top of page
Writer's pictureJe-Ree

American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez Review – Rise and Fall of a Star


Aaron Hernandez’s story is as tragic as it is captivating, and American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez is shaping up to be a compelling exploration of his life and downfall. The rise-and-fall narrative of Hernandez—from a promising NFL star to a convicted murderer—seems tailor-made for the Ryan Murphy treatment, known for its intense, high-drama storytelling.

The show’s basis in the Boston Globe’s Spotlight series adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the portrayal, diving into Hernandez’s troubled past and the psychological factors that may have influenced his behavior. This approach provides a nuanced look at how his background and personal struggles shaped his actions and career.

Josh Andrés Rivera’s casting as Hernandez and Patrick Schwarzenegger as Tim Tebow seems like an interesting choice, especially given the scrutiny actors often face in biographical roles. Rivera’s ability to capture Hernandez’s complexity and turmoil will be crucial in portraying the athlete's internal conflict and descent into criminality. The focus on Hernandez’s substance abuse and psychological issues, including his reported use of marijuana during his college career, adds to the show's intensity and depth.

It’s also noteworthy that the series features highlights from Hernandez’s playing career. This not only adds authenticity but helps to remind viewers of the stark contrast between his on-field success and off-field failures.

The depiction of Aaron Hernandez’s story in American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez delves deeply into the multifaceted and tragic nature of his life, intertwining his sports career with his personal struggles. The diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after his death casts a shadow over his entire narrative, highlighting the potentially devastating impact of repeated head injuries on behavior and decision-making.

CTE’s association with Hernandez’s behavior and emotional instability adds a significant layer of complexity to his story. The severity of his condition, as revealed by Boston University’s CTE research, provides a critical context for understanding his erratic actions and eventual downfall.

This angle is crucial in portraying how Hernandez’s brain injury could have influenced his inability to control impulses and manage emotions, amplifying the tragedy of his life. The show’s exploration of Hernandez’s sexual identity and personal life introduces another dimension to the narrative. The speculation and revelations about his bisexuality, along with the reaction from his family and the media, add to the story’s complexity. It’s clear that the series addresses how Hernandez’s secret life may have influenced his actions and contributed to his internal turmoil.

This aspect of his story, while deeply personal and sensitive, provides insight into the broader pressures and struggles faced by individuals in the public eye, especially in the context of a sport with traditionally rigid norms around masculinity.

The portrayal of Hernandez’s relationships, including his tumultuous relationship with his father and the feelings of abandonment and exploitation he experienced, adds emotional depth to the series. By focusing on these personal aspects, the show takes aim at portraying Hernandez not just as a cautionary tale but as a tragic figure whose life was marred by a series of uncontrollable circumstances and internal conflicts.

Overall, the series is poised to deliver a gripping and thought-provoking portrayal of Hernandez’s life, providing insights into the darker aspects of his story while also exploring the broader implications of his actions and their impact on those around him. It is interesting to see how the show balances these elements and how it is received by both sports fans and those new to Hernandez’s story.

What did you think of the show so far?

Comentários

Avaliado com 0 de 5 estrelas.
Ainda sem avaliações

Adicione uma avaliação
bottom of page