The premiere episode of *American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez, titled "If It's to Be," opens with a gripping and intense scene that sets the tone for the series. It begins four months before the murder of Odin Lloyd, focusing on a pivotal moment in Hernandez's life: the 2013 shooting of his friend, Alexander S. Bradley, who is referred to as Alexander Sherrod in the show. During a wild night out at a strip club in Belle Glade, Florida, Aaron (played by Josh Andrés Rivera) becomes paranoid, suspecting that nearby men are plainclothes cops who have followed him from Boston. This paranoia escalates when Sherrod, who knows Aaron's secrets, reminds him of their shared past, leading to a shocking moment where Aaron wakes up to find a gun aimed at him. The shot misses, but the tension is palpable, foreshadowing the violence that will come to define Hernandez's life.
Following this intense setup, the narrative shifts back to Aaron's childhood in Bristol, Connecticut. We are introduced to his family: a chaotic Italian mother, Terri (Tammy Blanchard), a tough Puerto Rican father, Dennis (Vincent Laresca), and his competitive older brother, D.J. (Ean Castellanos). From a young age, Aaron is portrayed as a football prodigy, with immense pressure from his father to succeed. Dennis instills a strong sense of masculinity in his sons, often resorting to harsh discipline to keep them off the streets and out of trouble. However, this pressure has a detrimental effect on Aaron, who struggles with his identity and sexuality, a theme that becomes central to the narrative.
The episode explores the complexities of Aaron's relationship with his father, who dies unexpectedly during hernia surgery. This loss leaves a significant impact on Aaron, who continues to hear his father's voice in his head, particularly when grappling with his sexuality. The show does not shy away from depicting Aaron's encounters with his friend Dennis Sansoucie (Kalama Epstein), which highlight his internal conflict and fear of being discovered by his homophobic father. This fear drives many of Aaron's actions and decisions throughout the episode.
As the story progresses, we see Aaron's transition to the University of Florida, where he is recruited by the legendary coach Urban Meyer (Tony Yazbeck). The episode captures the excitement and pressure of college football, but it also hints at the darker path that lies ahead. Aaron's reckless behavior, including ignoring medical advice regarding his health and indulging in substance use, is exacerbated by the influence of new friends and the competitive nature of the sport.
The episode concludes with Aaron moving to Gainesville, where he is thrust into the spotlight of college football. Despite the opportunities that lie ahead, there is a growing sense of dread as viewers are reminded of the tragic events that will unfold in his life. The narrative effectively builds tension, leaving audiences questioning whether Aaron will be able to navigate the pressures of fame and personal demons.
Overall, "If It's to Be" serves as a competent introduction to the series, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Aaron Hernandez's life and the factors that contributed to his downfall. While the episode touches on themes of race, sexuality, and the pressures of sports, it remains to be seen how the series will develop these ideas in future episodes. The performances, particularly Rivera's portrayal of Hernandez, offer a glimpse into the complexity of a man who was both charismatic and deeply troubled, leaving viewers eager to see how his story unfolds.
The episode is directed by Carl Franklin and showcases a blend of drama and biographical storytelling, though some critics have noted that it occasionally veers into cliché territory. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how it balances the sensational aspects of Hernandez's life with a more nuanced exploration of his character and the societal issues at play.