The great FX series The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, which I hope you’re watching, has led us to revisit the infamous 1995 trial and all of its controversies. I’m thinking of things like the testimony of racist cop Mark Fuhrman, the “if it doesn’t fit, you must acquit” gloves and Kato Kaelin’s acting career. One mystery the series has resurrected was the question of whether co-prosecutors Marcia Clark and Chris Darden were doing more than gavel banging, if you know what I mean.
Prior to last week’s episode of ACS, which hinted that the legal eagles are attracted to each other, Marcia talked to Vulture about the ep. When asked about the possible romantic relationship with Chris, she said “We both decided we just didn’t want to give that subject any traction. And if we say one way or another it goes off to the races. So I’m going to continue on a long tradition of ‘no comment’ regarding our relationship.”
Marcia may have been tight-lipped during that interview, but on yesterday’s Ellen, her body language and demeanor told a different story. Ellen, who raised the same suspicions I did after last week’s episode, asked Marcia “You and Chris Darden…it seemed like — and I know you’re not going to confirm this — but it seemed like y’all had a relationship.” She added, “I don’t know if it ever went anywhere, but it seemed like he was in love with you.” Marcia explained that she and Chris were “trenchmates”, stating, “He wasn’t my second chair. A lot of times when you prosecute, you have a senior prosecutor and a junior prosecutor. It wasn’t like that. We were co-counsel and he was my partner and it was really…I can’t tell you how important it was to have him there.” In addition to the meaningful pauses, there was lots of giggling as Ellen tried to pry details, like maybe a make-out session or two, out of the prosecutor.
Sorry, Marcia, you were way too giggly when you talked to Ellen. There’s no shame in it, Chris Darden was a smart and handsome man with great taste in music (if you believe how he’s portrayed on ACS). As a prosecutor, you should know how guilty you looked and I say that with the utmost respect, Ms. Clark. But one good thing that’s come out of this series, for me at least, is what a likable woman Marcia is. I think she’s awesome and really charming. And, if the series is on point regarding Marcia and Chris, I think they made a great couple. Being in the trenches together can do that.
Photo credit: Getty Images, Fame Flynet
I have a new level of respect for Marcia Clark but my god this woman has had all sorts of work done to her face. She doesn’t look remotely close to how she did during the trial
Yeah, she absolutely has and she did this not long after the trial.
Perhaps the intense, unfair media coverage of her looks during the trial had something to do with it???
I can’t really blame her, she was treated in such a way that I think would leave any normal person with insecurities about their appearance. Most importantly, she looks very happy to me.
I don’t blame her either.
She looks fantastic now and she did before whatever she had done.
Shameful, isn’t it, that woman are judged so harshly on their looks and that it seems many of us place our self value on how we look.
This is a brilliant woman who had a young family all the while leading one of the most notorious murder cases in history.
Anyway…
It bothers me the pressure to always look perfect.
But I’m all for having things done to bring out our confidence.
Just wish it didn’t have to be this way.
I think something happened because if nothing happened, she would just simply say “no”. She is keeping it classy. Rare for these times.
I followed every day of the OJ murder trial because I worked nights, so I became obsessed.
Watching the mini series is surreal…much like the trial.
What exemplary portrayals – the acting is phenom.
John Travolta as Shapiro. God. I LIVE for it every Tuesday.
Sara as Marcia…riveting.
Got to say – and I’m sorry Cuba…I don’t get any essence of OJ in the performance, so that’s a let down…
Much respect for her. And! She was going through a difficult divorce at the time. I think she was judged and critisized unfairly at the time of this mockery of justice.
I cannot even imagine the feeling in the guts of the entire prosecution when that verdict came in.
Who didnt fall in love with Darden either? He was sexy and passionate. Still is from the looks of things.
Too bad Furhman lied his racist ass off, so unfortunate on so many levels what went wrong here. Judge Ito did not ever have control of that Courtroom,,, disgusting.
But Karma is a mofo- so OJ sits where he sits. And if he ever gets out on parole, the entire world knows his soul is black and he is a broke ass joke. There was also another theory going around that his older mentally ill Son actually did the killing, but either way OJ was present and involved. These are before the days when the domestic violence Nicole endured was covered up.
Still, after all these years this story of human tragedy remains intriuging while at the same time its difficult to forget the pain and non-closure that will always endure for the Brown and Goldman families.
OJ ruined so many lives. 😡
Is it factual his older son has mental issues? Fascinating! First Ive heard of this…
I was a teen when this trial happened, and I knew something bad was happening to Marcia in the press, but I didn’t fully get it. Now, I see if for the sexist crap that it was. She is a very strong woman and I look forward to hearing more about her experiences. I think I need to read her book!
It’s worth noting that Darden eventuality married a woman named Marcia.
Sterling Brown plays Chris Darden on the show. Can this role please launch a bigger career for him, because, seriously, he can get it!
Holy cr@p, Sterling Brown is smoking hot! And amazing as Darden. I def want to see him in more!
ETA: I said this on another thread, but I could have sworn the reports at the time did state that Clark and Darden were getting it on.
You’re right, CG. I remember the reports back then, too!
And, yes, Sterling Brown’s performance is phenomenal. Spot on Darden.
Would love to see him in more roles…
The show is awesome and there better be awards and noms handed around. Sarah Paulsen is nailing it every week especially. Casting has been spot on.
Ito was so star-struck that he made terrible calls & decisions just to hog the TV cameras. Horrible judge. I still can’t figure out the casting for this show.
The actors portraying Shapiro, Kardashian, Clark, Cochran, Darden F. Lee, & even Kato actually resemble the real folks. Then we get old Cuba?? OJ was physically big, had charisma, and was a handsome man. Cuba is shorter than most of the surrounding cast, has no commanding “presence,” and has never nor will ever be called “handsome.” The brow wrinkles alone cry for botox.
Yes, I hate to target Cuba, but he comes off as a whiny, petulant baby. I can’t imagine him being tough enough for professional football! Plus, his OJ yells almost constantly. The portrayal isn’t nuanced at all.
I think a real ex-athlete, who could act, would have been a better choice – there are enough marquee names in the cast already.
This show is my jam. I am obsessed and love it. The cast is excellent and the flow of the show is perfect. I agree with a previous poster, awards need to be handed out left and right for this show!
I love this show .. Was only 5 when this all went down so Im learning a lot.
I am mesmerized by the American Crime Story: People v. OJ.
Everybody’s performance is good, but man does Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark break your heart.
Somebody (at pajiba?) wrote: Sarah Paulson deserves an Emmy; Marcia Clark deserves our respect.
That sums it up for me.
Schwimmer is killing it. Travolta is surprisingly great under those eyebrows. Vance as Cochran is perfect.
But man, i want to tell every asshole who belittled Ms. Clark in one way or another (and wow, what a long list) how truly shitty they are.