Prepare for a courtroom drama with a twist. “Accused,” FOX’s anthology series that puts the defendant front and center, returns with a new case guaranteed to keep you guessing. This time, it’s Cobie Smulders in the hot seat, playing Val, a divorced mother facing accusations she offed her ex. Forget the Avengers; this is Smulders like you’ve rarely seen her.
“Val’s Story” isn’t your typical whodunnit. As with all “Accused” episodes, the story unfolds from Val’s perspective, clouding the narrative with her anxieties, justifications, and potential fabrications. Is she a grieving mother pushed to the edge, a cold-blooded killer, or something in between? The format, while occasionally gimmicky, forces us to confront our own biases and assumptions. We see the legal process not as a clear-cut path to justice but as a messy, subjective battle for perception.
Joining Smulders in this legal labyrinth are Dina Shihabi as Jordan, Eric Johnson as Trey, Kai Kirton as Oliver, Shawn Doyle as Patrick, and Vella Lovell as Marta.
While the anthology format sometimes leads to unevenness, it also allows for a diverse range of stories and perspectives. “Accused” attempts to explore how ordinary individuals can find themselves in extraordinary circumstances, facing accusations that could alter their lives forever.
“Val’s Story” airs Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM EST on FOX.