American Crime Review: Season Two Episode Six
American Crime is one of the most original shows on television, but boy is it brutal.
A prime example, “Episode 6” features Eric’s mother looking for excuses to explain her son’s sexuality: if only we went to church more, if only his father was more present, then he wouldn’t be gay. Watching parents, even fictional, discuss how to fix their child is brutal, yet it showcases how homophobia is rampant within Eric’s life.
For the first five episodes, Eric has acted as manly as possible, from his speech patterns to the way he walks, he was the postcard for manliness. The audience knows he isn’t as manly as he acts. Eric isn’t this misogynistic homophobic teenager. He is hurting because his parents instilled their homophobic, classist, misogynistic values on him. It’s no wonder that he harbors so much self-loathing.
I still don’t know if Eric is a rapist, but this look into his private life makes me empathize with him. Additionally, the “commitment to inclusiveness” assembly Leslie puts together was ridiculously insensitive. Mostly toward Eric, but to any other student at Leyland trying to hide their sexuality. I’m 90% sure there are other students at Leyland hiding who they are and internally cringing at how ignorant their community is.
Leslie had no right to make him stand in front of his peers and declare his sexuality even if she thought she had his best intentions at heart. Especially when he is struggling so much with his identity. He isn’t Eric, the basketball captain, he’s Eric, the openly gay athlete, whether he likes it or not. His self-loathing rears its head when he gives an interview with an openly gay journalist.
Eric: I’m gay, but I’m not a faggot.
This line is so telling because the episode is packed full of other characters dealing with their homophobia. From Taylor dating another man to Kevin’s rant being horribly offensive to both women and gay people and finally, the basketball team jumping Taylor. There doesn’t seem to be a happy ending in sight.
The episode’s ending is even pointing toward a hate crime taking place. With everything else that American Crime has tackled so far this season, I wouldn’t be surprised if this wasn’t the outcome they wanted. For Taylor, accepting who he is, what happened to him, to be cut down at such a young age. Perhaps that’s the point of this season. That even though we think we are inclusive and welcoming to everyone, we truly aren’t, and tragedy can come from that.
Other Thoughts:
- The award for worst mother ever goes to Emily Berg’s character.
- Oh Leslie, you manipulative little shark. I equally respect and fear you.
- The protest outside of Thurgood Marshall High School doesn’t fit into the current narrative.
- I have so much respect for Anne and her wanting to take down Leyland, but I can’t help but notice how much time she doesn’t spend with Taylor.
What did you think of this episode of American Crime? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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American Crime airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on ABC.
Jessica Kreamer
Jessica has a degree in History, an MLA is Liberal Arts, and a great desire to consume as much quality television as she can. By day, she's an office worker and caregiver. By night, she's a tea drinking television fanatic. Her current favorite television shows include: Madam Secretary, How To Get Away With Murder, Jane the Virgin, and Veep. Her greatest wish is to make tea drinking into a payable skill. Follow Jessica on Twitter: @pythiaprophet