American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez Season 1 Episode 7: "Dirty Pain" Review
In episode 7 of Ryan Murphy’s American Sports Story, Aaron Hernandez’s chaotic behavior and growing list of crimes put a target on his back in all aspects of his life.
The show begins with two workers discovering Sherrod’s body, which is rushed to the hospital with blood flowing from his eye. A phone call from Sherrod soon reveals that Aaron himself is the culprit. Sherrod warns Aaron that he should’ve made sure to kill him, and that he’s coming for him.
Aaron frantically rushes Shayanna home after answering questions from reporters, locking every door and window. He takes his gun out of the closet, loads it, and then surveils the house from the window, looking for his old friend. Shayanna gets weary when Aaron sets up a whole new security system in their home.
The tight end’s paranoia skyrockets when he receives a text from Sherrod during his physical, claiming that he’s outside the facility. Aaron shockingly pulls out a gun from his locker and rushes to the parking lot. Turns out Sherrod wasn’t outside and was simply taunting and trying to scare Aaron. This moment is specifically for dramatization because the Patriots player never actually brought a gun into Gillette Stadium in real life.
DJ, Aaron’s brother, brings him a new phone with a new number. Wracked with guilt and fear, Aaron goes all the way to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis to request a trade from coach Belichick. Aaron tries to persuade him, explaining that his family isn’t safe and that he’s at a loss for what to do next. Belichick suggests that goes to California for his surgery and stay there for a while, letting everything blow over, and if Sherrod remains a problem, then they’ll take care of it with their security.
Aaron gets some joy by surprising Shayanna with their California home which overlooks the ocean. Holding their sweet baby girl, Shayanna wants to take a picture, but Aaron tells her no, claiming it’s better that nobody knows where they are because it’s “about them.” Aaron surprises his wife with a date night and declares that he wants to be the man she deserves. She reassures him that she wants him to be himself.
In the hospital, Aaron is getting ready for surgery. As Shayanna waits in the lobby, she goes through Aaron’s phone and sees a text saying, “Wishing you well. Miss you.” Once Aaron gets home, his agent calls to inform him that Sherrod is suing him and that he knows about the request for a trade and the incident where Aaron shot Sherrod in the face. Aaron denies it, of course, but his question to Murphy about how much his former friend wants only increases Murphy’s suspicions.
Although Chris made it clear he wants nothing to do with Aaron, the two end up reconnecting at a restaurant and later in a hotel room. Soon after, Aaron gets a call from Murphy telling him Sherrod is asking for $2.5 million. Aaron becomes furious at the request and personally texts Sherrod, refusing to pay him anything.
The whole ordeal ultimately causes Aaron to get so high that he passes out in the bathroom, neglecting his responsibility to watch his daughter. Shayanna finds him and they have a massive fight, which ends with Aaron knocking over a vase and leaving Shayanna terrified.
The next morning, DJ comes over to comfort Shayanna and then finds his brother sitting on the beach with his gun in hand. In a vulnerable moment, Aaron expresses that he’s tired of not being where he wants to be. DJ pleads with Aaron to give him the gun and to not leave his daughter. Aaron breaks down in his brother’s arms. Once again DJ and Aaron show the power of sibling bonds, and Josh Andrés Rivera and Ean Castellanos give great performances.
The episode ends with Aaron taking Belichick up on his offer for more security and telling him he won’t miss any more time on the field. The star player brings a bag full of guns into his new secret home. As this story continues to unfold, there are sure to be more heavy moments highlighting everything Aaron Hernandez experienced in his life. Episode 8 will premiere October 29 on FX and will stream on Hulu the next day.
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