The Missing Pieces: Aaron Hernandez

The Missing Pieces: Aaron Hernandez from Investigation Discovery is a comprehensive and thought-provoking documentary that delves into the tumultuous life and devastating death of Aaron Hernandez, a celebrated football superstar turned convicted murderer. Released in 2020 by Investigation Discovery, the one-off special underscores the chilling stories, interviews, and exclusive content that aims to uncover the enigmatic life of Hernandez, coupled with insightful commentary which raises serious questions about society’s response to issues of mental health and the potential influence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in violent behaviors.

The documentary begins with the profiling of Hernandez's early life in Bristol, Connecticut, where he emerged as an incredible football star at a remarkably young age. Detailing his upbringing, the show subtly paints a picture of the environment that molded Hernandez- a clashing blend of modest suburban life and the lure of local gang factions. It thoroughly investigates the various elements that influenced Hernandez's life as a young boy, the people he grew up with, the gangs he was exposed to, and most importantly, the enormous pressure of high expectation from him due to his inherent talent in football.

Diving into Hernandez's esteemed career in football, the documentary highlights his time with the New England Patriots, showcasing his initial promise, rise to fame, and eventual downfall. It unpacks the string of events, from his groundbreaking NFL deal, the shocking murder accusations to his surprising prison sentence, providing viewers with a comprehensive timeline of Hernandez's controversial journey in the sporting world.

The Missing Pieces: Aaron Hernandez delves also into the notorious murder trial of Odin Lloyd for which Hernandez was convicted. Offering a play-by-play unfolding of the case, the documentary takes viewers through the significant stages of the trial, the evidence presented, and the public's reaction to this highly publicized case. Although there are no overt attempts to sway the audience in any direction, the show does present vivid picture of circumstances surrounding the case, articulating an unbiased and open-ended perception.

The documentary doesn't avoid the uncomfortable discussions either. It addresses the subsequent revelations about Hernandez's sexuality and its potential impact on his mental health in the hyper-masculine realm of American Football. It also devotes substantial time to the findings of severe CTE, a degenerative brain disease found in Hernandez posthumously, widely linked to repeated blows to the head. The program powerfully insinuates the possible association between brain injury and violent behavior, triggering an essential discourse about the long-term health impacts on football players.

Featuring interviews from close friends, former teammates, journalists, lawyers and other relevant figures, The Missing Pieces: Aaron Hernandez, encourages viewers to see beyond the superficial media narrative, to understand the intricate circumstances that culminated in the tragic trajectory of Aaron Hernandez's life. The collected testimonies offer intimate perspectives and recollections, providing a more private glimpse into the life of Hernandez, while also maintaining an analytical stance on the serious issues addressed.

What sets this particular documentary apart from others is the gripping manner in which it scrutinizes the multilayered tragedy of Aaron Hernandez. It doesn't simply recount the exceptional rise and shocking fall of a football star; instead, it provides a comprehensive exploration into the intricate dynamics of fame, family trauma, suppressed identity, the culture of American football, and systemic issues like mental health negligence.

Expertly interweaving the enthralling tale of Hernandez's life with raising hard-hitting questions on society's response to mental health and CTE, The Missing Pieces: Aaron Hernandez leaves audiences with a profound contemplation of the harsh realities that can lurk behind the glittering facade of fame and extraordinary success. Its engaging narrative and persuasive storytelling combined with a meticulous examination of facts offer a compelling viewing experience for fans of true crime, sports history, and psychological investigations.