After a long, emotional journey from episode one to the season finale, viewers get to see the culmination of what led to New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez’s death.
Episode 10, titled “Who Killed Aaron Hernandez,” depicts Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, as having a major role in the decline of Hernandez’s life and shows the ongoing effects of it. It also focuses on his second murder trial.
When Boston University researchers opened Aaron’s brain, they were shocked by what they saw. As the season progressed, viewers were able to see the specific kind of hits that built up Aaron’s condition. Aaron led with his head during games, taking blows one by one.
Then there’s a flashback to Aaron telling Tanya about migraines that he’s been getting, and since he doesn’t have access to the team medication, he has no help with them. Also. during a conversation with his lawyer, the lights made his vision blurry, and he lost focus.
Aaron participates in a basketball game with his fellow inmates, but things take a turn when he attacks an inmate who had been taunting him, and the guards strike him on the head, further progressing his CTE.
At the trial, Aaron’s lawyer portrayed Sherrod as a criminal, sparking an angry outburst from him, who detailed what his former friend had done to him.
The prosecution also called Chris to the stand, arguing that the stress from his relationship with Aaron led to Aaron committing the murders. It’s noted that Shayanna was the only one in his family to show up.
Aaron hallucinates a visit with his father Dennis in prison where Dennis tells his son everything, he wanted to hear his whole life, but none of it is real.
In a shocking turn of events, Aaron is found not guilty, but this verdict would not mark the end of his suffering. The rumors about his sexuality spiral out of control, triggering him in the moments leading up to his suicide. Aaron’s family is left devastated, forced to pick up the pieces and reevaluate their roles in his life.
Once again, Josh Andrés Rivera puts on a powerful performance as he’s done all season. He takes us into Aaron’s mindset and final days, portraying his ongoing paranoia flawlessly.
The season progressed nicely, showcasing the star football player’s life-changing moments, both for better and for worse. Will there be a season two? I guess viewers will have to wait and see.
What did you think of the season?
Loved it
Hated it
So/So
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