As a seasoned viewer of true crime dramas, I must admit that “The Last Dance” has managed to captivate me with its gripping storytelling and intricate portrayal of complex characters. The episode, “What’s Left Behind,” was particularly poignant as it delved into the aftermath of Aaron Hernandez‘s life – a man who once stood at the pinnacle of success but whose actions led him to a life of incarceration and regret.
In the recent episode last week, it was noted that the narrative about Aaron Hernandez has begun to change its perspective: The initial seven episodes primarily followed Aaron’s perspective, but “Odin” divided its attention between the killer and the young man whose life he tragically ended. However, this balance shifts significantly in the latest episode: Aaron is present in only a few crucial scenes, and even when he does appear, the camera gives greater emphasis to the people whose lives were indelibly marked by him.
The story “What’s Left Behind” opens with the arrest of Hernandez on June 26, 2013, an event that was heavily documented by numerous photographers. Subsequently, we find ourselves delving into the post-event scenario, gaining insights into conversations that likely occurred in reality. Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick take immediate action to mitigate the situation: they release Hernandez from the team, arrange for exchanging his jersey with fans, and hold an urgent press conference. Belichick’s demeanor is somber rather than angry, though he emphasizes that Hernandez should not be brought up again. His speech about moving forward and expressing pride in his players seems authentic, a public relations effort intended to conceal the past and make room for a Hernandez-free Patriots team.
In this episode, everyone closely associated with Aaron is under intense examination, leading to his mother and brother taking temporary breaks from their jobs. However, the central figure is Shayanna, who refuses to accept that her fiancé might be responsible for such actions. She longs for certainty about their own and their daughter Avielle’s wellbeing since Aaron’s terminated contract may lead to financial difficulties soon. What’s most compelling, though, is Shayanna’s internal struggle: can one remain loyal to a suspected murderer, who happens to be her sister’s partner? The dialogue between Shay and Shaneah in this episode is filled with palpable tension, as it becomes apparent that Nay is aware of Shay’s efforts to shield Aaron.
As a devoted viewer, I find myself captivated by the clever narrative that distills Shay’s predicament into an excruciatingly tough decision: Should she collaborate with the district attorney and testify against Aaron, or face a potential five-year sentence for obstructing justice? The surveillance footage reveals Shay disposing of a substantial box following a conversation with Aaron, strongly implying that, consciously or unconsciously, she aided him in disposing of the murder weapon. This act, compounded by her omission to report the removal of anything from their home, leaves her vulnerable to any proposal from prosecutor William McCauley (the consistently impressive Kelly AuCoin), who posits that Aaron is looking at a life sentence regardless.
It’s clear that Tanya is facing significant stress, and things appear to be escalating further. Notably, she has been taken into custody due to her persistent refusal to comply with a grand jury subpoena. Intriguingly, the police discovered a concealed vehicle in her garage, which is linked to the double murder that occurred in Boston. This means that Aaron is now being accused of not just one, but two murders – the death of Odin Lloyd no longer stands alone in the charges against him.
The film “What’s Left Behind” effectively utilizes Aaron’s absence from the screen for extended periods; after his arrest, he doesn’t reappear until 20 minutes later when Terri visits. We primarily follow the emotional journeys of Aaron’s family members as they attempt to support him in various ways. However, this is particularly challenging for Shay, who struggles with the fact that she believes Aaron is a murderer.
McCauley’s initial statement underscores how fandom can shield celebrities like Aaron from facing consequences for their actions; wealth provides an insulation, and admiration prevents people from recognizing the truth. This idea is one of the main themes in the series. These scenes evoke a bit of the compelling courtroom sequences from the first season of American Crime Story, which focused more on the contentious societal debates raised by O.J. Simpson’s trial and media sensation, rather than delving into Simpson’s personality. In contrast, Aaron Hernandez seems to echo Ryan Murphy’s Dahmer, as it held off on exploring its themes until the later, post-arrest episodes. However, this show is superior to Dahmer.
Shaquilla Thibou, Odin’s sister, speaks up about the mysterious messages she got from Odin before his passing. Later, Ortiz and Odin’s mother also give their testimonies. The court adjourns for the day. Before ending, Nay makes a heartfelt plea: “Next week when Shay testifies, please just speak the truth,” he says, expressing his concern, “I can’t afford to lose you too.
However, Shay’s comment didn’t manage to sway her allegiances back. On the witness stand, she failed not only McCauley but also her sister when she admitted that she hadn’t peeked into the box Aaron had asked her to dispose of, and they never discussed its contents. She claimed she couldn’t recall where she threw it away, stating that she assumed the box merely contained marijuana.
With that choice, Shay ends her relationship with her sister and may never regain it, potentially forever. The pain this causes Nay is evident as she exits the courtroom angrily. However, Shay presents some strong arguments in her discussion with her mother in the restroom. From Shay’s point of view, Aaron has been mistreated by many, including the NFL, and her mother had encouraged her to disregard Aaron’s problems due to the potential benefits he could bring for her and Avielle. Shay’s testimony may ultimately prove insignificant, but it effectively shields her from further legal repercussions without completely abandoning her vulnerable fiancé.
Shay had always suspected deep within her that Aaron was responsible for Odin Lloyd’s death, which explains why she didn’t directly question him about his guilt until he was charged with a double murder, an event she hadn’t known anything about beforehand. If even Shay’s mother chose to ignore the glaring signs of danger that Aaron presented, so did Shay herself. Now, she is sacrificing a significant relationship with a close relative to stand by a man who seems destined for a life sentence regardless. As McCauley had predicted, Aaron was indeed found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to serve his time at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center.
In “What’s Left Behind,” following a turbulent family drama involving Aaron, the finale presents an unexpectedly serene, heartwarming moment of familial unity – a striking contrast to his earlier tense encounters with Shay. Despite my lack of empathy for this anti-hero, it’s challenging not to be moved. It’s Avielle’s birthday today, and it’s evident that Aaron deeply mourns her absence.
It’s uncertain whether the genuine Aaron Hernandez ever apologized to his daughter during a private moment, but the potential impact of such words is significant, given that the interpretation of his sentiment remains somewhat vague. Based on available information, there seems to be limited evidence suggesting Hernandez showed remorse for the murders themselves. However, it’s not implausible that he might have revealed a hint of regret in moments like these – if not for taking the lives of three innocent men, then perhaps for placing himself in a situation where he could no longer support his family financially.
Many actions taken by this man have been fueled by an insecurity deeply rooted within him, stemming from his father’s definition of masculinity. The irony lies in the fact that Aaron’s criminal acts significantly exceed the type that once hindered Dennis from fully realizing his potential. Was Aaron drawn to this path as a means to imitate his dad and meet his expectations, or was it an attempt to distance himself from him? It’s important to note that a complex individual like Aaron Hernandez is not solely defined by “daddy issues”; rather, he is shaped by a multitude of factors. This penultimate episode skillfully maintains ambiguity on the matter.
The End Zone
While I found this episode quite enjoyable, I wouldn’t go as far as giving it a perfect score. Despite its strengths, I don’t think it’s worthy of unreserved praise just yet, so I’m sticking with my usual “pretty good TV episode” rating.
Meanwhile, as these events unfold, the NFL reaches a settlement worth $765 million in a lawsuit concerning concussions, having been previously aware of the hidden risks associated with head injuries. Quite significant!
• “What does one wear to her son’s murder trial — a pop of color?”
The court session will pause over the weekend because the Super Bowl is happening on Sunday and the Patriots are competing. To avoid discussions about the case during this time, consider muting it.
In this intriguing sequence, Tanya acknowledges and admires Shay’s unwavering loyalty, orchestrated by her reaction to Dennis’s displeasure when young Aaron opted to join the cheerleader cousins’ game rather than playing football with his brother and the other boys in their neighborhood. It is not explicitly implied that this situation refers to Aaron’s sexuality, though it raises the question of whether Shay may have subtly recognized or considered this possible implication at that moment.
• In reality, Hernandez did read the Harry Potter books while he was in prison. However, it seems likely that this occurred following his conviction and sentencing.
Josh Rivera delivers his customary excellent performance in this piece, yet his close-ups convey an intensity of emotion that appears absent in the genuine court footage from the trial and sentencing. In the segments of the Netflix documentary, however, he seems less engaged and somewhat detached instead.
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2024-11-06 08:54