In the seventh installment of "American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez," titled "Dirty Pain," the narrative takes a dark and psychological turn, focusing on the overwhelming paranoia that engulfs the former NFL star, Aaron Hernandez. Clocking in at a brief 38 minutes, this episode is the shortest of the series thus far, yet it manages to pack a punch with its intense portrayal of Hernandez's unraveling life.
The episode opens in the aftermath of a shooting that leaves Sherrod, portrayed by Lee Edward Colston, with a wounded eye but very much alive. Rather than seeking justice through traditional channels, Sherrod opts for a more sinister approach, psychologically torturing Aaron with threatening phone calls and messages. This tactic proves effective, as Aaron's paranoia quickly escalates, leading him to install security cameras and nervously monitor any cars that slow down in front of his house. He also starts smoking more marijuana than ever, seemingly in a failed attempt to calm his nerves. Additionally, he gets a new phone number in an effort to hide what's going on from Shayanna, leaving the old phone as his burner for all the text threats.
Aaron's paranoia is not entirely baseless, as Sherrod is indeed a menacing figure, capable of bloody revenge. However, Aaron's own actions have led him to this point. His attempt to escape the situation by hiding out in California with his family while recovering from shoulder surgery only provides a temporary respite. Even Aaron is aware that this won't solve the underlying issues. In a desperate move, he visits Bill Belichick during the Scouting Combine, spinning a sanitized version of events and requesting a trade, which is firmly denied. Belichick suggests using the time in L.A. to let things blow over, offering to hire Pats security if threats persist.
As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Aaron and Shayanna's peace in California is short-lived, with the news that Alexander Bradley, aka Sherrod, is suing Aaron. Aaron's inability to maintain a poker face during a phone call with his agent, Brian Murphy, only raises more suspicion. His stammering response to the news of the lawsuit and his immediate inquiry about the amount of money Sherrod demands set off alarm bells for Murphy, who adopts a "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
In a complex relationship dynamic, Aaron finds physical comfort in Chris, played by Jake Cannavale, despite his refusal to acknowledge the emotional depth of their connection. Chris's character remains enigmatic, as he sends mixed signals about his intentions and feelings towards Aaron. Their reunion in this episode seems to serve only to deepen Aaron's sense of shame and push him further towards the edge.
The episode paints a grim picture of Aaron's future, with his NFL career effectively over and his eventual imprisonment and first-degree murder charge looming. "Dirty Pain" sets the stage for the murder of Odin Lloyd by delving into the psychological state of Aaron, who is depicted as incapable of spending an evening with his baby without the crutch of substances. These darkly comedic moments provide a brief respite from the season's overwhelming darkness.
The tension between Aaron and Shayanna reaches a boiling point when Aaron's lies and secrets are confronted, leading to a violent outburst and a visit from the police. The couple maintains the facade of "roughhousing" to avoid deeper scrutiny, highlighting the protective shield that Aaron's celebrity status provides.
The episode culminates in a poignant scene between Aaron and his brother D.J., who finds him on the beach with a gun. This moment is a stark reminder that despite Aaron's wealth and fame, a happy life requires truth and sincerity, something Aaron is unable to achieve. The scene with the brothers is emotionally charged, as D.J. acknowledges his envy of Aaron's life while being oblivious to the turmoil beneath the surface. Aaron's confession of "I'm not okay" is met with empty reassurances rather than the help he desperately needs.
In the final scene, Aaron appears rejuvenated, surrounded by a new security team and a secret stash of guns, hinting at the tragic trajectory his life is about to take. The episode ends on a somber note, emphasizing that this is a story of a man who failed to learn from his mistakes, with no joy found in witnessing his downfall.