnam stated: "The tape has never been released because they didn't read Ed's Miranda rights before they conducted this interview. So it was always thought that that tape would be inadmissible."

Tudum reported that Hunnam's portrayal, particularly his high-pitched voice, was also influenced by Gein's unhealthy relationship with his mother.

Monster: The Ed Gein Story is streaming on Netflix.