Episode 6 of Ryan Murphy’s American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez, titled “Herald Street,” may be the most explosive episode yet as the New England Patriots tight end tries to balance his double life and does the unthinkable.
The episode opens with Aaron and Chris showing their passion in the stunning city of Cabo. Soon after, when they go out to eat, Aaron reveals that Shayanna is pregnant with his child. Aaron acts nonchalantly about it, even asking Chris if he’s thinking about having kids, but Chris is clearly taken aback.
Aaron has some explaining to do when he gets home because Shayanna finds a gun inside a black bag also filled with money. She declares that they’re having a family now and advises him to stay away from Sherrod.
The Patriots player’s violent side is revealed to the public when his mask slips. While he’s out shopping for baby gear with Shayanna, he receives a call from Chris, who instructs him to stop calling, claiming their relationship isn’t real. When fans approach Aaron asking for a picture, he reacts angrily, knocking the phone out of one’s hand and pushing him.
Chaos ensues when Aaron and Sherrod go to a club. Aaron gets drunk, sniffs cocaine, and cheats on Shayanna. He also nearly gets into a fight with a man who accidentally spills a drink on him, and then hallucinates that the man is laughing at him.
Aaron loses control, pulls up beside the guy at a stop sign and shoots him and his friends in cold blood. Sherrod disposes of the gun, and Aaron hides the car at his cousin’s place.
Aaron’s dark thoughts about the murders are interrupted by the welcome news from his agent, who arrives to inform him that his contract is being extended and he’ll be earning $40 million.
At Shayanna’s baby shower, Aaron makes a surprise appearance and proposes in front of their family and friends. Shayanna gleefully says yes.
Sherrod’s unannounced arrival at Aaron’s house bar, seeking answers for Aaron’s avoidance, would soon put an end to this joy. He jokingly warns the tight end not to anger him again and encourages him to appreciate his life, given that he got away with the murders.
Aaron’s career faces a challenge when he suffers a high ankle sprain, which is expected to keep him out for 4-6 weeks. Bill Belichick and the doctors instruct Aaron to avoid putting weight on it so he can progress from being “injured to hurt” by the time the Seahawks game arrives.
Aaron and his issues spiral even more after his injury. He develops an unhealthy habit of taking pain meds and smoking, which makes him completely unproductive, leading Shayanna to feel like she’s doing everything. Aaron gets angry when she insists that they build their baby’s crib together. As he starts constructing it, he starts getting dizzy and kicks the crib, leaving Shayanna mortified.
After the whole ordeal, his cousin comes by to visit and reminds Aaron not to throw his whole life away. Aaron realizes that he has to get back on the field, however, it’s clear he has no interest in taking care of his body.
The episode concludes with Aaron getting a new tattoo that reads “God forgives” and his friendship with Sherrod beginning to crack.
Josh Andrés Rivera keeps elevating his performances as the season goes on. He’s playing Hernandez’s inner turmoil and difficulty to navigate being famous and wealthy perfectly. Episode 7 will premiere October 22 on FX and will stream on Hulu the day after.
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