The first couple of episodes were ok. Overly dramatic, melodramatic I might say, and I thought the "twists" were sort of clever. However the "twists" became predictable quite quickly and are no longer twists. If you know the twist is coming, is it really a twist? The more annoying regularity in the show is the politics. Every show now has a political lecture woven into the plot, and the lecture seems the primary reason the episode was made. I am OK with a "moral to the story", but this is so in your face I feel astonished that they are not asking for money for the cause. I will deleting this from my DVR.
45 Reviews
You'll like some stories and probably hate others!
silverpinkcity22 February 2023
This is an anthology series based on the premise of someone being charged with a crime...someone who really meant not to "harm"...but to "help."
The premise is interesting, and so far, I've only watched the first two stories. Now I must say...the first story...the pilot...I really liked. I found it interesting and thought provoking...questioning what a parent should do in such a horrible situation. Okay...so then I progressed onto the second story, and I was sort of "turned off." Without giving away any spoilers, I found the second story to be sort of trite, sappy and stupid. The law is the law. It shouldn't change for certain people just because of stupid dumb emotional reasons. Can you imagine if the law was really that malleable? What would even be the purpose of having it? So yea....second story? I know it's supposed to make viewers all "teary eyed" in a lame Hallmark sort of way, but sorry. It just sort of sucks.
Anyway, that's the deal. I think you'll like some of these stories and dislike others. Overall, though, the show is worth a look. I'm still going to watch the third story, because I'm just curious. Like I said...the show has a really good premise. It's thought- provoking and I applaud that. It's just.... I wish the writing (especially in the courtroom) wouldn't get so sappy and emotional when it is indeed, a show about the LAW. And, the law is the law, right?
The premise is interesting, and so far, I've only watched the first two stories. Now I must say...the first story...the pilot...I really liked. I found it interesting and thought provoking...questioning what a parent should do in such a horrible situation. Okay...so then I progressed onto the second story, and I was sort of "turned off." Without giving away any spoilers, I found the second story to be sort of trite, sappy and stupid. The law is the law. It shouldn't change for certain people just because of stupid dumb emotional reasons. Can you imagine if the law was really that malleable? What would even be the purpose of having it? So yea....second story? I know it's supposed to make viewers all "teary eyed" in a lame Hallmark sort of way, but sorry. It just sort of sucks.
Anyway, that's the deal. I think you'll like some of these stories and dislike others. Overall, though, the show is worth a look. I'm still going to watch the third story, because I'm just curious. Like I said...the show has a really good premise. It's thought- provoking and I applaud that. It's just.... I wish the writing (especially in the courtroom) wouldn't get so sappy and emotional when it is indeed, a show about the LAW. And, the law is the law, right?
Promising New Show!
ericjam6423 January 2023
So far, so good! I like the time shifting style of storytelling when it's done right and Accused has the right mix of backstory foreshadowing and current trial drama. I've liked Michael Chiklis ever since The Shield so it's good to see him back in the first story.
It begins with Scott's Story. A brain surgeon, Chiklis, suspects his son may be planning a violent school attack. It shows some back story of his son's troubled life and how denial can give way to horrible realizations.
Overall, Accused looks like a good new drama with a formula that works. Every story is different and viewers should enjoy the parade of talented actors chosen to tell the variety of tales that all end up in a courtroom.
It begins with Scott's Story. A brain surgeon, Chiklis, suspects his son may be planning a violent school attack. It shows some back story of his son's troubled life and how denial can give way to horrible realizations.
Overall, Accused looks like a good new drama with a formula that works. Every story is different and viewers should enjoy the parade of talented actors chosen to tell the variety of tales that all end up in a courtroom.
Predictable Stories and Generic Tropes
sumtim3s00n1 February 2023
The show's premise seemed promising at first but every episode is predictable, every ep is a slow introduction of story/context followed or sometimes intermixed with more predictable and basic twists that seem right out of txt book 101 for writers and it gives impression there was ZERO effort put into writing.
There is nothing witty or intelligent about it, nothing that will surprise you or keep you on the edge of your seat. It is filled with tv tropes, cliches and on the nose story's directions.
There are no intelligent moral conundrums, there are no witty ethical questions or commentary underlying the stories, there is nothing but a basic story with basic resolve. Onedimensional as onedimensional can be.
.On top of that, the cast regularly consists of somewhat quality semi-famous actors who do their job well but then you have unknown ones, some of which are absolutely abysmally bad and unconvincing/act over the top.
If you're looking for smart unpredictable entertaining writing avoid, if youre looking for something to fall asleep next to, go ahead.
There is nothing witty or intelligent about it, nothing that will surprise you or keep you on the edge of your seat. It is filled with tv tropes, cliches and on the nose story's directions.
There are no intelligent moral conundrums, there are no witty ethical questions or commentary underlying the stories, there is nothing but a basic story with basic resolve. Onedimensional as onedimensional can be.
.On top of that, the cast regularly consists of somewhat quality semi-famous actors who do their job well but then you have unknown ones, some of which are absolutely abysmally bad and unconvincing/act over the top.
If you're looking for smart unpredictable entertaining writing avoid, if youre looking for something to fall asleep next to, go ahead.
Looking forward to more..
xqvqkqx24 January 2023
I saw this on Hulu with no expectations I just watched it. I think the direction, writing and acting are spot on. I only watched the pilot, but I'm looking forward to new episodes. This is a tough story to digest and I was overwhelmed with emotions. I read reviews afterwards and think the few negative ones are clowns. I think the press reviews are pathetic. There's not a lot of great new movies and tv shows. Maybe this isn't the best, but it's better than a lot of new stuff airing today. Try it... you'll know in the first 10 minutes if you should finish or not. The commish gave a solid performance!
like the TV series "Motive"
futuretype2 February 2023
This show "Accused" is reminiscent of the television series "Motive" where each episode reveals the killer and the victim at the beginning; and the rest of the episode details the ongoing investigation. In this show we start with an "accused" and then go back in time through the events that lead up to why the person is "accused." The pacing is similar along with limited use of music and the type of camera angles and relatively lengthy film shots.
What it doesn't have is the same detectives investigating and solving the cases so there is no one to relate to as new characters and situations are introduced in each episode.
What it doesn't have is the same detectives investigating and solving the cases so there is no one to relate to as new characters and situations are introduced in each episode.
Not afraid to tackle controversial topics.....
babycwgrl1328 January 2023
I love that this show isn't afraid to tackle some controversial topics. The first episode had me interested the entire time. Not once did I check my phone. And I liked that the episode wasn't afraid to talk about the "other side" of a topic that can be very sensitive in nature. I know for myself when something like what's depicted at the end of that show happens, I like a lot of people (I think) automatically express sympathy for the victims and place blame on those responsible. And if the perpetrator is a kid, I automatically want to blame his or her parents. This show depicts the point of view of the parents in that situation and what is like to know that your child could possibly cause that kind of harm. Very interesting. Acting wasn't great and the episode moved way too fast. Could've easily turned this into a movie cause there was a lot of storyline to coed.
Bait and switch
MiloSuperSpesh10 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
So the basic premise of this show was to highlight injustices with NO IDEA how they got there but it is clear from the first 3 of these episodes every accused has a pretty good idea why, but not quite how and then we get an explanation of it via flashbacks / court scenes explaining or we get what would be considered a ' set up '.
People put in an extraordinary situation where everyone is judging them with foresight / judgement based on limited facts and leaping to conclusions based on incorrect assumptions or in later cases ( ep3 so far) the plan of a killer.
Ep1 is about a brain surgeon who is on trial for accessory to murder when his son and a 'friend' where behind a mass shooting at their school'. The father was blamed for supplying them with money to fund the attack'.
His lawyer basically does nothing and lets the prosecution rail road the father in to an untennable position of guilt.
And somehow the judge just see's right through it and lets him off.
During this episode we do see clear signs of the son being guilty and manipulative, and the father/ mother trying their best to save their son. 8/10 (points deducted for cliches)
Ep 2 a deaf women is on trial for kidnapping, she was the surrgate mother of the child and they pick the only lawyer who isn't aware of deaf rights, untill 90% of the way through the court case, but he suddenly wakes up and calls in a 'friend' who is a deaf lawyer. And in the space of 5 minutes has the accussed explain everything and the case is dismissed.
In this episode we see how the accused decided on her actions and why she felt the need to risk going on the run.
9/10 not to cliche ridden really good acting and uses real deaf actors from what i can tell ?
Ep 3 the premise gets completly thrown out of the window for a low rent thriller story that even a child of 5 would predict and unlike the previous two episodes gets the cliche ' open ending '.
The accused is a young man on trial for an attack on his soon to be step mother after his real mother died of cancer and he was suspicious of the events that followed, his mothers 'nurse' seemed to act strangely and his mother suddenly took a turn for the worse, we later see his father kissing the nurse in the car and for alot of people they can guess where it goes from there. .
6/10 i can't remember the movies that did this story but there are plenty of them out there.
So based on these 3 i'll probs watch more cos frankly there isn't much else to watch in this genre and it's mostly well acted, good direction, music is well placed and it's better than a lot of films trying the same thing.
So i expect some happy endings and some not so happy, and then the trying to kick start a franchise open ending.
People put in an extraordinary situation where everyone is judging them with foresight / judgement based on limited facts and leaping to conclusions based on incorrect assumptions or in later cases ( ep3 so far) the plan of a killer.
Ep1 is about a brain surgeon who is on trial for accessory to murder when his son and a 'friend' where behind a mass shooting at their school'. The father was blamed for supplying them with money to fund the attack'.
His lawyer basically does nothing and lets the prosecution rail road the father in to an untennable position of guilt.
And somehow the judge just see's right through it and lets him off.
During this episode we do see clear signs of the son being guilty and manipulative, and the father/ mother trying their best to save their son. 8/10 (points deducted for cliches)
Ep 2 a deaf women is on trial for kidnapping, she was the surrgate mother of the child and they pick the only lawyer who isn't aware of deaf rights, untill 90% of the way through the court case, but he suddenly wakes up and calls in a 'friend' who is a deaf lawyer. And in the space of 5 minutes has the accussed explain everything and the case is dismissed.
In this episode we see how the accused decided on her actions and why she felt the need to risk going on the run.
9/10 not to cliche ridden really good acting and uses real deaf actors from what i can tell ?
Ep 3 the premise gets completly thrown out of the window for a low rent thriller story that even a child of 5 would predict and unlike the previous two episodes gets the cliche ' open ending '.
The accused is a young man on trial for an attack on his soon to be step mother after his real mother died of cancer and he was suspicious of the events that followed, his mothers 'nurse' seemed to act strangely and his mother suddenly took a turn for the worse, we later see his father kissing the nurse in the car and for alot of people they can guess where it goes from there. .
6/10 i can't remember the movies that did this story but there are plenty of them out there.
So based on these 3 i'll probs watch more cos frankly there isn't much else to watch in this genre and it's mostly well acted, good direction, music is well placed and it's better than a lot of films trying the same thing.
So i expect some happy endings and some not so happy, and then the trying to kick start a franchise open ending.
I couldn't stop watching
MCrowell11124 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not a critic and don't pretend to have any special insight into how a show is made or what makes a great show. If it keeps my attention and doesn't confuse me with too many characters or settings all at once, then I'll give it a chance. I'm so happy I did with this one. By the end my heart was racing and I was super disappointed that I won't get to see more of the same characters, yet super excited to see future episodes with new characters. If you aren't a critic and just enjoy a good crime tv show, give it a shot. There are way worse things to watch on television, but I'd give this two thumbs up.
Very Good
marketing-012667 February 2023
I am find it hard to rate this series because the 1st two episodes were brilliant, seriously brilliant but the third was just your normal average story with a horrible ending, by horrible I mean your normal low budget horror movie ending, like getting ready for a part 2. I will see how episode 4 goes to see if I carry on watching the whole series. I was so disappointed with the 3rd episode. One thing I can say is that the acting is superb in every episode and that is the only thing saving episode 3. I like the format of the series whereby each episode is a different storyline so it's not drawn out and mundane.
The polar opposite of the original.
Good-Will4 February 2023
Jimmy McGovern's original series was brilliantly written to expose the vagaries of UK law, where people who didn't fit into societal norms but had no intention to harm found themselves up in court and were sentenced/released due to the strict definitions and sentencing guidelines of a particular crime, whether they deserved it or not
It was a plea for a sense of humanity expected of a legal system which found people guilty or innocent based on what most people would call a technicality.
Technicalities in law can work to vindicate the powerful and to punish the meek, but this US series seems to take the entire concept of justice to a different place where good always triumphs.
It's just not very exciting to watch an episode where the conclusion is so easily predictable.
My advice would be to watch the original BBC series which was far more thought provoking than this.
(This review written after watching the first two episodes, FYI)
It was a plea for a sense of humanity expected of a legal system which found people guilty or innocent based on what most people would call a technicality.
Technicalities in law can work to vindicate the powerful and to punish the meek, but this US series seems to take the entire concept of justice to a different place where good always triumphs.
It's just not very exciting to watch an episode where the conclusion is so easily predictable.
My advice would be to watch the original BBC series which was far more thought provoking than this.
(This review written after watching the first two episodes, FYI)
I will be tuning in every week!
shanamiller-1323625 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
First episode was okay. Feel like they started us off with a slow burn which is alright. Wish the outcome was different but I understand why the father couldn't go through with it. It was still a good first episode and i like the actors. But that second episode? Impeccable. Cried. I feel like I learned so much as a hearing person. I loved that the parents also learned and expressed empathy. My new favorite show. I recommend. Wednesdays are my new favorite day of the week!
Also, I like that the show is very modern. With issues like school shooters/sociopathic children and hard of hearing persons, I can't wait to see what's next in store.
Also, I like that the show is very modern. With issues like school shooters/sociopathic children and hard of hearing persons, I can't wait to see what's next in store.
Suspenseful & Gripping
jodib-6365325 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I love how each episode is a stand-alone story and how I'm on the edge of my seat, not knowing why each character is in court. Told from a defendant's perspective, it's like each episode is in reverse, starting in the courtroom and flashing back to how they got there.
I haven't seen a series like this before. Very original, great characters and scripts very current to the world today.
The series focuses not-so-much on hard evidence or the police investigations, but rather on the emotions and memories of the accused.
Only two episodes in and I'm looking forward to next week so I can watch the third.
I haven't seen a series like this before. Very original, great characters and scripts very current to the world today.
The series focuses not-so-much on hard evidence or the police investigations, but rather on the emotions and memories of the accused.
Only two episodes in and I'm looking forward to next week so I can watch the third.
Predictable and poorly written
True_Reviews14 February 2023
This new show is an American version of the British TV series that ran from 2010-2012. The stories are so predictable, you can clearly see that they are designed like soap operas, meaning all they do is tug at your emotions and have little realism. Not worth watching. What's more the writers have no idea what takes place in a courtroom. The TV lawyers are dummies and never respond to anything said by the prosecution. You know where each how is going, and the stories are just so over the top ridiculous to believe you have to wonder if a 14-year-old wrote them. Thought this would be a better show, maybe I am better off to watch the original British series because this version is way too stupid for me, and I am sure others will feel the same way.
You had me at Howard Gordon
ddddddaro3 February 2023
I've lost confidence in network TV through the years but lately a few have drawn me in. When I saw this new series Accused was the product of Howard Gordon, and being a huge fan of Homeland, I was optimistic. The first episode was nothing short of amazing (I know that word is so overused but this time it's not an exaggeration). What a tough subject! And it's tackled in a very straightforward and unblinking manner. Great episode! I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Not formulaic at all. When I watched the trailer of upcoming episodes, I was struck by the wonderful, noteworthy actors who were involved. That said a lot right there. I can't wait to see the next episodes. My "meh" about network TV may be cracking. Thank you Fox for putting this on the air!
Anthropology of Stories
lakings972 August 2023
Accused is a Fox series about individuals caught up in the in the wrong side of law. Each episode starts out with the accused being on trial without knowing how they were put in that situation. We get to learn the errors of humans ways like murder, jealousy, rape, drug abuse, racism, and various other things we as a society have to deal with. This anthropology series goes to show how the laws of our land effect society at each level. Series creator Howard Gordon was able to bring a cool cast of actors such as Abagail Breslin, Michael Chiklis, Jason Ritter, Molly Parker, Rachel Bilson, Keith Carradine, Whitney Cummings who was raped by a well known public figure and has to defend herself, Michael-Jamal Warner going after a child predator, Jill Hennessy, Rhea Perlman, and Wendell Pierce. I loved this series, it was interesting, thrilling and kept me thinking what's going to happen next. There is going to be a second season and who knows which new cast of characters will be on the small screen.
Great stories.
mrblumis6 February 2023
Finally a new series with great stories and acting. Loved all of the first three episodes. Real thought provoking situations, relevant today. Thought provoking and intriguing. Just excellent. Best new series in years. No typical car chases and police detectives who look like 25 year old models. A strong emphasis on acting skills. I hope this series continues for years. I can truly say I sit totally fixed on the TV while the show is on. The deaf baby episode was especially thought provoking. Makes you really debate in your own mind what is morally right and the internal struggle a parent would go through.
Only one thing I don't like
courtneylfc24 September 2023
Amazing movie with an actual purpose and making people aware. The only thing I hate in movies and it probably is to make things more dramatic is killing the dog this always makes me not wanting to watch movies. Maybe I am a softie but dogs are my world and couldn't watch something where they are being killed. But other than that it's a good storyline and really shows an insight to what people deal with it. I think it could have been made without the dog having to die though. Just maybe something to think about in the future. But besides that it's a good watch and keeps me on my toes and wondering.
Fresh take on a sixties TV series
bswanb-9552515 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This Show's format is very similar to the early sixties TV series" Kraft Suspense Theater". It too had a different story with different characters every week. I think it's a nice change from the standard series with the same characters and a tired continuing story. So far a few of the episodes have felt a lot like an Alfred Hitchcock film. They string you along and you think you have it figured out and then they do something to make you think you're wrong. Then at the end they surprise you with a different ending.
I think it would be better if they put a little more detail into the story, but I think the basic idea is really good.
I think it would be better if they put a little more detail into the story, but I think the basic idea is really good.
Okay, but I'd rather they revive "Motive"
staylor3-669-24959621 April 2024
When I read the plot I thought, oh great this is going to be a fresh look at backing into the reason people do crimes. However, it seems almost disconnected with reality at times and it can be confusing when they do the flashbacks. I feel like I'm watching a tv version of Jacob's Ladder. Such as great cast, but I can't see how this will thrive much longer.
I like the way they show the character connections, but as soon as I feel like I understand them, I'm pulled back forward without getting the full feeling of empathy.
At some point I was just like, let's skip to cureent time frame and see the outcome.
I like the way they show the character connections, but as soon as I feel like I understand them, I'm pulled back forward without getting the full feeling of empathy.
At some point I was just like, let's skip to cureent time frame and see the outcome.
Full of good actors, but not given much of a story line
Xavier_Stone23 January 2023
I watched the pilot and I'm a fan of the two lead actors,Chiklis and Hennessy but the story really dragged. It seemed like they wanted to make a good first impression but most of the dialogue is just cut up snips as no scene is longer than 3 minutes. Just really weird.
It's hard to make a good hour show when you only have 40 minutes and 20 mins of commercials. Plus you have to restart each time as there are no recurring characters. This may have been better as a 90 minute series of shows.
I wish I could rate this higher as i love the actors, and the upcoming actors as well. However it's just rehashed stories with simple writing. I expected more.
The subject matter was ok for the most part, and the background characters were ok as well.
There just is not enough meat on the bones to get me interested in watching this any further. It's just simple television, average at best.
If you're a fan of 5 minute mysteries or the like then maybe you'll enjoy this.
It's hard to make a good hour show when you only have 40 minutes and 20 mins of commercials. Plus you have to restart each time as there are no recurring characters. This may have been better as a 90 minute series of shows.
I wish I could rate this higher as i love the actors, and the upcoming actors as well. However it's just rehashed stories with simple writing. I expected more.
The subject matter was ok for the most part, and the background characters were ok as well.
There just is not enough meat on the bones to get me interested in watching this any further. It's just simple television, average at best.
If you're a fan of 5 minute mysteries or the like then maybe you'll enjoy this.
Was worried st first
mvonnicholson25 January 2023
From the trailer it look like good white cop bad black criminals but that is NOT the case. It's actually great representation in th first episode. Seeing Malcom Jamal Warner in that prison uniform upset me. I thought of course they have to show that only black character as a criminal. That's really a turn off for minorities (to see ourselves only represented in a stereotypical role) Kudos to the people who wrote, casted, and directed but the person who put together that trailer can kick rocks. Id say give the first episode a try.
Nothing really more to say at this point. I know they want you to write a damn book before you can post.
Nothing really more to say at this point. I know they want you to write a damn book before you can post.
Tropes and Politically Driven Storylines
msagrenier21 March 2023
These stories take a predictable, Hollywood, leftist slant. Everything reeks of ideological, hot button stories that get churned out by CNN and any other popular media outlet. If it's school violence, the story is about conspiracy theorists on the right. Everything in this show applauds left wing ideology and the bad guys are always the demographic of people on the right. So tired of this nonsense.
If you want a great show that doesn't thrust ideology down your throat and actually has great storylines with nuanced characters, check out The Last of Us. It has a diverse cast with diverse storylines where people from all sides of the political spectrum have recognized value and worth. Yes. More of that and less of this Hollywood garbage please.
If you want a great show that doesn't thrust ideology down your throat and actually has great storylines with nuanced characters, check out The Last of Us. It has a diverse cast with diverse storylines where people from all sides of the political spectrum have recognized value and worth. Yes. More of that and less of this Hollywood garbage please.
This a powerful show
mirandafernandez-1170124 March 2023
I am shocked by the unfavorable reviews of this show. They tackle real life subjects, hard heavy subjects and subjects that happen to everyday people that experience circumstances that alter the course of their life. I am the first person to hate Hollywood leftists ideologies but this is NOT that. This will make you think, make you cry and move you. Watch it with an open mind and realize they have less then an hour to layout and resolve the whole story. You may not agree with all plot points, but again that's not the point of the show. The show is very well casted and the actors do a great job of making you feel the story.
Great start. Edge of our seats.
tqrjunkmail25 January 2023
We are only two shows in, but both have had our household on the edge of our seats. I love the development and how the crime, motive, and even the victim in some instances. Only thing I wonder is how to keep people engaged if the actors are rotating. I wonder if the next season will actors be out in different scenarios as new characters. We are excited to see what this season brings. I thought the 1st Tuesday episode was phenomenal and it tugged at my heart strings as a mom. Both really. Such engaging, fast action that keeps you glued to your seat. Definitely worth it to watch live, you need the commercials to get a breather.
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