The Juice

Is anyone else watching, 'The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story'? My husband and I are riveted by it. Between the chronological events that we recall and the casting, it is the most enjoyable 'true story' I've ever watched. It probably strikes a cord with my generation, as we grew up with OJ as a sports icon, Hertz spokesperson, and entertainment figure (little remembered fact: he was in 'Roots'!) If you are my age, you might remember where you were when you heard about or saw the white Ford Bronco cruising that California highway.

Many of the people surrounding the case became household names, the most unfortunate being Kardashian. At first, I thought the series was overplaying their role, but I've been researching online after each episode and it seems to be following the actual events and people to a high degree of accuracy. So yes, those Kardashian girls were really at Nicole Brown Simpson's funeral, as there is actual footage online to prove it. And OJ really did have to gall to approach Nicole's coffin and kiss her forehead, according to her family.

What I'm enjoying most are the actors' portrayals of those involved. Here are my favorites:

John Travolta as Robert Shapiro. First of all, he looks totally creepy with those big eyebrows. However, the pompousness and huge ego of this Hollywood attorney is really shining through.

David Schwimmer as Robert Kardashian. I wasn't aware how close he was to OJ, nor that he truly believed in OJ's innocence (at least in the beginning). He's being portrayed as a sympathetic character and much more likeable than I would have thought.

Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark. Was she the key to why OJ was not convicted? Between her negative personality, chain smoking (crazy to see someone lighting up at the office again), disagreements with co-workers, and obvious hatred for OJ, she was not going to win over many jurors. The most absurd thing was that initially, she claimed to have never heard of OJ Simpson. I mean, what planet was she on?

Sterling Brown as Christopher Darden. Being portrayed as mild-mannered and a bit conflicted about his role as a black man on the prosecution team. Will be interesting to see his role in the courtroom as the series progresses. 

Nathan Lane as F. Lee Bailey? Yes, please!

Courtney Vance as Johnnie Cochran. For me, best remembered as the inspiration for one of the best TV characters of all-time, Jackie Chiles on Seinfeld (Kramer's attorney). A winning performance by Vance (as well as Phil Morris on Seinfeld!)

Cuba Gooding Jr as OJ Simpson. Sadly, my least favorite portrayal. While I have loved Cuba in other roles, he just doesn't seem to be a good fit as OJ. Wrong body type, wrong voice, just doesn't have the demeanor of OJ, in my opinion. Or maybe I just remember OJ better than the other people involved in the story.


When we heard about the series, we were talking to our kids about our memories of the events. They really didn't know who OJ was. It was hard to describe the shock and disbelief that a lot of people had when it happened. No one wanted to believe that OJ did it. After the Bronco chase and the reports of his weird suicide note (remember the smiley face he used in his signature?), I think the tide shifted and the majority of us realized he was acting like a guilty man. Then there was the trial, the glove and the verdict. And we were all left wondering what the hell was wrong with our judicial system. And also, what would become of Kato Kaelin, notorious houseguest? (Because I still just like to say his name)