Ryan Murphy's New Romance Series: Why You Might Want to Think Twice Before Watching
Following a series of mixed reactions to his recent television projects, fans are now questioning whether Ryan Murphy's latest anthology series, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, is truly worth their time. The show, which premiered on Disney Plus, delves into the tragic true story of the relationship between the son of a former President and a fashion icon, captivating public obsession with their lives. With Murphy's busy year including credits on shows like Doctor Odyssey and All's Fair, here are five detailed reasons why you should consider not tuning in this weekend.
1. Ryan Murphy's Limited Creative Role May Mislead Viewers
Over the past twelve months, Ryan Murphy has been attached to numerous shows, but his actual creative involvement varies significantly. While he served as a writer and director for episodes of All's Fair and The Beauty, in Love Story, he is only credited as an executive producer. This distinction matters because criticisms often directed at Murphy's scripts or directorial choices are absent here, potentially explaining the series' high Rotten Tomatoes score of 88%, compared to All's Fair's 6%. The show is actually created and written by Connor Hines, whose previous work includes Netflix's Space Force, making his performance on this project noteworthy for future endeavors.
2. The Binge-Watch Experience Ends Too Quickly
Only three episodes have been released initially, with runtimes ranging from 44 to 59 minutes, making for a substantial but fleeting premiere. Fans may find themselves breezing through these episodes over the weekend, only to face a frustrating wait as the remaining six installments are released weekly on Fridays. This staggered release schedule could leave viewers impatient and longing for more, disrupting the immersive experience.
3. Constant Distractions from Real-World References
The series is packed with real events and notable figures, from Calvin Klein to actors from Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill, prompting frequent urges to Google details. While researching historical accuracy is natural, it risks causing viewers to miss subtle moments and lead performances that define Love Story's nuanced storytelling. For those who prefer uninterrupted viewing, this could be a significant drawback.
4. Emotional Impact That Leaves a Lasting Heartache
Given the historical context and the infamous Kennedy curse, most audiences know the tragic ending of this story. Even without spoilers, the series includes poignant moments that foreshadow the couple's fate, evoking heartbreak and tears. This emotional weight might be overwhelming for viewers seeking lighter entertainment, as it lingers long after the credits roll.
5. The Need to Curate a Nostalgic Music Playlist
Set in the 1990s, the production excels in period-appropriate aesthetics, including a soundtrack featuring artists like Pulp and The New Radicals. However, no official playlist or soundtrack has been released, forcing viewers to manually note down songs as they appear. This extra effort can be frustrating for those who enjoy seamless immersion in the show's nostalgic atmosphere.
In summary, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette offers a compelling narrative but comes with caveats that might deter some viewers. From Murphy's limited role to emotional intensity, these factors warrant careful consideration before diving into this Disney+ series.
