American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez Episode 5 Recap

It doesn't take long for Hernandez's lackadaisical approach in practice to bother his coach. In one scene, Belichick appears to punish Hernandez for the incorrect lineup by ordering a series of plays that put the tight end in the running back position. As a result, Hernandez suffers a series of violent blows that leave him dazed, highlighting the impact of repeated blows to the head on his behavior.

“I’m going to get my head bashed in. “I’m not a running back,” Hernandez pleads.

“I’ll tell you what you are,” barks Belichick.

The episode ends with Hernandez sitting behind the wheel of a stationary car at night, staring at a traffic light as if in a trance.

Belichick is portrayed as a social outcast whose only interests are football and…Bon Jovi in ​​the show, which is based on The Boston Globe's Spotlight series and accompanying podcast produced by The Boston Globe and Wondery. There's an amusing scene in which the trainer (played by Tony-winning stage actor Norbert Leo Butz) is encouraged to practice by listening to “It's My Life” with the volume turned up.

In episode 5, we also get to know two characters who play perhaps the most crucial roles in Hernandez's final years. One of those is Shayanna Jenkins, a former high school flame who Hernandez reconnected with after being drafted by the Patriots. (The couple eventually becomes engaged and has a daughter.)

The other is Alexander Bradley. While Jenkins is portrayed as a stabilizing force in Hernandez's life, Bradley is the opposite. Bradley, a drug dealer who has spent time behind bars, tells Hernandez that the NFL and prison are more similar than they seem.

“There is no difference between the overseer and the owner of this team,” Bradley said. “White guys supervising a whole bunch of black guys. …You snap your fingers and take everything away. You just think you’re free.”

Mark Shanahan can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @MarkAShanahan.