American Crime Story Season 1 Episode 1

Ep 1. From the Ashes of Tragedy

  • TVMA
  • February 2, 2016
  • 57 min
  • 8.5  (4,795)

From the Ashes of Tragedy is the first episode of the first season of American Crime Story. The season is titled The People v. O.J. Simpson, and this episode sets the stage for the infamous trial of O.J. Simpson, a former professional football player accused of murdering his ex-wife and her friend.

The episode begins with a montage of footage from the morning of June 13, 1994, when the bodies of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were discovered. We then meet the teams of lawyers on both sides of the case, as well as the LAPD detectives tasked with investigating the murders.

One of the most striking things about this episode is the way it portrays the way the LA community was affected by the murders and subsequent trial. The show takes us through a city in turmoil, with protests breaking out and tensions running high. We also get a glimpse into the personal lives of some of the key players in the trial, including O.J. Simpson himself and his soon-to-be infamous "Dream Team" of lawyers, led by Robert Shapiro.

Throughout the episode, we see the prosecution building their case against O.J., as well as O.J.'s defense team working to discredit the evidence and plant seeds of doubt in the minds of the jurors. The show also touches on the role that the media played in shaping public opinion about the case, with journalists and TV anchors clamoring for access to the trial.

One of the standout performances of the episode is Sarah Paulson as prosecutor Marcia Clark. We see her at home with her young children, struggling to balance the demands of her job with her responsibilities as a mother. Paulson brings a vulnerability to the role that makes Clark feel like a fully-realized character rather than just a pawn in the larger drama of the trial.

Perhaps the most impactful scene of the episode comes near the end, when O.J. is taken into custody and led out of his mansion by police officers. We see the crowds of onlookers cheering and jeering as he's brought out in handcuffs, and we're left with the feeling that this is just the beginning of a long, grueling ordeal for all involved.

From the Ashes of Tragedy does an excellent job of setting up the narrative and themes that will be explored throughout the rest of American Crime Story's first season. The episode is stylish and engaging, with a strong ensemble cast that's sure to keep viewers invested in the story to come.

Description
Watch American Crime Story - From the Ashes of Tragedy (s1 e1) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
American Crime Story, Season 1 Episode 1, is available to watch and stream on FX. You can also buy, rent American Crime Story on demand at Amazon, Vudu, Google Play online.
  • First Aired
    February 2, 2016
  • Content Rating
    TVMA
  • Runtime
    57 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.5  (4,795)