‘American Crime’ is a highly anticipated new show, but the first episode didn’t make as much of an impact as I expected.
The opening was strong. Russ (Timothy Hutton) had to identify the body of his son. He was completely heart broken and frozen, while his ex-wife, Barb (Felicity Huffman), was very proactive. Both very believable reactions to the tragedy.
Barb tried to get their daughter-in-law’s parents to talk to a reporter, but they didn’t want to talk to the public. Their daughter was in the hospital fighting for her life. Plus evidence showed that she had been sexually assaulted.
The introduction of the victim’s parents was done very well. The introduction of one of the suspects was done decently well. Tony (Johnny Ortiz) was shown with his father Alonzo (Benito Martinez). Alonzo is a very strict father and Tony is a very quiet kid, who just screwed up big time. It just shows what bad choices can do.
Hector’s (Richard Cabral) introduction is fine. You can see where he ties into the story.
The introduction I didn’t like was Carter (Elvis Nolasco) and Aubry’s (Caitlin Gerard) entrance. I had no idea who they were and why we were following their story. A little note for you, they are meth addicts and are integral to the story.
For me because I didn’t know who they were I lose interest. Their introduction had pulled me out of the show because I was just so confused about who they were.
It was clear who Hector was and watching the preview helped with Tony, but the writers could have introduced the characters a little more seamlessly.
I read that ‘American Crime’ was supposed to be better than the miniseries, ‘Secrets and Lies’, but it was definitely not better. I was hooked with the entire two hour premiere of Ryan Phillippe’s drama, unlike ‘American Crime’.
The show will get people talking about race after the events of last year and how the case unfolds. That’s where this show has potential.
Now that we’ve got introduced to the cast maybe the story can move forward more smoothly. I can understand why it’s been talked about so much, but from the first episode I can’t see what’s so great about it.
