Someone Had to Be Benny (1996)

This episode won 3 Emmy Awards: Outstanding Performer in a Children's Special - Donna Murphy for playing Armanda Agrelo, Outstanding Directing in a Children's Special, and Outstanding Writing in a Children's Special.

An excellent and important true story that needed to be told, with an acclaimed director at the helm that brought us, among others, the phenomenal "The Secret In Their Eyes". Part of an HBO limited series, Lifestories: Families in Crisis, Campanella actually directed 5 other episodes in addition to this (from 12 total), but they are unfortunately not as easily found as this one for streaming.

Unfortunately, it was anticlimactic despite the compelling performance by the young Michael Shulman, with the final verdict being revealed offscreen. The final scene takes place in chambers, Benny expressing his conviction to deny treatment and accept his death; his final wish for everyone else to accept this. His mother has, why can't everyone else? We are left with a few title cards implying to us the court's decision and his date of death. One should not have to further search for the details of this ruling. This is my central complaint with this otherwise educational and provocative narrative. The golden rule in storytelling is showing > telling, and seeing the final result of this young man's quest for autonomy in his short life is crucial for a complete and rewarding viewing experience. The director and writers leaving it to imagination and inference was a disservice to his story.

Title Meaning: 15 year old Benito Agrelo, when asked by the court whether he ever wonders "Why me?", replies courageously and sanguinely, "There are those who have it worse than me. Someone had to be Benny."

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

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The family genre features stories specifically created to be suitable for a wide range of age groups within a family. Family-oriented content is designed to be enjoyed by both children and adults, often providing entertainment that is wholesome, relatable, and appropriate for all members of a family to watch or experience together.

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The thriller genre features suspense, tension, and excitement. These stories are known for keeping audiences on the edge of their seats and delivering intense emotional experiences by revolving around high-stakes situations, dangerous conflicts, and the constant anticipation of unexpected events.

A terminally ill teenage boy sues for the right to stop his medical treatment.

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Donna Murphy and Michael Shulman in Someone Had to Be Benny (1996)

Shawn Elliott, Donna Murphy, and Michael Shulman in Someone Had to Be Benny (1996)

Someone Had to Be Benny

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