After a day spent sorting through the facts to write stories for my job as a reporter for The Millerton News, I often enjoy the thrill of dangling between fact and fiction by turning on the latest limited series that are alleged to be “based on a true story.”
As a journalist, I believe it’s my unwavering responsibility to uphold the facts and present the truth at all costs. Maybe that’s why these “true stories” appeal to me.
They lure me in with an interesting story to bait me into clicking “Play” on my laptop; before I know it, I’m on episode three and eagerly researching the full story to compare what’s been reported versus what’s been presented.
Born in 1994, I was far too young to be aware of O.J. Simpson’s murder trial in 1995 or of fashion designer Gianni Versace’s murder in 1997. Under the execution of director Ryan Murphy (known for the anthology series “American Horror Story” as well “Glee” and “Pose”), I watched both cases unfold as presented in Murphy’s anthology series, “American Crime Story.”
Though I’ve since become well-versed in the facts surrounding both cases, I was intrigued nonetheless to watch the actors reenact crucial moments (such as the O.J. Simpson Bronco chase) as well as their interpretation of the roles in which they were cast.
Though I’ll never be certain as to whether the conversations between characters were authentic or added for compelling storytelling, I find myself fascinated by even the most detestable figures; the fact that one of the world’s most beloved fashion designers was gunned down by a man my age is nothing short of chilling.
If I enjoyed “American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson” — starring Cuba Gooding Jr. as Simpson, Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark and David Schwimmer as Robert Kardashian — I devoured “American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace.” Between Darren Criss’ portrayal of Versace’s murderer, Andrew Cunanan, and the flashbacks comparing Versace’s and Cunanan’s origins, I was hooked from the opening scene.
Having waited patiently for its arrival on Hulu, I look forward to watching the series’ latest installment, “American Crime Story: Impeachment,” which promises to examine the affair that threatened Bill Clinton’s presidency.
All three “American Crime Story” seasons are currently available for viewing on Hulu.
One story that recently inspired me to binge watch (a rarity for me) was “The Dropout,” which began streaming on Hulu in early March. Starring Amanda Seyfried as the titular dropout, this series (based on the podcast of the same name) tells the story of Elizabeth Holmes, a Stanford University dropout turned self-made billionaire, who founded the blood-testing startup company Theranos.
Despite the company’s claims that it could quickly diagnose diseases using small amounts of blood, the too-good-to-be-true technology being offered by Theranos was proven to be fraudulent, and Holmes’ carefully constructed coverups of the flawed technology were exposed.
After finishing the series, I can honestly say I’ve never been more enraged by a story or more engrossed by a show. The fact that Holmes was found guilty of four out of 11 charges of fraud earlier this year offers little comfort.
“The Dropout” is available to watch in full on Hulu.
For more shows based on true stories that made the headlines, Hulu is also streaming “The Girl From Plainville” (based on Michelle Carter’s “texting-suicide” case); “Candy” (based on housewife Candy Montgomery’s murder case); and “Pam & Tommy” (based on the story behind the leaked Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee sex tape).
I admit I’ve never been one to follow the latest long-running series on television; I’ve yet to finish “Breaking Bad” and “Game of Thrones.”
So being able to watch these stories in the limited series format is a definite plus for me.
I never need to worry about missing a critical plot point or a subtle point of character development because it’s all there, in just eight or 10 episodes. Above all, what intrigues me as a viewer is the nagging sensation that I’ll never know the full story. If these shows have imparted any sort of wisdom on me as a viewer, it’s that the truth is rarely told in a single account.
"They had this in mind from last year," girls varsity head coach Les Funk of Pine Plains said. Funk said the young team wanted the sectional title and "never gave up," until they won it Wednesday, March 5, at Mount Saint Mary College.Photo by Nathan Miller
Naveah Rennie, no 34 of Pine Plains, was the Bombers' dominant scorer, racking up 20 points by the end of the matchup against S.S. Seward Institute during the Section IX Class C finals at Mount Saint Mary College on Wednesday, March 5.Photo by Nathan Miller
Lent: Time to consider social gospel movement
We are entering the annual Christian season of Lent this week.With its 40 days of contemplation and “little Easter” Sundays, it is a time to remember the healing ministry and the sacrifice of Jesus.During this season, we are invited to think deeply about our role as agents of grace and love in our hurting world.
There is a long history of making sacrifices and commitments for Lent, modeling our discipleship and hopes for a more heavenly world. It is through this lens that I invite you to join us in considering what gifts and services the community needs that we can commit to bringing forth in the weeks leading up to Easter.While many lean into solitary introspection during Lent, it may be particularly advantageous to use our meditations and sacrifices for the greater good this year.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, advised his followers centuries ago that “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion, but social; no holiness but social holiness. Faith working by love is the length and depth and breadth and height of Christian perfection.”These words are connected to the firm belief of Wesley that a Methodist was fundamentally one who loved God with all their heart, mind, strength, and soul, along with loving one’s neighbor as oneself.He believed that being in love with God naturally also required loving other people, as every person was a beloved soul coming from the same source of life that we are.
Consequently, Wesley stood against slavery long before it was a popular view, prioritized caring for those who were poor and imprisoned, and made a point to do good to as many as he could for as long as he was physically able.
Indeed, the Methodists are not the only Christians who believe such things.These thoughts are primary messages of the Christian faith.In more recent history, we can note that during the time of the Golden Age, at the end of the late 19th century, the Christians mobilized to counteract the abject poverty, child labor, dangerous working conditions, and lack of education of the time.Famous theologians such as Washington Gladden, Walter Rauschenbusch, and W.E.B. DuBois began the Social Gospel movement, enacting with new verve the passion of Christ that empowers the community toward building the Kingdom of God.As Christians, they believed in uplifting the downtrodden and creating a community where all had a chance to thrive.Child labor laws were enacted, better working conditions were secured, Sunday School helped provide education, settlement houses were created, and the Salvation Army was born.
The social gospel movement continued in another wave of reforms and empowerment through the Civil Rights era.Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his intellect, energy, and life to help secure the reforms that enabled persons of color to vote, go to non-segregated schools, and have the right to share public spaces without discrimination.Like Christ, he paid the ultimate price for his prophetic vision.However, his impact on our society was formidable, lasting far beyond his short lifetime.
As Christians, it is very clear what to do in times of hardship, crisis, or challenge.Throughout the centuries, our call has been to help heal the world, doing whatever we can to uplift and transform loneliness into community, reminding each one how precious they are and how important it is to unite for the sake of the whole.Individually, the challenges can be overwhelming, even too much to bear.Collectively, we can do all things through the One who strengthens us.As they say, “We have the receipts!” We can do it again.
This Lent, let us give up our pessimism and fear, replacing it with a commitment to community and hope.Yes, things can seem dreadful, but our souls are not served by allowing ourselves to descend into the dark.We are keepers of the light.Let us do all within our power to create brightness so that its warmth may strengthen all as we live into the Social Gospel movement for our time.Chin up, friends, we can do this.We simply must be willing to get serious about doing it together.
Rev. Dr. Anna Crews Camphouse is pastor of Canaan, Lakeville, Millerton, and Sharon United Methodist Churches
Lead Pastor of the Northwestern Hills Cooperative
Parish UMC