Ep 8. An Open Relationship

In American Monster season 4 episode 8, titled "An Open Relationship," viewers are taken into the lives of two married couples with an unconventional arrangement. The episode explores how their lifestyles eventually lead to a gruesome and shocking crime.

The episode first introduces viewers to Chuck and Krista Rutherford, who live together with their children in a suburban community. The couple identifies as polyamorous and have an open marriage, meaning they are free to explore romantic and sexual relationships with other people.

The second couple, Belinda and Benny Perry, live in a rural area with their three children. They also identify as polyamorous and have an open marriage. The Perrys are friends with the Rutherfords and their children often play together.

As the episode progresses, viewers learn more about the dynamics of the two relationships. While the Perrys seem to have a stable and loving connection, things are not as smooth between Chuck and Krista. Krista is looking for a deeper emotional connection with her partner, but Chuck remains hesitant and prefers to keep things casual.

The situation becomes volatile when Krista becomes involved with one of her coworkers, a man named James. Chuck is jealous and angry, and he and James get into a physical altercation at a company party. Krista decides to end things with James and focus on repairing her marriage.

However, things take a dark turn when the Perrys' daughter goes missing. The community rallies together to search for her, but it soon becomes apparent that there is more to the situation than meets the eye. The police begin to suspect foul play, and a horrific crime is uncovered that shocks the community to its core.

Throughout the episode, viewers are left questioning whether the polyamorous lifestyle played a role in the crime. Did the unconventional arrangement of the two couples lead to jealousy, infidelity, and ultimately, murder? Or was this simply a case of a disturbed individual with no correlation to their open relationships?

"An Open Relationship" is a gripping and unsettling episode of American Monster that explores the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of unconventional choices. It leaves viewers with haunting questions and a deep sense of unease about the unpredictable dangers that can arise from even the most seemingly harmless decisions.