The poignant, pivotal scene from the Netflix Series Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story occurs in a small diner. Shortly after graduating from High School, Dahmer’s mother left the family home, taking the younger brother with her. His father had departed weeks before, and Jeff spiraled into a disassociative depression. Picking up a young male hitchhiker, he brings him home, over-the-top excited to have a friend. After sharing drinks and camaraderie, the hitchhiker wanted to leave, eager to join his pals at a local outdoor concert. Desperate to make him stay, Dahmer struck him over the head with a dumbbell, ending his life and marking his first human kill.
Six weeks later, Dahmer Senior shows up with his new girlfriend, upset that Jeff has been living alone and has done nothing about applying for college. They go to a local diner for a family meal. then, and this is the pivotal moment in the series, Jeff haltingly says, “Dad, I think there might be something wrong with me.” He flounders to explain, “I have fantasies, and they’re not good.”
Dahmer’s father, played by Richard Jenkins, retorts aggressively, “Is this a sexual thing?”
Dahmer uses flat tones. “Not completely.”
Dahmer Senior blanks for thirty seconds, then lights up with inspiration, exclaiming, “ I got it! I know a fellow at Ohio State. We will get you into Ohio State.” His soon-to-be wife…
