‘The Dynasty: New England Patriots’ Review – A Thrilling Sports Docuseries

Let me be completely upfront with you. This article should be completely biased because of my hatred of the New England Patriots. And this introduction to the review of The Dynasty: New England Patriots should not be written in the first person, but here we go anyway. I hate the New England Patriots. It’s true, I do. I can’t help it.

They are an arrogant organization. The Patriots were caught cheating and even got away with it. They were lucky that 32 teams had 198 chances to draft the greatest player of all time, Tom Brady, and failed to do so. Yes, I hate the New England Patriots. As a Buffalo Bills fan and apologist who grew up in Western New York, it’s my job to say you should hate them, too.

However, the Apple TV+ streaming sports docuseries shockingly holds its subjects to the fire, making it the best of its kind since ESPN’s The Last Dance. Yes, this streaming series, The Dynasty: New England Patriots, is that good. In fact, this is one of the most thrilling sports docuseries ever told because the filmmakers never shy away from the tough questions.

And that only fuels my fire for hating the New England Patriots even more.

Originally titled just “The Dynasty,” we assume it was changed to give Apple TV+ the chance to turn the format into a franchise. The series is remarkable because the filmmakers ask the key players tough questions. This was shocking, honestly, in a way, especially since the National Football League is so image-conscious. Yet, Roger Goodell is answering questions about the infamous “Spygate” and “Deflategate” incidents.

The interviewers are peppering him with questions on why he destroyed evidence, even showing archival footage when answering questions about the scandal in real time. Even the Patriots head coach, Bill Belichick, looks like a James Bond villain, annoyed and on the verge of anger, with his chin raised (see picture below), telling the interviewer he’s already spoken on the subject. The same with other incidents that demand answers.

The first five episodes of The Dynasty: New England Patriots are remarkable. There’s an arc to the first that is exciting, suspenseful, and addictive, especially if you are a football junkie like so many are. The stories go through the Bledsoe or Brady debate, which was much more heated than many recall. After winning three Super Bowls, with the Spygate scandal folded in, Brady’s comeback after his first season-ending injury comes into focus.

The second half is just as compelling but sobering. For one, this is essentially the second dynasty, with the subsequent two drafts establishing another run. In the draft, they took two tight ends. One is a giant, larger-than-life meathead (from Buffalo), Rob Gronkowski. The other was quiet and grew up in Connecticut. That man was Aaron Hernandez, who was later fighting a murder charge. Some even labeled him the NFL’s first serial killer.

This brings the “at all costs” mantra to mind. Yet, considering the history of the Patriots, it’s not shocking based on the previous history of cheating accusations. (The team utilized Ernie Adams as the “Director of Football Research,” which many speculate was behind the Spygate program.) Did the Patriots know about Hernandez’s issues in Florida?

The interviews with the players around the time of Hernandez’s tenure evolve into shocking territory. It’s one thing to cheat by stealing signs. Everyone does that, according to Adams. However, the team seems negligent in allowing such a toxic environment with Hernandez on the team. Previously, reports were that no one had any idea of Hernandez’s actions, which is true.

However, the players’ stories about his behavior in the locker room paint a picture of someone who needed help and had a history of trauma that was beyond tragic. Another shocking revelation was Hernandez requesting a trade to a West Coast team in 2013. Speculations in the documentary suggest Hernandez’s involvement in a double murder in 2012 was the reason. (However, in 2017, Hernandez was acquitted of those charges.)

This adds a fascinating (and ultimately horrifying) true crime aspect that deepens The Dynasty: New England Patriots beyond the typical sports docuseries. You cannot help but wonder what the Patriots’ security knew and if they chose winning over decency. Also, quickly, the series would have benefited from exploring the Bledsoe trade after Brady’s rookie season because the debate over whether the Patriots made the right decision was still raging.

However, the result is The Dynasty: New England Patriots is one of the most thrilling sports success stories ever told. One where the heroes are the villains in more ways than one. Credit the filmmakers for asking and highlighting the tough questions over numerous scandals that feel like anything but a puff piece. If anything, this shows the fans the cost of winning and maintaining greatness.

Hence, I hate the New England Patriots.

The Dynasty: New England Patriots is now available to stream on Apple TV+ with new episodes debuting every Friday.