The Verdict

"The Verdict" is the tenth and final episode of American Crime Story: The People v. O. J. Simpson. It was written by Scott Alexander and Larry Laraszweski. It aired on April 5, 2016.

On the last day of proceedings, Simpson declines to take the stand, but makes a brief statement, saying that he maintains his innocence and yearns for the trial be done with and to return to his family. Following only four hours of deliberation among the jurors, the verdict is in: Simpson is found not guilty for the murders of Nicole and Ron, which causes both rejoicing and shock around the country. Simpson finally returns to civilian life though he enters a society where he is perceived as a different person as he was before the trial with some (mainly his family) welcoming him home while others now forever viewing him as the true murderer. At a welcome home party where he announces his intent to find the real killer, he eventually discovers those involved with his life before the crime and trial have all but disappeared. In the final scene, a depressed and lonely Simpson stands in his backyard gazing up at the life-size statue of himself in his prime as a football star with cheering fans heard in the background who slowly fade away as the screen turns dark. The epilogue reveals what happened to the major players and ends with photos and a memorandum of Nicole and Ron.