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NFL Sunday Ticket subscriber Leo Tolstoy once wrote, “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” That’s a fitting description of the New England Patriots during their dominant run in the first two decades of this century. With six Super Bowl wins to their name, it’s clear that quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick led the team to unparalleled success. However, beneath their accomplishments, there seemed to be a perpetual sense of discontentment.
In Apple TV+’s docuseries “Dynasty,” the Patriots’ legacy under the leadership of Brady, Belichick, and owner Robert Kraft is examined in detail over ten episodes. This captivating series explores the intriguing question: Does pursuing eternal excellence mean that employees must always dread coming to work? The setup of the documentary is fascinating, with Belichick’s unenthusiastic interviews resembling a deposition. His repeated refusal to discuss the past begs the question: Why participate in the documentary at all?
Indeed, Belichick’s demeanor lends credence to the notion that working for him was as joyless as a colonoscopy without anesthesia. Brady, the recipient of much of Belichick’s demanding coaching style, transformed from an overlooked player into an NFL legend, with his flamboyant hairstyles attracting as much attention as his skills on the field. It’s unimaginable to be so exceptional at your job while your boss repeatedly undermines your achievements.
The upcoming episode of “Dynasty” features Brady reflecting on his time with Belichick: “Me and Coach Belichick, we did what we loved and competed for 20 years together. Based on how things had gone, I wasn’t going to sign up for more of it.” It’s a reasonable sentiment considering the circumstances.
But did it have to be that way? Must life be grim in order to achieve success? Matthew Hamachek, the director and executive producer of “The Dynasty,” sheds some light on the matter. In an interview, he explains his approach to capturing Belichick’s guarded demeanor. While interviewing Belichick proved challenging, Hamachek managed to glean insights from Belichick’s close confidant, Ernie Adams. The director deliberately chose to include Belichick’s non-answers in order to emphasize the lack of additional information available. Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words.
The series delves into various aspects of the Patriots’ history, including episodes dedicated to infamous controversies like Spygate and Deflategate. However, the docuseries intentionally omits certain personal events involving Robert Kraft, such as his citation for solicitation. The director’s central focus is on uncovering what it takes to achieve greatness, rather than delving into unrelated scandals and personal lives.
One intriguing moment in the series highlights Belichick’s seemingly contradictory actions. After controversially benching star cornerback Malcolm Butler in one Super Bowl, Belichick masterminded a brilliant defensive scheme to win another against the Rams. The series presents the Patriots’ story in its unvarnished form, showcasing both the ups and downs, the good decisions and the bad. After all, sometimes the qualities that make us great can also hinder our progress.
While some Patriot fans may perceive “The Dynasty” as overly critical of Belichick, the director emphasizes that his intention was to tell a story and answer the central question of what it takes to accomplish greatness. The series explores the culture created within the team, where everyone is equal and shares one common goal. It’s the culture fostered by Belichick that sets the foundation for success. Despite the challenges and potential for disintegration, the Patriots managed to stay together for an extraordinary length of time, thanks to the culture they developed.
Ultimately, the Patriots’ story is one of remarkable achievements and unexpected twists. The firing of Belichick, which shocked many, serves as a stark reminder that even the most successful partnerships can come to an end. The docuseries “Dynasty” offers an inside look at the complex dynamics that propelled the New England Patriots to greatness, navigating through both triumphs and tribulations.
For more insights into the New England Patriots’ legacy, check out “The Dynasty” on Apple TV+.
Source: New England Patriots Examine Legacy With Brady, Belichick