Accused (US) - Season 1

In Accused (US) we see a new story every episode that takes place around a lawsuit. What led to the trial and is the suspect actually guilty or innocent?Accused (US) is a crime series unlike any other. With no permanent cast and no common thread in storylines, this series distinguishes itself with stand-alone stories. Each episode focuses on a new court case with which the episode also starts. What preceded the trial follows, interspersed with images from the courtroom. The episodes each end with a verdict: acquittal or guilty. Sometimes with a good outcome, but sometimes with an ending that is not justified.

It is immediately noticeable when lesser-known protagonists are central and means that not every episode is of the same level.

Several well-known actors are featured. For example, we see Rachel Bilson (The O.C.), Whitney Cummings (Whitney), Abigail Breslin (Scream Queens), Ian Anthony Dale (Hawaii Five-0), Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs) and Betsy Brandt (Breaking Bad) passing by during the fifteen episodes of the first season. This star cast certainly contributes to the quality of the episodes. It is immediately noticeable when lesser-known protagonists are central and means that not every episode is of the same level. Moreover, some things will appeal more to some people than others.

Each episode is like a mini movie with a beginning and an end. Because the episodes are so different from each other, they are for a wide audience, but at the same time it also makes it easier not to watch. That is the risk of making a series like Accused (US). I like the variety that Accused (US) brings, but I can imagine that not everyone agrees with this. You don't build a bond with characters and it doesn't matter if you miss an episode. But at the same time it makes the series very pleasant to just watch if you want to see a single episode.

Accused (US) is based on the British series of the same name from 2010. Some episodes have also been adapted from the British example, but the majority of the stories have been newly created for the American version. The stories are about current topics that really resonate with them. However, they are not necessarily unique. But the way it is told still makes it interesting to watch. The unpredictability of guilt or innocence also contributes to this. Because there is no fixed cast, it is difficult for the viewer to estimate whether a main character will be convicted or not. This makes it somewhat surprising and innovative.



During one episode we follow the story of a murder, while the next it could be about a burglary or complicity in a crime. Even though there is only about 45 minutes to tell the story at a time, in most cases you can really sympathize with the characters due to the good acting. People from different backgrounds pass by. Very rich families who think they can solve everything with money, but also very poor people who have to turn over every cent. Sometimes I would have liked to know more about a particular story. But overall I was pleased with the information I got about the crimes and characters.

What would I have judged as a juror and could the person in the dock have made different choices to prevent all this?

It is difficult to give one overall rating for a series that has different levels. There were certainly episodes that in retrospect I would give a poor grade. Yet I was always curious about the story that would be told this time. And that is precisely the strength of Accused (US) if you ask me. You quickly forget the boring and less good episodes and the good ones stick with you. Many episodes provide food for thought. What would I have judged as a juror and could the person in the dock have made different choices to prevent all this? I personally think it's good and nice when series make you think about their stories in this way, so as far as I'm concerned this is a big plus.

Ultimately, I am very positive about Accused (US). The series is enjoyable to watch and stands out because of its storytelling style. I'm looking forward to the next season and hope that they can get enough well-known names to tell new stories. Unfortunately, Accused (US) cannot be seen or streamed anywhere in the Netherlands at the moment. Veronica recently aired almost the entire first season, except for one episode, but it is not yet known whether they will purchase the second season. In any case, we will have to wait a while for this because the second season has been delayed quite a bit due to the writers' strikes. Hopefully the series will be available on a streaming service soon because I think there is certainly an audience for it in the Netherlands.