Television fans simply cannot get enough of this series, boasting an all-star cast and constantly evolving storylines that keep viewers guessing, yet only two seasons are currently available to watch.
What Is Accused About?
The 2010 crime anthology series delivers self-contained episodes throughout, featuring fresh storylines and characters that offer something new time and again. This distinctive approach to storytelling sets it apart from other British crime dramas and has earned it a lofty position amongst viewers.
Each episode opens in a courtroom with no explanation of the defendant's crime, and as the narrative unfolds through flashbacks, the full picture gradually becomes clear. Unsettling moral dilemmas are revealed, poor decisions are made and some deeply tragic circumstances emerge, all leading to the moment the defendant stands trial awaiting their verdict.
With this in mind, viewers are continually introduced to new characters, some of whom are major names in British television and film, such as Sean Bean, Anne-Marie Duff, and Christopher Eccleston. Most notably, episodes have featured the much-loved Olivia Colman and Stephen Graham, which earned Colman a BAFTA TV award for Best Supporting Actress.
Fan Reactions
A fan of the show took to IMDB to write: "Each of these individual one-hour stories are captivating from start to finish. Jimmy McGovern excels in tight scripts which gripped me with their realism and pace. The series is further enhanced by fine English acting."
Meanwhile, another viewer said they "wish there were more seasons", adding: "This series is not light, it's heavy, there is pretty much no comic relief... The acting is excellent, the story lines are often gut-wrenching, reflecting on the real trials of being human, making bad mistakes and the like. It sounds like a downer, and it might be for some."
The programme's structure tends to introduce viewers to an ordinary, relatable person who finds themselves thrust into an extraordinary, high-pressure situation. It's this approach that has audiences "gripped" to their television screens, though it can struggle to build a devoted fanbase given the absence of recurring characters.
One viewer claimed Accused is packed with "gut-wrenching stories beautifully acted". Meanwhile, another shared: "Can't recommend this series highly enough. Each episode bar one is a separate story and every one is outstanding and brilliantly acted and scripted. Stellar cast under brilliant direction - you can't go wrong. Trust me."
Behind the Scenes
The show was conceived by Jimmy McGovern for the BBC, who is best known for creating the drama series Cracker in the mid 1990s. The 2010 series follows in the footsteps of previous dramas by McGovern, such as The Street and Moving On, which were also both anthologies.
Outlining the concept behind the series, McGovern said: "In the time it takes to climb the steps to the court we tell the story of how the accused came to be here. We see the crime and we see the punishment. Nothing else. No police procedure, thanks very much, no coppers striding along corridors with coats flapping. Just crime and punishment – the two things that matter most in any crime drama."
