Anthology series have grown in popularity over the years. Critically acclaimed offerings like “The White Lotus”, “American Horror Story), “True Detective” and “Dr Death” are indicative of this.
Honestly, I’m a fan of these offerings. The different cast and premise certainly heighten the appeal of these TV series.
I recently happened upon season two of “Accused” on DStv Catch Up and I was so fascinated by it.
Differently formatted, this series comprises an anthology of crime stories, where the culprits find themselves in court where they are either acquitted of the crime or sentenced.
The lines between right and wrong are blurred due to the storylines' clever writing.
Of the four episodes I have watched so far, I cannot recommend this series enough.
Context is so important and while each situation is unique, the moral conundrums of the suspects weigh heavily. At times, you are silently rooting for some of them.
The season opened with a psychic medium named Lorraine Howell (Felicity Huffman) attempting to help a couple desperately searching for their missing son.
At first, she appears to be heaven-sent with her help. However, when the police get a confession from the killer, Lorraine finds herself prosecuted for misleading the family.
Was she capitalising on their grief? The court has to decide.
The second episode has a very “Beef”-esque feel. It centred on April Harris (Taylor Schilling), a nurse who is suffering from serious burnout. Aside from taking on extra work to ensure her son Wyatt goes to the best school, she’s been running herself ragged.
One fateful morning, while dropping off her son at school, she stops for a much-needed cup of java.
As she was exiting the parking lot, she encountered an angry car owner, who was upset about her dinging his car with her door. She drives off thinking it would be the end of it.
But he starts chasing her and the two get into a tragic road rage incident.
While remorseful about it, she has to face the consequences of her actions.
Every story is laden with conflicting emotions and complicated scenarios.
The star-studded casting is another drawcard of the series. It includes Justin Chambers, Nick Cannon, Mike Chiklis, Patrick J. Adams, Debra Winger and Ken Jeong.
Deftly directed with compelling premises, this series is a must-watch.
∎ “Accused” 2 airs on M-Net (DStv channel 101) on Tuesday at 8pm.