“Accused” has never been shy about throwing narrative curveballs, but this week’s installment, “Val’s Story,” takes a swing so wild it may leave viewers wondering if the show jumped the shark, or at least landed in some seriously murky legal waters. Cobie Smulders plays Val, a woman on trial for the murder of her abusive ex-husband, Trey. The episode methodically lays the groundwork for a standard domestic abuse narrative, complete with flashbacks showcasing Trey’s gaslighting and manipulation, Val’s PTSD-fueled panic attacks, and the pervasive fear that clings to her like a second skin. Smulders delivers a strong performance, capturing the raw vulnerability and simmering rage of a woman pushed to the brink.
But just when you think you’ve got the story pegged, “Justice Reimagined” pulls the rug out. Turns out, Trey’s current wife, Jordan (Dina Shihabi, in a truly captivating performance), is the real killer, having orchestrated his demise as a desperate act of self-preservation. It’s a twist that initially lands with satisfying force, highlighting the insidious nature of domestic abuse and the lengths to which victims will go to escape its clutches.
The episode’s conclusion, however, is where things get dicey. Val, in a move that defies legal logic, exploits a loophole (and threatens to perjure herself) to ensure Jordan walks free, claiming she herself committed the murder and thus invoking double jeopardy. This neat and tidy resolution feels jarringly at odds with the show’s usual preoccupation with the tangled web of the justice system. While emotionally resonant, it sacrifices credibility for a feel-good ending, leaving a lingering aftertaste of narrative convenience.
The episode does effectively illustrate the challenges domestic abuse survivors face in proving their ordeal, particularly when the abuser is outwardly charming and manipulative. Both Val and Jordan, united by their shared trauma, emerge as fiercely protective mothers, their concern for Val’s son, Oliver, serving as a powerful motivator. However, the episode’s final act raises the question: does “Val’s Story” truly serve justice, or simply offer a wish-fulfillment fantasy at the expense of realistic storytelling?
Accused airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on FOX.
