American Crime Story concluded a compelling first series in the UK this week.
Over a year of obsessive media attention and prurient speculation culminated in a polarising verdict.
Most such crimes eventually pass from the public imagination, replaced by newer horrors.
The Simpson trial, however, continues to fascinate, repel and confound in equal measure.
Handling these issues with appropriate sensitivity is no easy task.
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Writing fiction is one thing: fictionalising history is quite another.
Events are conflated, omitted or pruned to create a coherent narrative.
As prosecuting attorney Christopher Darden (Sterling K. Brown) puts it: People like stories.
It helps them make sense of things.
To a medieval chronicler, thiswashistory; for us, its fiction based on a true story.
The distinction is a fine one indeed.
Surface resemblances are important, but a deeper engagement with character and motivation is crucial here.
Its incredible cast deliver on all fronts.
The People v. O. J. Simpsonmanages to sustain the difficult balancing act between contemporary resonance and period-appropriate detail.
The final episode demonstrates the shows ultimate success.
Of course, its an illusion.
When we think of them again, however, there will be a new understanding.
We can only hope it will one day be extended to us.
