A deep dive into ‘American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez’
A new chapter in the anthology series
The limited series “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” marks the latest addition to the anthology format popularized by executive producer Ryan Murphy. This series joins the ranks of “American Horror Stories” and “American Crime Story”, both of which have captivated audiences with their unique takes on real-life events. The first season of “American Crime Story” focused on O.J. Simpson, while the upcoming installment of “Monsters” on Netflix will delve into the lives of the Menendez brothers, including teen tennis star Erik.
A tale of downfall and tragedy
Based on a podcast from a renowned investigative team, “American Sports Story” explores the life and tragic downfall of New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez. Created by Stuart Zicherman, the 10-episode season sometimes struggles to carve out its own identity amidst the backdrop of Murphy’s previous works. However, the story of Hernandez, who was convicted of murder in 2015 and took his own life in prison two years later, requires little embellishment to serve as a cautionary tale about societal homophobia, lack of support systems, and the dangers of the football industrial complex.
A performance to remember
Actor Josh Rivera, known for his roles in “West Side Story” and “Hamilton”, delivers a transformative performance as Hernandez. Rivera captures the essence of a player who was quick on his feet but couldn’t outrun his own demons. The series opens with Hernandez’s shooting of his associate Alexander Bradley, months before the murder of his future brother-in-law Odin Lloyd, which ultimately led to his imprisonment.
A linear narrative
The episodes progress in a linear fashion, chronicling Hernandez’s life from his upbringing in working-class Bristol, Connecticut, to his rise and fall in the world of professional football. Raised by a mercurial father who alternately encouraged and abused him, Hernandez was doomed to repeat his father’s mistakes on a grander scale. His successful stints at the University of Florida and the Patriots left him insulated from consequences until it was too late.
The Murphy touch
The series bears certain hallmarks of a Murphy production, such as foregrounding Hernandez’s queerness and employing longtime collaborators like directors Paris Barclay and Steven Canals. However, it eschews the camp and outrageous tone that often characterizes Murphy’s work. Instead, “American Sports Story” is far more grim, effectively instilling a mounting sense of dread as Hernandez misses chance after chance to turn his life around.
A glimpse of hope
Rivera’s portrayal of Hernandez allows just enough sensitivity to shine through, conveying the player’s charm and potential. Despite his many tattoos and troubled past, Rivera-as-Hernandez has a megawatt smile and sweet vulnerability that convinces the audience things could have turned out differently. If only his father hadn’t died suddenly when Hernandez was a teenager. If only his college coach hadn’t protected him from legal troubles and pushed him into the pros before he was mature enough to handle the spotlight.
The broader issues
Hernandez’s story brings to light larger issues within the world of sports. Though his crimes were extreme, he was far from the only footballer to suffer from CTE, a brain injury that likely impeded his decision-making and enhanced his behavioral issues. Nor was he the only player of color from a lower-income background to expose himself to CTE in the name of protecting white quarterbacks like his college teammate Tim Tebow.
Who is the audience?
While “American Sports Story” is gripping, its familiarity raises questions about its intended audience. For sports fans, the Hernandez scandal played out just over a decade ago, well within living memory. Perhaps the show functions more as a crash course for Murphy’s core audience, who may be more familiar with Rivera, Butz, and Yazbeck’s stage work than the intricacies of a great offense.
Artistic license
Where the series takes artistic license is in Hernandez’s private relationships, particularly with other men. A rare composite character, Chris, becomes a romantic interest for Hernandez, highlighting the player’s struggle with his sexuality. These scenes emphasize the plight of a man who never reconciled his identity with his livelihood.
A dramatized crash course
“American Sports Story” is not a radical reinvention of its subject or the Murphy oeuvre. Instead, it’s a dramatized crash course in what athletic ability can and can’t transcend. The first two episodes will premiere on FX on Sep. 17 at 10 p.m. E.T., then stream on Hulu the next day. Remaining episodes will air weekly on Tuesdays and stream on Wednesdays.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez.