“Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy” is now streaming on Peacock. You might feel that there is an oversaturation of series focused on high-profile murderers. Ones that at times seems to excuse or blame the behavior making the convicted murderers seem more sympatheic. Or at times really glorify the violence that vicitims were forced to suffer, and families were forced to hear about.

That is not the case in “Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy”. Showrunner, writer, and executive producer Patrick Macmanus, rather focuses on the victim’s families, the flawed law enforcement and judicial system, as well as the impact of the media who became obsessed with this case.

WHERE “DEVIL IN DISGUISE: JOHN WAYNE GACY” STANDS OUT

The series distinguishes itself by focusing on John Wayne Gacy, played brilliantly by Michael Chernus, as the man behind the deaths. It also plays with the idea that the series’ audience is mature and educated. To the point where it doesn’t feel the need to see Gacy in a full clown costume. Or even show Gacy actually killing anyone, rather trusting that the audience will be able to fill in the blanks with their imagination, as twisted as it may be.

Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy

“Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy”, spends its time with those affected by Gacy. This includes the investigators assigned to the case, tasked to having to unearth all the bodies. Some, like detective Rafael Tovar, played by Gabriel Luna, even haunted with the ever-looming question, are there more bodies?

Then there are those in charge of prosecuting and defending Gacy. Like Chief investigator Joe Kozenczak, played by James Badge Dale who has to deal with the fact that Gacy committed these horrific acts right under his nose. There is also the challanges in the courtroom starting with Gacy’s attorney Sam Amirante, played by Michael Angarano. Sam was tasked with having to make sure Gacy got the best defense possible, despite his many attempts to self-sabotaoge the case with a variety of statements.

Last and certainly not least were the affected families. Some for years were haunted by their missing loved ones. While others like Elizabeth Piest, played by Marin Ireland, had to live with the fact that her son, Rob, played by Ryker Baloun, was Gacy’s last victim. All which then had to deal with the media circus around the case.

A CREDIBLE KILLER

With all of that said “Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy”, does not work if we don’t have a credible Gacy. Chernus is unrecognizable in the role. He takes Gacy and grounds him down into just a regular guy, with evil intentions. Not once throughout the series did I feel his behavior was being excused or blamed, rather explained. It allowed the series to continue to focus on all of those people affected by his actions.

The one aspect of the series that didn’t work for me was the length. The series goes back and fourth from the time Gacy was arrested. To other moments chronicling how the other boys were lured. But once the trail ends, it feels like it drags on, getting a little restless as you await the his impeding death. The series may have benefitted from being six episodes in length rather than 8.

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Overall, it was a breath of fresh air when it comes to true crime storytelling. Focusing on the victims and their families. As well as the shortcomings and challenges by law enforcement and legal system. It does not ingratiate itself with unnecessary violence and gore to try and spark interest.