Review of the O.J. Simpson Trial episode on The Infographics Show

By: Shane Lambert (reviewer)
Original Time of Writing: January 25th, 2025

The Infographics Show did a deep dive into the O.J. Simpson case. Those in the 45+ crowd will likely vividly remember the case, involving the former NFL player and small-time actor. Those a little younger will probably be at least familiar with the case, as it was a media sensation and it has been looked back at time and time again. 

On the night of June 12th, 1994, someone, presumably O.J. Simpson, killed Nicole Brown Simpson, O.J.'s ex-wife, and Ronald Goldman, a young man in the wrong place at the wrong time. O.J. Simpson was put on trial for the murders and acquitted with many looking back and commentating that race, instead of evidence, played a big role in the case.

The Infographics Show
Screenshot of the jury.

YouTube Channel: The Infographics Show
Episode: Everything You Didn't Know About O.J. Simpson's Murder Trial
Date: January 23rd, 2025

One thing I liked about this episode was just the barrage of facts about the case. The running time is two hours and two minutes. They cover more than just the bullet points. I did feel that some parts were too exhaustive but I won't be overly critical for that. 

As for opinions, as presented in the episode, it's clear that they think O.J. Simpson was guilty, despite the verdict. However, this is nothing more than a standard opinion nowadays.

I also liked that they looked at the case concerning the Rodney King fiasco, involving the LAPD. This was a man, black, who lived in southern California. He received a royal beatdown at the hands of the police, an assault which an onlooker filmed. The four police officers were not held accountable (3 acquitted, and 1 failed to reach a verdict). This set off a furious episode in southern California among sectors of the black population, known as the 1992 Los Angeles Riots.

I do think that the 1992 LA Riots affected the O.J. Simpson case. I think that the American federal government had a vested interest in the outcome of the case and there probably was federal government influence on the trial, accordingly.

As O.J. Simpson and his legal became a symbol of racial justice of injustice, his acquittal ensured that there would not be immediate riots on a national scale. I actually think that helps explain how bad the prosecution was. The Infographics Show does cover the mistakes the prosecution made. Meanwhile, O.J.'s wealth explains how good the defense was. But I see the defense as having it made in this case with the federal government actually being on their side out of concern for national riots. 

What I would like people to think about when they think about the O.J. Simpson case is the conflict of interest for the government. The government is responsible for prosecuting suspects. However, governments are also supposed to keep public order -- and avoid riots. If you agree that a guilty verdict for the suspect in this case means riots on a national scale, then you see the pickle that the government is in. They can't convict him or it could mean massive internal strife in the USA.

So what does the government do when charged with two goals that are, as far as this case goes, dichotomized? Watch the video for a good rundown of the case and note how bad the prosecution was --or how good they were (ie. tanking it was smart), depending on which dichotomized goal you frame your analysis of them with.

I would say the episode of The Infographics Show presents a good coverage of the facts. As far as opinions, they are always embedded in any kind of documentary and the episode offers opinions here and there, none of which did I find to be distracting.

You do have to make a commitment to watching this episode. It is a two-hour video whereas a lot of their other episodes are under 30 minutes.

Exits link YouTube: The Infographics Show's take on the O.J. Simpson Trial