‘The People V. O.J. Simpson’ Season 1 Episode 10 Recap: The Miniseries Draws To A Close

In the season finale of this miniseries, the two conflicting teams prepare their closing statements for the court.

‘The People V. O.J. Simpson’ Season 1 Episode 10 Recap

Johnnie Cochran (Courtney B. Vance) has O.J. Simpson (Cuba Gooding Jr.) plead to the court one final time before each side tries to remind the jury of their case.

Marcia Clark (Sarah Paulson) reminds them of the “ocean of evidence” that the defense did not address. She chooses to talk about the solid DNA evidence around Simpson’s home and the crime scene. Chris Darden (Sterling K. Brown) follows to remind the jury about Simpson’s abusive relationship with Nicole.

Cochran chooses to paint Fuhrman as a representation of the entire LAPD. His animated delivery brings the courtroom to life. Cochran tells them the glove didn’t fit and repeats to them, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

As the jury tallies their votes, there is an overwhelming amount of people who believe Simpson is not guilty.

Only four hours go by and the verdict is made. No one can believe it. Before they know it, they are headed back to the courtroom.

People pray and others are scared while tuning into the case. As we know Simpson is found not guilty, we see a mixed response. Many are cheering and some are in disbelief.

Clark and Darden don’t seem to be angry about the verdict but personally upset.

“I’m so ashamed,” Clark cried.

The LAPD holds a press conference where Gil Garcetti (Bruce Greenwood) says he’s disappointed with the verdict for the victim’s families. He admits it was an emotional trial and thinks the jury voted with emotion rather than reason.

Cochran confronts Darden and respects him for how hard they fought the “war” and offers to bring him back into the community.

Darden reminds Cochran that he didn’t create a civil rights milestone.

“Police in this country will keep arresting us, keep beating us, keep killing us. You haven’t changed anything for Black people here. Unless, of course, you’re a famous rich one in Brentwood,” Darden said.

As Cochran celebrates the win, they tune into news coverage of President Clinton discussing the case and further investigation of the LAPD. Cochran calls that the true “victory.”

Darden wants to resign and Clark tells him a dark secret from her past. She explains to him that there has to be something inside you to keep pushing forward, a vengeance for victims.

Simpson returns home with Kardashian (David Schwimmer) to be greeted by his family. He throws a huge party to realize he’s surrounded by strangers. He finds out that not everyone is happy with the case and its verdict as Kardashian walks out of the party.

Simpson walks out into his backyard to look at the statue of himself with football in hand, reminiscing an announcer screaming his name at a football game.

The series did a fantastic job at matching the real-life characters with actors as many of them look almost identical. They show side-by-side images of the people at the time and the actor who played them and tell people what they do today. Most of these people are still alive and have to relive the memories whether good or bad through this series.

The finale shows the verdict inside and outside the courtroom as well as the aftermath. I think it was a smart and brilliant job by writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski along with direction of Ryan Murphy, Brad Fulchuk, and Nina Jacobson who are just part of the team that re-told the story and case of O.J. Simpson. They show both sides of the case incredibly well. Even if you were alive and watching the case back in the 1990s, you probably learned something new from this FX series.