If you haven't heard by now O.J. Simpson's name is back in every media outlet once again. This time for his likeness being used in the wildly loved television mini-series "The People vs O.J. Simpson" on FX. I'm a history fan so when I saw previews of this show I was very intrigued. Obviously, we all knew the outcome of the not-guilty verdict, but what most people my generation don't know is how they reached that verdict. Not only that but the riots that nearly ensued every day while court was in session.
The geniuses that created this show made sure to make O.J. Simpson's best friend, Robert Kardashian, played by David Schwimmer, ever present in the first episode. They also have a short-lived appearance by Kris Jenner, who is played by Selma Blair. The reason for doing this is because they obviously wanted younger audiences to see these people that are at the top of the celebrity lists and think "Oh, well how did they get so famous at first?"
The real aspect that drew me into this show from the jump was the uncanny accuracy of casting, take a look for yourself:
The producers even managed to cast John Travolta as O.J.'s lawyer, Robert Shapiro, which is perfect because Travolta looks like his face is so tight it's stapled to the back of his head. All jokes aside this was a huge reason to the shows success.
As I was watching the scenes of O.J. and A.C. in the Ford Bronco going down the highway and the jury coming in to court in all black clothing, I couldn't help but think what would this be like in modern times? This case was the biggest event on TV back when it originally transpired. People said they would skip work or class just to watch the legal litigation continue. It's great that my generation has been exposed to most of the truth behind one of America's biggest court cases.
I believe if this trial went on now it would be much different. Personally, I think he would've been found guilty now, but who knows? Race relations in L.A. were tough at the time, the city was still recovering from the vicious Rodney King beating and post trial riots. Many folks believed that the LAPD was corrupt at the time, which is how Johnnie Cochcan won the case. (He made the jury think more so on the proven record racist police officers assisting with the O.J. case setting him up as opposed to proving Simpson's innocence.) Just for the record there's a difference between innocent and not-guilty, O.J.'s team believed he was not-guilty NOT innocent.
Anyway, I still think the line would be drawn in the sand for guilty, not-guilty. I think people now would try to seek out facts instead of just looking at a superstar and hoping their perceptions of him are true. We also have much more access to information now than in the past, which could also affect what people think. I like to think race relations have improved ten-fold since the trial, however I'm not from L.A. so I can't give you an educated answer on that.
All in all the show was awesome and extremely informative. I plan on going out and buying the whole series as soon as possible. My parents even laughed a bit when I told them how excited I was for the next week's episode just to see what events transpired. I can only begin to imagine the wide range of emotions to have watched it live. For any older readers, I suggest giving the show a view. It might bring back memories of where you were when the verdict came out.
Remember 1>0, see you when I see you!
P.S. "If the glove doesn't fit... you must acquit!"
