The finale episode of “American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson” aired April 5 on FX.
“American Crime Story” is a new anthology series from the creators of “American Horror Story,” based on true events and their legal consequences. Kicking things off with a bang, “American Crime Story’s” first season tackled the trial of the century: “The People v. O.J. Simpson.” Simpson, a 90’s super star known for his years in the NFL and his countless cameos in movies, is accused of the double homicide of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. The show follows both legal teams and their journey as they deal with a case directly under the public eye.
The show stars “American Horror Story” veteran Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark, the leading prosecuting attorney, along with Sterling K. Brown as Christopher Darden. The pair have impeccable chemistry on screen and are easily the most entertaining aspect of the show. Clark’s fight with the media attention, her child’s custody and her overall drive to convict Simpson of murder are presented in such a captivating way that couldn’t be accomplished without Paulson.
Brown’s performance as Darden easily comes to par, as seen in his emotional breakdowns both in and out of the courtroom due to his exile from the African-American community. The on-screen pair’s courtroom battle and outside struggle is threatened half way through the series by an unnecessary romance that appears out of nowhere. Luckily this sub-plot is done away with in one episode, due to the length of the show. The season runs for only ten episodes, so it does not allow for any “filler” or B stories.
On the defense side, we follow an almost entirely thrilling story with Courtney B. Vance as the famous African-American lawyer and activist Johnnie Cochran, David Schwimmer as Robert Kardashian (yes, that Kardashian), and John Travolta as the one-note Robert Shapiro. This incredible team of lawyers who helped OJ Simpson win his case is the link to the societal aspects of the show.
Rather than being a by-the-numbers courtroom drama, American Crime Story follows the personal and cultural impacts the high-profile case had on the country. Cochran based his defense primarily on the discriminatory and racist practices of the Los Angeles Police department that could have lead to Simpson being framed. This defense tactic lead many to fear that convicting Simpson could result in another riot, similar to the Rodney King incident.
While Vance’s performance as Cochran was entirely captivating, gripping you with every word regarding this subject, Travolta’s character was completely broken apart. Starting off interesting and smug, Shapiro turns into a repetitive, single-minded and frankly annoying character as soon as the racial tension begins.
Schwimmer’s performance is by far the most surprising. No longer the sitcom character we all grew up with, Schwimmer transforms into Simpson’s life-long friend, portraying a Kardashian who wants to believe Simpson’s innocence but can not bring himself to do so. Unnecessary jokes at the Kardashian children aside (and trust me, there are several), his character arc is the most complete and heartbreaking to watch, as his friendship and overall sanity are torn apart every episode.
The titular role of O.J. Simpson is played by the incredibly talented Cuba Gooding Jr. His performance as Simpson, a huge star with an even bigger ego, could not have been a better fit (pun definitely intended). His unstable personality and powerful presence could be felt in every scene; Gooding Jr. succeeds at bringing Simpson to life in the most enthralling way.
In interviews Gooding Jr. refused to state whether or not he played Simpson as guilty, something that translates through his performance. There is never a definitive answer stated in the show and no bias is given – or rather, no blatant bias – to one side or the other. If you go in with a predetermined mindset, you’ll easily relate to that side of the court.
No matter your opinion, “The People v. O.J.” will make you question the truth, in part due to Gooding Jr’s performance. The show ends with Simpson’s return home, glaring at a statue of himself in his football uniform in a dreary and hopeless way.
Overall the show is a must watch for any and all drama, crime and history fans. Though you probably already know the outcome, the experience of watching “The People v. O.J.” is unlike that of any show I have ever seen. “American Crime Story” is set to return next year, this time tackling the Hurricane Katrina aftermath, and you can bet I will be watching.
Written by Rummel Medina.
Rummel is a Film and Television major from Caracas, Venezuela. He is in charge of coordinating and editing District’s audio and video content. He is also a co-host of District’s advice podcast The Mutiny!
