FOX’s Accused returns with another self-contained legal drama, this time turning its attention to the high-stakes world of competitive wrestling. “Justin’s Story,” airing Tuesday, sees Emmy winner Michael Chiklis take the stand as a wrestling coach accused of pushing his athlete too far, with potentially devastating consequences. The episode looks to explore the intense pressures and ethical dilemmas that can arise in the pursuit of athletic excellence.
Chiklis, best known for his tough-guy roles in The Shield and Gotham, seems like a natural fit for a character whose methods have come under scrutiny. He’s joined by Sherri Saum (The Fosters), along with Andrew Liner, Lee Tergesen, Stephen Thomas Kalyn, and Stephen McHattie. The ensemble cast suggests another tightly-wound courtroom drama, unfolding through Accused’s distinctive lens, which reveals the story from the defendant’s perspective.
While anthology series can be hit or miss, Accused, based on a UK original created by Jimmy McGovern, has largely delivered thought-provoking narratives that go beyond simple procedural mysteries. This episode, with its focus on the morally ambiguous aspects of competitive sports, appears poised to continue that trend. Will the coach’s actions be deemed criminal negligence, or simply tough love gone wrong? We’ll have to tune in to find out.
“Justin’s Story” airs Tuesday, November 12th at 9 PM EST on FOX.
Accused is produced by 20th Television and FOX Entertainment. Executive producers are Howard Gordon, Alex Gansa, and David Shore.
