Following the initial seven episodes of American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez, primarily narrated from Aaron's perspective, the episode named "Odin" transitioned the narrative to include both the perpetrator and his victim. However, in this second-to-last episode, "What’s Left Behind," the focus shifts even more: Aaron is shown only briefly, with the camera now emphasizing the individuals whose lives he profoundly impacted.
The episode opens with the pivotal moment of Aaron Hernandez’s arrest on June 26, 2013, as the media frenzy surrounding it is in full force. From there, the narrative shifts to the aftermath, focusing on the fallout from Aaron’s actions and the lives of those who are now left to pick up the pieces. We see Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick in damage control mode, handling the public relations crisis: Aaron is released from the team, the Patriots offer fans jersey exchanges, and Belichick holds a grim, uncomfortable press conference. His stoic dismissal of Aaron’s future and insistence that his name not be mentioned again feel like a textbook PR move, trying to erase any trace of the troubled star from the team’s narrative.
But the emotional heart of "What’s Left Behind" is Shayanna Hernandez, who remains in a state of denial. It’s clear she’s struggling to reconcile her fiancé’s role in the death of Odin Lloyd with the man she thought she knew. Financially, she faces uncertainty after Aaron’s contract is terminated, but it’s the emotional toll that’s even more crushing. She’s torn between loyalty to Aaron and to her sister, Shaneah, who knows that Shay has been protecting Aaron and feels betrayed by her silence.
The episode builds to a moral crossroads for Shay: Should she cooperate with the district attorney’s office and testify against Aaron, or risk five years in prison for obstruction of justice? Security footage shows her disposing of a large box shortly after a phone call with Aaron, leading to the conclusion that she may have unwittingly helped dispose of the murder weapon. Prosecutor William McCauley (played by Kelly AuCoin) pressures Shay, offering her a way out — but only if she tells the truth.
Tension mounts as the investigation deepens. Aaron is now facing charges for more than just Odin Lloyd’s murder: a hidden car tied to the Boston double murder has been discovered, complicating his legal situation further. Meanwhile, Shay faces a personal crisis, one that escalates as her family is pulled into the legal mess Aaron has created.
The brilliance of "What’s Left Behind" lies in how it keeps Aaron mostly off-screen for large stretches of the episode, allowing us to explore the lives of those around him. Shay, especially, is caught in a painful internal conflict. When she visits Aaron in prison, she’s still clinging to the hope that he’s innocent, but her faith is clearly wavering. When she explains her divided loyalties — torn between her fiancé and her sister — Aaron’s response cuts deep: “I’m your family, Shay.” This moment seals her decision: she will be with Aaron, no matter the cost.
McCauley’s opening statement in court brings the idea of celebrity privilege to the forefront, noting how money and fame often shield people like Aaron from accountability. This theme of adoration blinding fans to the truth runs throughout the episode, offering a sharp commentary on how society’s idolization of athletes can sometimes distort the reality of their actions.
The courtroom scenes are full of emotional weight as Odin’s sister, Shaquilla Thibou, testifies about the cryptic messages she received from Odin before his death. Odin’s mother also takes the stand, followed by a poignant moment with Shaneah, who asks Shay one last time to be honest when she testifies. Shay’s refusal to tell the truth causes a rift between the sisters — one that may be irreparable.
On the stand, Shay disappoints not only McCauley but also her sister, claiming she never saw the contents of the box Aaron asked her to dispose of, and pretending she didn’t know the location of the dumpster where she threw it. In a moment of painful denial, she even claims she thought the box contained marijuana.
Shay’s testimony is a desperate attempt to protect herself legally while also shielding Aaron from further consequences. But it comes at a high emotional price, as she sacrifices her relationship with her sister in the process. From Shay’s perspective, Aaron has been cast aside by everyone in his life, including the NFL and his own family. Her loyalty to him — flawed as it may be — is all that remains.
Deep down, though, Shay knows the truth: Aaron killed Odin Lloyd. She’s never asked him directly about his involvement in the murder until the double murder charges come to light, but she’s known all along. Now, she’s lost her sister for good in order to stand by a man who is almost certainly doomed.
As predicted, Aaron is found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center. His fate is sealed.
Despite the family strife and deep emotional wounds that have marked much of the series, "What’s Left Behind" closes on a surprising note of peace — at least for a moment. In an intimate scene with his daughter, Avielle, Aaron whispers, “I’m sorry.” The line is both ambiguous and powerful, leaving us to wonder whether it’s regret for the lives he took or sorrow for losing the ability to provide for his family. Either way, it’s a rare moment of vulnerability that feels oddly human amidst the chaos.
Ultimately, Aaron’s story is one of contradictions, shaped by insecurities, trauma, and the pressures of a hyper-masculine ideal he could never live up to. Whether driven by a desire to emulate or escape his father’s expectations, Aaron’s life spiraled into violence, far beyond the type of failures that once defined his father’s life. And yet, "What’s Left Behind" never provides clear answers, leaving us to grapple with the complexity of Aaron Hernandez’s journey.
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