Lizzie Borden's Parents' Gruesome Demise and Bridget's Role Explored in 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' Episode 2
The second episode of FX's 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' delves into the violent deaths of Lizzie's parents and the complicity of her maid, Bridget.
Episode 2 of FX's "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story," titled "Strong Kitty," depicts the graphic and scatological demise of Lizzie Borden's parents, Andrew and Abby Borden, with a particular focus on the role of Bridget, Lizzie's maid and confidante.
The episode opens with a visceral portrayal of Andrew and Abby Borden experiencing extreme vomiting and diarrhea, an event that occurs shortly after they boast about Abby slaughtering Lizzie's pet doves. Their repulsive behavior and physical suffering are presented as intertwined, symbolizing their corrupted nature.
Bridget, known as Maggie in the series and played by Izzy Stevens, emerges as a key figure in the burgeoning plot against the Bordens. She is shown actively encouraging Lizzie's violent fantasies and facilitating their attempts to poison the parents with spoiled oysters. Despite the oysters' lethality, the Bordens' robust constitutions lead them to expel the toxins before succumbing, prompting Lizzie to resort to more direct methods.
Lizzie (Clea DuVall) is initially hesitant to pursue murder, despite her father's abuse and the potential inheritance from her wealthy parents. However, her resolve solidifies after witnessing their callous disregard for her well-being, particularly after Abby's earlier act of killing her doves.
Bridget's influence extends beyond mere encouragement. She procures a mechanical device intended to break Lizzie's hymen and shares Lizzie's fascination with the legend of Countess Elizabeth Báthory, a notorious serial killer who allegedly blamed her crimes on her handmaidens. The episode also features a tender moment between Lizzie and Bridget, with Bridget provocatively suggesting she could be Lizzie's romantic partner.
In parallel, Lizzie attends a performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" alongside Bridget, where she encounters actress Nance O'Neal (Jessica Barden). Lizzie extends an invitation to O'Neal for dinner at the Borden residence, setting the stage for potential future events within the narrative.
Creator and writer Ian Brennan, along with director Max Winkler, continue to present a stylized and lurid interpretation of Lizzie Borden's story. The series explores themes of ageism, ableism, misogyny, and homophobia, alongside the severe emotional abuse Lizzie endures. The introduction of Nance O'Neal offers Lizzie a potential escape, portraying her as a free-spirited, cultured, and queer individual who sees Lizzie not as a victim but as someone intelligent, vibrant, and worth dangerous action for.
The episode highlights the complex relationship between Lizzie and Bridget, suggesting Bridget's deep affection and manipulative influence as crucial catalysts for the tragic events that follow. Bridget's actions, driven by her own resentments and possibly love for Lizzie, position her as an accomplice in the Borden murders. The series continues to explore the sociopolitical context that may have contributed to Lizzie's violent actions, framing her story as a product of pervasive societal ills.