Accused

'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.

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!

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

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.

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.