The premiere episode of "American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez," entitled "If It's to Be," commences with a nail-biting, adrenaline-fueled scene that instantly establishes the series' tense and gripping ambiance. The narrative unwinds four months prior to the tragic murder of Odin Lloyd, delving into a pivotal juncture in Hernandez's life: the 2013 incident where he allegedly shot his acquaintance, Alexander S. Bradley, who is referred to as Alexander Sherrod in the show's captivating narrative.
Amidst a wild night of revelry at a strip club in Belle Glade, Florida, Aaron, portrayed with haunting intensity by Josh Andrés Rivera, descends into paranoia's abyss. He imagines every shadow to be a plainclothes cop from Boston, hot on his heels. This delusional state escalates when Sherrod, privy to Aaron's deepest secrets, dredges up their shared, tumultuous past, culminating in a shocking revelation—Aaron awakens to find a gun pointed at him, the bullet narrowly missing its mark. The air crackles with palpable tension, foreshadowing the relentless cycle of violence that would come to dominate Hernandez's life.
The narrative then delicately weaves backward, painting a vivid portrait of Aaron's childhood in Bristol, Connecticut. We are introduced to his family tapestry: a tempestuous Italian mother, Terri (Tammy Blanchard), whose fiery spirit ignites the household; a stern Puerto Rican father, Dennis (Vincent Laresca), whose iron fist seeks to mold his sons into paragons of masculinity; and his fiercely competitive older brother, D.J. (Ean Castellanos). From his tender years, Aaron emerges as a football prodigy, burdened by his father's unyielding expectations. Dennis's unyielding dedication to instilling a rigid code of masculinity often manifests in harsh disciplinary measures, aiming to steer his sons away from the pitfalls of the streets.
However, this relentless pressure proves to be a double-edged sword, etching deep grooves of self-doubt and turmoil within Aaron's psyche. His struggle with identity and sexuality becomes a pervasive theme, weaving through the narrative's intricate tapestry. The episode poignantly explores the intricate dance between Aaron and his father, whose unexpected demise during hernia surgery leaves an indelible mark on Aaron's soul. Haunted by his father's voice, particularly during moments of introspection about his sexuality, Aaron grapples with the ghost of his past.
Furthermore, the show daringly delves into Aaron's encounters with his friend Dennis Sansoucie (Kalama Epstein), exposing the raw, vulnerable crevices of his psyche. These intimate moments illuminate Aaron's internal turmoil and the crippling fear of being exposed to his homophobic father. This fear serves as a potent motivator, shaping many of Aaron's actions and decisions throughout the episode, adding layers of depth and complexity to his already enigmatic character.
As the narrative unfolds, we embark on Aaron's transformative journey to the University of Florida, where he finds himself under the wing of the legendary coach, Urban Meyer (portrayed by Tony Yazbeck). This episode pulsates with the exhilaration and relentless pressure that defines college football's vibrant landscape, yet it whispers of a darker trajectory looming ahead. Aaron's reckless streak – disregarding medical caution for his wellbeing and succumbing to substance abuse – is fanned into flames by the influence of newfound comrades and the cutthroat competitiveness inherent in the sport.
The episode culminates with Aaron's relocation to Gainesville, where he steps into the glaring spotlight of collegiate football's arena. Amidst the promising avenues that stretch before him, a creeping sense of foreboding engulfs the viewers, who are subtly reminded of the tragic epilogue that awaits. The storytelling masterfully constructs a crescendo of tension, inviting audiences to ponder whether Aaron will triumph over the oppressive forces of fame's glare and his inner demons.
"If It's to Be" stands as a compelling prologue to the series, laying the groundwork for a profound delve into Aaron Hernandez's life and the intricate web of factors that ultimately led to his downfall. While it delicately touches upon themes of racial identity, sexuality, and the relentless pressures of athleticism, the series' full potential in exploring these dimensions remains tantalizingly untapped for future episodes.
Rivera's portrayal of Hernandez is nothing short of revelatory, offering a kaleidoscope view of a man who embodied both magnetic charm and profound turmoil. This captivating glimpse leaves spectators yearning for more, anxious to unravel the layers of his intricate tale.
Directed by Carl Franklin, the episode expertly intertwines drama with biographical depth, albeit occasionally flirting with the edge of cliché. As the series unfolds, it remains a fascinating question how it will strike a harmonious balance between the sensational aspects of Hernandez's life and a nuanced examination of his personality, along with the societal undercurrents that shaped his destiny.
