Absolutely, 100%… Phenomenal: “American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson”
In this “peak TV” era, where original content is being made available on a multitude of platforms, the overload of television is overwhelming. New shows are seemingly released/aired everyday. Keeping track of all the shows you watch and the ones you want to watch is a job upon itself. Of course, there is positives (creativity in television is at an all time high) and negatives (there is so much crappy television that wastes one’s time) to this newer era of television.
Because of all these shows, television conversations are all the rage. From talking at work or socializing with friends on a night out, recommendations of what shows to watch can be the go to talking point. I am sure you hear some really great recommendations, but there is one television show — more like “television event” — you must watch: FX’s “American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson”.
Developed by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszweski, also executive produced by Brad Falchuk and Ryan Murphy of “American Horror Story” fame, the show details the murder trial of O.J. Simpson of the early 1990s. The show is based on the book “The Run for His Life: The People vs. O.J. Simpson” by Jeffery Toobin.
“American Crime Story” is, by far, the best television has to offer. Why?
Lets start with the story itself — the most important aspect to judge a television show. For one, this story actually happened. Creating a show on a real event from the 1990s brings viewer interest, because many were alive during said event. The O.J. Simpson murder trail is one of the most scrutinized and most watched judicial events ever — perfect for audiences of today. The murder trial took place two years after the race riots in Los Angeles, thus coming at an incredibly polarizing moment in United States’ history. Telling a story taking place within this context is extremely alluring to viewers. With those aspects in place, add to the fact that O.J. Simpson was a huge celebrity — the most famous person to be tried for murder, the show claims — and the fact that true crime is always an interesting storyline to dramatize for television.
Now, that is a great television pitch.
The show does not waste that potential. “American Crime Story” is a drama and thriller. For example, the second episode deals solely with the famous “bronco chase”. At the time, every news station in country turned to air this chase. Going deeper than news reels, the episodes deals with multiple point of views from this day: what was going inside the car, what was going on at the Simpson house and what was going on with the prosecution — an “on-the-edge-of-your-seat” hour of television. However, by the next episode, the show morphs into a court room drama. Nonetheless, in part because of the direction and pacing of the story, you do not leave the edge of your seat. Your eyes are glued to the screen even for an episode that deals primarily with jury selection. (Which, by the way, is like you are participating in a fantasy sports draft, which, c’mon, is the only fun part about fantasy sports.)
What helps the story, of course, is the acting. Good or bad, whichever you think, the acting sure is memorable.
Let’s start with Cuba Gooding Jr., who plays O.J. Simpson. Gooding Jr. is extremely effective at portraying the multiple mindsets of Simpson: the coolness, the regretfulness, the anger. No longer is Simpson this high and mighty celebrity, because a more human aspect of Simpson is revealed thanks to Gooding Jr.’s performance.
The real winners, in terms of acting, are Sarah Paulson (“American Horror Story” alert!) as prosecutor Marcia Clark and Courtney B. Vance as lawyer Johnnie Cochran. Both are jaw dropping excellent. Paulson nails the hardass, “my way or highway” attitude of Marcia Clark. Vance’s range as Cochran — from the humorous lawyer to the intelligent lawyer who is trying to convince Simpson to believe in his team of lawyers — is brilliant.
David Schwimmer as Robert Kardashian is excellent, as well. Kardashian battles within himself, as Simpson’s best friend, to the $100 million question: Did O.J. murder? Schwimmer’s ability to go from helpful friend to doubt is superb. Also, as lead on Simpson’s defense team, John Travolta as Robert Shapiro is, strangely, effective. Most reviews are negative for Travolta, but I love him as Shapiro. Travolta nails the “know-it-all” attitude. That aspect is something that he and Marcia Clark can agree with: they are the boss.
Lastly, the production is of high quality. The production team gets the 1990s right, with decor is houses and homes, to fashion and cutting in footage from the actual television broadcasts.
All around this “television event” is a must watch. Your opinion on the trial itself does not matter; it should not matter. This is a hell of a story, and it is being told near perfectly.
“American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson” airs on Tuesday night at 10 P.M.
