WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for American Sports Story episode 9.
The penultimate episode of FX’sAmerican Sports Story: Aaron Hernandezsmartly shifts the narrative focus from Hernandez to his ex-fiancee Shayanna Jenkins, played by Jaylen Barron.American Sports Storyepisode 9 “What’s Left Behind” placesHernandez’s ex-fiancee Shayanna Jenkinsin the hot seat asshe chooses to defend Hernandez through his arrest and murder conviction. The contents of thebox that Hernandez asked Shayanna to dispose ofremain a mystery in both the series and in reality.
Since thefirst two episodes ofAmerican Sports Story, thelife and NFL career of Aaron Hernandezwere headed toward a tragic and frightening endpoint that resulted inthe former New England Patriot and star tight end receiving a lifetime prison sentenceforthe murder of Odin Lloyd. From his emergence as an offensive weapon onUrban Meyer’s legendary yet controversial Florida Gators teamand receiving thecoveted John Mackey Award, Hernandez began his life sentence on July 13, 2025, just months after the Patriots won their fourth franchise Super Bowl.
The final episode ofAmerican Sports Story: Aaron Hernandezwill air next Tuesday at 10 PM on FX.
Shayanna Being The Focus Of American Sports Story Episode 9 Was Perfect
With Hernandez’s fate determined, Shayanna took the narrative spotlight
American Sports Storyepisode 9 wisely gives Shayanna the spotlight in its penultimate episode, as Hernandez is arrested and imprisoned following the murder of Odin Lloyd. At this point in the series, Hernandez has made many decisions, several of them overtly violent and criminal, which has placed his fate in the hands of the American judicial system. Jenkins then became the one whose autonomy and choices would have the biggest impact on the story asHernandez completely ran out of his luck and privilege as an NFL celebrity.
American Sports Story Episode 9 True Story: What The Show Changes
The penultimate episode of American Sports Story depicts Shayanna’s response to Hernandez’s arrest and alters several aspects of the murder trial.
Jenkins was the key person in Hernandez’s murder trial who could have potentially led prosecutors to the discovery of the murder weapon, especially since she chose to testify in exchange for immunity. Based on this deal,it was somewhat expected that Shayanna would be more forthcoming about the mysterious boxand its contents but instead mostly claimed to be ignorant of its contents and obedient to Hernandez’s request to dispose of it. This created a natural tension in the story which made the decision to give her the full attention of the episode necessary and well-executed.
American Sports Story Episode 9 Avoided An Aaron Hernandez Problem With Its Shayanna Focus
Shayanna’s circumstances became more tense and compelling in episode 9
Maintaining the focus on Hernandez as he went through the intake process as a prisoner and awaited trial from June 2013 until the start of the trial in April 2015 would have been the less compelling creative choice. In this case, the episode would have had to take place entirely in prison or court, which is arguably less interesting and not as likely to be rooted in the real story given the lack of access inside Hernandez’s prison walls.Shayanna’s experience is easier to explore and gives the show another focusbeyond Hernandez, which ultimately rendered a better narrative angle inAmerican Sports Storyepisode 9.
American Sports Story
Cast
American Sports Story is a TV show from Stu Zicherman and executive produced by Ryan Murphy. The series stars Josh Andrés Rivera as Aaron Hernandez and Patrick Schwarzenegger as Tim Tebow. The sports anthology series serves as the fourth installment in Murphy’s “American Story” franchise.
