Accused, a new drama created by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa, executive producers of 24, and David Shore, the creator of House, offers a fresh approach to the typical legal procedural. Based on the BBC anthology series of the same name, this show presents itself as a fast-paced and thought-provoking thriller, exploring various crimes with a different cast and setting each week. It delivers on its promise as an exciting new series, showcasing a range of stories that highlight the blurred line between guilt and innocence in today's society.
The first part of the season introduces a well-defined set of protagonists: a neurosurgeon (Michael Chiklis) who suspects his teenage son's involvement in a violent crime, a Deaf surrogate (Stephanie Nogueras) who intervenes when the hearing parents of the Deaf baby she carried want to pursue an experimental surgery, a father (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) seeking revenge against a man who sexually assaulted his 10-year-old daughter, and an aging rockstar (Keith Carradine) trying to save his drug- addicted adult son from relapsing. Each case is narrated from the perspective of the accused, adding momentum and intrigue as the jury approaches a verdict.
The show benefits from its portrayal of stories involving marginalised communities such as Black, Deaf, and Indigenous individuals, thanks to the involvement of creators who share those lived experiences. In one episode, silent shots are used to depict crucial moments from the perspective of a Deaf woman navigating a world and legal system that are not designed to support her. With the support of Marlee Matlin, Stephanie Nogueras delivers an outstanding performance, showcasing the complexities of Deaf culture and the unintended negative effects that hearing parents can have on their Deaf children through their language and perceptions of deafness. In another episode, "Keith's Story", which also features Wendell Pierce, Malcolm-Jamal Warner delivers a particularly heart-wrenching performance, shedding light on the challenges faced by Black men in the United States when it comes to policing.
Accused successfully breaks new ground in the world legal dramas, offering a captivating and thought- provoking narrative. With its fast-paced storytelling, the show promises to entertain while also stimulate contemplation among viewers.
Catch Accused premiering 2 August, every Wednesday 9.45PM (GMT+8) on ROCK Entertainment.
