American Crime Story Season 2, Episode 1 'The Assassination of Gianni Versace – The Man Who Would Be Vogue' Season Premiere Recap

The “American Crime Story” Season 2 premiere, titled “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” has a different tone and pace compared to its first season. It had a 90’s Miami vibe but with a more solemn feel. The first episode, “The Man Who Would Be Vogue,” also captured the beauty and Vogue that was Gianni Versace (Édgar Ramírez). It almost feels like you’re looking into a fashion magazine—until we see Darren Criss shoot a man. He plays Andrew Cunanan, a serial killer who murdered at least five people including Versace. The second season didn’t start with any introductions. Instead, we begin with the murder of the fashion icon. We then work our way into the story starting with how Andrew met Versace, to shooting the designer on the steps of his mansion.
“American Crime Story” Season 2 is based on a nonfiction novel by Maureen Orth titled “Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History,” but filled with extensive detail of the timeline of events leading to the murder. Most of the season’s themes are based on actual events, but many were embellished for storytelling purposes.

‘American Crime Story’: Andrew Cunanan

In the episode’s flashback, we see how Andrew found himself in Versace’s inner circle. With help from his friend, he was able to get into the VIP section of a gay club where the fashion designer was. We see how charming Andrew can be, but it’s clear he’ll say anything to be near Versace. Andrew uses his skills in lying and knowledge about the designer to gain his interest. He lies about how his mother is Italian but never been to Italy; he then cooks up a statement about how his mother only liked the theory of what Italy is. This lie impressed Versace enough for Andrew to sit beside him and score a date. Criss plays the obsessed serial killer so well, and it’s during these kinds of moments when his character seems happy where you can see a manic look in his eyes.

But Andrew doesn’t only lie to Versace. He lies to everyone close to him. A scene with his friend at school shows how much Andrew uses a lie to get what he wants. His friend is confused about Andrew’s sexuality because he tells gay people he is gay while telling straight people he is straight. Andrew admits he tells people what they want to hear, even if it means retelling his whole life story. It will be interesting to see how far Andrew will go in “American Crime Story” season two, such as his obsession with Versace and how his death ultimately leads to Andrew’s suicide.

Versace, the man, and legend

Gianni Versace was Vogue, fashion, and everything beautiful about it. In “American Crime Story,” he is seen as both an international man and a local celebrity in Miami. So after Andrew shot him, it was no surprise a crowd gathered around his Miami Mansion. One even went through police lines and soaked a Versace magazine ad on the blood of the steps. A photographer took a picture of Versace’s body and was selling it for three-hundred thousand dollars. Versace was worth a fortune. But his murder wasn’t the only focus the police had. They questioned Antonio D’Amico (Ricky Martin), Versace’s partner, about the designer’s sex habits. Painting a theory that maybe Antonio let him near a dangerous man while looking for men for Versace.
Even Donatella (Penelope Cruz) berated Antonio about his relationship with her brother. Antonio had one job, and it was to protect Versace. Now, his legacy might fall into the hands of stockbrokers and strangers who will take everything they have. Despite the tragedy, Donatella’s primary focus was Versace’s clothing line. She met with a group of lawyers telling them Versace is a family company, she will continue her brother’s legacy and wouldn’t let his murderer kill him twice. The episode concluded with Andrew on the run from FBI.
“American Crime Story – The Assassination of Gianni Versace” continues next Wednesday, January 24th, with “Manhunt” at 10/9c on FX.