User reviews

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.

Each episode begins with a person in a prison cell awaiting trial. Flashbacks build up to a crescendo as to why the accused is on trial and whether or not they will be found guilty. The concept is great for those who love a whodunnit type scenario, only this time it's did they didn't they. And even if they did, the complexities of the back story provides moral angles which make you the judge too. Lovely armchair stuff.

In a year when the BBC has had to generally tread carefully in its broadcasting post the faux pas by Ross and Brand on radio which caused thicker red tape to be introduced, this miniseries is one of the few stars in an otherwise cloudy darkness.

It is one of the few, if only, must see fictional programmes on British television today and I thoroughly recommend it.

'Accused', a series of six tough films scripted or co-scripted by Jimmy McGovern, strikes me as vaguely reminiscent of Alan Bleasdale's 'Boys From the Blackstuff'. What we have is a set of (essentially unconnected) intense dramas that effectively reflect the struggle of many ordinary Britons to survive and prosper. Each one ends in a court case; but it's not the gimmick that's important here. Most of these 21st century characters aren't desperately poor, in the way that Bleasdale's were, and McGovern lacks Bleasdale's political edge: these remain six random stories, without connecting narrative or theme. But there is some good writing, and also some great performances, from a portfolio of British character actors who know exactly how to do TV. It's not fun in the conventional sense, but its definitely worth a look.

This series is not light, it's heavy, there is pretty much no comic relief... The acting is excellent, the story-lines 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. I watched this for the first time on flix a couple of years ago, and basically binged through both seasons. Saw it again this year, and it's still completely riveting. If you are looking for a "cozy BBC mystery" like Miss Marple this isn't it.

I can't believe it took me so long to find this series!!!

This is what happens when top writers and some of Britain's most impressive actors emotional involve themselves into making great drama.

What a theme! That on paper, through the courts, there is simply a charge and a decision, without the truth behind the who's, what's, when's and why's.

One of the best dramas to date!

A 10 episode limited anthology UK series. Each 1 hour story starts with someone being taken from a holding cell into a courtroom, where they will stand trial. Then we flashback into the story of what led them there, all building up to a final verdict in court.

The most consistent strength of the series are the excellent performances. Christopher Eccleston, Sean Bean, Olivia Coleman, Juliet Stevenson are just a few of the top flight actors doing powerful, subtle and complex work.

The stories themselves are somewhat variable. A couple feel too on the nose, or heavy handed in their themes. But most are at least quite good, and a few are flat out terrific – morally complicated, surprising, tense.

They are also mostly quite grim. Even the few episodes with 'happy' endings still leave characters dealing with loss, broken families, damaged souls. As in real life, a 'not guilty' verdict doesn't simply put all the broken pieces of a life back together again. Because of that consistently dark, sad tone, this series doesn't cry out for binge watching. That would risk sending one out the window But this is worthwhile, intelligently written, solidly directed television, and well worth a look.

It took a long time for this series to reach where I live, thus the late review. The writing, the acting, the settings, the cinematography ... absolutely brilliant. And (not "but") it is sooo hard to watch. Why is that? It's nearly impossible to guess before the very end how any trial will turn out, though you will have spent the previous hour trying. As other reviewers have noted, this is not light viewing, really. But well worth the effort.

Excellent show, acting, scripts, excellent.

Be warned...if your a sensitive soul and allergic to injustice I suggest you don't binge watch this series.

Best to watch when your head is in a good place. Well done, Jimmy McGovern. And thank you, Acorn, for the best monthly $5 I've ever spent :-)

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.

Jimmy McGovern is undoubtably the Master of portraying the human psyche in its rawest realistic and most believable way! He has the ability to tell a story that draws you in and exposes every human emotion to the point you feel a part of it pure genius! Add to that top class actors and you have the bomb! Each episode is a different story regarding a persons journey to being in the dock accused and the final outcome. Sadly only 2 seasons but so good are they that this is my second time of watching them and they are as equally as good as the first time. And if you enjoyed this then search out his "Boys from the Blackstuff" another classic genius from Alan Bleasdale Gizzz us a job"

This is a very well done show and at times difficult to watch because of how real it seems. The performances are incredible as is the writing. You understand these characters in a way which is rare and sometimes disturbing. As I said, this is not easy viewing but it's certainly worthwhile.

I'm not one to usually write reviews, but this show is excellent. Each episode is a separate storyline and each is riveting.

I discovered this series last month. And I start watching without expectations. Just life like it is....great acting!! Heavy staff to think about! And we can learn a lot by some situations.. just awesome.!! My heart was beating by some situations because it is so exciting!! Lots of good and bad emotions.

Very hard to watch but absolutely riveting. A must watch. McGovern has written or been responsible for the best stories ever written. I dearly wish they had made more series of Cracker, one that really stands out, with an excellent cast.

I absolutely love this show. Sometimes they are innocent and sometimes they are guilty, it's up to you to decide. The stories keep you guessing and are very intriguing.

Am just starting the second season and hope the overall quality and writing stays as solid as the initial season's episodes. The acting is, for almost everyone and every role, above-average. The characters are well-defined, given the short duration of each episode. The stories are pretty authentic and believable, as are the relationships and dialogue. What a refreshing for a drama/crime series, is that there is no clear predictable line or black and white approach to these stories. The fuzzy and often frustrating (as in life) questions of guilt or innocence, right or wrong, duplicity and complicity, and finally 'Justice' or lack thereof, is presented in a way that lets viewers form their own opinions. This is a series for grown-ups and for those who prefer some intelligent writing and a focus on characters, rather than the usual busy and superficial productions that are far too common. Plus a real bonus for me personally is that the soundtrack and background music are not front and centre or overwhelm the shows. Well worth watching.

A view of the world as seen by the mentally impaired - is not balanced with reality - no room for common sense - although the episodes show a small part of things that happen, it is not balanced with more common things - the bad guys are shown to be who they really are but the "accused" are not shown in the same light - a very dark, grim portrayal of humanity, without balance with good people - the acting is actually very good but I couldn't help but feel that the actors are trying to make a statement that is not balanced - today's world is multifaceted and our TV shows should at least try to be balanced - too dark for me.