Patriots ‘The Dynasty’ Review: Episode 1, Backup Plan
In the aftermath of a 24-17 Week 10 loss to the St. Louis Rams in November 2001, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick made perhaps the most controversial, yet prolific decision in the organization’s history.
Second-year quarterback Tom Brady, sporting a 4-4 record through eight starts, would remain the starter of the 5-5 Patriots through the remainder of the season.
In the words of team owner Robert Kraft, the “decision was about to determine the fate of football in New England for the next 20 years.”
For Pats Nation, the long-awaited debut of “The Dynasty” a 10-part AppleTV+ docuseries directed by Emmy-nominated Matthew Hamachek and based on the critically-acclaimed New York Times bestselling book by author Jeff Benedict is finally here.
While the “glory days” of Super Bowl championships have yet to arrive in the series’ first-offering, the seedlings for New England’s forthcoming success are planted throughout the 42-minute run time.
This inaugural episode, entitled “Backup Plan,” begins with 1994 news footage of a then 52-year old Kraft purchasing the team from businessman James Orthwein for $172 million — the highest price paid for a professional sports team at the time. From the outset, Kraft is portrayed as a “local savior;” a hands-on owner determined to forge a winning culture for a team which knew little else but defeat for much of its existence.
Conspicuous by its absence, however, was any mention of the Patriots tenure under coach Bill Parcells — a four-year period in which the Patriots earned a .500 record, two playoff-appearances (10-6 regular-season finish in 1994, 11-5 in 1996) and a berth in Super Bowl XXXI.
Known for taking an active interest in his players, Kraft’s close relationship with franchise quarterback Drew Bledsoe was also a common theme throughout the episode — from his continually growing confidence in the Pats former No. 1 overall draft selection, to his emotional recollection of seeing Bledsoe in his hospital bed after sustaining a potentially lethal injury in Week 2 of the 2001 season,
“Words can’t explain just how hard that really was,” Kraft said. “He [Bledsoe] was like a son to me.”
Perhaps fittingly, “Backup Plan” quickly pivots from Bledsoe’s injury to Brady’s journey toward becoming Patriots starting quarterback. Through archival footage — some of which had never before been seen — the former sixth-rounder is depicted on the practice field as much for his growing pains as his potential.
“If anyone [Patriots players] on that team says that they knew from Day 1 Tom was going to lead us to a Super Bowl, that’s bull(bleep),” said former linebacker Tedy Bruschi.
Still, Brady’s confidence and perseverance rapidly began to earn him the respect of his teammates. The team’s on-field success also seemed to validate Belichick’s polarizing choice to stay with his young quarterback once Bledsoe was medically cleared to resume playing. Reminiscent of his much-maligned handling of Bernie Kosar’s release while he was coach of the Cleveland Browns, Belichick and those close to him were well-aware of the consequences.
“If this doesn’t work,” former Pats exec Scott Pioli recalled telling Belichick, “we know how this story is going to go.”
In fact, it nearly did. Kraft recalls a beleaguered Bledsoe visiting his office for a long chat, in which the pair discussed the quarterback’s options and whether Kraft would intervene in the matter.
“I told him, ‘I can go to Bill and tell him to reconsider,’ Kraft said. “But if he decides not to, this is not something that is going to be in either of our best interests.”
Ultimately, Belichick’s decision stood and the franchise was entering a new era.
Though non Patriots Fans may find the episode a bit anti-climactic, “Backup Plan” may best be defined by its demonstration of “determination in the face of adversity.” Whether it be Kraft’s vision as an owner, Belichick’s intelligence as a coach, or Brady’s resolve as a player, three individuals with one common goal are about to embark on a journey, which for Patriots fans can only be described as “magical.”
Episode 2, “The Snow Bowl” will be available on AppleTV+ on Friday.
