Ranking every episode (so far) of Accused season 2
As a seasoned critic with a penchant for crime dramas and a soft spot for shows that delve deep into the human psyche, I must say, Accused Season 2 has left me thoroughly entertained and intrigued. The way each episode explores the complexities of its characters and their moral dilemmas is nothing short of captivating.
Accused has wrapped season 2, but how does each episode rank?
The defendant is back on Fox screens this autumn for another round of episodes, following a distinct pattern. In each installment of this anthology series, a different cast and plot unfold, centering around an individual facing trial for a supposed crime. As the narrative progresses, flashbacks reveal the true events, often unveiling that the initial crime was not as it first appeared.
In the first season, we had a successful run with 15 episodes, but this year saw only 8. Despite being shorter, it boasted an impressive lineup of guest stars, making it stand out. Some may argue that Season 2 wasn’t as powerful as the initial one, and while there were stellar performances, not every storyline was as effective. Here’s a breakdown of each episode in Accused Season 2 to highlight which ones truly shone in the series.
Caution: This article contains minor SPOILERS for Accused Season 2
No. 8: Megan’s Story (Episode 8)
In my opinion, this episode feels like it was plucked straight from the world of Black Mirror, with its focus on AI and lifelike robots becoming a norm rather than a novelty. It seems to divert attention from the plotline, which I find a bit predictable, with twists that are easy to guess miles away. The moment the “companion” robot appears, it’s almost inevitable that the husband will develop feelings for it, making the story feel less original and engaging.
It’s a bit refreshing to have a main character who’s unsympathetic, but the episode goes too far with it. Megan is just too selfish to get behind and her final manipulation makes it worse. The end scene trying to sell a warmer ending makes little sense, so this ranks not just as the worst episode of the season but perhaps the series.
No. 7: Marcus’ Story (Episode 3)
In this story, a tech entrepreneur faces ethical dilemmas when considering the potential misuse of new facial recognition technology, which could lead to profiling of minorities by law enforcement. The narrative is enriched by a conflict with an old friend, but the dialogue is rather unengaging. Remarkably, Patrick J. Adams and Nick Cannon deliver performances that feel somewhat subdued, detracting from the episode’s impact.
Although the sequence of events isn’t problematic in uncovering the truth, it appears that the episode overemphasizes this aspect, making it seem more significant than it should be. The moral discourse fails to align, and the forced conclusion weakens its impact, resulting in a less effective installment.
No. 6: Val’s Story (Episode 6)
In this episode, we delve deeper into the main crime scene (or its consequences) at a time earlier than usual for a typical “Accused” installment. Cobie Smulders delivers an exceptional performance as Val, who stands accused of murdering her abusive ex-husband, despite our knowledge that she’s innocent. However, the evidence against her is overwhelmingly damning. Smulders effectively conveys Val’s emotions about her abuser no longer being around, making the episode engaging to watch.
In the second part, the surprising turn of events isn’t particularly surprising, and it seems predictable. Additionally, the conclusion drags on for too long in search of a happy ending. However, the first half is excellent due to Smulders’ performance, and it’s disappointing that the rest of the episode doesn’t match its quality.
No. 5: Eugene’s Story (Episode 7)
In this story, Ken Jeong demonstrates his impressive acting abilities, portraying a character named Eugene who has an unwavering optimism towards people, even extending it to his own spouse. This trust and belief in others ultimately proves disastrous as he fails to perceive the signs that others might, regarding the involvement of his wife in a criminal affair. The narrative is deeply moving and tragic.
In this tale, there’s an unexpected turn regarding the victim that adds to its tragic conclusion. Jeong’s portrayal brings authenticity to the story and watching this character lose not only his love but also his trust in others contributes to one of the saddest narratives within the series.
No. 4: Margot’s Story (Episode 5)
There’s a noticeable trend in the series where each season features one less serious episode. This particular storyline about a woman falling for a deceiver with a seemingly bleak future turning brighter stands out. The success of this plot is largely due to the exceptional acting by Debra Winger, Mercedes Ruehl, and Christine Ebersole who share an amazing on-screen chemistry. Furthermore, the focus on a trio of older women adds a refreshing twist to the narrative.
The actress playing Winger convincingly portrays Margot’s genuine affection for her swindler character, while Ruehl delivers a performance that justifies her Academy Award. The climax of the story reveals a surprising twist on the crime plot, and the festive finale adds an extra touch of charm to an already intriguing tale, all thanks to the exceptional acting talent involved.
Nov. 3: Lorraine’s Story (Episode 1)
In this tale, Felicity Huffman serves as the narrator, focusing on a purported psychic named Lorraine who stands accused of swindling a family desperately seeking their lost son. The intrigue lies in determining whether Lorraine genuinely possesses these visions and wishes to assist or if she’s merely a deceitful fraud. Huffman delivers another captivating performance, and it’s enjoyable to watch her real-life partner, William H. Macy, sharing the screen with her.
The show also delves deeply into the conflicting views of the child’s parents regarding Lorraine, which adds an emotional depth. This structure works well and heightens the impact of the episode. Huffman’s acting remains captivating and is complemented by the unexpected plot twists that make a compelling start to the season.
No. 2: April’s Story (Episode 2)
In this episode, Taylor Schilling delivers an outstanding performance as a nurse caught up in a chaotic road rage incident with Justin Chambers’ character. The plot does an excellent job of portraying Schilling’s character grappling with personal issues such as a challenging son and strained marriage, which culminate in the most disastrous way imaginable.
The audience finds it intriguing that, despite not being entirely culpable for the events, Schilling was prepared to accept blame. However, she must acknowledge her role in the tragedy and realize that evading responsibility won’t benefit her family. It’s a bittersweet conclusion, but Schilling’s outstanding performance elevates this episode above the ordinary.
No. 1: Justin’s Story (Episode 4)
It would be shrewd to invite Michael Chiklis, an Emmy-winning actor, to return for one episode per year. He was the initial guest star on this show and continued to deliver an outstanding performance in his latest role. His character, a former high school wrestling coach, embodies the classic story of someone who reached their peak in adolescence and found it difficult to break free from their small-town roots. In his mind, mentoring a young prodigy offers him a chance to relive that past glory, but instead, it turns into a horrifying ordeal.
As a dedicated gamer, I can always rely on Chiklis for an outstanding performance, and he truly delivers here. You’ll find me rooting for this character’s success, often overlooking his flaws that eventually lead to heartbreaking consequences. It’s striking how Justin is willing to shoulder the blame instead of pointing fingers at the actual culprit, showcasing the depth of his character. This gripping episode stands out, particularly due to Chiklis who’s proving to be Accused‘s hidden gem.
Accused Season 2 streaming on Hulu.
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2024-12-07 20:28