The Trawler’s Twist: How “The Shards” Finale Refracts Our Expectations

Kaia Gerber’s deadpan delivery and Ryan Murphy’s genre-bending storytelling have made “The Shards” a wild card of a show. But even the most ardent fans couldn’t predict the finale’s jarring twist, which threw every suspect – including the seemingly innocent Susan – into the frame.

Murphy subverts expectations by piling on suspects and leaving no one unscathed in the room of questioning, echoing Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.” However, while Christie’s characters are strangers to each other, Murphy’s ensemble has built up a web of relationships and backstories that make their individual motivations increasingly murky.

Gerber’s take on Susan is refreshingly candid. She admits that her character’s relentless winning streak can be infuriating but also acknowledges the complexity that makes her a compelling protagonist. This dichotomy is key to understanding why Murphy chose Gerber for the role: he saw in her an untapped potential and encouraged her to explore it.

Their collaboration highlights the intuitive process of acting, as Gerber reveals she felt pressure to figure out what made Susan tick – only to discover that it was something she couldn’t quite articulate. Ryan Murphy is a master at amplifying his actors’ qualities and pushing them to extremes.

The Shards’ cliffhanger ending leaves fans wondering what’s next. Will the show follow the book’s original narrative or veer off into new territory? One thing’s certain: with Murphy at the helm, we can expect a thrilling ride full of twists and turns.

The Serial Killer as Anti-Hero

The Trawler, a serial killer dubbed “the Trawler” in 1981 Los Angeles, is a fascinating figure. On one hand, he’s a product of Bret Easton Ellis’ fascination with the darker aspects of human nature. On the other, his actions – though brutal and devastating – are presented as almost admirable.

Gerber’s observation that she found it hard to empathize with Susan in certain moments highlights this tension between heroism and villainy. The line between good and evil is increasingly blurred in “The Shards,” much like in Ellis’ novel. This deliberate blurring raises questions about our own moral compass: can we ever truly say who the good guys are?

Historical Context

The 1981 setting of “The Shards” provides a fascinating backdrop for the show. Los Angeles at that time was a city of excess and decay, where the glamour of Hollywood coexisted with the seedier underbelly of crime and corruption.

Murphy’s use of this backdrop serves as a reminder of the dark side of human nature. It also nods to the work of true-crime enthusiasts like Vincent Bugliosi, who chronicled the Manson Family murders in “Helter Skelter.” By setting his show against this historical context, Murphy creates a sense of time and place that’s both eerily nostalgic and unsettling.

The Future of “The Shards”

Gerber wants to explore more of Susan’s complexity, delving deeper into her motivations and desires. However, given the show’s penchant for surprise, it’s impossible to predict what’s next. Will The Trawler be revealed in a dramatic showdown? Or will the truth be shrouded in mystery, leaving us with even more questions than answers? One thing’s certain: “The Shards” has proven itself as a masterclass in suspense and intrigue.