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The Versace: ACS moments that scored Darren Criss an Emmy nomination

Darren Criss took on the role of spree killer Andrew Cunanan in Ryan Murphy’s FX series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. The actor’s portrayal scored him a nomination in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series category. Other actors in the race for the big prize include Antonio Banderas in Genius: Picasso, John Legend in Jesus Christ Superstar, and Jesse Plemons in Black Mirror. All worthy talent, but we’re betting Criss will take home the honor.

Below, we take a look back Criss’ best moments as Cunanan.

Cunanan is no “Easy Lover”

Episode two “Manhunt”

This episode features the first time we see Andrew Cunanan’s devilish tricks. He and Ronnie (Max Greenfield) find an older businessman who is down for some discreet fun with Cunanan. Unfortunately for him, Cunanan had a different idea of a good time. In a scene that looks right out of Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story, Cunanan covers the married man’s face in duct tape and turns up the volume to Phillip Bailey and Phil Collins’ “Easy Lover.” The man panics as he begins to suffocate, but Cunanan is busy dancing his heart out! He jumps on top of the man gasping for air and tells him to submit before cutting an air hole just in time.

A heartless Cunanan- Episode three “A Random Killing”

This entire episode showcases brilliant performances, but Darren Criss’ ruthless portrayal of Cunanan stands out. Out of all the episodes in the series, “A Random Killing,” is by far the most violent and difficult to watch. But to the cruel Cunanan, it’s just another day on his way to get to Gianni Versace.

Cunanan pumps it up – Episode four “House By The Lake”

After beating Jeff (Finn Wittrock) to death, Andrew takes off with David (Cody Fern). And instead of being afraid or feeling regret for his actions, Cunanan opens the car window and jams to Technotronic’s “Pump Up The Jam.”

Cunanan’s dad – Episode eight “Creator/Destroyer”

The moment Andrew Cunanan and Lizzie (Annaleigh Ashford) first meet is pretty fabulous! But the scene that steals the show in episode eight, “Creator/Destroyer,” is when Cunanan is forced to face the harsh reality of who his father, Modesto (Jon Jon Brinoes), really is. Angry, Cunanan tells his father he will never be like him, but he already was.

The finale – Episode nine, “Alone”

Cunanan, believing his father is coming to the rescue, sits tight with the television on. He somehow still imagines he’ll walk out of this with no consequences, but that hope quickly vanishes when his best friend Lizzie appears on television pleading Andrew to turn himself in. This is followed by an interview with David Madson’s father. Finally, the one person Cunanan still had love for, Modesto Cunanan, is on TV announcing a television program about his son, already cashing in on this tragedy. All of this breaks Cunanan as he realizes how alone he is.

Who are you rooting for? Are you hoping Darren Criss takes home the Emmy? The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards air Monday, September 17, on NBC.

The Versace: ACS moments that scored Darren Criss an Emmy nomination

Emmys 2018: Predicting the Lead Actor in a Limited Series winner

The television Super Bowl is upon us once again, as the nominees for the 2018 Emmy Awards have finally been announced. Of course, with the announcement of the nominees come the heart-crushing snubs (no Mandy Moore again?!), the jaw-dropping surprises (Ted Danson for The Good Place… fork yes!), and the months of predictions leading up to TV’s biggest night in September. It’s time to predict who will be winning those coveted Emmys.

When it comes to the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series race, there’s a six-way embarrassment of riches. As limited series become more and more trendy, television has been drawing bigger names and better talents to lead the shows that have us binge-watching into the wee hours. This year, there’s an obvious frontrunner in The Assassination of Gianni Versace standout Darren Criss, but can he fend off the other leading men? Let’s take a closer look at the Lead Actor in a Limited Series category and place our bets on a winner.

The Contenders

Antonio Banderas in Genius: Picasso
Darren Criss in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Benedict Cumberbatch in Patrick Melrose
Jeff Daniels in The Looming Tower
John Legend in Jesus Christ Superstar
Jesse Plemons in Black Mirror

The Consensus

Who should take home the award, and who will win the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series? All signs point to Darren Criss being the answer to both of those questions. Out of the six nominees, all of which are formidable talents of seasoned actors delivering impressive performances, none have been as talked about as that of Criss. His fearless and revelatory turn as spree killer Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story earned the Glee veteran new respect from the mainstream. As a killer rather than a happy-go-lucky high school dreamer, Criss was haunting, and the role couldn’t have been tackled by any other actor.

Emmys 2018: Predicting the Lead Actor in a Limited Series winner

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story episode 9, Alone, advanced preview

Episode 9, the series finale of The Assassination of Gianni Versace, title “Alone,” picks up seconds before the fatal shooting of Versace outside of his home. Viewers will see where Cunanan runs off to and his thoughts after. Though if you were expecting immediate regret, you’d be wrong. Predictably, if you know Cunanan by now, he’s unfazed and instead very proud of himself.

So what else can you expect to see this Wednesday? We’ve screened the series finale to bring you an advanced preview of what you’ll see! Avoiding all spoilers? This is your last chance to turn away now!

The second season of American Crime Story had a lot of potential. It could have focused on Gianni’s life (since, you know, the series is named after him), or his family in the aftermath of his murder. Instead, the light was directed at Cunanan and attempts to manipulate audiences into feeling sorry for the killer. “Alone” continues to do that, and tries very hard.

Marylin Miglin is featured in the finale, she’s the best thing about the episode. She won’t hesitate to show her anger or call the police out on not finding Cunanan time.

Here’s the official synopsis for episode eight “Alone” from FX:

The hunt for spree-killer Andrew Cunanan comes to a frantic end.

This episodes was written by Tom Rob Smith and directed by Dan Minahan.

Lines to look out for. Can you guess who delivers them?

  • How many more are going to die? How much more pain do you think I can suffer? Two months. You had two months. You had his name, his photo…
  • You provide whatever security you think necessary. I have never missed a broadcast in my life.
  • Hiding? He wasn’t hiding. He was partying.
  • Andrew is not hiding, he’s trying to be seen.
  • I’ll be there. 24 hours.
  • He was my life. And suddenly I don’t matter? I don’t have a home? I have no rights? I have nothing.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story episode 9, Alone, advanced preview

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story episode 8, Creator/Destroyer

Tonight, American Crime Story Season 2 will take us back further than it has before — Gianni and Andrew’s childhood days! But while the scene with Versace is unfairly short, we’ll get an extended look at Cunanan’s upbringing as we meet his family.

So what can you expect to see this Wednesday? We’ve screened the first eight episodes of the season to bring you an advanced preview each week of what you’ll see! Avoiding all spoilers? This is your last chance to turn away now!

Here’s the official synopsis for episode eight “Creator/Destroyer” from FX:

A young Andrew Cunanan struggles with his oppressive father as a young Gianni Versace becomes a designer.

The episode was written by Tom Rob Smith and Maggie Cohn; Directed by Matt Bomer.

While Versace is learning all about working hard, Cunanan is being taught that he deserves it all, simply because he’s “special.” We’ll see where Cunanan learned to be so good at coming up with tall tales, but we’ll also see that not everything Cunanan has shared with others is a lie as we initially thought.

“Creator/Destroyer” also shows the first time Cunanan met Lizzie, and, as it turns out, Cunanan has been into older man for a long while — and Versace!

Lines to look out for. Can you guess who delivers them?

  • Every morning when you wake up, and every evening when you go to sleep, I want you to remember that you’re special.
  • When you feel special, success will follow.
  • Can we only ever speak in secrets?
  • A man has accused you of tricking his grandmother to transfer her life savings.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story episode 8, Creator/Destroyer

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story episode 7, Ascent, advanced preview

Last week, American Crime Story invited us to Andrew Cunanan’s birthday bash aka the beginning of the end. Everything began to fall apart on the day of his birthday, and the latest episode “Ascent,” introduces Norman and how the two met.

So what can you expect to see this Wednesday? We’ve screened the first eight episodes of the season to bring you an advanced preview each week of what you’ll see! Avoiding all spoilers? This is your last chance to turn away now!

Here’s the official synopsis for episode seven, “Ascent,” from FX:

Andrew Cunanan leaves behind a troubled family life as Donatella Versace struggles to find her role within the Versace empire.

We’ll finally see more of Donatella and Gianni Versace in this episode for more than a couple of minutes. Antonio D’Amico is in this episode, too, but he unfairly only gets 2-3 lines. Donatella is dealing with finding herself. Gianni is at the beginning of an illness and preparing to leave Donatella in charge, but she severely lacks confidence. This causes a fight between the two.

Not only will we see the beginning of Norman and Andrew’s relationship, but we get a few scenes of Jeff Trail and Andrew from back in the day. Fans will also learn why Andrew Cunanan pursued Norman in the first place, as well as the first time he sees David Madson.

Lines to look out for. Can you guess who delivers them?

  • “I believe, for a woman, a dress is a weapon. To get what she wants.”
  • “You have the opportunity to be great. And you choose to assist.”
  • “Can’t sell a clever Filipino, even one with a big d*ck.”
  • “It doesn’t matter really. They talk about us. They love it, they hate it, but they talk about us.”
  • “My brother is stubborn. Don’t forget that. He is stubborn about life and he will beat this sickness.”

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story episode 7, Ascent, advanced preview

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story episode 6, Descent, advanced preview

The sixth episode of American Crime Story season two is titled “Descent,” and the official synopsis from FX is: Andrew Cunanan celebrates his birthday in San Diego as his life starts to fall apart.

Audiences go back in time this Wednesday to a year before the senseless murders of Jeff Trail, David Madson, Lee Miglin, William Reese, and Gianni Versace. We’ll be welcomed to a very lavish birthday celebration, hosted by Cunanan’s former-boyfriend-lover-sugar daddy (it’s complicated), Norman.

So what can you expect? We’ve screened the first eight episodes of the season to bring you an advanced preview each week of what you’ll see! Avoiding all spoilers? This is your last chance to turn away now!

What drove Cunanan mad enough to commit murder? Not that there is ever an excuse, but episode 6, “Descend,” features Cunanan’s breakdown as his web of lies become too great to escape from. We’ll watch as Cunanan’s life begins to fall apart the day of his birthday.

Lizzie, who we met in the pilot episode, is back. She seems to be the only one who cares for Cunanan. She helps him lie, supports him, and loves the gossip! Lizzie genuinely seems sweet, though, so it’s possible she doesn’t know the harm she is doing by going along with Cunanan’s tall tales.

Also invited to Andrew Cunanan’s birthday bash are Jeff Trail and David Madson. Trail arrives first, and Cunanan quickly asks him for a set of favors. We won’t spoil the details, but to sum it up, the favor is to lie about pretty much everything. This will be the first time Trail and Madson meet, and unfortunately for Cunanan, the two get along. Finally, also present at the party, but unwanted and, by the looks of it, not even invited, is Lee Miglin. All of Cunanan’s victims are front and center, they all even take a group photo together.

In true Cunanan fashion, everything is over the top. Oh, and we’ll be seeing Versace again! But don’t get your hopes up, it’s not the way you think.

Lines to look out for, can you guess who delivers them?

  • “Too lazy to work and too proud to be kept.”
  • “You want me to pretend that that’s my gift to you?”
  • “A list of requirements, if we’re going to stay together.”
  • “Did you send my dad a post card?”
  • “The truth. Your parents, who are they?”
  • “Andrew I’m not THE one, I’m sorry.”

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story episode 6, Descent, advanced preview

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story episode 5, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, advanced preview

Last week, we learned about David Madson, and this Wednesday, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story episode five dives into the relationship between Jeffrey Trail and Andrew Cunanan.

The fifth episode of American Crime Story season two is titled “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” and the official synopsis from FX is: “Naval officer Jeffrey Trail meets Andrew Cunanan for the first time, and Gianni Versace reveals his sexuality to the world.” Written by Tom Rob Smith; Directed by: Dan Minahan.

So what can you expect? We have binged-watched the first eight episodes of the season to bring you an advanced preview each week of what you’ll see! Avoiding all spoilers? This is your last chance to turn away now!

Who were David Madson (Cody Fern) and Jeffrey Trail (Finn Wittrock), Cunanan’s first two victims? While episode four, “House By The Lake,” explored Madson’s backstory and final moments, “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” will dive into Trail’s story before and after befriending Cunanan.

If you’ve missed seeing Gianni (after all, this season IS named after the fashion icon) you’ll see him again in “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” Penelope Cruz’s Donatella and Ricky Martin’s Antonio also make an appearance. But, unfortunately for those who love these three characters, they won’t hang around for too long Wednesday night.

The story of Jeffrey Trail will take over as we go back further to when he and Cunanan first meet (as well as when Cunanan drops in to visit Madson and Trail).

Lines to look out for, can you guess who delivers them?

  • “You have forgotten how ugly the world can be.”
  • “He’s got no one. He’s got nothing. Everything he’s told you about his life is a lie. You know that, right?”
  • “We can’t get married. It’s against the law.”
  • “You’re not working in Mexico. You’re not making sets for the Titanic movie. You don’t have a condo in San Francisco. Andrew, you’re unhappy.”

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story episode 5, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, advanced preview

Rest easy, American Crime Story fans, Cunanan didn’t kill that sweet dog

In the late spring of 1997, Andrew Cunanan kicked off a murder spree that would make international headlines. This week, American Crime Story stepped backwards in time yet again in order to show us the very start of that killing spree. It’s a terrifyingly tense episode that, at times, feels more like an installment of sister series American Horror Story than itself. Caution: Spoilers follow for episode “House By The Lake”.

The hour imagines the week of utter – yet mostly unknown – horror that young architect David Madson experienced after Andrew Cunanan mutilated and murdered their friend Jeffrey Trail. The first half hour of the episode plays like a bottle episode as Madson and Cunanan co-exist in an apartment as they navigate the grisly aftermath of the killing.

But the two men aren’t alone. Madson’s beloved pup Prints is with them too. As portrayed by American Crime Story, there’s a constant veil of dread that follows the poor pup whenever he’s on screen. The terror is executed so fully that, throughout the first half of the episode, I was more worried about the welfare of little Prints than either of the men on screen.

I’m clearly a dog person, y’all. And, to all my fellow animal lovers out there, I’m pleased to report that, in reality – as in the show – Cunanan didn’t harm Prints.

While the episode is a brutally tense high wire act between Cunanan (Darren Criss) and Madson (Cody Fern), most of their encounter is fictionalized. The story is based on Maureen Orth’s reporting in Vanity Fair, which quotes Todd Rivard of the Chicago County Sheriff’s Department as saying, “From Tuesday early a.m. till Saturday, it’s a big gray area.”

However, the presence and fate of the dog is actually one of the only things that’s based on solid fact. Just as portrayed in the episode, Madson and Cunanan were witnessed walking the dog several hours after Jeffrey Trail was murdered.  And when two of Madson’s co-workers came to check on him two days later, the dog was alive and well in the apartment, scratching at the door. Oddly enough, Orth notes that once the door was opened by the superintendent, there were “no feces or urine anywhere”, indicating not only that Cunanan and Madson had recently fled the scene, but that they were actively caring for the dog even while they remained in the apartment.

But the dog tale doesn’t end there. After Cunanan executed Madson in a grassy field outside of Rush Lake in the Minnesota area, he set out to Chicago and toward the murder of another man, Lee Miglin. American Crime Story showed us the horrors of that scene last week, but what they didn’t show was that Miglin had a dog, too. Orth says, “the dog, a Labrador named Honey, which had been there the whole time, was calm and unharmed.”

It’s not clear why Cunanan would have left these dogs alive while he heartlessly and violently concluded the lives of their humans. Perhaps his twisted love for Madson convinced him to care for Honey as the two of them had cared for Prints only a few disturbed days prior. Or maybe he had a deep bond with a dog in his childhood.  We’ll probably never know why, but we do know that no dogs were harmed in the making of Andrew Cunanan’s murder spree.

Rest easy, American Crime Story fans, Cunanan didn’t kill that sweet dog

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story episode 3, House By The Lake, advanced preview

Wednesday’s all-new episode of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story is the most emotional episode yet!

The fourth episode of American Crime Story season two is titled “House By The Lake,” and the official synopsis from FX is: “Minneapolis architect David Madson is forced to go on the run with Andrew Cunanan.” The episode was written by Tom Rob Smith and directed by Dan Minahan.

So what can you expect? We have binged-watched the first eight episodes of the season to bring you an advanced preview each week of what you’ll see! Avoiding all spoilers? This is your last chance to turn away now!

Who were David Madson (Cody Fern) and Jeffrey Trail (Finn Wittrock)? “House By The Lake” will keep us in the dark about Jeffrey Trail (for now), but we’ll learn all about Madson. This is the most emotional episode to date, and, if memory serves me right, the entire season.

The fourth episode will also feature a very bloody murder. While last week we witnessed Lee Miglin’s murder and declared it the most brutal in the series, Wednesday’s Versace: American Crime Story is definitely the bloodiest. The weapon used is a hammer (27 blows), so you can imagine the damage.

Lines to look out for, can you guess who delivers them?

  • “He asked me to marry him. Said I was the man of his dream. Last chance of happiness.”
  • “I’ll get 30 years. But you’ll get 10. I can’t allow that to happen, David. This wasn’t your fault.”
  • “No one else will get hurt, as long as you’re by my side.”
  • “You’ve never worked for anything. It was an act.”

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story episode 3, House By The Lake, advanced preview