Who are we to judge? That is the question I kept asking myself after watching the newest episode of Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.
**Spoiler alert for Episode 5, “Battery Park,” which is now streaming on Hulu**
In the latest episode of FX and Hulu’s hit historical drama, Carolyn (Sarah Pidgeon) and John (Paul Anthony Kelly) settle into their now-public romance after Episode 4, “I Love You,” ended with Carolyn’s picture being splashed on the front page of the tabloids. She is barely able to take a deep breath before John whisks her out to Hyannis Port to meet his entire family, which is a nice way of saying that he essentially brings her into the lion’s den.
In what can only be described as one of the most anxiety-inducing series of television scenes in 2026 thus far, we then have to watch Carolyn stumble through her first Kennedy family trip, missing breakfast, stepping on toes, and being left to her own devices as she is quizzed on current events at the dinner table. Hard to watch, indeed.
Add to that a denied proposal attempt, a public statement that gives the press insight on the status of their private relationship, and Carolyn’s ever-growing celebrity status, and you have a powder keg that is primed for a blowup.
Which is why, when the two find themselves engaged in a massive fight in the middle of Battery Park, it feels like something that we should look away from. Alas, as this Ryan Murphy-produced series is inspired by the very real, tragic love story of the titular characters, we know that is far from what happens. This is how they bring about the real-life fight between Carolyn and John, circa February 1996.
During the scene, the pair do everything from scream at each other, exchange blows, and cruelly toss insults at the other person, all while a photographer stands off from a distance and snaps away shot after shot. You would think in New York, a place that is known for giving people the luxury of anonymity and not attracting eyeballs, no matter how much of a spectacle is being caused, they would be able to have an argument like any of us. Not the case.
Sadly, the explosive argument and the photos that came from it did exactly what the papers and tabloids wanted them to do: sell. And the worst part? We bought it. In fact, we couldn’t get enough of it. In the same way that people were desperate and hungry for more photos of Princess Diana, all the way up to her final moments in Paris, the insatiable taste extended to the American royalty that is the Kennedy clan.
I understand the hunger for more drama, more intrigue, more of anything that will spice up the monotony of our daily lives, but watching these two people — mere human beings experiencing a relationship low that all of us have gone through at one point or another — have their entire lives dissected for the entertainment of the masses feels inhumane.
It’s part of the reason that I came into the series, opting to watch with a critical eye. Anytime that real people, especially ones who are not around to give their own side of things, are involved, I think it’s only fair that we examine it under a microscope. It’s because of that sharp eye that I look at this scene, and I have a hard time watching and feeling like we all aren’t culpable in one way or another.
Hopefully, we can all walk away thinking about how we take part in these things and what they can lead to. I know that it will make me think about it, for sure.
Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette‘s first five episodes are now streaming on Hulu. New episodes premiere Thursdays at 9 p.m. PT.
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