re: Could Judge Ito have ordered a directed verdict, or set aside the jury's decision?

Usually, once a criminal verdict has been rendered a judge may not overrule the verdict.

In the case of OJ Simpson, I feel the same way as I did at the time: the state did not meet their burden of proof. Beyond that, it doesn't matter what I think.

I watched every minute of the trial that was televised, initially to see F. Lee Bailey, Barry Scheck, and Alan Dershowitz work but in the end came away far more impressed with the work of Johnnie Cochran. Bailey's cross was solid but not up to his legendary status and Scheck was far too boring for my tastes. I wish there had been a jury cam so you could see the moment that they made up their minds.