Proven Innocent

Injustice Defense Group in Chicago is a legal firm led by Madeline Scott (Rachelle Lefevre) who was herself falsely imprisoned. Her law partner Easy Boudreau (Russell Hornsby) exonerated her and her troubled brother Levi from their murder convictions. Ambitious D.A. Gore Bellows (Kelsey Grammer) was the prosecutor and is running for Attorney General on his way to the Governorship. He battles Madeline in court as more prisoners are exonerated. Bodie Quick (Vincent Kartheiser) is the investigator and Violet Bell (Nikki M. James) is the assistant/podcaster.

The show pushes the agenda way too hard. Stylistically, the podcast is too preachy. Substantively, the cases should be less black and white. The show needs finesse. The main saving grace is Grammer. He delivers evil with a small e. I like that it's more ambition and arrogance rather than viciousness. The Madeline side is fine but it could do with more questions about her actual guilt. Her innocence is so absolute so that it lacks the tension of a mystery. Even the reveal of the killer is obvious from five episodes away. There is no subtlety in the writing at all. Otherwise, it's compelling enough until the last episode.

The show is good not great, but it is a TV show, it is there for entertainment and for that it does it's job. I am so glad I don't live in America where every thing is analysed for political reasons and nothing is taken on face value, must be a really tough way to live your life.

I am not sure what all the other reviewers watched, but for me this was quite an interesting, if at times frustrating series to watch. Unlike most who have written reviews after one or more episodes I have watched all 13 of the first season.

As a bit of fan of Rachelle Lefevre and Candice Coke, so I am probably biased, it would have been nice to see a bit more of Candice Coke. Having said that I think my favourite characters were played by Vincent Kartheiser and Nikki M. James. Kelsey Grammer is always good, so he didn't surprise.

Like all TV Shows there are lot's of cliche moments and unbelievable moments, but if you are an experienced TV watcher, you should know to expect them and forgive them.

Season one had an ending, so the show could easily end where it finished, but an opening for another season was there to if that is in the works. Either way I enjoyed the show and if there is another season, bring it on, but it would not bother me if it is finished.

8/10 for me.

It's really great to see Kelsey Grammar back on network television. Love a good criminal justice story.

The bit parts are the best acted parts. Unfortunately the main character over acts her part and drags her costars with her. Too many sarcastic and angry lines and there is no character development at all. Could be good if the director gets to work and the writers learn to edit - just too many quick and underdeveloped plots happening.