The Verdict is the season finale of the inaugural season of
American Crime Story. It was a decision
everyone had an extreme opinion about, generally African-Americans saw it as a
victory, while whites thought a murderer had been allowed to go free. None of the major players in the story were
the same afterwards due to the fame and exposure the case brought. Robert Kardashian would not live another
decade and was racked with guilt over his role in the case, while his ex-wife
and children would go on to launch careers by becoming “reality celebrities.”
O.J. is lead down the halls of the prison in restraints. He enters a room where Johnnie Cochran and
Carl Douglas are waiting for him to get dressed for court. “Today’s the day!”
Cochrane declares. O.J. asks how he
looks and Cochran assures him he looks “fantastic.” Cochran advises him if Ito allows it make a
statement and keep talking.
In the courtroom Judge Ito notes that Mr. Simpson had
previously waived his right to testify, but would like to make a statement. Clark objects, citing even without the jury
present, they would still learn what Mr. Simpson said. Cochran chides Clark for “fearing the
truth.” Ito allows Mr. Simpson to make a
statement. O.J. makes a rambling comment
about the misrepresentations made in the case and thanks the jury for their
integrity and stamina. O.J. continues,
“I would not, and could not commit these crimes.” He goes on to speak about how he misses his
children. Clark has heard enough and
states if he wanted to speak to the court he should have got on the witness
stand. The defense rests their case.
The defense looks at their “Jury Board” and tries to predict
how many jurors they have on their side. Bailey is worried about the woman known as the
“Demon” and compares her to his numerous ex-wives. Carl Douglas speaks to an associate about the
continuing death threats being made on Mr. Cochran. He says there have been at least twenty and
feels its time to hire some security. Johnnie
works on his closing statements, trying to come up with a clever note about the
gloves. Protestors gather outside the
courthouse, both pro- and anti-Simpson, to shout and sell t-shirts and
souvenirs. Las Vegas odd makers are
betting on a conviction.
Chris Darden and Marcia Clark leave Gil’s office for this
final day of court. He calls out to Clark
as they leave, “Please nail this!” Inside
the courtroom the jury waits for the prosecution’s closing remarks. Marcia begins by thanking the jurors for what
they're doing for “justice.” She
continues to distance their case from Detective Fuhrman stating he’s a racist
and shouldn’t be a cop but that doesn’t mean O.J. Simpson is not guilty of the
murders. Clark characterizes the defense
as being inconsistent, on one hand accusing the LAPD of being bumbling idiots
and on the other hand being capable of a master conspiracy to frame their
client. Clark presents a pyramid graphic,
which illustrates the physical evidence presented against Mr. Simpson. She highlights the extreme improbability the
blood and hair found on Simpson’s shoes, glove and hat could have belonged to
anyone but the accused. Clark ends her
speech by reminding the jury that Mr. Simpson didn’t ask how his wife died when
he was informed of her death. The
implication being he already knew because he killed her. O.J. makes a sour face upon hearing her
comment.
Chris Darden makes his closing argument. He focuses on O.J. and Nicole’s relationship
describing it as “a ticking time bomb.” He
recounts the numerous calls made by Nicole to the police complaining about her
husband’s threats and physical abuse. Nicole
herself accused the cops on one such call of, “Never doing anything about it.” The implication being since O.J. was both a
celebrity and friend of the police so they didn’t take her complaints
seriously. Darden argues the defense has
tried to make the case about the “N” word but it is really about the “M” word,
murder. Darden asserts O.J. did these
murders. He adds that Nicole left a safe
deposit box containing a will and photographic evidence of the beatings she
endured. She feared for her life. Darden describes the night of the murders,
theorizing O.J. went over to her house “out of control” and enraged. As Mr. Simpson listens to Darden he covers his
face with his hand. Johnnie Cochran
looks cool as Darden describes “each stab was a release until they were gone.” Darden notes the jury might respect Mr.
Simpson because he was a good football player but he is also a murderer.
Johnnie Cochran rises to address the court. He starts by saying domestic abuse is not ever
tolerable but it doesn’t make his client guilty of murder. He points out Darden missed the “whole point”
when he described the domestic abuse calls. Cochran states that then cop Mark Fuhrman
answered a domestic call in 1985 and was angered to see a wealthy black man
with a white woman. Cochran rejects that
Fuhrman was a “bad apple” but rather a representative of the entire LAPD. Cochran tells the jury the verdict will have
major implications for society both in and out of the courtroom. O.J. appears to cry at these words and Robert
Shapiro comforts him. Cochran finishes by saying the jury was destined to be
there for a reason, to say “No more!”
Cochran states O.J. is entitled to an acquittal because Mark Fuhrman is
Hitler. He states the gloves weren’t his
client’s and “If the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit!” He repeats the statement three times while
looking intensely at the jury. The prosecutors look pained. The Goldman family shakes their heads in
disgust.
The final arguments complete, Marcia and Chris walk out of
the courtroom together. She asks, “How long do you think it will take?” Chris notes nothing about this case has been
predictable. Marcia is planning to take
her boys to Santa Barbara for a vacation. “Call me if anything happens.” Chris replies, “What if nothing happens for a
month?” She tells him to call and say
hello.
The defense attorneys discuss their post-trial plans. Bailey is off to a “snack convention” in
Laguna Beach. Cochran is headed to San
Francisco to give a speech. Shapiro mumbles something about wanting to be left
alone to spar with Oscar Del Hoya. No
one on either side expects a quick decision in the case.
An aerial view of downtown Los Angeles zooms in on the
courthouse. It’s the first day of jury deliberations
and the jury files into a conference room at about nine in the morning. Armanda has been designated as their foreman
and she suggest they take an informal poll of the room. The anonymous ballots reveal ten “not guilty”
and two “guilty.” The “Demon” admits to
voting “guilty” citing the overwhelming evidence and facts of the case that the
defense never addressed. The room erupts
in chatter about the gloves and Detective Fuhrman. Armanda attempts to restore order by asking,
“Did they prove it?” Four black women
state they will not change their “not guilty” stance, ever.
Judge Ito receives a call in his chambers, “Are you shitting
me?” Chris Darden works at his desk when
an assistant bursts, “You’re needed in court, the verdict is in!” Johnnie
Cochran is being driven to the airport when he gets the news. Shapiro is also incredulous wondering if this
is some sort of joke. The defense
gathers together and Bailey insists the four-hour verdict is good news for
them. Shapiro complains, “They have
discussed this case less than anyone else in America!” Cochran looks tense.
The Muslim Brotherhood surrounds Johnnie Cochran in a
parking lot. The group has been hired to
provide him with “security” following the verdict. Shapiro doesn’t want to be escorted by the
anti-Semitic group. Robert Kardashian
seems bewildered by Cochran’s move. Bailey
notes this whole situation could “explode into hell!” Around the courthouse, extra officers attempt
to control the crowd. Oprah Winfrey is
airing a live broadcast of the verdict and reaction.
In the prison, O.J. shaves his face for court. On the wall he has scribbled, “O.J. was
here.” The guard named Eddie tells him
it has been a privilege guarding him and asks for an autograph for his
kids. O.J. admits he’s nervous and hopes
he doesn’t cut himself. Eddie assures
him he has buddies who guard the jury and believes O.J. shouldn’t be nervous
about the verdict. (Implying it will be in his favor.) O.J. turns to face Eddie looking both shocked
and relieved.
The defense files into the courtroom. Clark and Darden leave Garcetti’s office.
Darden notes that quick deliberations generally favor the prosecution. He notes all the jury requested was the limo
driver’s testimony. Marcia hesitates to get
her hopes up about the verdict but Darden asks, “What if we won?” Clark gives him a small smile of hope.
The courtroom is now filled awaiting the jury’s arrival. O.J. looks blank. Finally, the jury files in and takes their
seats. The “Demon” looks pained. O.J. squints to study the juror’s faces. The jury forms are inspected and reviewed by
Armanda and Judge Ito. The envelope is
finally passed to the clerk. Judge Ito
asks Mr. Simpson to stand and face the jury. Johnnie pats his client on the shoulder. All across the country people watch the
television. The clerk reads the “Not
Guilty” verdict. The defense side erupts
with jubilation except for Robert Kardashian who looks stunned. Whites watching the coverage gasp, while
blacks cheer. Johnnie Cochran and Mr.
Simpson hug while the Goldman family cries. Ito formally thanks and releases the jury. Clark and Darden look stunned and are silent. A large black male juror waves to O.J. as he
exits the room.
The media rush out of the courtroom eager for reactions and sound
bites. Robert Kardashian runs to the
toilet and vomits in the sink. He stares
at his reflection in mild horror. Robert
leaves the bathroom but refuses to speak with the media; instead he looks sadly
at Clark as she hugs the Goldman family.
The prosecution team meets in Garcetti’s office. Gil laments, “Twenty years in public service
and all my headstone will read is ‘Lost O.J.’” Marcia smokes in silence. They must go out for a press conference and
Chris says, “I can’t do it.” Gil replies
they owe it to the families.” Marcia
cries that she feels so ashamed. Gil
offers her support by saying she can be proud of her performance and she didn’t
stoop to the defense’s dirty level.
Once the camera roll Gil is the first to speak, “I’m profoundly
disappointed. This verdict was based on
emotion not reason.” Clark is next and
she thanks the Brown and Goldman families for inspiring her with their
strength. She says the case was fought
on behalf of victims of domestic violence and she urges those victims to keep
coming forward and to not lose faith in the system. Chris Darden speaks last stating he was
motivated by trying to get a conviction but he respects the jury’s decision and
he’s not bitter or angry. He thanks the
prosecution team but then is overcome with emotion and can’t continue
speaking. A reporter asks Garcetti, “Gil, are you going to look for the real
killer now?” Garcetti doesn’t dignify
this question with a response.
The Goldman family walks silently to their car parked in the
courthouse garage. Fred starts the car only to hear the radio speak about how
instead of the expected riots; people are now out in the streets celebrating
the verdict. He turns it off in disgust.
How would it feel to have a party for
your loved ones murderer? His daughter
asks, “What are we going to do?” The
answer will be to sue Mr. Simpson in Civic Court.
Johnnie Cochran walks through a quiet D.A.’s office looking
for Darden. Johnnie asks if he can talk
to him. “I appreciate how hard you fought, especially at the closing arguments.
This was war.” Cochran offers to help
Darden “back into the community” after his wounds heal. Darden is disgusted by Cochran’s implication
he was a traitor to his race by prosecuting Simpson. Chris replies, “I never left.” Darden criticizes Cochran for thinking
freeing O.J. is some civil rights milestone. Chris adds the reality is O.J. is the first
black man to get OFF because of race due to Johnnie’s twisting of the system. It is not a victory for blacks, only one rich
black former football star from Brentwood.
Darden walks away.
The defense throws themselves a party complete with cake and
champagne. Cochran toasts his wife for urging him to take the case in the
beginning. They turn on the television
to hear the glowing reviews of Cochran’s accomplishment. The highlight is President Clinton
acknowledging the case has started a conversation about race and police
corruption. The LAPD is now being
investigated. Johnnie states, “That is
our victory, our story is now out of the shadows.” It might have been more impressive if the case
had truly been about oppression of blacks. O.J. was many things but to say he was
“oppressed” was downright false.
Clark stands alone in her office filing away papers. Darden enters and calls to her, “Hey, big
time!” She expresses anger that people
are celebrating HIM. Darden informs her
of his plans to resign noting that everything in the job comes before doing
good. He notes the D.A.’s office is “not
me.” Clark wonders if maybe that’s good,
noting she fights because of her need for vengeance. She explains she was raped at seventeen by a
waiter in Italy. She “stuffed” the
experience but it came up when she prosecuted her first rape case years later. It inspired her to work for justice for the
victims of crimes. She always believed
that’s what the jury wanted too, until the verdict in this case. Clark is exasperated they let him off after
hearing all the evidence. She theorizes,
“They let him go for reasons that have nothing to do with these people.” Darden asks quietly what happened to the man
that raped her. She sighs, “The same thing that happened today.” Chris wonders what they should do now? Marcia suggests a drink. Nina Simone’s melancholy rendition of
“Feeling Good” plays. The lights go off
at the prosecutor’s office.
Robert Kardashian waits for O.J. to be released from prison.
His old friend walks out smiling and
thanking him for his support throughout his long ordeal. O.J. adds, “You never doubted!” O.J. gives Robert back the Bible he gave him
when he was first incarcerated. Robert
looks emotional, O.J. urges him to celebrate his release. O.J. jokes he hopes Robert is driving a Ford
Bronco! O.J. is escorted home in a white
Ford AeroStar; the media follows the car home from the air. O.J. tells Robert Star Magazine is paying him
four hundred thousand dollars to photograph the party at his home that
evening. As the car moves through
Brentwood, angry white neighbors protest his return with shouts he is not
wanted there. O.J. is stunned and
confused, “I was found not guilty!” In
front of the mansion the Simpson family has gathered to greet him. O.J. asks where his youngest children are and
he’s told the Brown’s didn’t want them to be there.
O.J.’s first act as a free man is to shower in his opulent
bathroom. He studies his reflection
afterwards before donning a bathrobe and lounging in large chair in his
bedroom. He begins to cry. (For himself
or Nicole or simply months of built up tension?) His older son Jason enters to present his
father with a new puppy explaining so,
“You’ll always have a friend.”
Barbara Walters conducts an interview with Robert Shapiro. They discuss Cochran and how the “race card”
was played so successfully in this case. Shapiro owns the tactic by stating, “We played
the race card dealt from the bottom of the deck!”
It’s time for the party at the Simpson mansion. O.J. is dismayed that many of his friends,
even Kato aren’t in attendance. O.J.
gives a speech to his guests, “This
nightmare is over. I plan to raise my
kids just as Nicole and I planned. In
time, I hope to find the real killers.” Jason
looks amazed by these comments while Robert Kardashian looks physically ill. O.J. encourages everyone to continue to
celebrate. Robert looks at Jason and says, “I’m done.” He leaves, placing the Bible on a table. O.J. poses for photos and a young man tells
him he always thought he was innocent. O.J. asks how they know each other,
maybe through golf? The man states he is
a waiter. O.J. obviously isn’t used to
having to speak to “lowly waiters” especially for emotional support.
O.J. leaves the house to gaze at his larger than life
self-portrait statue of him in his glory days. In his head he can hear the screams of adoring
fans yelling “Juice, Juice.” He used to
be larger than life but now despite his freedom, his reputation will never be
the same.
The series ends by showing photographs of the real people
next to the actors in the series with updates on their lives twenty years after
the trial. Marcia Clark quit prosecuting
and wrote a book about the trial. She is
now a legal consultant. Chris Darden resigned
from the D.A. and was a law professor before opening a private practice. Gil Garcetti lost a re-election bid in 2000
but his son Eric is the current mayor of LA.
Judge Ito was the only major participant in the trial to NOT write a
memoir. He served on the LA Superior
Court until retiring in 2015. Robert
Kardashian stopped speaking to O.J. as a result of his doubts regarding his
innocence. He died of cancer in
2003. Johnnie Cochran had a total of
fifteen law practices in several states but died of a brain tumor in 2005. Robert Shapiro still practices law in L.A.
with many celebrity clients. Bailey was
disbarred in Florida and Massachusetts.
Alan Dershowitz dismissed his experience in the trial as not being the
“Trial of the Century” or even his most interesting trial.
Mr. Scheck went on to found the “Innocence Project” which
has helped exonerate twenty men facing the death penalty by utilizing DNA
evidence. Mark Fuhrman was convicted on
one count of felony perjury; he is a Fox News commentator. The Brown family lost custody of Justin and
Sydney to O.J. and he moved his family to Florida. The Goldman’s famously won their civil case
against Simpson and were awarded thirty-three million, they were only paid half
a million dollars. However, their case
prompted Mr. Simpson’s financial ruin. Mr. Simpson’s money trouble led to his burglary
of Las Vegas hotel room in order to steal his valuable sports memorabilia
back. Simpson was sentenced to
thirty-three years in prison in Nevada and will be eligible for parole next
year at age seventy.
The final image is of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown with
their birth and death dates. There has
never been any other person implicated in their deaths.
No comments:
Post a Comment